MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC or Opus: which audio format to choose
How the five audio formats differ in size and quality, and which one suits music, podcasts or editing.
When you switch to Audio, you can save as MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC or Opus. They differ in two ways: how big the file is, and whether any sound detail is thrown away to make it smaller.
The short answer
For listening, pick MP3. It plays on everything. If you mostly use Apple devices, M4A is a touch better at the same size. If you're going to edit the audio, pick WAV.
Lossy vs lossless
MP3, M4A and Opus are lossy: they drop sounds most people can't hear to keep files small. WAV and FLAC are lossless: they keep everything they're given.
There's a catch. YouTube, TikTok and the other sites already store their audio in a lossy format. Saving it as WAV or FLAC won't bring back what's gone. It only stops another round of loss, which matters when you'll edit, cut and re-export the audio.
Each format
- MP3: the universal one. Cars, old MP3 players, every phone and every app. Small files.
- M4A (AAC): Apple's preferred format and used widely elsewhere. Sounds slightly better than MP3 at the same size. Plays on iPhone, Android and computers.
- WAV: uncompressed. Big files, roughly ten times an MP3. Every audio editor opens it.
- FLAC: lossless but compressed, about half the size of WAV. Good for archiving. iPhone plays it in Files and some music apps.
- Opus: very efficient, so speech sounds clear even in tiny files. Great for long lectures. Some older players and car stereos don't support it.
Which one for what
| You want to | Pick |
|---|---|
| Listen in the car or on any device | MP3 |
| Listen on iPhone or Apple Music | M4A |
| Edit in Audacity, GarageBand or a DAW | WAV |
| Keep an archive copy | FLAC |
| Save long talks without using much space | Opus or MP3 |
Where to start
Most people come here for YouTube to MP3. The same Audio option works for TikTok sounds, Instagram Reels and SoundCloud. Our YouTube to MP3 guide has the steps, and for video formats see which video format to choose.
Quick answers
Can I hear the difference between MP3 and FLAC?
With audio from YouTube or TikTok, almost never, because the source is already compressed. With a good source and good headphones, some people can.
Which format is best for a podcast or lecture?
MP3 for compatibility, or Opus if you want the smallest file and your player supports it.
Can I convert the file later?
Yes, with a free tool like Audacity. Converting a lossy file to another lossy format loses a little more, so pick the right one first if you can.