FLAC vs ALAC: What's the Difference and How to Choose Between Them

Part 2. What's the Difference Between FLAC and ALAC?

Part 3. FLAC vs ALAC: How to Make the Choice?

Part 4. Extra: How to Convert FLAC to ALAC and Vice Versa?

Part 1. What are FLAC and ALAC?

FLAC: Short for Free Lossless Audio Codec, FLAC is an audio coding format for lossless compression of digital audio. Despite being compressed, it remains lossless, which means that FLAC can retain the original sound quality while taking up less space. As an open format with royalty-free licensing, it is supported by different operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.

ALAC: Also known as Apple Lossless Audio Codec, ALAC is another audio coding format developed by Apple Inc. for lossless compression of digital audio. Very similar to FLAC, but only supported on Apple products.

Also read: FLAC vs WAV | OGG vs FLAC | DSD vs FLAC | 320kbps vs FLAC | AIFF vs FLAC

Free yet Powerful Audio Converter to Convert between FLAC and ALAC

WonderFox Free HD Video Converter Factory can help you easily and quickly convert FLAC to ALAC and ALAC to FLAC without losing sound quality. ALAC or FLAC? Make your choice!

Part 2. What's the Difference Between FLAC and ALAC?

In Apple Lossless vs FLAC, there are several aspects needed to look into as to see the differences between FLAC and ALAC.

1.File Extension

FLAC: .flac

ALAC: .m4a, .caf

2.Sound Quality

Since both are lossless compressed audio, their sound quality is close to the original recording, which means that when both FLAC and ALAC are made from the same original source, they have the same sound quality - that of the original file.

3.Compression Ratio and File Size

FLAC has a better compression ratio than ALAC (FLAC: 57%, ALAC: 57.8%), hence a relatively smaller size than ALAC.

Note: The compression ratio is compressed size/uncompressed size * 100. So, lower is better.

4.Supported Programs

FLAC can be played on most music apps except on iTunes while ALAC can be played only on limited apps on iOS, such as iTunes.

Part 3. FLAC vs ALAC: How to Make the Choice?

From Part 2, we come to know that FLAC and ALAC have the same audio quality and about-the-same file size. The only difference that matters lies in the devices, which could be the criteria to divide audiophiles into two groups: one is the Apple user who would likely prefer ALAC to FLAC, and the other is non-Apple users who may find FLAC a more versatile format. In all, neither FLAC nor ALAC wins in the ALAC vs FLAC battle for it is up to the individual’s own taste.

Part 4. Extra: How to Convert FLAC to ALAC and Vice Versa?

If you want to convert FLAC to ALAC, or ALAC to FLAC, this recommended FLAC/ALAC Converter - WonderFox Free HD Video Converter might be a help (It's 100% clean and free). Follow the how-tos to start the conversion:

Step 1. Import FLAC or ALAC File into Video Converter

Before start, please free download free download the software and install it on PC.

Run the program and click “Converter” on the home screen. In Video Converter, hit “Add Files” to select your file, then click “Open” to import. Or you can straightly drag and drop your file into this program.

Step 2. Choose the Desired Output Format

Hit the format icon on the upper right. Under the Audio tab, choose FLAC or ALAC. You are free to choose any other formats or devices under corresponding sections if you want.

Step 3. Begin the Conversion

Before conversion, you can click on the ▼ button to choose an output path for your file. Then hit the “Run” button to begin the conversion process.

At last...

Both ALAC and FLAC are supreme audio formats to enjoy music. The choice between them is only a matter of personal preference. I hope this article could dispel some of your doubts, and if you find this article helpful, please feel free to share it!

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