MP3 vs WAV: which audio format should you use?

Choose between a smaller delivery file and an easier editing source.

MP3

MP3 uses lossy compression to make audio much smaller. It is convenient for sharing and playback, but exporting an MP3 repeatedly can accumulate audible loss.

WAV

WAV commonly stores uncompressed PCM audio. It is larger, but useful for editing, further processing and predictable compatibility. WAV is not automatically better if the source was already a lossy recording.

Choose by task

• Use MP3 when size and broad playback matter.
• Use WAV when you need to edit, analyze or archive a working export.
• Keep the original source when it is available.

Use Trim Audio & Fade to create a local WAV export, or Extract Audio from Video for a video source.