Compare
FLAC vs AAC
FLAC uses lossless compression, while AAC is a lossy audio codec. Separate preservation needs from delivery size and playback compatibility.
Which format should you choose?
Consider FLAC for an editing master or faithful archive; use AAC for delivery when target devices support the selected profile.
Good fit for FLAC
Music archiving
- Keeping a lossless master while making smaller listening copies
Good fit for AAC
Audio streaming and video soundtracks
- Distribution to players that support the selected AAC profile
Basic information
| Field | FLAC | AAC |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .flac | .aac |
| MIME type | audio/flac | audio/aac |
| Common uses | Music archiving | Audio streaming and video soundtracks |
| How to open | Open with a FLAC-capable player, media library, or audio editor. | Open with an AAC-capable player. If playback fails, inspect the container and codec profile. |
| Export or convert | Keep the original FLAC when making an MP3 distribution copy; lossy encoding cannot be reversed. | Converting AAC to MP3 adds another lossy encoding; retain the editing master separately. |
Choose by use case
Keeping a lossless master while making smaller listening copies
Music archiving
FLACDistribution to players that support the selected AAC profile
Audio streaming and video soundtracks
AACKey point 1
FLAC preserves decoded audio exactly through lossless compression.
More on the differencesKey point 2
AAC reduces size by discarding some audio information.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Keep the original master before making delivery copies. Test AAC playback and quality on the intended devices; transcoding a lossy file cannot restore lost detail.
- FLAC is suited to lossless storage and editing sources.
- AAC is commonly used for compact distribution.
- Capacity and playback support depend on the content, profile, and device.
Frequently asked questions
Will converting AAC to FLAC restore quality?
No. FLAC can store the decoded result losslessly, but cannot recreate information discarded during AAC encoding.