The 10 Most Common Audio Formats (Which One Should You Use)

Audio formats are like languages for sound, each with its strengths and weaknesses. With over 10 different common audio formats out there, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. For instance, did you know that MP3, despite being widely used, sacrifices some quality for smaller file sizes? On the other hand, FLAC offers lossless compression but results in larger files. Understanding these formats and their implications is crucial, especially considering that audio content consumption is on the rise, with over 70% of internet users regularly streaming music and podcasts. 

In this article, we will talk about the 10 most common audio formats. We’ll explain what they are, what is audio compression, and which audio formats might be the best for you. Whether listening to music, making your own, or just curious, understanding audio formats can help you get the best sound experience. 

Audio formats are different ways to store sound on a computer or other devices. They are like different types of containers that hold sound. Each format has its own way of saving sound, which affects things like sound quality and file size. There are many types of audio formats, but the 10 most common audio formats include MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, OGG, AIFF, WMA, ALAC, DSD, and PCM. These formats are used for various purposes, like listening to music, recording sound, or making phone calls. Understanding these formats can help you choose the right one for your needs.”

There are many different ways to store audio files on computers and devices. These formats affect how much space a file takes up and how good the sound quality is. Here’s a breakdown of the 10 most common audio formats you’ll encounter:

MP3 stands for MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3. Released in 1993, it quickly became the most popular audio format in the world for music files. There’s a reason we had “MP3 players” but not “OGG players!”

The main goals of MP3 are three-fold:

• To drop all the sound data that exists beyond the hearing range of normal people.
• To reduce the quality of sounds that aren’t easy to hear.
• To compress all other audio data as efficiently as possible.

Nearly every digital device in the world with audio playback can read and play MP3 files, whether we’re talking about PCs, Macs, Androids, iPhones, Smart TVs, or anything else. When you need universal compatibility, MP3 will never let you down, which is why it’s one of the world’s most popular audio file formats.

WAV stands for Waveform Audio File Format (also called Audio for Windows at one point but not anymore). It was developed by Microsoft and IBM in 1991.

Many people assume that all WAV files are uncompressed audio files, but that’s not true. WAV is a Windows container for different music formats. This means a WAV file could potentially contain compressed audio, but it’s rarely used for that.

Most WAV files contain uncompressed audio in PCM format. The WAV file is just a wrapper for the PCM encoding, making it more suitable for Windows systems. However, Mac systems can usually open WAV files without any issues.

FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec. Since its introduction in 2001, it has quickly become one of the most popular lossless formats available.

FLAC can compress an original source file by up to 60 percent without losing any data. Even better, FLAC is an open-source and royalty-free audio file format, so it doesn’t impose any intellectual property constraints.

FLAC is supported by most major programs and devices and is the main alternative to MP3 for music. With FLAC, you get the full quality of raw uncompressed audio at half the file size. That’s why many consider FLAC the best audio format.

AAC stands for Advanced Audio Coding. Developed in 1997 as the successor to MP3, it became a popular digital audio format but never surpassed MP3 in popularity.

The compression algorithm used by AAC is more advanced and technical than that of MP3. When you compare the same recording in MP3 and AAC formats at the same bitrate, the AAC file generally has better sound quality.

Even though MP3 is more widely known, AAC is still widely used today. It’s the standard audio compression method used by YouTube, Android, iOS, iTunes, later Nintendo portables, and later PlayStations.

OGG doesn’t stand for anything. It’s not a compression format but a multimedia container that can hold various compression formats, most commonly used to hold Vorbis files. Hence, these audio file types are called Ogg Vorbis files.

Vorbis was first released in 2000 and became popular for two reasons: it adheres to open-source software principles and performs better than most other lossy compression formats, producing a smaller file size for equivalent audio quality.

While MP3 and AAC have strong footholds, making it hard for OGG to gain widespread use, it is gradually improving in terms of device support. Currently, it’s mainly used by proponents of open-source software.

AIFF stands for Audio Interchange File Format. Similar to how Microsoft and IBM developed WAV for Windows, AIFF is an audio file format developed by Apple for Mac systems back in 1988.

Like WAV files, AIFF files can contain multiple audio formats. For example, there is a compressed version called AIFF-C and another version called Apple Loops used by GarageBand and Logic Pro. They both use the same AIFF extension.

Most AIFF files contain uncompressed audio in PCM format. The AIFF file is just a wrapper for the PCM encoding, making it more suitable for use on Mac systems. However, Windows systems can usually open AIFF files without any issues.

WMA stands for Windows Media Audio. First released in 1999, it has evolved several times while keeping the same name and extension. It is a proprietary format created by Microsoft.

Similar to AAC and OGG, WMA was designed to address flaws in the MP3 compression method. WMA’s compression is quite similar to AAC and OGG, making it objectively better than MP3 in terms of compression quality.

However, since WMA is proprietary, not many devices and platforms support it. It also doesn’t offer significant advantages over AAC or OGG, so when MP3 isn’t sufficient, it’s more practical to choose AAC or OGG instead of WMA.

ALAC stands for Apple Lossless Audio Codec. It was developed and launched in 2004 as a proprietary format but became open-source and royalty-free in 2011. ALAC is sometimes referred to as Apple Lossless.

While ALAC is good, it’s slightly less efficient than FLAC regarding compression. However, Apple users don’t have a choice between the two because iTunes and iOS both provide native support for ALAC and no support for FLAC.

WMA stands for Windows Media Audio. There is a lossless version called WMA Lossless that uses the same extension.

Compared to FLAC and ALAC, WMA Lossless is the least efficient in terms of compression, but not by much. It’s a proprietary format, so it’s not ideal for fans of open-source software, but it’s supported natively on both Windows and Mac systems.

The biggest issue with WMA Lossless is limited hardware support. If you want to play lossless compressed audio across multiple devices and platforms, you should stick with FLAC.

PCM is the most common audio format used in CDs and DVDs. There is a subtype of PCM called Linear Pulse-Code Modulation (LPCM), where samples are taken at linear intervals. LPCM is the most common form of PCM, which is why the two terms are almost interchangeable at this point. PCM is the raw, uncompressed audio format. It’s not a common file format for music because of its massive size, but it’s the underlying method used in WAV and AIFF files.

When choosing an audio format:

• Uncompressed files are best when working with raw audio. These formats, like WAV and AIFF, retain all original sound data but require a lot of storage space.
• Lossless compression formats like FLAC provide excellent quality for music listening while reducing file size compared to uncompressed files. However, they still require more storage than lossy formats.
• Lossy formats like MP3 save space and are suitable for casual listening, as they reduce file size by removing some audio data. The quality reduction is often not noticeable to most listeners.

Remember, high-quality audio files won’t matter if your playback device can’t faithfully recreate those sounds. Choose formats based on your audio quality needs and storage constraints, knowing that lossless is best for purists, while lossy works for casual listeners wanting smaller files.

Audio Compression means making audio files smaller so they take up less space. It’s like packing clothes tightly in a suitcase for a trip.

There are two types: Lossy and Lossless.

1. Lossy Compression: This type removes some audio data to make files smaller. It’s like removing some toys from a toy box to fit more toys inside. This makes files smaller but can lower audio quality.

2. Lossless Compression: With this type, files are compressed without losing any audio data. It’s like using a vacuum bag to pack clothes tightly without losing any. The file size is reduced, but the audio quality stays the same.

Different audio formats use different compression methods, so it’s essential to choose the right one based on your needs and preferences.

Choosing the right audio format among the list of 10 most common audio formats depends on your needs. If you want smaller file sizes with decent quality, go for lossy formats like MP3 or AAC. If you prioritize high fidelity and don’t mind larger file sizes, opt for lossless formats such as FLAC or WAV. Consider the compatibility of the format with your devices and software as well.

What is Audio Formats?

Audio formats are different ways to store sound on a computer or other devices. They are like different types of containers that hold sound.

 What is the difference between lossy and lossless audio formats?

Lossy formats sacrifice some audio quality to reduce file size, while lossless formats retain all audio data without compression.

Which audio format is best for preserving sound quality?

Lossless formats like FLAC and WAV are ideal for preserving sound quality, but they result in larger file sizes.

Can I convert between different audio formats?

Yes, there are many software tools available to convert audio files from one format to another.

Are all audio formats compatible with all devices?

No, compatibility varies depending on the device and software. Some formats are more widely supported than others.

Is there a universally accepted best audio format?

There isn’t one universally accepted best format, as it depends on factors such as your preferences, device compatibility, and storage considerations.