Apple Lossless vs FLAC : Which is Better?

Apple Lossless icon

Apple Lossless

Apple Lossless or Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC), or Apple Lossless Encoder (ALE), is an audio coding format. Developed by Apple, Inc.

License: Open Source

Categories: Audio & Music

Apps available for Mac OS X Windows

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FLAC icon

FLAC

FLAC is an audio coding format for lossless compression of digital audio. Developed by Josh Coalson

License: Open Source

Categories: Audio & Music

Apps available for Mac OS X Windows Linux Android BSD

Apple Lossless VS FLAC

Apple Lossless (ALAC) is designed for Apple ecosystem users, offering seamless integration and high-quality audio but limited compatibility outside Apple devices. In contrast, FLAC is an open-source format with broader support across platforms, making it a more versatile choice for audiophiles.

Apple Lossless

Pros:

  • Lossless compression
  • Supports metadata
  • Compatible with Apple devices
  • Seamless integration with iTunes and Apple Music
  • High audio quality

Cons:

  • Limited compatibility with non-Apple devices
  • File size can be large compared to lossy formats
  • Less widespread support compared to FLAC

FLAC

Pros:

  • Open-source format
  • Widespread compatibility across various platforms
  • Excellent audio quality
  • Supports gapless playback
  • Can be used with a variety of software and hardware

Cons:

  • File size can be large compared to lossy formats
  • Some devices may have limited support
  • Encoding and decoding can be resource-intensive

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