Online WAV Converter - Convert to Uncompressed WAV Audio
Convert your audio files to the high-fidelity, uncompressed WAV format using our free online converter. You can convert from lossy formats like MP3, AAC, OGG, WMA, or lossless formats like FLAC to standard PCM WAV. This tool is also useful for extracting audio from video files into WAV for editing. Our service is free, secure (files deleted after 1 hour), requires no registration, and has no conversion limits.
How to Convert Files to WAV Online
Create high-quality WAV files from your existing audio or video with these easy steps:
- Upload Your File: Select your source audio or video file using the upload box above, or drag and drop it.
- Select Output Format: Choose
WAV from the 'Convert to:' dropdown menu.
- Convert: Click the 'Convert' button to start the process.
- Download: After conversion, click the 'Download' button to save your uncompressed WAV file.
What is a WAV File?
WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is an audio file format standard, developed by Microsoft and IBM, for storing an audio bitstream on PCs. It is the main format used on Windows systems for raw and typically uncompressed audio.
Standard WAV files contain uncompressed audio data using Pulse-Code Modulation (PCM), which is a direct digital representation of the analog audio signal. This results in high fidelity (identical to the source if converted from a digital master) but also very large file sizes compared to compressed formats like MP3 or AAC. Because of its quality and simplicity, WAV is a popular format for professional audio recording, editing, and mastering.
Differences Between WAV and Lossless/Lossy Formats
- Quality: WAV (PCM) is typically lossless and uncompressed, representing the highest possible digital audio quality, identical to CD audio if sampled at 44.1kHz, 16-bit.
- File Size: Significantly larger than both lossy (MP3, AAC, OGG) and lossless compressed (FLAC, ALAC) formats. A typical 3-minute song in WAV format can be over 30 MB.
- Compression: Standard WAV is uncompressed. While the container *can* technically hold compressed audio, it's rarely used. FLAC offers lossless *compression* (smaller size, same quality), while MP3/AAC offer lossy compression (much smaller size, reduced quality).
- Use Cases: Ideal for audio editing, mastering, archiving the highest quality source, and situations where storage space is not a primary concern. Not ideal for portable devices or streaming due to size.
- Compatibility: Widely supported on Windows and macOS, and by professional audio software. Most media players can handle WAV files.
How to Open a WAV File
WAV files are broadly compatible with most operating systems and audio software:
- Windows Media Player (Native Windows support)
- Apple Music / iTunes / QuickTime Player (Native macOS support)
- VLC Media Player (Cross-platform)
- Audacity (Audio Editor, Cross-platform)
- Adobe Audition and most Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
- Many other media players and audio editing tools.
Most computers can play WAV files without needing additional software.
Explore Specific Converters
Need detailed information or want to set a different default format? Visit our specific converter pages: