Audio Converter: How to Convert Audio Files Between MP3, WAV, FLAC, and AAC Formats

Working with audio files means inevitably needing to convert between formats: compressing a WAV recording to MP3 for sharing, converting FLAC to AAC for portable devices, or changing sample rates for editing software. Each format serves a different purpose, and choosing the wrong one can mean bloated file sizes or poor sound quality. Use our free Audio Converter to switch between formats instantly.

Audio Format Comparison

Format	Compression	Sound Quality	Best For
MP3	Lossy	Good (128–320 kbps)	Music streaming, portable players, email sharing
WAV	Uncompressed	Perfect	Professional recording, editing, archiving
FLAC	Lossless	Perfect (50–60% smaller than WAV)	Hi-fi audio, archiving, audiophile listening
AAC	Lossy	Very good (better than MP3 at same bitrate)	Apple devices, YouTube, streaming services
OGG Vorbis	Lossy	Very good	Open-source projects, gaming, Spotify
WMA	Lossy/Lossless	Good to very good	Windows ecosystem, legacy devices

When to Convert Between Formats

• WAV to MP3: When you need to share a recording via email or upload it to a platform with file size limits. A 50 MB WAV becomes a 3–5 MB MP3 at 192 kbps.
• FLAC to AAC: When transferring lossless music to an iPhone or iPad, which does not natively support FLAC in all apps.
• MP3 to WAV: When editing an MP3 in audio software that works better with uncompressed source material.
• AAC to MP3: When sharing with someone whose device or player does not support AAC.
• Any format to OGG: When developing a game or application that uses open-source audio codecs.

Bitrate and Sample Rate Guide

These two settings determine the balance between file size and audio quality:

Bitrate	Quality Level	Typical Use	File Size (per minute of stereo audio)
128 kbps	Radio quality	Podcasts, spoken word	∼1 MB
192 kbps	Good	General music listening	∼1.5 MB
256 kbps	Very good	High-quality streaming	∼2 MB
320 kbps	Near-CD quality	Premium music, archiving	∼2.5 MB

For most purposes, 192–256 kbps strikes the best balance between quality and file size. Use 320 kbps or lossless formats for archival copies of important recordings.

Try the Audio Converter to convert between any audio formats in seconds, and explore our Video Converter for video files too.