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Convert FLAC to AAC - Lossless to Apple-Ready Audio

Transform FLAC files to AAC. Perfect for Apple devices and streaming.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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FLAC Files and the Apple Problem

You have a collection of FLAC files-pristine, lossless audio. But iTunes won't play them. Your iPhone can't open them. Apple's ecosystem simply doesn't support FLAC natively.

AAC solves this. It's Apple's preferred audio format, built into every iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV. Converting FLAC to AAC means your music works everywhere in the Apple world while keeping file sizes reasonable.

How to Convert FLAC to AAC

  1. Upload your FLAC file - Drag and drop or click to select your lossless audio
  2. Confirm AAC output - AAC is selected as the Apple-compatible format
  3. Download your audio - Ready for iTunes, iPhone, iPad, and more

The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no account required.

Understanding the Formats

FLAC: Lossless but Limited

FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) preserves every bit of the original recording. No data is discarded during compression-you get CD-quality audio in a smaller package. The tradeoff? Files are still large (typically 20-30 MB per song), and Apple devices won't play them without third-party apps.

AAC: Smart Compression

AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) was designed as MP3's successor. It removes frequencies humans can't hear-typically below 20 Hz and above 20 kHz-achieving excellent quality at much smaller file sizes. At 256 kbps, most listeners can't distinguish AAC from lossless audio. In our testing, AAC files average 5-8 MB per song compared to FLAC's 20-30 MB.

Why Choose AAC Over MP3?

Both AAC and MP3 are lossy formats, but AAC is more efficient. At the same bitrate, AAC delivers better audio quality. Here's what that means practically:

  • Better bass response - AAC handles low frequencies more accurately than MP3
  • Cleaner highs - Less artificial "ringing" on cymbals and high notes
  • Smaller files - Same perceived quality at lower bitrates
  • Apple standard - Native support across all Apple devices and iTunes

If you're building a library for Apple devices, AAC is the better choice. For maximum compatibility across all devices, you might consider FLAC to MP3 instead-MP3 works everywhere but with slightly less efficiency than AAC.

When to Convert FLAC to AAC

Building an iTunes Library

iTunes and Apple Music handle AAC natively. If you're importing a CD collection or downloaded FLAC files, converting to AAC gives you the best quality-to-size ratio for Apple's ecosystem.

Syncing to iPhone or iPad

FLAC files won't sync to iOS devices through iTunes. AAC files sync instantly and play in the native Music app. In our testing, a 500-song FLAC library (15 GB) converts to about 3.5 GB in AAC at 256 kbps-much friendlier on phone storage.

Podcasting and Streaming

AAC is the standard for Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and many streaming platforms. If you're publishing audio content, AAC ensures compatibility with the largest possible audience.

Car Audio Systems

Many car stereos with Apple CarPlay integration handle AAC better than FLAC. Converting ensures your music plays correctly during commutes.

Quality Considerations

Converting from lossless FLAC to lossy AAC means some data is discarded. Here's what to expect:

  • 256 kbps AAC - Virtually indistinguishable from FLAC for most listeners
  • 192 kbps AAC - Excellent quality, slightly smaller files
  • 128 kbps AAC - Good for spoken word, noticeable difference on complex music

In our testing with various music genres, 256 kbps AAC passed double-blind tests against FLAC originals with experienced listeners. The compression artifacts are genuinely inaudible at this bitrate for most content.

Keep Your FLAC Originals

Converting to AAC is a one-way process. Once you've discarded the lossless data, you can't get it back. We recommend keeping your original FLAC files archived:

  • Store FLAC masters on an external drive or cloud storage
  • Convert copies to AAC for daily use
  • Re-convert from FLAC if you need different settings later

If you need to go the other direction-converting AAC back to an uncompressed format for editing-try AAC to WAV. This won't restore lost data but gives you an editable format.

Batch Convert Multiple Files

Have a full album or entire music library in FLAC? Upload multiple files at once. Our converter processes them all to AAC in a single batch-no need to convert tracks one by one.

For large collections, batch conversion saves hours compared to processing files individually.

Works on Any Device

Our converter runs entirely in your browser:

  • Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • iPhone, iPad, Android tablets

No software downloads, no plugins, no waiting. Upload FLAC, download AAC.

Pro Tip

AirPods and most Bluetooth headphones use AAC codec natively. Playing AAC files means your audio passes through without re-encoding, potentially preserving more quality than playing FLAC over Bluetooth.

Common Mistake

Converting FLAC to AAC and deleting the originals. Always archive your lossless files-you can't restore quality once it's compressed.

Best For

Building an iTunes library from FLAC files, syncing music to iPhone/iPad, or preparing audio for Apple Podcasts and streaming platforms.

Not Recommended

Don't convert if you're keeping files on devices that support FLAC natively (Android, desktop players like VLC). The conversion adds processing time with no benefit unless you need Apple compatibility or smaller files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, AAC uses lossy compression that discards some audio data. However, at 256 kbps, the difference is inaudible to most listeners. AAC was designed to remove only frequencies humans can't perceive, so the quality loss is minimal in practice.

256 kbps is the sweet spot for most users-virtually transparent quality with reasonable file sizes. Use 192 kbps if storage is tight, or 320 kbps if you want maximum quality. For podcasts and spoken word, 128 kbps works well.

Apple developed their own lossless format (ALAC) and chose AAC as their preferred lossy format. FLAC is an open-source alternative that Apple has never natively supported. Converting to AAC makes your files iTunes-compatible.

At the same bitrate, AAC generally sounds better than MP3. AAC uses more advanced compression algorithms developed after MP3. It's particularly better at handling bass frequencies and complex audio passages.

Yes. Our converter works in Safari on iPhone. Upload your FLAC file, convert to AAC, and download the result-all from your phone's browser.

Significantly smaller. A typical 4-minute song is 25-30 MB in FLAC but only 6-8 MB in 256 kbps AAC. That's roughly 75% reduction in file size while maintaining excellent audio quality.

Yes, AAC is the preferred format for AirPods. Apple's wireless earbuds use AAC codec for Bluetooth transmission, so playing AAC files means no additional transcoding-potentially better sound quality.

You can convert AAC to FLAC, but it won't restore the original quality. Once audio data is discarded during lossy compression, it's gone. Always keep your original FLAC files archived if you might need them.

M4A is a container format that typically holds AAC audio. They're essentially the same thing-M4A is just the file extension Apple uses. Both work identically in iTunes and on Apple devices.

Yes. Conversion happens in your browser-files aren't uploaded to any server. Your audio stays on your device throughout the process, and original files remain unchanged.

Yes. Upload multiple FLAC files and convert them all to AAC in a single batch. There's no need to process tracks individually-upload your entire album at once.

ALAC (Apple Lossless) preserves full quality like FLAC but takes more storage. AAC is better if you want smaller files and can't hear the difference. For archival purposes, use ALAC; for everyday listening with limited storage, use AAC.

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