Among lossless audio formats, FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) has long since taken over, while the others are gradually leaving the scene. Indeed, a couple of percent difference in file size will not make me switch to another little-known codec. But when it comes to a difference of several times, it will not leave you indifferent. True, for this you will have to switch to lossy codes. And in this case, an alternative can be MP3 - the most universally supported format on all devices and platforms.
But is it worth sacrificing quality for size when converting FLAC files to MP3? The answer to this question depends on your specific needs, the equipment used for listening, and of course your hearing.
In this article, we will consider the pros and cons of conversion, in which cases it may be acceptable, and when it is not. But if you're too lazy to read, the short answer is yes. If you really want FLAC, you won't care about anyone's opinion on the internet.
1 Understanding FLAC and MP3 Formats
Before deciding whether to convert FLAC to MP3, it is important to understand what each format offers.
FLAC is a lossless audio format, meaning it compresses audio data without removing any information from the original source. It is usually used to save original high-resolution CDs or DVDs. It is basically a ZIP-like archiver, and as you know, archivers do not compress audio well. This results in large FLAC files, but it also guarantees studio-quality sound. Audiophiles value this format for its support for arbitrary sampling rates, which is still rare. In my opinion, the support for bit depths from 8 to 32 bits is excessive, since all the files I have encountered were 16 or 24 bits. The number of channels is limited to 8, which is enough for surround sound, although FLAC is rarely used in video files.
MP3, on the other hand, is a lossy format, meaning it compresses audio by removing certain frequencies that the human ear can't hear. This greatly increases the compression ratio while still providing acceptable quality, which at high bit rates is close to CD. But the codec's age is showing - the sampling rate is limited to 48,000 Hz, and the number of channels cannot exceed 2.
While FLAC is ideal for archiving and critical listening, MP3 excels in portability, compatibility, and storage efficiency, making it more practical for everyday use.
2 Pros of Converting FLAC to MP3
There are several compelling reasons why someone might choose to convert FLAC files to MP3:
Of course, the first consideration would be reduced file size. FLAC file sizes can be reduced by up to six times when converted to MP3 of comparable perceived quality. For reference, 192kbps MP3 is considered "transparent" for most people. For users with limited storage space or who regularly stream music, converting to MP3 helps them manage their collection more efficiently.
Next in importance would be improved device compatibility. Many portable music players, car stereos, and older smartphones either don't support FLAC natively or require additional software to play it. MP3, however, is nearly universal, providing smooth playback on virtually any system.
MP3 files also tend to work better with streaming services, cloud storage, and social media platforms that often compress downloaded content. Having an MP3 version allows for smoother integration with these tools.
3 Cons of Converting FLAC to MP3
Despite its advantages, converting FLAC to MP3 has some disadvantages - especially when it comes to sound quality.
Even just looking at the technical specifications, you can see that the sampling frequency of 48000 Hz is not enough to store DVD Audio or MQA recordings. I will not start a holy war on this topic, I will simply state this as a fact.
Since MP3 is a lossy format, some data is irretrievably lost. The maximum bit rate is limited to 320 kbps and by modern standards this is already on the verge of sufficiency. You can switch to more modern codecs and convert FLAC to AAC or OPUS, but then we will lose one of the above-mentioned advantages, namely excellent compatibility.
An equally important disadvantage is the inevitable deterioration in sound quality after editing or recoding. Yes, banal deletion of silence at the beginning of a song or increasing the volume will lead to negative effects. At a minimum, you will need to carry out all manipulations in one editing session, but the ideal solution is to use lossless codecs.
Finally, I would like to note the lack of support for multi-channel sound. You can, of course, look for a Pro Logic encoder to preserve surround sound, but I have not yet encountered any.
4 So is it worth it?
So, we are faced with a difficult choice between sound quality and file size. Size can be measured in megabytes, but how can we measure the difference in quality?
Let's try to reason from the opposite - who won't notice this difference? We can immediately cross out audiophiles - some of them do not even recognize FLAC and use only uncompressed WAV.
Ordinary people can be divided into two categories - those who evaluate the sound themselves and those who have heard that "lossy compression is always bad". In 99% of cases, during blind testing, people do not notice the difference between FLAC and MP3 320 kbps.
The difference will be most noticeable in classical music. Instruments whose sound affects high frequencies, such as cymbals, are very inconvenient for MP3. The difference can be noticed here, but again, when using high-quality equipment and a quiet room. Cheap headphones or a noisy street reduce all the differences to nothing. And don't forget that with age, human hearing weakens and loses sensitivity to high frequencies.
Thus, we can conclude that MP3 can suit almost everyone. FLAC is needed to a greater extent by professionals and connoisseurs of sound with good audio equipment. But I doubt that they will read my article - for them, file size does not matter.
5 Convert FLAC to MP3 the right way
If you decide that converting FLAC to MP3 is right for you, the first step is to choose a high-quality encoder. Programs like Audio Converter Plus offer excellent conversion tools that support resampling and minimize compression artifacts. You can find more detailed instructions at the link above.
When setting the bit rate, aim for at least 256 kbps. You can also choose variable bit rate (VBR mode) encoding, which will save a little bit of space without sacrificing quality. These settings should be suitable for almost all users.
It is also a good idea to have a backup copy of the original FLAC files. If you bought them from an online store, you can always download them again. If you decide later that some songs are too compressed, you can convert them again with different settings.
If you choose a free converter, check that metadata such as artist names, album titles, and track numbers are preserved during the conversion. If the data is transferred incorrectly, the free ID3 Tag Editor can help you edit or restore tags after conversion.
6 Conclusion
At the end of the day, whether you convert FLAC to MP3 or not just depends on what you personally prefer and how you're going to use it. If you're always on the go and like to listen to music while you're jogging, then MP3 is a great choice, especially when encoding at high bitrates.
But if you're an audiophile, musician, or someone who values every nuance in a recording, sticking with FLAC is your best bet for preserving the integrity of the original audio.
Most users should go for a balanced approach: keep FLAC files for archiving and critical listening, and convert them to MP3 for everyday mobile use, streaming, or sharing.
With the right kit and settings, you can have your cake and eat it by preserving audio quality where it matters and making it as usable as possible.