MP3 vs M4A vs WAV vs FLAC: which audio format to use
Updated 21 October 2026
Tool for this guide: Convert audio
Short answer: use MP3 when it has to play everywhere, M4A for slightly better sound at the same size on Apple devices, and FLAC or WAV only when you need lossless quality. Convert between them with convert audio.
The formats compared
| Format | Type | Size per minute (stereo) | Plays on |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP3 | Lossy | About 1.4 MB at 192 kbps | Everything |
| M4A (AAC) | Lossy | About 1.4 MB at 192 kbps, sounds a little better | Apple devices, most phones and browsers |
| OGG | Lossy | Similar to MP3 | Games, some apps, Android |
| FLAC | Lossless, compressed | About 5–7 MB | Most players, not all Apple apps |
| WAV | Lossless, uncompressed | About 10 MB | Everything; standard for editing |
Which bitrate?
| Bitrate | Quality |
|---|---|
| 128 kbps | Fine for speech and casual listening |
| 192 kbps | Sounds the same as the original for most music |
| 320 kbps | Highest MP3 quality |
Step by step
- Open convert audio and add MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC, OGG, OPUS, WMA or AAC files.
- Choose the format, and the bitrate for MP3, M4A or OGG (128 to 320 kbps).
- Download each file, or all of them as a ZIP.
Files are converted in your browser and never uploaded.
Common conversions
- M4A to MP3: for car stereos and older players.
- WAV to MP3: to make recordings about ten times smaller.
- FLAC to M4A: to put a lossless collection on an iPhone.
- Video to MP3: use video to MP3.
Questions
Does converting MP3 to WAV improve quality?
No. It makes the file much larger but can't restore detail the MP3 removed.
How do I make audio files smaller?
Lower the bitrate with compress audio; for speech, use mono.