WavPack is the hybrid lossless format — its unique lossy-plus-correction mode ships a small file that can be restored to bit-exact audio.
Typical use: Convert WV albums to FLAC for maximum compatibility.
About the WV format
WavPack's signature trick is the hybrid mode: encode once into a small lossy .wv plus a tiny .wvc correction file — together they are bit-exact lossless, apart the small file plays like a high-quality MP3. It also offers pure lossless and pure lossy modes in the same container.
Full WavPack files decode losslessly through ffmpeg into FLAC or WAV; hybrid correction files are handled by the original encoder only, so a .wvc alone cannot be restored.
Strengths
- ✓ Unique hybrid lossy+correction mode
- ✓ Fast decode, open source
- ✓ Error-robust streaming modes
Limitations
- ✗ Ratios slightly behind APE
- ✗ .wvc correction files are orphaned here
- ✗ Hardware support rare
- Structure
- wvpk frame blocks
- Types / schema
- Lossless/hybrid, up to 32-bit
- Compatibility
- ffmpeg, WavPack CLI, fb2k
- Best for
- Flexible archiving workflows
Convert WV to…
26 direct directions plus 18 workflows, sorted A–Z; 🔥 marks popular targets.
Convert other files to WV…
Cross-engine workflows
Frequently asked questions
What is a WV file?
WavPack is the hybrid lossless format — its unique lossy-plus-correction mode ships a small file that can be restored to bit-exact audio.
How do I convert WV files online?
Pick a target format from the "Convert WV to…" list below, drop your file and hit convert. Everything runs in your browser — no install, no upload, no watermark, no limits.
Is it safe to convert WV files here?
Yes. Every conversion is performed by your own device inside the browser — files never leave for a server, and the page keeps working even offline.
Which formats can WV convert to?
This page lists all 44 directions across documents, images, audio, video, spreadsheets and archives — each one is its own free converter page.