Free online AAC to ALAC converter

Understanding AAC and ALAC file formats

AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is a lossy audio compression format widely used for streaming and storing music. It offers good sound quality at lower bitrates and is commonly found in platforms like Apple Music and YouTube.

ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) is a lossless audio format developed by Apple. Unlike AAC, ALAC compresses audio without any loss in quality, making it ideal for audiophiles and those who want to preserve the original sound fidelity.

Why convert AAC to ALAC?

Converting from AAC to ALAC is useful if you want to maintain compatibility with Apple devices while preserving as much audio quality as possible. However, note that converting a lossy AAC file to a lossless ALAC file will not restore any audio data lost during the original AAC compression.

Best software for AAC to ALAC conversion

XLD (X Lossless Decoder) is a highly recommended tool for Mac users. It supports both AAC and ALAC formats and offers batch conversion with high accuracy.

For Windows users, fre:ac is a reliable, open-source audio converter that supports AAC to ALAC conversion.

How to convert AAC to ALAC using XLD

1. Download and install XLD from the official website.
2. Open XLD and go to XLD → Preferences.
3. Set the output format to Apple Lossless.
4. Drag and drop your AAC files into the XLD window.
5. Click File → Convert to start the conversion process.

How to convert AAC to ALAC using fre:ac

1. Download and install fre:ac from the official website.
2. Launch fre:ac and add your AAC files to the job list.
3. Select Apple Lossless Encoder as the output format.
4. Click Start Encoding to begin the conversion.

Conclusion

Converting AAC to ALAC is straightforward with tools like XLD and fre:ac. While the conversion won't improve audio quality, it ensures compatibility with Apple devices and preserves the current quality in a lossless format.