15 April 2023

Pros and cons of FLAC

The free lossless audio codec also known as FLAC is a lossless audio coding format that was created by the Xiph.org foundation and published in 2001. Be aware that the OGG multimedia file container was created and introduced by the xiph.org foundations well.

The main benefit of FLAC compresses the audio file, is a lossless audio format, Free and open source whereas the drawback of FLAC audio file format is that file size is larger in size than MP3, which is about 90% larger than MP3 audio files.

Some pros and cons of FLAC audio file format are discussed below. So let us check out its pros and cons to know more about FLAC and other audio formats.

Pros of  FLAC

  • Audio format is a lossless coding
  • High sound quality
  • Free and open-source
  • Suitable for archiving
  • Relatively smaller in size
  • For Music Production
Cons of FLAC
  • Relatively large file size
  • Limited Compatibility
  • Unsuitable for streaming

Pros of FLAC audio file format  | Advantages of FLAC audio format

Audio format is a lossless coding

This format was created for lossless coding. In contrast to lossy formats and standards like MP3 and AAC, it encodes an audio source or audio file into a particular file format without erasing the original audio data.

High sound quality

Another benefit of FLAC is that it can compress or encode audio files while maintaining high sound quality, much like WAV and AIFF file formats. This is a result of the codec's status as a lossless audio codec.

Free and open-source

No licenses are required for individual or institutional users to use this codec. Smaller software developers, device manufacturers, and record producers can all benefit from these cost advantages.

Suitable for archiving

One of FLAC's main uses is that audio files can be stored or archived using this format. Because it preserves the original audio data and generates relatively small file sizes, it is a useful audio codec.

Relatively smaller in size

In comparison to WAV and AIFF audio files, the audio file created using this audio codec is relatively smaller in size. Because of this codec is perfect and practical for sharing and storing.

For music production

This audio codec is also appropriate for tasks related to making music, including audio-video editing, sound engineering, digitising analogue music, and music or sound editing and mixing.

Cons of  FLAC Audio format | Disadvantages of FLAC audio format

Relatively large file size

An audio file encoded with the free lossless audio codec has a file size that is about 90% larger than an MP3 audio file. AAC files, which can be even smaller in size than an MP3 file are the same.

Limited Compatibility

Keep in mind that this audio codec is not as widely used as more common formats or codecs like MP3 and AAC. This implies that there may be compatibility problems with these encoded audio files.

Unsuitable for streaming

Another drawback of FLAC is that it creates large-sized audio files, making it unsuitable for streaming audio content. The on-demand streaming application that the OGG container format was created for.

Thank you for reading this article. Still, if you have any questions or queries on the Pros and cons of FLAC, please ask us in the comment section below.

Explore more information:

  1. Pros and cons of  MP3
  2. Pros and cons of MP4
  3. Pros and cons of WAV
  4. Pros and cons of WMA