[Comparsion] AIFF vs WAV | Which Audio is Better in 2024

For Windows users, WAV audio files could be your choice. For Mac users, select AIFF.

To make conversions between these two audio files, try this Windows converting software!

Here are more details for the full comparison of these two audio formats, including several aspects. 

• Compression

AIFF: With uncompressed code modulation, most AIFF audio files are uncompressed. Although AIFF is uncompressed, this audio file can still maintain high quality. Also, there is a format of AIFF known as AIFF-C, which has compression codecs.

WAV: As an uncompressed file encoding, WAV is commonly used for Microsoft Windows systems.  

Since both AIFF and WAV are uncompressed formats, the audio size could be larger than compressed files like MP3. 

• Quality

Both WAV and AIFF have high quality. For AIFF, it is a lossless audio format that can offer high quality. Also, WAV allows higher quality output. However, as they are uncompressed, so the size of the files may not be small. 

• Compatibility

AIFF: The compatibility of AIFF is high. You can play AIFF audio files on Windows and Mac. You can play this audio file on QuickTime Player, iOS devices, VLC, and Windows Media Player. While AIFF is actually created by Apple, so choose this audio format if you are using Apple devices. 

WAV: WAV audio format is created by Microsoft and IBM for Windows. For Windows users, it is a better audio choice. 

How to Convert AIFF to WAV or vice versa

After viewing the AIFF vs WAV in the last part, you may be able to find the target audio file. If you want to get a WAV from AIFF, the converting software is needed. Try EaseUS Video Converter to achieve this task. 

Meanwhile, if you have several AIFF files, you can convert them in bulk. Without losing quality, you can get the WAV file converted from the AIFF. Not only dealing with AIFF files, but also you can convert MP3, OGG, M4A, and other audio formats to WAV. You can import the audio file from your computer easily. 

Key Features:

• Best free audio converter on Windows PC
• Able to support 1000+ formats
• Extract audio from video with ease
• Convert video and audio files in batch

Windows converting software free download! No registration is needed. 

How to convert AIFF to WAV or vice versa:

Step 1. Launch this software and click "Audio Converter" on the main interface. Next, hit "Choose Files" to import audio files.

Step 2. Hit the gear icon once the audio is imported. In "More Options" window, hit "Audio" > "WAV". 

Step 3. Finally, choose "Convert All" at the bottom to start it. Once done, find your converted files in the "Finished" tab.

Overview of AIFF and WAV

After viewing AIFF vs WAV, you can fully understand these two audio formats. Follow the below part. 

What is AIFF?

AIFF or Audio Interchange File Format is an audio format created by Apple. As an uncompressed audio file, AIFF hardly loses quality. Because it is uncompressed, the file size could be large. Usually, the AIFF file can occupy more space on your devices. Unlike MP3 which is compressed, AIFF can be 10 MB per minute sound capturing. 

Mainly used on Apple devices, AIFF can be played on Windows players as well. On Windows, the AIFF files can be in .aif. At the same time, you can see the extension .aiff in Windows operating systems. 

Pros:

• The lossless audio which maintains high quality
• An open audio format that can be edited easily
• Can be played on many devices as the compatibility is high

Cons:

• The file size could be large because of uncompression
• Hard to be shared online as an audio file

What is WAV?

Being an uncompressed audio format, WAV or Waveform Audio File Format is created by Microsoft and IBM. WAV is derivated from the Microsoft Resource Interchange File Format. Although it's compressed, the quality can also be ensured. 

WAV files are commonly used on Windows devices for playing high quality. Meanwhile, it's is uncompressed as well. If you mind saving large size files on your computer, then you can choose other compressed audio formats like OGG and MP3. 

Pros:

• As a lossless sound format to produce smooth audio
• An editable audio format for some software

Cons:

• Occupy large size as an uncompressed audio file
• The compatibility is not so high as some devices cannot play it