Convert WAV to WMA
Convert any audio file to WMA format online for free. Fast, secure, and easy-to-use audio to WMA converter with no software installation required.
Drag & Drop Audio File
or click below to browse
Max file size: 50 MBMax duration: 30 min
Sign up for increased limitsA free account gets you up to 50 MB and 30 min.
Why Choose Scriptivox WAV to WMA Converter?
Fast Conversion
Our powerful servers process your files quickly, delivering converted files in seconds.
100% Free
Convert your files completely free with no hidden costs or subscription fees.
Secure & Private
Your files are encrypted and automatically deleted after conversion. We never store or share your data.
No Installation
Works directly in your web browser. No software download or installation required.
How to Use WAV → WMA
Upload File
Drag and drop your WAV file or click to browse. Supports files up to 1GB.
Convert
Select WMA as your output format and click convert. Our servers will process your file instantly.
Download
Download your converted file instantly. The download link expires in 1 hour for security.
WAV vs WMA: format comparison
How the two formats differ on the things that change your result.
| Specification | WAV (source) | WMA (result) |
|---|---|---|
| Container | RIFF WAVE | ASF |
| Developed by | Microsoft / IBM | Microsoft |
| Introduced | 1991 | 1999 |
| Audio codecs | PCM | WMA, WMA Pro |
| Compression | Uncompressed | Lossy |
| Max sample rate | 192 kHz | 48 kHz |
| Max channels | 8 | 8 |
| Gapless playback | Yes | No |
| Metadata / tags | RIFF INFO (limited) | ASF / WM tags |
| Approx. file size | 10–32 MB per minute | 0.48–1.44 MB per minute |
| Licensing | Royalty-free | Proprietary |
| Plays natively on | Native: Web browsers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android · Needs a player: Smart TVs | Native: Windows · Needs a player: macOS, iOS, Android |
| Best for | studio editing, mastering, sample libraries | Windows media libraries, legacy archives |
What changes when you convert WAV to WMA
Converting WAV to WMA trades detail for size, and the trade is permanent. Encode at the top of the 64 to 192 kbps range if the file will be edited again later. Size falls from about 21 MB per minute to around 1 MB per minute.
This direction reduces compatibility rather than improving it, with 4 platforms losing native support. It is the right choice for a specific workflow, not for sharing widely.
WAV can carry sample rates up to 192 kHz, but WMA tops out at 48 kHz. High-resolution sources are resampled down on the way through.
Gapless playback does not carry over. WAV plays continuously across tracks; WMA inserts a short silence at the boundaries, which is audible on live albums and DJ mixes.
This conversion moves the file toward a different purpose: WAV suits studio editing, mastering, sample libraries, whereas WMA is chosen for Windows media libraries, legacy archives.
About WAV to WMA Conversion
Converting WAV to WMA means moving audio out of the RIFF WAVE container, introduced in 1991, and into ASF, which arrived in 1999. The two were designed with different priorities, and that is what determines whether this conversion costs you quality, storage, or compatibility.
Developed by Microsoft / IBM in 1991, WAV stores audio using PCM. That codec choice sets the upper bound on what any conversion can preserve.
WMA, from Microsoft and dating to 1999, uses WMA, WMA Pro and plays natively on 1 of the six platform categories we track. That combination is usually why people convert into it.
After converting your file, you can use Scriptivox transcription services to convert your audio to text. Perfect for meetings, interviews, podcasts, and more.
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