FormatDrop
Audio Format

ALAC

Apple Lossless Audio Codec

ALAC is Apple's lossless audio format, stored inside an .m4a container — the same container used for AAC. It preserves 100% of the original audio data while compressing file size by 30–50% compared to uncompressed WAV or AIFF. ALAC is the lossless format of choice for Apple Music's Lossless tier, iTunes CD ripping, and audiophiles who want bit-perfect audio within the Apple ecosystem.

What is ALAC?

Developed by Apple in 2004 and open-sourced in 2011, ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) uses a lossless prediction algorithm to compress PCM audio without discarding any data. The decoded output is mathematically identical to the original recording — every sample is preserved. ALAC files use the .m4a extension (the same as AAC), distinguishable only by the codec inside. Apple Music's Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless tiers both use ALAC, delivering CD-quality (16-bit/44.1 kHz) and studio-quality (24-bit/192 kHz) audio to subscribers.

ALAC pros and cons

Advantages

  • Bit-perfect lossless audio — identical to the studio master
  • Native support in iTunes, Apple Music, iOS, macOS, tvOS
  • Smaller than WAV/AIFF (30–50% compression with no quality loss)
  • Supports 16-bit CD quality and 24-bit hi-res (up to 192 kHz)
  • Rich metadata support (tags, artwork, lyrics)
  • Open-source codec — not Apple proprietary anymore

Limitations

  • Limited native support outside Apple — Android requires third-party apps
  • Larger files than AAC or MP3 (5–10× larger at equivalent listening quality)
  • Not supported by most hi-fi DACs that support FLAC natively
  • iCloud Music Library may convert ALAC to AAC when uploading
  • Less community and tool support than FLAC in Linux/open-source ecosystems

When should you convert ALAC files?

Convert to ALAC when you want lossless audio in Apple's ecosystem — ripping CDs in iTunes, preparing music for Apple Music upload, or using an iPhone/iPad/Mac as your primary listening device. Convert from ALAC to FLAC when you want to use the files with non-Apple hardware (audiophile DACs, Android, Linux) or lossless streaming on non-Apple platforms. Never convert ALAC to MP3 or AAC unless you need a smaller file for a specific use — any such conversion permanently discards audio data.

Convert ALAC files

AUDIO-CONVERTER→

All FormatDrop conversions run entirely in your browser — no file upload, no server processing. Your files stay on your device.

ALAC FAQ

Is ALAC as good as FLAC?
Yes — both are lossless and decode to identical PCM audio. There is no difference in audio quality between ALAC and FLAC from the same master source. The only differences are ecosystem support (ALAC wins on Apple, FLAC wins elsewhere) and minor differences in metadata handling and file structure.
Can I play ALAC on Windows?
Yes, with the right software. Windows Media Player and Groove Music don't support ALAC. But foobar2000, VLC, MusicBee, and iTunes for Windows all play ALAC natively. The ALAC codec is open-source and available for any platform.
Does Apple Music stream in ALAC?
Yes. Apple Music's Lossless tier (included with all subscriptions) streams ALAC at CD quality (16-bit/44.1 kHz). Hi-Res Lossless streams at up to 24-bit/192 kHz. On iPhone, Lossless requires a wired connection or Apple's Lightning to 3.5mm adapter — Bluetooth can't transmit lossless audio.
How do I rip CDs to ALAC?
In iTunes/Music on macOS: go to Preferences → Files → Import Settings → choose 'Apple Lossless Encoder'. Insert the CD and click Import. On Windows, iTunes for Windows does the same. The result is bit-perfect rips in ALAC. For higher accuracy, consider using XLD (Mac) which verifies rips against AccurateRip.

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HEICWebPAVIFEPUBWebMOpusMP3WAVM4AFLACAACMP4AVIMKVMOVJPGPNGGIFSVGTIFFICOBMPEPSARWOGGWMVPPTXPagesPDFDOCXRAWHEVCH.264AIFFM4VWMA3GPDNGRTFPSDOGVTSFLVAIXLSXCSVZIPAPNGMIDIJPEG XLMPG/MPEGVOBM2TSAC3DTSJP2HEIFAPECBZ3G2SRTDOCPPTXLSODTODSM3URAR7ZM4BAMRTXTMOBITARGZJSONXMLYAMLKEYMTSCR2NEFMXFTGACAFASSVTTDSFRMF4VWVASFRMVBORFRW2EAC-3TTA