FLAC vs Apple Lossless : Which is Better?

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

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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

FLAC VS Apple Lossless

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.

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

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

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