WAV vs FLAC: which format should you use?
WAV and FLAC are both lossless audio formats — the audio content is bit-for-bit identical to the source, no matter what you do. The difference is entirely in file size. WAV is uncompressed; FLAC applies lossless compression that typically cuts size by half. For archival storage of music libraries, FLAC is almost always the smarter choice.
Head-to-head comparison
| Aspect | WAV | FLAC |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | None | Lossless (about 50% smaller) |
| Typical file size | Very large | About half of WAV |
| Audio quality | Bit-perfect | Bit-perfect (identical) |
| DAW support | Native everywhere | Most DAWs, some need conversion |
| iOS support | Native | Since iOS 11 |
| Metadata | Limited | Rich (like MP3's ID3) |
| Streaming support | Not designed for streaming | Growing (Tidal, Bandcamp) |
| Best for | Editing in a DAW | Archival, hi-fi library |
When to use each
Use WAV when
- You're actively editing in a DAW that prefers WAV
- You're handing files to another professional who expects WAV
- Every fraction of a second of decode CPU matters (unusual)
Use FLAC when
- You're storing a music library and want lossless quality with half the disk
- You're archiving master recordings for the long term
- You want metadata (artist, album, artwork) travelling with the file
- You're distributing hi-fi audio through modern channels
The verdict
For working files during editing, WAV keeps you in the fast path. For anything you're storing longer than a session, FLAC gives you identical audio at half the storage. You can always convert FLAC back to a bit-identical WAV whenever a tool asks for it.
Frequently asked questions
Is FLAC really identical to WAV?
Yes — every bit of audio data is preserved. FLAC uses linear prediction and Rice coding to store the same samples more compactly, but decoding produces exactly the original PCM stream. You can verify with a checksum: decode a FLAC to WAV and compare against the original WAV — they'll match bit-for-bit.
Why isn't FLAC more common if it's free and lossless?
It is common in audiophile communities and legal music download stores (Bandcamp, HDtracks). What holds it back for mainstream use: Apple's ecosystem uses ALAC (equivalent lossless format), and streaming platforms picked AAC/Opus for bandwidth reasons. For your own storage, FLAC is the standard lossless choice.
How much smaller is FLAC than WAV?
Typically 40-60% of the WAV size for music. A 60 MB WAV becomes a 25-35 MB FLAC. Content matters — orchestral music compresses better than dense metal because there's more silence and predictable structure. FLAC has 8 compression levels; the default (level 5) is the standard, level 8 saves a few extra percent at the cost of much slower encoding.
Does FLAC support surround sound and high sample rates?
Yes. FLAC handles up to 8 channels, 32-bit depth, and sample rates up to 655 kHz. It's the default lossless format for high-resolution audio distribution (24-bit/96 kHz or 24-bit/192 kHz files from HDtracks, Qobuz, etc.). WAV can technically match these but with less efficient storage.
Can I edit FLAC directly in Audacity or a DAW?
Most DAWs decode FLAC on load and work with the internal audio buffer, which is effectively the same as opening a WAV. Some older or performance-critical tools may prefer WAV to skip the decode step. For heavy editing sessions, keep working WAVs; for storage between sessions, convert to FLAC.
Is ALAC (Apple Lossless) the same as FLAC?
Different implementations, same result: bit-perfect lossless compression. ALAC came out of Apple in 2004, FLAC from Xiph in 2001. Sizes are within a few percent of each other. Apple devices prefer ALAC (native iTunes/Music playback); everything else prefers FLAC. Converting between them is lossless and instant.
Related format comparisons
Last reviewed: Sept. 12, 2026