If you are a digital media creator, musician or music producer you will no doubt have had to work with audio files at one time or another. As such, you will likely be aware that one of the most common audio file types is the WAV file. But have you ever wondered what a WAV file actually is and why it's so widely used despite the many other audio file formats like MP3 and AAC? Well, in this guide will break down everything you need to know about WAV files, their history, advantages, disadvantages, and how they compare to other formats.
 

What is a WAV File?

A WAV file (short for Waveform Audio File Format) is a standard digital audio format developed by Microsoft and IBM in 1991. WAV files are often called a "lossless" format because they are uncompressed and therefore store sound in what is known as the "raw" form of digital audio. 

This lack of compression means that the original qualities of the recording are preserved (which often results in comparativley large file sizes) but it is exactly because of this lack of compression that WAV files are highly favored in professional audio recording, editing, and production scenarios. WAV files serve as the go-to format for music studios, sound engineers, and broadcasters in situations where audio quality and integrity is a more important consideration than file size.

What Are Some Advantages of WAV Files?

  • Uncompressed Audio

    As mentioned above, WAV files typically store audio data in something called PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation) format, which maintains the original quality of the sound without compression and data loss which makes it an excellent choice in applications such as sound archival and sampling for example

  • High Quality

    Since there’s no data loss, WAV files can capture the full range of audio frequencies and dynamic ranges present in the original raw recording.

  • Wide Compatibility

    WAV is supported by virtually all media players, operating systems, and audio software meaning they can be transferred between users and applications without having to download additional software or media players, offering convenience over propietary or uncommon audio files.

  • Editing Flexibility

    Since WAV files are uncompressed, they’re easier to edit without degradation. This makes them a staple in professional sound editing.

  • Metadata Support

    WAV files can contain metadata such as track information, artist names, and more, though this feature is less standardized than in formats like MP3.

What Are Some of the Disadvantages of WAV Files?

WAV files should not necessarily be used by default without consideration. Some of the very characteristics which make them well suited to certain uses might make them an inapproriate choice for others. Here's why...
 

  • Large File Sizes

    The most significant downside to WAV files relates to how they are stored as they can be 10+ times larger than compressed audio formats such MP3s or AACs. A three-minute song in WAV format can easily exceed 30 MB which is exactly why you might want to use a WAV to MP3 converter in certain scenarios.

  • Not Ideal for Streaming

    Because of their size, WAV files are rarely used for online music streaming or portable devices, though this is not always an issue as broadband has made large bandwidth file transfer much more common.

  • Limited Metadata Handling

    While WAV supports metadata, it isn’t as standardized as in MP3s, which can cause inconsistencies.

 

So What's the Difference Between WAV and MP3?

It should be clear from the above advantages and disadvantages of WAV files why you might choose to use that particular format over others, but in case it's not, let's take a quick look at at WAV files when compared to another common format such as MP3.

 

 

  • Quality

    WAV files are lossless, while MP3s use lossy compression that discards some audio information to save space, resulting in an audio file that will be smaller in size but will be of inferior quality to the original recording.

  • File Size

    Being that MP3s are much smaller, they are more practical for streaming and situations where file storage capacity is a significant consideration.

  • Use Case

    WAV is best for recording, editing, and archiving. MP3 is better for distribution and casual listening.

 

In short: if you want maximum audio quality, go with WAV. If you need convenience and portability, MP3 is the better choice.

Common uses for WAV files include the following:

  • Professional Music Production – Recording studios use WAV to maintain the highest quality throughout the mixing and mastering process.
  • Sound Design and Editing – Film, TV, and game sound designers prefer WAV files because they can be edited repeatedly without quality loss.
  • Broadcasting – Radio stations and podcasters often rely on WAV to ensure their audio sounds clear and professional.
  • Archiving – Archivists and institutions use WAV files for long-term preservation of audio recordings.

How to Open and Convert WAV Files

Opening a WAV file is simple as it as a universal format that almost every media player supports, including Windows Media Player, iTunes, and VLC. However, because of their large file size, you might want to convert WAV files into a compressed format like MP3, AAC, or FLAC for easier storage or sharing.

Final Thoughts...

So, what is a WAV file? It’s a high-quality, uncompressed audio format designed to preserve every detail of recorded sound. While it may not be the most practical choice for casual listening or streaming, it remains the gold standard in professional audio production.

If you’re serious about sound quality, WAV files are a must. But for everyday use, you’ll likely prefer smaller, compressed formats like MP3 or AAC.

Whether you’re an aspiring music producer, podcaster, or simply curious about audio formats, understanding WAV files helps you make better choices when it comes to recording, editing, and enjoying sound.