Audio Format Guide
Choosing the right audio format affects file size, sound quality, and device compatibility. Here's everything you need to know about the four most common audio formats.
| Format | Type | Bitrate | Size (3-min song) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP3 | Lossy | 128–320 kbps | ~3–8 MB | Streaming, portable devices |
| WAV | Lossless | 1411 kbps | ~30 MB | Studio recording, archiving |
| FLAC | Lossless | ~700–1000 kbps | ~15–20 MB | Audiophile listening, archiving |
| AAC | Lossy | 128–256 kbps | ~3–6 MB | Streaming, Apple devices |
MP3 is the most widely supported audio format on the planet. Every device, app, and platform plays MP3 files. At 320 kbps, MP3 quality is excellent for most listeners — the difference from lossless is barely perceptible on consumer equipment. For podcasts and spoken word, 128 kbps is more than sufficient.
WAV is uncompressed, lossless audio. It preserves every bit of the original recording, making it the standard for professional audio production. The downside: file sizes are large — roughly 10MB per minute of stereo audio at CD quality. Use WAV when you're editing or archiving source material.
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) compresses audio without any quality loss — think of it as a ZIP file for audio. It typically reduces file size by 40–50% compared to WAV while preserving identical audio quality. FLAC is the format of choice for audiophiles and music collectors. Support has grown significantly: most modern phones, media players, and even some cars now support FLAC natively.
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) was designed as the successor to MP3, offering better sound quality at the same bitrate. It's the default format for Apple Music, YouTube, and most streaming platforms. At 256 kbps, AAC delivers quality comparable to MP3 at 320 kbps, with smaller file sizes. The only downside: slightly less universal support than MP3 on older devices.
For music streaming: AAC (256 kbps) or MP3 (320 kbps)
For podcasts: MP3 (128 kbps) — universal compatibility, small files
For studio work: WAV — uncompromised quality for editing
For music archiving: FLAC — lossless at half the size of WAV
For maximum compatibility: MP3 — plays on everything
Need to convert between formats? Use Fluxora's Audio Converter — supports MP3, WAV, OGG, AAC, and FLAC, all processed in your browser.