FLAC Alternatives
FLAC
FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec, an audio format similar to MP3, but lossless, meaning that audio is compressed in FLAC without any loss in quality. This is similar to how Zip works, except with FLAC you will get much better compression because it is designed specifically for audio, and you can play back compressed FLAC files in your favorite player (or your car or home stereo, see supported devices) just like you would an MP3 file.
FLAC stands out as the fastest and most widely supported lossless audio codec, and the only one that at once is non-proprietary, is unencumbered by patents, has an open-source reference implementation, has a well documented format and API, and has several other independent implementations.
Best Open Source FLAC Alternatives
Looking for a program that is like FLAC? We have our top picks here. If you need another program that has some of the features of FLAC on your device, read what we recommend in this post.
Vorbis
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxOgg Vorbis is a fully open, general-purpose compressed audio format for mid to high quality (8kHz-48.0kHz, 16+ bit, polyphonic) audio and music at fixed and variable...
Opus Interactive Audio Codec
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxOpus is a totally open, royalty-free, highly versatile audio codec. Opus is unmatched for interactive speech and music transmission over the Internet, but also intended...
Matroska
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxAndroidThe Matroska Multimedia Container is an open standard free container format, a file format that can hold an unlimited number of video, audio, picture, or subtitle tracks...
Apple Lossless
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsApple Lossless (also known as ALAC) is an audio codec developed by Apple Inc. for lossless data compression of digital music. Apple Lossless data is stored within an...
WavPack
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxWavPack is a completely open audio compression format providing lossless, high-quality lossy, and a unique hybrid compression mode. Although the technology is loosely...
Upvote Comparison
Interest Trends
FLAC Reviews
Add your reviews & share your experience when using FLAC to the world. Your opinion will be useful to others who are looking for the best FLAC alternatives.