Convert MP4 to WAV Online
MP4 is a digital multimedia container that stores video, audio, subtitles, and metadata. WAV is an audio container that typically stores uncompressed PCM waveforms. AnyConvert converts MP4 to WAV securely without installing desktop software.
MP4 to WAV Converter
Convert your MP4 files to WAV format quickly and easily. Upload your file and download the result.
Max file size: 50MB
Why convert MP4 to WAV?
Switching from MP4 helps you avoid encoding high-quality h.265/av1 inside mp4 may face patent/licensing concerns. WAV excels at lossless, sample-accurate audio with no compression artifacts, making it a better fit when clients or platforms expect studio recording and mixing sessions.
Waveform Audio File Format also offers supports high sample rates (192 khz+) and bit depths (24-bit, 32-bit float). That means your converted files stay useful for studio recording and mixing sessions and sound design assets and sample libraries.
MP4 strengths
- Excellent compatibility with browsers, TVs, mobile devices, and OTT platforms
- Supports multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and chapter markers
- Efficient streaming via fragmented MP4 and adaptive bitrate protocols
WAV advantages
- Lossless, sample-accurate audio with no compression artifacts
- Supports high sample rates (192 kHz+) and bit depths (24-bit, 32-bit float)
- Widely compatible with DAWs, broadcast playout systems, and archival workflows
Key differences
| Feature | MP4 | WAV |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Uncompressed / PCM |
| Transparency / Alpha | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Typical file size | Compact (lossy compression) | Large (uncompressed data) |
| Best suited for | Web video delivery and social media uploads and Mobile playback and offline downloads | Studio recording and mixing sessions and Sound design assets and sample libraries |
| Standard | Open, royalty-free specification | Open, royalty-free specification |
Before you convert
- Keep a backup of your original file before converting so you can roll back if needed.
- Export any critical metadata (EXIF, IPTC, ID3, or captions) because WAV may not retain it.
- Review known pain points: Not ideal for lossless intermediate editing due to GOP-based compression. Adjust your source file accordingly.
- Note the target resolution and frame rate to avoid unexpected stretching or stutter.
Quality tips
- Pick a bitrate that matches your destination: 128 kbps for speech, 192–256 kbps for music, 320 kbps for archive copies.
- Download the result immediately and open it in the target application to verify everything matches expectations.
Where WAV fits best
Once you have the converted file, you can plug it straight into studio recording and mixing sessions, sound design assets and sample libraries, and audio mastering and archival deliverables. WAV is the format teams expect in those environments, so you spend less time re-exporting or explaining compatibility issues.
Common WAV use cases
- Studio recording and mixing sessions
- Sound design assets and sample libraries
- Audio mastering and archival deliverables
Tools that open WAV
- Pro Tools
- Reaper
- Audacity
Frequently asked questions
Does converting MP4 to WAV reduce quality?
No—WAV preserves the original fidelity. You still want to open the converted file once to confirm fonts, colors, or audio loudness survived the transfer.
Which bitrate should I pick for WAV?
Match the bitrate to the destination. 96–128 kbps is fine for speech, 192 kbps balances quality and size for music, and 256–320 kbps keeps critical mixes transparent.
Is there a file size limit for converting MP4?
Yes—uploads up to 150 MB convert reliably in the browser. For larger assets, split them into smaller segments first so the process stays responsive.