FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec)
FLAC is the dominant lossless audio compression format. Compresses audio to about 60% of original size with zero quality loss - decodes back to bit-perfect original. Free and open source, supported by virtually all modern devices.
FLAC is a lossless compression codec. It compresses audio files to about 40-60% of the size of uncompressed WAV/AIFF, but decodes back to exactly the original bits. No quality loss.
Why FLAC dominates
- Free and open source – no licensing fees, wide adoption
- Lossless – identical to WAV when decoded
- Metadata support – artist, album, cover art embed in file
- Universal support – every modern OS, DAC, streamer, phone (except iOS which requires third-party apps like VLC)
Sample rate / bit depth
FLAC supports everything from 8 kHz to 655 kHz sample rate, 4 to 32 bits. Common: 16-bit / 44.1 kHz (CD quality), 24-bit / 96 kHz (hi-res).
vs alternatives
ALAC (Apple Lossless) – Apple’s equivalent. WAV – uncompressed but no compression benefit. MP3 – lossy, do not use for archives.
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