How to use the WAV to M4A converter
- Choose your WAV file or drop it on the box.
- Pick an audio quality. 192 kbps is the usual choice; 320 kbps for music you care about.
- Click "Convert to M4A". A progress meter shows how far along it is.
- Download your M4A and listen to it right on the page.
Why convert WAV to M4A?
M4A (AAC) is smaller than MP3 at the same quality and is the native format for iPhone, Mac and Apple Music.
- WAV: large files.
- M4A: better quality than MP3 at the same size.
- M4A: native on Apple devices.
256 kbps AAC is the same bitrate Apple uses for iTunes Store music.
WAV vs M4A
| WAV | M4A | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Waveform Audio File Format | MPEG-4 Audio |
| Type | Audio | Audio |
| Created by | Microsoft and IBM (1991) | Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and Apple (2001) |
| Compression | Uncompressed | Lossy |
| Codec | PCM | AAC (or ALAC) |
| Best for | Recording, editing, sound effects and mastering | iTunes music, voice memos and phone recordings |
| Plays on | Every computer and audio editor, most phones and browsers | iPhone, Mac, Android, Windows 10 and later, and browsers |
Does converting WAV to M4A lose quality?
WAV is uncompressed and M4A is lossy, so some detail is removed to make the file smaller. At 256 kbps or higher, almost nobody can hear a difference.
How long does it take?
A few seconds for a song, and under a minute for an hour-long recording on most computers.
What is a WAV file?
WAV usually stores raw, uncompressed PCM audio, the same data as an audio CD. Quality is perfect but files are large: about 10 MB per minute of CD-quality stereo.
What is an M4A file?
M4A is an audio-only MP4 file, usually holding AAC sound. It is the default for iTunes, Apple Music downloads, iPhone voice memos and many Android recorders. AAC sounds slightly better than MP3 at the same bitrate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the WAV to M4A converter cost?
Nothing. It is free with no registration, no watermark and no limit on how many files you convert.
Do you keep a copy of my files?
We never receive them. All processing happens on your device, so there is nothing for us to store or delete.
Will the M4A sound as good as the WAV?
WAV is uncompressed and M4A is lossy, so some detail is removed to make the file smaller. At 256 kbps or higher, almost nobody can hear a difference.
Can I convert M4A back to WAV?
Yes, use the M4A to WAV converter. Keep in mind that detail removed by M4A compression does not come back.
A WAV is too big to email. What should I do?
Convert it to MP3 or use the WAV Compressor.
Can I use it on my phone?
Yes. Open the page in your phone's browser and choose a file. Phones have less memory than computers, so very large files are better converted on a laptop or desktop.