Audio File Format: WMA (Lossless)
WMA stands for Windows Media Audio. There is a lossless version called WMA Lossless that uses the same extension.
Compared to FLAC and ALAC, WMA Lossless is the least efficient in terms of compression, but not by much. It’s a proprietary format, so it’s not ideal for fans of open-source software, but it’s supported natively on both Windows and Mac systems.
The biggest issue with WMA Lossless is limited hardware support. If you want to play lossless compressed audio across multiple devices and platforms, you should stick with FLAC.
The 10 Most Common Audio Formats (Which One Should You Use)
Audio formats are like languages for sound, each with its strengths and weaknesses. With over 10 different common audio formats out there, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. For instance, did you know that MP3, despite being widely used, sacrifices some quality for smaller file sizes? On the other hand, FLAC offers lossless compression but results in larger files. Understanding these formats and their implications is crucial, especially considering that audio content consumption is on the rise, with over 70% of internet users regularly streaming music and podcasts.
In this article, we will talk about the 10 most common audio formats. We’ll explain what they are, what is audio compression, and which audio formats might be the best for you. Whether listening to music, making your own, or just curious, understanding audio formats can help you get the best sound experience.
10 Most Common Audio Formats
- Audio File Format: MP3
- Audio File Format: WAV
- Audio File Format: FLAC
- Audio File Format: AAC
- Audio File Format: OGG (Vorbis)
- Audio File Format: AIFF
- Audio File Format: WMA (Lossy)
- Audio File Format: ALAC
- Audio File Format: WMA (Lossless)
- Audio File Format: PCM