File Format Guide
What is a .AAC file?
The AAC format (short for Advanced Audio Coding) is an audio format that uses lossy compression, trading some fine detail for much smaller files. It acts as a container that packages audio together for playback. AAC files open natively in every modern web browser.
.AAC at a glance
| Category | Audio |
|---|---|
| Type | Audio |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Open standard | No |
| Opens in web browsers | Yes |
| Typical file size | Small |
How to open a .AAC file
You can open AAC files with Apple devices, most players, and browsers. If a program on your device cannot read one, the quickest fix is to convert it to a more common format — no software install required.
AAC pros and cons
Strengths
- better quality than MP3 at the same bitrate
- the standard for Apple and streaming
- efficient and widely supported
Limitations
- lossy compression
- slightly less universal than MP3
What .AAC files are used for
- streaming audio
- Apple Music and iTunes
- mobile playback
Need to convert a .AAC file?
Convert AAC to and from other formats free in your browser — no signup to start, no watermarks.
Open the AAC Converter