Articles

Guides

How to tell if a FLAC is really lossless

Five clues that separate a genuine lossless file from an MP3 in a FLAC wrapper — and how to read the difference on a spectrogram.

Guides

How to tell if a WAV was upscaled

A WAV's size tells you nothing about its quality. Spotting inflated sample rates, padded bit depths, and WAVs made from MP3s.

Guides

How to check an MP3's real bitrate

Why 320 kbps on the label doesn't mean 320 kbps of music, and how CBR and VBR muddy the reading.

Guides

How to check an AAC or M4A file

An .m4a can be lossy AAC or lossless ALAC — same extension, different worlds. Plus how HE-AAC fakes its high frequencies.

Reference

Audio glossary

Bitrate, Nyquist, dither, transcoding, SBR and the rest — defined in plain language, with no marketing attached.

Reference

How to view a spectrogram

Nyquist frequency, sample rate, and the peak-to-Nyquist ratio — with a reference spectrogram for every format: MP3, AAC, Ogg, Opus, FLAC, ALAC, WAV and AIFF.

Fundamentals

What is a truly lossless file?

Lossless gets thrown around a lot. Here's what it actually means — and why a FLAC file isn't always what it claims to be.

Fundamentals

What are the benefits of lossless audio?

Beyond the marketing: the real, practical reasons lossless is worth caring about (and when it isn't).

Listening

Can you tell the difference between lossy and lossless?

The honest answer, the science of ABX testing, and why your brain loves to trick you.

Sources

Where can I find lossless audio (legally)?

Streaming services, download stores, and the CDs you forgot you owned — a roundup of legitimate lossless sources.

Gear

What type of hardware is best for lossless?

Headphones, DACs, stereo systems, and where your money actually makes a difference.

Audio quality

How does WhatsMyBitrate work?

A peek under the hood: spectral analysis, Nyquist frequencies, and how we sniff out upscaled files.

Audio quality

What was the motivation to start WhatsMyBitrate and make it open source?

It started with a suspicious "FLAC" file. Here's the story.

Audio quality

What is a 128kbps MP3 Audio?

What 128kbps MP3 means, how compression affects sound quality, and when it is a practical choice.

Audio quality

How Much Bitrate Do I Need for Good Quality Audio?

Learn how much bitrate you need for good quality audio, and how different bitrates affect the listening experience across various devices and scenarios.

Audio quality

How Much Bitrate Do YOU Need for Good Quality Audio?

Learn how much bitrate you need for good quality audio, and how different bitrates affect the listening experience across various devices and scenarios.

Audio quality

How to Know if a Downloaded Song is Fake Quality

Learn how to identify fake quality songs and avoid downloading low-quality files that can ruin your listening experience.

Audio quality

Why Does Spotify Sound Different Than Tidal?

Learn why Spotify and Tidal sound different, and what factors contribute to these differences in audio quality.

Audio quality

Why Does My MP3 Sound Bad at 320kbps?

Learn why your MP3 might sound bad at 320kbps, and how different factors can affect the quality of your audio files.

Audio quality

Hi-Res Audio Streaming Services Compared: Which One Is Worth It?

Compare the best hi-res audio streaming services and determine which one offers the best value for your music listening needs.

Audio quality

Best Streaming Service for Lossless Audio Quality: What Should You Choose?

Discover the best streaming services for lossless audio quality. Learn about the features and benefits of each service to make an informed decision.

Audio quality

Best Headphones for High Resolution Audio: How to Actually Hear What You’re Paying For

Discover the best headphones for high resolution audio. Learn about the features and benefits of each pair to make an informed decision.

Audio quality

Best DAC for Lossless Audio: A Complete Guide

Discover the best DACs for lossless audio. Learn about the features and benefits of each model to make an informed decision.

Audio quality

CBR vs VBR Bitrate: Understanding the Difference

Learn about the differences between CBR and VBR bitrates and how they affect audio quality.

Audio quality

Best Audio Format for Quality: A Comprehensive Guide

Learn about the best audio formats for quality and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Audio quality

ABX Testing: A Complete Guide

Learn about ABX testing and how it can help you determine the best audio formats for quality.

Audio quality

Lossless vs Lossy: How to Test What You Can Actually Hear

Learn about the differences between lossless and lossy audio formats and how to test what you can actually hear.

Audio quality

What is a Spectrogram?

Learn about spectrograms and how they can help you visualize and analyze audio signals.

Audio quality

What is the Nyquist Frequency?

Learn about the Nyquist frequency and how it affects audio sampling and reproduction.

Audio quality

How to Spot a Transcode on a Spectrogram

Learn how to identify transcoded audio in spectrograms and understand the differences between original and transcode files.

Audio quality

What is a Spectrogram? A Guide to Understanding and Using Spectrograms

Learn what a spectrogram is, how it's used to analyze audio, and how it can help identify fake or lossless transcoded audio files.

Audio quality

How to Read a Spectrogram: A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Audio

Learn how to read a spectrogram and understand the frequency content of audio over time.

Audio quality

What is a Spectrogram in Audio?

Learn what a spectrogram is and how it's used in audio analysis.