What is a WAV file?
WAV stands for Waveform Audio File Format. It was created by Microsoft and IBM and first released in 1991. WAV normally stores raw, uncompressed samples: about 10 MB per minute of CD-quality stereo. Editors prefer it because nothing is lost between saves, and it is why a song is ten times larger than as MP3.
WAVE is the same format under another extension.
| Type | audio |
|---|---|
| Compression | Lossless |
| Usually contains | uncompressed PCM, usually 16-bit at 44.1 or 48 kHz |
| In a browser | plays in every browser and audio editor |
| Common uses | recording, editing, sound effects and CD audio |
| MIME type | audio/wav |
Which format should you convert WAV to?
- WAV to MP3 to play on any device, car stereo or website.
- WAV to M4A for iPhone, iTunes and Apple Music.
- WAV to FLAC to archive without losing any quality.
- WAV to MP4 to upload somewhere that only accepts video.
WAV is lossless, so converting it to a lossy format is where the file gets much smaller.
How to open a WAV file
Whether a WAV file opens with a double click depends on the device. Here is what works on each, without buying software:
| Windows | Films and TV and Media Player open the common formats; VLC opens almost any audio file, WAV included. |
|---|---|
| Mac | QuickTime Player opens formats Apple supports; VLC or IINA open the rest. |
| iPhone and iPad | The Files app plays formats Apple supports. For others, a player such as VLC for iOS, or converting the file here, is the easiest route. |
| Android | Most gallery and music apps play the common formats; VLC for Android plays almost everything. |
| Web browser | WAV plays in every browser and audio editor. |
Want the technical details? See what a .wav file is, with its MIME type, file signature and a viewer.
WAV compared with other audio formats
How WAV stacks up against the formats people most often convert it to or from:
| Format | Compression | Usually contains | Released | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WAV | Lossless | uncompressed PCM, usually 16-bit at 44.1 or 48 kHz | 1991 | recording, editing, sound effects and CD audio |
| MP3 | Lossy | MP3 audio, typically 128 to 320 kbps | 1993 | music libraries, podcasts and anything that has to play everywhere |
| M4A | Either | AAC, or ALAC for lossless files | 2001 | iTunes purchases, iPhone voice memos and Apple Music downloads |
| FLAC | Lossless | FLAC lossless audio, up to 32-bit and 655 kHz | 2001 | CD rips, hi-res music stores and audio archives |
| OGG | Lossy | Vorbis, sometimes Opus or FLAC | 2000 | video games, desktop streaming apps and open-source software |
How to use the WAV converter
- Choose the format you want in the Convert to menu.
- Drop your WAV files on the box, or press Choose WAV files. Several files can go in at once.
- Adjust the settings if you need to; the defaults suit most people.
- Press Convert and save each file with its Download button. Nothing is uploaded at any point.
Tips for converting WAV files without losing quality
WAV is lossless, so it is a good source for any conversion. Converting it to a lossy format is where the file gets much smaller, and converting it to another lossless format keeps every sample.
- Keep a lossless master. If you have WAV, FLAC, AIFF or ALAC, keep it, and make lossy copies such as MP3 or AAC from it when you need them.
- Avoid converting one lossy format into another more than once. Each MP3, AAC or OGG encode throws away a little more, and the losses add up.
- Match the bitrate to the content: 192 kbps and up for music, 96 to 128 kbps for podcasts, 64 kbps for voice notes.
- Stick to 44.1 kHz for music and 48 kHz for audio that goes with video; resampling between them is harmless but pointless.
Convert WAV files from the command line
Everything this page does can also be done in a terminal. The most common WAV conversion, to MP3, looks like this with ffmpeg:
ffmpeg -i input.wav -vn -c:a libmp3lame -b:a 192k output.mp3Change the output extension to pick another format. The converter above runs the same ffmpeg engine inside your browser, so you get the result without installing anything.
WAV converter FAQ
What is a WAV file?
WAV stands for Waveform Audio File Format, an audio format created by Microsoft and IBM in 1991. WAV normally stores raw, uncompressed samples: about 10 MB per minute of CD-quality stereo. Editors prefer it because nothing is lost between saves, and it is why a song is ten times larger than as MP3.
How do I open a WAV file?
WAV plays in every browser and audio editor. If the program you need will not open it, convert it to a more widely supported format above.
What is the most common WAV conversion?
WAV to MP3 is the conversion people search for most. The audio is decoded and written as MP3 at 192 kbps.
Does converting WAV files here upload them?
No. Every conversion on this page runs inside your browser, so your WAV files never leave your device.
Is the WAV converter free?
Yes. There is no sign-up and no watermark, and no limit on how many WAV files you convert. The site is supported by advertising.
Can I convert WAV files on iPhone or Android?
Yes. Open this page in Safari on iPhone and iPad, or in Chrome on Android, choose your WAV files and download the results to your Downloads folder.
Can I convert several WAV files at once?
Yes. Drop as many as you like; they are converted one after another, each with its own download button.