How to convert MP3 to WAV
- 1. Pick your MP3sClick Choose MP3 files or drop them onto the box. You can add one track or a whole playlist.
- 2. Set the format, then click ConvertChoose sample rate, bit depth and channels, or keep the defaults (same rate and channels as the MP3, 16-bit). Then click Convert.
- 3. Download the WAV filesUse each row's Download button, or Download all (.zip) for the lot.
First, an honest word about quality
MP3 is a lossy format: when the MP3 was made, some detail was thrown away for good. Converting it to WAV stores what's left without further compression, but it can't bring the lost detail back. The WAV will sound the same as the MP3, not better.
So why convert? Because a lot of software wants uncompressed audio. Audio editors, CD-burning programs, some DJ and sampler software, game engines and phone systems often accept WAV but not MP3, or work more smoothly with it.
MP3 vs WAV
| MP3 | WAV | |
|---|---|---|
| Created | Fraunhofer IIS and others; standardized 1993 | Microsoft and IBM, 1991 |
| Compression | Lossy | None (PCM) |
| Size of one minute, stereo | About 1.4 MB at 192 kbps | About 10 MB at 16-bit/44.1 kHz |
| Editing | Re-saving adds more loss | No loss when re-saved |
| Typical use | Listening and sharing | Editing, CD audio, pro software |
Which settings to choose
You get three options. If you're not sure, the defaults are safe: the WAV keeps the MP3's own sample rate and channels, at 16-bit.
- For an audio CD: 44.1 kHz, 16-bit, Stereo. That's the Red Book CD standard, and burning software accepts it without resampling.
- For video projects: 48 kHz is the usual rate for video, so pick it to match your timeline.
- For editing and mixing: 24-bit gives more headroom while you process the audio. It doesn't add detail to an MP3 source, and the files are 50% bigger.
- For phone systems or voice prompts: Mono halves the size and is often required. Check the exact sample rate your system needs.
How big will the WAV be?
WAV size depends only on the settings, not on the MP3's bitrate. One minute of 16-bit, 44.1 kHz stereo is about 10.6 MB. At 48 kHz it's about 11.5 MB, and 24-bit adds another half. Mono halves any of these. At CD settings, a WAV is about seven times the size of a 192 kbps MP3.
Each row shows the original and the new size once it's done. Going the other way to save space? Use the tool that shrinks WAV files back to MP3.
Burning an audio CD from MP3s
Many burning programs can take MP3s directly and convert them as they burn. If yours can't, or you want control, convert here at 44.1 kHz, 16-bit, Stereo and add the WAVs to your burner's audio CD project. A standard CD holds about 74–80 minutes of audio, however you supply it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert MP3 to WAV at 16-bit 44.1 kHz?
Add your MP3s, set Sample rate to 44.1 kHz, Bit depth to 16-bit and Channels to Stereo, then click Convert. That's exactly CD audio format.
Does converting MP3 to WAV improve the sound?
No. It can't restore detail the MP3 discarded. The WAV sounds the same as the MP3; it's just uncompressed and accepted by more pro software.
Should I choose 16-bit or 24-bit?
16-bit for CDs and general use. 24-bit only if your editing software or workflow asks for it; with an MP3 source it adds file size, not detail.
Can I use these WAV files to make an audio CD?
Yes. Choose 44.1 kHz, 16-bit, Stereo and add the files to an audio CD project in your burning software.
Are my MP3 files uploaded?
No. Conversion happens on your device and your files are never uploaded. The page itself loads code, ads and cookieless analytics, but no audio is sent anywhere. Learn how to check.
Why is the WAV so much bigger than the MP3?
WAV stores every sample uncompressed, about 10 MB per minute at CD quality, while an MP3 compresses the same minute to 1–2.4 MB.
Can I convert a whole folder of MP3s?
Yes. Select or drop all the files, click Convert once and save them with Download all (.zip). There's no file-count limit.
Does the WAV keep the MP3's tags?
Mostly. With Metadata on Keep (the default), title, artist, album, year, genre, track and comment are written to the WAV's INFO chunk, which most players and editors read. WAV has no standard place for cover art, so that's left out. Choose Remove for a WAV without tags.