How to Choose WAV, MP3 or FLAC
Updated October 2026
Keep a lossless master for editing and re-exporting, and make an MP3 only for sharing. Each conversion from a lossy file loses a little quality, so do not work from an MP3.
The short version
- WAV is uncompressed and the usual editing master.
- FLAC is lossless and compressed, so it is smaller than WAV with the same quality.
- MP3 is lossy: it is small and widely supported, but it loses detail.
- Export MP3 from the master, never from another MP3.
WAV
WAV is uncompressed audio. It is large, but every application reads it, and it is the common format for an editing master. Keep one for each project.
FLAC
FLAC is lossless: it compresses the file without losing any sound, so it is smaller than WAV. Many players and some hosts accept it, but not all, so check the platform before you upload.
MP3
MP3 is lossy. It removes detail the ear is supposed to miss, which saves space. It is widely accepted for uploads and sharing. A high bit rate sounds good for speech; a low one shows its flaws quickly.
The rule
Keep the master in WAV or FLAC. Export MP3 from the master when you share the file. If you need another format later, export it from the master again. Repeated lossy conversions add up.
Check the final file
The export guide covers what to check on the final file, including the true peak after conversion.
Keep the master, export the rest
Tunedzy keeps the master and exports WAV, FLAC or MP3 from it, so you never work from a lossy copy.
Free tools for this
Frequently asked questions
Is FLAC better than WAV?
They are equal in quality. FLAC is smaller; WAV is more widely read by editing software.
Does MP3 always sound worse?
At a high bit rate, speech is hard to tell apart. Repeated conversions are the real problem.
Which format do podcast hosts want?
Many accept MP3 and WAV. Check your host before you upload.
Keep going
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