Convert AAC to WAV Online
AAC is the successor to MP3, offering better efficiency at the same bitrates. WAV is an audio container that typically stores uncompressed PCM waveforms. AnyConvert converts AAC to WAV securely without installing desktop software.
AAC to WAV Converter
Convert your AAC files to WAV format quickly and easily. Upload your file and download the result.
Max file size: 50MB
Why convert AAC to WAV?
Switching from AAC helps you avoid raw .aac files have poor compatibility; packaging in mp4 (.m4a) improves support. WAV excels at lossless, sample-accurate audio with no compression artifacts, making it a better fit when clients or platforms expect studio recording and mixing sessions.
Waveform Audio File Format also offers supports high sample rates (192 khz+) and bit depths (24-bit, 32-bit float). That means your converted files stay useful for studio recording and mixing sessions and sound design assets and sample libraries.
AAC strengths
- Superior quality to MP3 at bitrates of 128 kbps and below
- Supports multichannel audio and higher sample rates up to 96 kHz
- Mandatory audio codec for many streaming standards and mobile OSes
WAV advantages
- Lossless, sample-accurate audio with no compression artifacts
- Supports high sample rates (192 kHz+) and bit depths (24-bit, 32-bit float)
- Widely compatible with DAWs, broadcast playout systems, and archival workflows
Key differences
| Feature | AAC | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Uncompressed / PCM |
| Transparency / Alpha | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Typical file size | Compact (lossy compression) | Large (uncompressed data) |
| Best suited for | Streaming services like Apple Music and YouTube and Broadcast applications requiring efficient multi-channel audio | Studio recording and mixing sessions and Sound design assets and sample libraries |
| Standard | Open, royalty-free specification | Open, royalty-free specification |
Before you convert
- Keep a backup of your original file before converting so you can roll back if needed.
- Review known pain points: Editing or trimming requires careful handling to avoid re-encoding artifacts. Adjust your source file accordingly.
Quality tips
- Pick a bitrate that matches your destination: 128 kbps for speech, 192–256 kbps for music, 320 kbps for archive copies.
- Download the result immediately and open it in the target application to verify everything matches expectations.
Where WAV fits best
Once you have the converted file, you can plug it straight into studio recording and mixing sessions, sound design assets and sample libraries, and audio mastering and archival deliverables. WAV is the format teams expect in those environments, so you spend less time re-exporting or explaining compatibility issues.
Common WAV use cases
- Studio recording and mixing sessions
- Sound design assets and sample libraries
- Audio mastering and archival deliverables
Tools that open WAV
- Pro Tools
- Reaper
- Audacity
Frequently asked questions
Does converting AAC to WAV reduce quality?
No—WAV preserves the original fidelity. You still want to open the converted file once to confirm fonts, colors, or audio loudness survived the transfer.
Which bitrate should I pick for WAV?
Match the bitrate to the destination. 96–128 kbps is fine for speech, 192 kbps balances quality and size for music, and 256–320 kbps keeps critical mixes transparent.
Is there a file size limit for converting AAC?
Yes—uploads up to 150 MB convert reliably in the browser. For larger assets, split them into smaller segments first so the process stays responsive.