Free online MP3 to WAV converter

Audio editors, video applications, samplers, and some hardware devices require PCM audio in a .wav file instead of a compressed .mp3. Converting provides the required file format for editing, playback, or transfer, but it cannot restore audio data removed during MP3 encoding.

What the MP3 format is

MP3 is a lossy audio format that reduces file size by discarding audio information judged less audible. Music players, phones, download services, CD-ripping software, voice recorders, and audio editors commonly create or export .mp3 files. Its small size makes it suitable for playback, sharing, and general music storage.

What the WAV format is

WAV is an audio container commonly used for uncompressed PCM audio. It is supported by professional audio editors, video software, game engines, samplers, broadcast systems, and hardware that requires direct waveform data. A PCM WAV avoids another lossy encoding step and commonly uses 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rates with 16- or 24-bit samples, but it requires much more storage than MP3. WAV can also contain other audio encodings, so the extension alone does not guarantee uncompressed audio.

How to convert the file

Using 101convert

1. Open the MP3-to-WAV converter on 101convert.com; it can be used for free without installing software.
2. Select the source .mp3 file from your device.
3. Choose WAV as the output format and start the conversion.
4. Download the resulting .wav file after processing finishes.

Do not upload confidential recordings unless the service's storage, processing, and retention policies are suitable for that material.

Using FFmpeg

FFmpeg provides a repeatable desktop conversion from the command line. Run this command in the folder containing the source file:

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -c:a pcm_s16le output.wav

The pcm_s16le encoder creates 16-bit little-endian PCM, a broadly compatible WAV format. FFmpeg normally preserves the input sample rate and channel count; specify them when the destination requires fixed settings:

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -ar 44100 -ac 2 -c:a pcm_s16le output.wav

Replace input.mp3 and output.wav with the actual filenames. Enclose filenames in quotation marks when they contain spaces. Use pcm_s24le instead of pcm_s16le only when a workflow specifically requires 24-bit PCM; increasing the bit depth does not restore MP3 detail.

Using Audacity

1. Open the file through File → Import → Audio.
2. Set the project sample rate in the project audio settings if the destination requires a specific rate.
3. Choose File → Export Audio, select WAV, and choose a PCM encoding such as 16-bit PCM.
4. Save the exported file with a .wav extension.

Quality and compatibility limits

Decoding MP3 produces PCM samples, but the decoder cannot recreate frequencies, transients, or other detail removed by the original lossy encoding. The resulting WAV improves format compatibility, not sound quality; editing or re-encoding it cannot make it equivalent to a WAV created from the original uncompressed recording.

For broad music compatibility, use PCM WAV at 44.1 kHz, 16-bit, stereo. Use 48 kHz when the file is intended for video, or preserve the source sample rate when no application requires conversion. A PCM WAV made from a typical MP3 is several times larger than the source, so check available storage before converting many files.