Audio Formats 101: How to Choose the Right One
Audio Formats 101: How to Choose the Right One
Confused by audio formats? Here's a full guide on how to choose. From uncompressed to compressed lossy and lossless files, we cover all you need.
Last Updated: October 22, 2024
Key takeaways:
- Compressed audio reduces file size by removing data, making it ideal for streaming, podcasts, and faster uploads. But it sacrifices sound quality.
- Compressed audio comes in two types: lossy removes data permanently, whereas lossless retains data and sound quality.
- Uncompressed audio retains all original data, providing the highest sound quality. It requires more storage space, making it best for professional editing and production.
Key audio format terms
Before you can understand which audio format might fit your needs, you need to understand a couple of key concepts.
Compressed vs uncompressed audio
There are two key types of audio formats:
- Compressed formats that reduce the file size. These files are compressed through different methods, namely: lossy and lossless.
- Uncompressed formats where you are working with the raw, original file.
Audio formats vs audio codecs
An audio codec is responsible for encoding and decoding audio data. In other words, it determines how audio is compressed and the resulting quality. Audio encoding is the process of converting raw audio data into a specific digital format or codec. Decoding is the reverse process, where the digital file is decompressed and restored so it can be played or streamed.
An audio format is the file container that stores audio data.
Basically, a codec defines how the audio is compressed, and the format defines where that compressed audio is stored or accessed.
Popular audio formats full list: Compressed and uncompressed formats
Compressed Formats
Compressed audio formats can be either lossy or lossless, depending on how the data is compressed. Let’s take a look at both types and some key examples of each.
Lossy audio formats
Lossy audio formats compress data for transmission in a way that diminishes audio quality. This is because it permanently removes some of the audio data.
| File Format | Best For | Not Best For |
|---|---|---|
| MP3 | Podcasts, audiobooks, smaller file sizes | High-quality, professional audio |
| AAC | Streaming, Apple devices, social media | Platforms with limited support |
| OGG | Open-source, websites, gaming | Commercial platforms, wide compatibility |
| M4A (AAC) | Apple devices, MP4 video, streaming | Non-Apple devices without support |
MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III)
MP3 is the most popular lossy audio format. It maintains high-quality sound in a significantly smaller file size. This is because it reduces the accuracy of certain components of sound that are generally considered outside of what people can perceive.
AAC (Advanced Audio Codec)
The AAC audio format is popular, too. It was designed as an upgrade of the MP3 and provides higher sound quality at the same bit rate.
OGG (Ogg Vorbis)
Ogg Vorbis (also known as simply OGG or Vorbis) is a free, open-source audio format. It’s used to store and play both audio and video files.
M4A (when it contains AAC audio)
M4A is a common audio file format that can be compressed through lossy or lossless codecs. When M4A holds the AAC code (as mentioned above), it’s a common lossy file format with higher quality than MP3s.
Lossless audio formats
Lossless audio refers to audio that’s compressed in a way that preserves all of the original data. In other words, no detail is destroyed in the compression process.
| File Format | Best For | Not Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) | Apple devices, managing music libraries | Non-Apple platforms |
| FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) | Archiving, cross-platform support | Apple-specific workflows |
| M4A (ALAC) | Apple devices, smaller high-quality files | Non-Apple devices |
ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec)
ALAC is Apple’s lossless audio format.
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec)
FLAC is another audio format that’s similar to ALAC.
M4A (when it contains ALAC audio)
While M4A (AAC) is a lossy audio format, M4A (ALAC) is the lossless version.
Uncompressed audio formats
Uncompressed audio formats are just what they sound like - they aren’t compressed at all when saved. They remain the same in size and quality.
| File Format | Best For | Not Best For |
|---|---|---|
| WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) | Audio processing, video production | Limited storage space |
| AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) | Music production, Apple software | Lack of timecodes for syncing |
| DSD (Direct Stream Digital) | Audiophiles, high-resolution music | Limited playback support, niche use |
| PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) | CD, DVD audio, digital telephony | Newer audio formats |
WAV (Waveform Audio File Format)
WAV files retain all their original data, which makes them one of the preferred audio formats for sound engineers.
AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format)
AIFF is Apple’s version of WAV files.
DSD (Direct Stream Digital)
DSD is a high-resolution format that produces very high-quality audio files.
PCM (Pulse Code Modulation)
PCM is the standard audio format for digital audio used in CDs, DVDs, digital telephony, and other digital audio.
Which audio format should you choose?
Choosing the right audio format depends on how you’re using your audio - and which programs you want to use. Here are a few key things to consider if you are trying to decide which audio file format to use:
- If you want to edit audio, you probably want an uncompressed audio format, like WAV or AIFF. This way, you can work with a file in its original audio quality.
- If you want to store or listen to the highest quality audio possible, you should consider a lossless audio format like FLAC or ALAC.
- If you want to share your audio files online, you’ll probably need a compressed, lossy format like MP3, AAC, or OGG.
Converting audio formats + audio format converters
If you have audio in one format and need to convert it to another, you can typically do this in an audio editor or digital audio workstation (DAW). Most DAWs will allow you to import audio in various formats, edit it, and export it in another format.
Final thoughts
When you get into the technical details, audio formats can get pretty complicated. But unless you’re a professional audio engineer, you probably don’t have to get that technical. Just understand the key formats, their benefits, and which one is best for your needs.
FAQs about audio formats
What is the best format for audio?
There is no one best format for audio - it really depends on how you plan to use that audio. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key file types you are likely to see:
- MP3: For universal compatibility and when file size is a concern.
- WAV: For professional audio work where quality is paramount.
- AAC: For streaming, mobile devices, and video.
- FLAC or ALAC: For high-fidelity audio in personal music collections or archiving.
- OGG: For open-source streaming.
Which is better: MP3, WAV, or AAC?
Again, this depends on how you want to use your audio.