Does converting MP3 to WAV improve the quality?

No. The WAV holds exactly what the MP3 had, uncompressed. It's useful for editing and for systems that need WAV.

Why is the WAV so much bigger?

WAV isn't compressed: every sample is stored, about 10 MB a minute at CD quality.

16-bit, unless the software you're using asks for 24-bit.

MP3 to WAV Converter

Convert MP3 files to WAV in your browser — nothing is uploaded.

MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A, M4B, MP4, AAC, OGA or WEBA, one or many. Drop them here or paste with ⌘V / Ctrl+V. Choose what each becomes on its row.

Runs on your device. Files are read and converted in your browser and aren't uploaded.

MP3

Lossy
Plays everywhere
Small files

The audio format almost everything plays. MP3 makes small files by leaving out detail most ears won't miss, which makes it the safe choice for music, podcasts and voice notes you want to share, upload or keep on a phone.

MP3 Converter — convert MP3 files to any format

WAV

Lossless
Uncompressed
Made for editing

Sound stored exactly as it was recorded, with no compression. WAV files are big — about 10 MB a minute at CD quality — but every editor, DAW and computer opens them, so they're the standard for recording, editing and handing over masters.

WAV Converter — convert WAV files to any format

Learn more about converting MP3 to WAV

When you'd do this

An editor, a phone system, a broadcast playout, a sampler or a CD burning app wants WAV, or you're about to edit and don't want each save to lose a little more.

What to expect

A 4-minute MP3 at 192 kbps is about 5.5 MB. The WAV is about 40 MB at 16-bit (about 61 MB at 24-bit) — about seven times the size, holding exactly the sound the MP3 had.

Recommended settings

16-bit (the default). An MP3 holds nothing a 24-bit WAV would keep; use 24-bit only if the software you're handing it to asks for it.

Where it plays

Every editor (Audacity, GarageBand, Premiere, Logic, Pro Tools), Windows, macOS, iTunes, phones and browsers.

Good to know

It won't improve the sound: what the MP3's compression removed is gone. The WAV just stops further loss.
An MP3 can be up to 100 MB and 30 minutes long, because it's decoded whole in memory.
The WAV keeps the MP3's sample rate (usually 44.1 kHz).

How to do it

Choose your MP3 files, or drop them on the page — as many as you like.
Each is set to WAV. Change one on its own row if you like, and the bit depth and the channels in Settings.
Convert all, then download each WAV, or all of them in one .zip.

Questions

Does converting MP3 to WAV improve the quality?: No. The WAV holds exactly what the MP3 had, uncompressed. It's useful for editing and for systems that need WAV.
Why is the WAV so much bigger?: WAV isn't compressed: every sample is stored, about 10 MB a minute at CD quality.
16-bit or 24-bit?: 16-bit, unless the software you're using asks for 24-bit.
How long can the MP3 be?: Up to 100 MB and 30 minutes.