How to Convert AAC to WAV on Mac
AAC is a lossy audio format that sounds better than MP3 at the same size, but raw .aac files aren't accepted by every player, editor or website.. Drop your AAC below to save it as a WAV – and trim it on the waveform first if you like. It all happens on your Mac.
Drop an audio file here
MP3, WAV, M4A, OGG, FLAC… · nothing is uploaded
Trimmed on your device. Your audio is never uploaded.
Step by step: Convert AAC to WAV on Mac
- 1
Open this page in Safari, Chrome or Firefox on your Mac.
- 2
Drag the file from Finder onto the box above, or click the box to choose it.
- 3
The whole file is selected by default. Drag the handles on the waveform only if you want to cut it.
- 4
Choose WAV as the format, then download. Click Download. The file is saved to your Downloads folder (Finder › Downloads, or the dock).
What changes when you convert AAC to WAV
- WAV is uncompressed, so the file will be much bigger than the AAC (about 10 MB per minute of stereo) – that's normal.
- WAV can't add back detail the AAC didn't have, but editors and DAWs handle it without any decoding problems.
About AAC and WAV
- AAC is a lossy audio format that sounds better than MP3 at the same size, but raw .aac files aren't accepted by every player, editor or website.
- WAV is uncompressed audio – exact quality, but about 10 MB per minute of stereo sound. Audio editors, DAWs and some upload forms ask for WAV.
Tips for Mac
- Works on Apple silicon and Intel Macs alike – nothing to download from the App Store.
- The file is decoded by your browser's built-in audio support. If one browser can't open it, try Chrome or Firefox.
AAC vs WAV
| AAC | WAV | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | None (PCM) |
| Best for | Streaming and phone audio | Editing, mastering and sound effects |
| Support | Most modern devices; patchy in older software | Universal on computers |
Frequently asked questions
Does converting AAC to WAV reduce quality?
No. WAV is uncompressed, so no further quality is lost.
Can I cut the audio at the same time?
Yes. Drag the start and end handles on the waveform, preview it, and add a fade in or out if you want.
Is my audio uploaded to a server?
No. The conversion runs in your browser using your device's own processor, so your audio never leaves your device. You can even disconnect from the internet once the page has loaded.
Where does the converted file go on my Mac?
Click Download. The file is saved to your Downloads folder (Finder › Downloads, or the dock).
Need more options? Open the full Audio Trimmer tool →