Audio File Format: WMA (Lossy)
WMA stands for Windows Media Audio. First released in 1999, it has evolved several times while keeping the same name and extension. It is a proprietary format created by Microsoft.
Similar to AAC and OGG, WMA was designed to address flaws in the MP3 compression method. WMA’s compression is quite similar to AAC and OGG, making it objectively better than MP3 in terms of compression quality.
However, since WMA is proprietary, not many devices and platforms support it. It also doesn’t offer significant advantages over AAC or OGG, so when MP3 isn’t sufficient, it’s more practical to choose AAC or OGG instead of WMA.
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