FLV vs WMV: Which Should You Use?

Side-by-side comparison of FLV and WMV video formats — features, pros, cons, and conversion options.

Quick Answer

FLV is best for Legacy Flash-based web video (largely obsolete). WMV is best for Legacy Windows video and DRM-protected content.

Quick Verdict

FLV Best for Legacy Flash-based web video (largely obsolete)

✓ Small file size
✓ Fast loading
✓ Flash Player legacy support
✗ Flash is deprecated

Convert FLV to WMV →

WMV Best for Legacy Windows video and DRM-protected content

✓ DRM support
✓ Windows integration
✓ Reasonable compression
✗ Poor cross-platform support

Convert WMV to FLV →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of FLV and WMV

Feature	FLV	WMV
Category	Video	Video
Year Introduced	2003	1999
MIME Type	video/x-flv	video/x-ms-wmv
Extensions	.flv	.wmv
Container	✓	✓
Codecs	H.264,VP6,Sorenson Spark	WMV9,VC-1
Max Resolution	1080p	1080p
Streaming	✓	✓
Subtitle Support	✗	✗

Pros & Cons

FLV

Pros

✓ Small file size
✓ Fast loading
✓ Flash Player legacy support

Cons

✗ Flash is deprecated
✗ Poor mobile support
✗ Limited modern use

WMV

Pros

✓ DRM support
✓ Windows integration
✓ Reasonable compression

Cons

✗ Poor cross-platform support
✗ Proprietary
✗ Declining usage

When to Use Each

Choose FLV when...

You need files optimized for Legacy Flash-based web video (largely obsolete)
Small file size
Fast loading

Choose WMV when...

You need files optimized for Legacy Windows video and DRM-protected content
DRM support
Windows integration

How to Convert

Convert between FLV and WMV for free on ChangeThisFile

Convert FLV to WMV Server-side conversion — auto-deleted after processing Convert WMV to FLV Server-side conversion — auto-deleted after processing

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between FLV and WMV?

FLV is best for Legacy Flash-based web video (largely obsolete), while WMV is best for Legacy Windows video and DRM-protected content. Both are video formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is FLV or WMV better for video?

It depends on your use case. FLV is better for Legacy Flash-based web video (largely obsolete). WMV is better for Legacy Windows video and DRM-protected content. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert FLV to WMV?

Go to the FLV to WMV 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 WMV to FLV?

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

Which is smaller, FLV or WMV?

File size varies depending on the content, compression method, and quality settings of each format. In general, lossy formats produce smaller files than lossless ones. Test with your specific files to compare actual sizes.

Does FLV have the same features as WMV?

FLV and WMV share some features but differ in others. Check the feature comparison table above for a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Is FLV or WMV free to use?

Both FLV and WMV 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, FLV or WMV?

FLV is newer — it was introduced in 2003, while WMV dates back to 1999. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.

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