Audio Format Comparison

FLAC vs AIFF: Two Lossless Audio Formats Compared

FLAC and AIFF are both lossless audio formats — the audio quality is mathematically identical. The difference is compression and ecosystem. FLAC compresses audio data without losing any of it (like a ZIP file for audio), making it 40–60% smaller than AIFF. AIFF is Apple's uncompressed lossless format, analogous to WAV on Windows. If you're in the Apple ecosystem making music: AIFF. If you're archiving a music library for cross-platform use: FLAC.

FLACvsAIFF

Quick Verdict

Use FLAC when…

Use FLAC for music archiving, streaming platforms, and cross-platform lossless audio. FLAC is 40–60% smaller than AIFF at identical quality.

Use AIFF when…

Use AIFF in Apple DAW workflows (Logic Pro, GarageBand, Final Cut Pro) where AIFF is the native format. AIFF is also correct for professional audio production on Mac where DAW compatibility matters.

FLAC vs AIFF: Feature Comparison

Feature	FLAC	AIFF
Compression	Lossless compression (40–60% smaller than uncompressed)	Uncompressed PCM (same data as WAV)
Audio quality	Bit-perfect — identical to source	Bit-perfect — identical to source
File size (10 min CD quality)	~55 MB	~100 MB
Apple ecosystem	Limited native support — needs third-party player	Native — Logic Pro, GarageBand, QuickTime, iTunes
Cross-platform	Excellent — FLAC is the universal lossless standard	Limited — Windows doesn't support AIFF natively
Streaming services	Tidal, Qobuz use FLAC for lossless streaming	Not used by streaming services
DAW support	Supported in most DAWs	Native in Logic Pro; supported in most other DAWs

When FLAC wins

✓Compression: Lossless compression (40–60% smaller than uncompressed)
✓Audio quality: Bit-perfect — identical to source
✓File size (10 min CD quality): ~55 MB

When AIFF wins

✓Compression: Uncompressed PCM (same data as WAV)
✓Audio quality: Bit-perfect — identical to source
✓File size (10 min CD quality): ~100 MB

Frequently asked questions

Are FLAC and AIFF exactly the same quality?

Yes — both are lossless. The audio data decoded from a FLAC file and from an AIFF file of the same recording is bit-for-bit identical. FLAC compression is a reversible mathematical process that reduces file size without discarding any audio information. You can convert AIFF to FLAC and back to AIFF an infinite number of times with the result being bit-perfect each time.

Does Logic Pro support FLAC?

Yes — Logic Pro X (10.5.1 and later) added native FLAC support for both import and export. Earlier versions of Logic Pro required converting FLAC to AIFF before importing. For Logic Pro sessions prior to 10.5.1: convert FLAC to AIFF using FormatDrop before importing.

Which lossless format should I use for my music library?

FLAC — for cross-platform music libraries. It's the standard lossless format for audiophile music libraries, widely supported on Android, Windows, Linux, high-res audio players, and most streaming services that offer lossless quality. AIFF if you're a Mac-based musician who uses Logic Pro extensively and stays within the Apple ecosystem. Both are equivalent in audio quality — the choice is about file size and software compatibility.