How do WAV and AIFFcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
Waveform Audio File Format
WAV is an uncompressed audio format that stores raw audio data at full quality. It's the standard format for professional audio editing, music production, and any application where quality is paramount.
Audio Interchange File Format
AIFF is Apple's uncompressed audio format, the macOS equivalent of WAV. It stores full-quality audio data and is commonly used in professional audio production on Apple systems.
| Specification | WAV | AIFF |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Waveform Audio File Format | Audio Interchange File Format |
| Extension | .wav | .aiff |
| MIME type | audio/wav | audio/aiff |
| Category | Audio | Audio |
| Developer | Microsoft / IBM | Apple |
| Year introduced | 1991 | 1988 |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossless |
Both are excellent audio formats. WAV is preferred for music production and mixing, while AIFF shines at professional audio on macos.
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