The main differences between WAV, FLAC, and MP3 files are as follows:
Compression: WAV files are uncompressed and contain raw audio data, while FLAC and MP3 files are compressed to reduce their file size. FLAC uses lossless compression, which means it retains all of the original audio data and quality, while MP3 uses lossy compression, which discards some of the original data to achieve a smaller file size.
Quality: Because WAV files are uncompressed, they provide the highest quality audio, while MP3 files provide lower quality due to the lossy compression. FLAC files provide high-quality audio as well, but not quite as high as WAV.
File Size: WAV files are generally much larger than FLAC and MP3 files due to their lack of compression. FLAC files are smaller than WAV files but larger than MP3 files, while MP3 files are the smallest due to their lossy compression.
Compatibility: WAV files are widely supported by a variety of software and hardware, while FLAC files may require specific software or hardware to play. MP3 files are the most widely supported format and can be played on almost any device or software.
Overall, the choice between WAV, FLAC, and MP3 depends on the specific use case and the required balance between quality and file size. WAV files are best for high-fidelity audio production and mastering, while FLAC files are a good compromise between quality and file size. MP3 files are best for efficient storage and distribution of music files, but sacrifice some audio quality.
