WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is an uncompressed audio format developed by Microsoft and IBM in 1991. Unlike MP3 or AAC, WAV files store audio data exactly as it was recorded - every sample is preserved without any lossy compression. The result is perfect audio quality and very large file sizes.
A 3-minute song stored as a WAV file at CD quality (16-bit, 44.1 kHz stereo) is approximately 30 MB. The same song as a 320 kbps MP3 would be around 7 MB, and as a 256 kbps AAC around 6 MB.
WAV is the preferred format for professional audio production, music recording, sound design, and broadcast. Because it's uncompressed, it can be edited, mixed, and processed repeatedly without any generation loss. Most digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools, Logic, and Ableton work natively with WAV files.
MP3 and AAC are lossy - once audio is compressed into these formats, the removed data cannot be recovered. WAV retains everything. For archiving original recordings or working in a production environment, WAV is the right choice. For distribution, playback, or sharing, MP3 or AAC are more practical due to their smaller size.
WAV is used in music production, podcast recording, film and TV post-production, game audio, and any workflow where audio quality must be preserved. It's also the standard format for extracting high-quality audio from video when the audio will be edited further.
You can convert MOV to MP4 or extract lossless WAV audio from any video directly in your browser - no software to install, no upload required.