Convert WAV to AAC Online
WAV is an audio container that typically stores uncompressed PCM waveforms. AAC is the successor to MP3, offering better efficiency at the same bitrates. AnyConvert converts WAV to AAC securely without installing desktop software.
WAV to AAC Converter
Convert your WAV files to AAC format quickly and easily. Upload your file and download the result.
Max file size: 50MB
Why convert WAV to AAC?
Switching from WAV helps you avoid large file sizes compared with compressed formats. AAC excels at superior quality to mp3 at bitrates of 128 kbps and below, making it a better fit when clients or platforms expect streaming services like apple music and youtube.
Advanced Audio Coding also offers supports multichannel audio and higher sample rates up to 96 khz. That means your converted files stay useful for streaming services like apple music and youtube and broadcast applications requiring efficient multi-channel audio.
WAV strengths
- 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
AAC advantages
- 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
Key differences
| Feature | WAV | AAC |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Uncompressed / PCM | Lossy |
| Transparency / Alpha | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Typical file size | Large (uncompressed data) | Compact (lossy compression) |
| Best suited for | Studio recording and mixing sessions and Sound design assets and sample libraries | Streaming services like Apple Music and YouTube and Broadcast applications requiring efficient multi-channel audio |
| 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: Limited metadata support compared with modern containers like FLAC. Adjust your source file accordingly.
Quality tips
- Start with a high-quality setting (85–90%) and only reduce it if file size targets demand it.
- 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 AAC fits best
Once you have the converted file, you can plug it straight into streaming services like apple music and youtube, broadcast applications requiring efficient multi-channel audio, and mobile apps that demand high quality with compact file sizes. AAC is the format teams expect in those environments, so you spend less time re-exporting or explaining compatibility issues.
Common AAC use cases
- Streaming services like Apple Music and YouTube
- Broadcast applications requiring efficient multi-channel audio
- Mobile apps that demand high quality with compact file sizes
Tools that open AAC
- ffmpeg (libfdk_aac)
- Adobe Audition
- Logic Pro
Frequently asked questions
Does converting WAV to AAC reduce quality?
Yes, AAC uses lossy compression. Start with the highest quality setting available and compare the converted file against your original. If you need a perfect copy, keep the WAV source as an archive.
Which bitrate should I pick for AAC?
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 WAV?
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.