WAV vs AIFF: Which Format Should You Use?
The Short Answer
WAV and AIFF hold the same uncompressed audio and sound identical. WAV comes from Windows, AIFF from the Mac; AIFF handles tags and markers a little better, WAV is accepted by slightly more software and hardware.
WAV vs AIFF Side by Side
| WAV | AIFF | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | WAV: Waveform Audio File Format | AIFF: Audio Interchange File Format |
| File extension | WAV: .wav | AIFF: .aiff, .aif |
| How it stores data | WAV: Uncompressed PCM | AIFF: Uncompressed PCM |
| File size | WAV: large (lossless) | AIFF: large (lossless) |
| Created by | WAV: Microsoft and IBM, 1991 | AIFF: Apple, 1988 |
| Best for | WAV: recording, editing, mastering, anything that will be processed again | AIFF: production work on a Mac |
| Watch out | WAV: about 10 MB per minute of CD-quality stereo | AIFF: as large as WAV, and less common on Windows |
| Opens with | WAV: every audio player and editor on Windows, macOS, Linux and phones | AIFF: Logic Pro, GarageBand, QuickTime, VLC, Audacity |
Choose WAV When
- Windows software, samplers and broad compatibility
Choose AIFF When
- Logic Pro, GarageBand and Mac-centred workflows
Convert Between WAV and AIFF
More About Each Format
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, WAV or AIFF?
WAV and AIFF hold the same uncompressed audio and sound identical. WAV comes from Windows, AIFF from the Mac; AIFF handles tags and markers a little better, WAV is accepted by slightly more software and hardware.
When should I use WAV?
Windows software, samplers and broad compatibility.
When should I use AIFF?
Logic Pro, GarageBand and Mac-centred workflows.
What is WAV?
WAV stores sound exactly as it was recorded, with no compression. It is the default format of audio editors, recorders and sample libraries.
What is AIFF?
AIFF is Apple's counterpart to WAV: uncompressed, exact audio, with better support for tags and loop markers. Logic Pro and GarageBand use it as a working format.
Can I convert between WAV and AIFF?
Yes — free, in batches and without an account. Convert WAV to AIFF, or Convert AIFF to WAV with the converter linked on this page.