FLAC to WAV

How to convert FLAC to WAV

1. Tap Choose a FLAC file and pick the file.
2. To keep only a section, type its start and end under Part to save.
3. Press Convert to WAV, listen to the result, then save or share it.

FLAC and WAV hold the same thing

Both are lossless. A WAV stores the recording as it is. A FLAC stores the same recording packed more tightly, the way a ZIP holds a document, and unpacks to exactly what went in. Converting FLAC to WAV is that unpacking. No part of the sound is discarded on the way.

Why convert, if nothing is gained in quality

• Software that does not read FLAC. Older versions of some editors and many specialist tools want WAV.
• Burning an audio CD. Burners take WAV directly.
• Hardware. Samplers, grooveboxes, some car stereos and DJ players accept WAV but not FLAC.
• Apple software. iTunes and older versions of the Music app do not import FLAC. They do import WAV.

Bit depth and sample rate

The WAV is written at 16 bits, at the sample rate of the FLAC: 44.1 kHz stays 44.1 kHz and 96 kHz stays 96 kHz.

• 16-bit FLAC, which is what CD rips and most downloads are, converts with every sample preserved.
• 24-bit FLAC, the high-resolution kind, is reduced to 16 bits. That is still CD quality, and the difference is beyond what playback equipment and hearing reveal in ordinary listening, but it is not a bit-for-bit copy. If you need 24-bit WAV for mastering work, use a desktop audio program.

Tags do not come along

FLAC files carry the track name, artist, album and cover picture. WAV has only weak support for such information and this conversion does not write any. Name the files clearly before or after converting, since the file name is all a WAV player will show.

Space needed

WAV takes about 10 MB per minute of stereo at CD quality, roughly twice the size of the FLAC. High sample rates take proportionally more: 96 kHz is a little over 20 MB a minute. FLAC files up to 400 MB can be converted, and you can save just a section by typing its start and end.

The reverse direction is not offered here. For a smaller file that plays on everything, see the audio converter. Sound from a video is handled by MP4 to WAV.

Questions

Is FLAC to WAV lossless?

For 16-bit FLAC, yes: every sample is preserved. 24-bit FLAC is reduced to 16 bits, which is CD quality.

Why is the WAV twice the size of the FLAC?

FLAC packs the sound without losing any of it. WAV stores it unpacked.

Is the sample rate changed?

No. The WAV has the same sample rate as the FLAC.

Does the WAV keep the album art and track names?

No. Tags and artwork are not carried over.

Does WAV sound better than FLAC?

No. They contain the same sound. WAV is simply more widely accepted.

Last reviewed 10 October 2026.