What is the Difference Between AIFF and WAV?

06/21/2025 • Matheus Moraes

AIFF and WAV are both uncompressed audio file formats, which means they provide high-quality sound without any loss of data during compression. However, there are some differences between the two formats:

  1. Origin and Compatibility: AIFF (Audio Interface File Format) was developed by Apple and is more widely used on Mac computers, while WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) was developed by Microsoft and IBM and is more popular on Windows platforms.
  2. Metadata: AIFF files contain metadata, while WAV files usually do not.
  3. Audio Information Storage: AIFF stores audio data using PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation), which offers a high level of accuracy in representing the audio waveform. WAV files also store uncompressed audio in Linear Pulse-Code Modulation (LPCM).
  4. Popularity: WAV is more widely used than AIFF, especially in professional audio editing software and broadcasting companies.

Despite these differences, both AIFF and WAV formats provide the same sound quality, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference and compatibility with specific devices or software.

Comparative Table: AIFF vs WAV

AIFF and WAV are two popular digital audio formats that offer high-quality sound. Both formats are uncompressed and provide excellent audio quality, but there are some differences between them:

Feature AIFF WAV
Compatibility Primarily used for Macs; compatible with most media devices, but some may require an app Primarily used for Windows; compatible with most media devices
Origin Developed by Apple Developed by IBM and Microsoft
File Extension .aiff, .aif, .afc .wav
Audio Compression Lossless Lossless
File Size Larger file sizes due to lossless compression Larger file sizes due to uncompressed audio
Streaming Quality Not suitable for streaming due to large file sizes and lossless compression Not suitable for streaming due to large file sizes and uncompressed audio
Audio Editing Easy to process and edit Simple to edit and process
Metadata Difficult to add tags, but has room for metadata Can store metadata, such as artist name and album cover
Usage Audio recording, broadcasting, and professional audio editing software Audio for video, broadcasting companies, and professional audio editing software

In summary, the choice between AIFF and WAV depends on personal preference and the specific needs of your project. WAV is more widely used and compatible with both Windows and Macs, while AIFF is primarily used by Apple users. Both formats offer high-quality audio but may not be suitable for streaming due to their large file sizes and lossless compression.

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