AIFF vs FLAC: Which Should You Use?

Side-by-side comparison of AIFF and FLAC audio formats — features, pros, cons, and conversion options.

Quick Answer

AIFF is best for Professional audio production on macOS. FLAC is best for Archival audio storage and audiophile playback.

Quick Verdict

AIFF Best for Professional audio production on macOS

✓ Lossless audio quality
✓ Metadata support
✓ Professional studio standard on Mac
✗ Very large file size

Convert AIFF to FLAC →

FLAC Best for Archival audio storage and audiophile playback

✓ Lossless compression
✓ Open source
✓ Excellent metadata support
✗ Larger than lossy formats

Convert FLAC to AIFF →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of AIFF and FLAC

Feature	AIFF	FLAC
Category	Audio	Audio
Year Introduced	1988	2001
MIME Type	audio/aiff	audio/flac
Extensions	.aiff, .aif	.flac
Lossy	✗	✗
Codec	PCM (uncompressed)	FLAC
Max Bitrate	unlimited (lossless)	unlimited (lossless)
Max Sample Rate	48 kHz	655,350 Hz
Channels	Stereo	8 channels
Streaming	✗	✓

Pros & Cons

AIFF

Pros

✓ Lossless audio quality
✓ Metadata support
✓ Professional studio standard on Mac

Cons

✗ Very large file size
✗ Limited streaming support
✗ Less cross-platform than WAV

FLAC

Pros

✓ Lossless compression
✓ Open source
✓ Excellent metadata support

Cons

✗ Larger than lossy formats
✗ No native iOS support
✗ Not supported in all browsers

When to Use Each

Choose AIFF when...

You need files optimized for Professional audio production on macOS
Lossless audio quality
Metadata support

Choose FLAC when...

You need files optimized for Archival audio storage and audiophile playback
Lossless compression
Open source

How to Convert

Convert between AIFF and FLAC for free on ChangeThisFile

Convert AIFF to FLAC Server-side conversion — auto-deleted after processing Convert FLAC to AIFF Server-side conversion — auto-deleted after processing

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between AIFF and FLAC?

AIFF is best for Professional audio production on macOS, while FLAC is best for Archival audio storage and audiophile playback. Both are audio formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is AIFF or FLAC better for audio?

It depends on your use case. AIFF is better for Professional audio production on macOS. FLAC is better for Archival audio storage and audiophile playback. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert AIFF to FLAC?

Go to the AIFF to FLAC converter on ChangeThisFile. Upload your file and the conversion processes on the server, then auto-deletes. It's free with no signup required.

Can I convert FLAC to AIFF?

Yes. ChangeThisFile supports FLAC to AIFF conversion. Upload your file for server-side conversion — files are auto-deleted after processing.

Which is smaller, AIFF or FLAC?

File size depends on the content and compression settings. AIFF preserves full quality. FLAC preserves full quality. For the smallest files, choose the format with lossy compression that meets your quality needs.

Does AIFF support streaming?

No, AIFF does not support streaming, whereas FLAC does. This may be an important factor depending on your use case.

Is AIFF or FLAC free to use?

Both AIFF and FLAC are supported file formats that are free to use. You can convert between them for free on ChangeThisFile — server-side conversions are free with no signup required.

Which format is newer, AIFF or FLAC?

FLAC is newer — it was introduced in 2001, while AIFF dates back to 1988. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.