Convert MP4 to WAV Free - Best Tools and Step-by-Step Guide

Ever watched a video and wanted to save just the audio track? Maybe it's a song from a concert clip, a voice note, or a sound effect you need for a project. One of the best ways to do this is to convert MP4 to WAV, since WAV files keep the audio uncompressed and in the highest possible quality. Unlike MP4, which mixes video and audio, WAV focuses purely on sound, making it perfect for editing, music production, or professional use. This guide will show you everything from understanding formats to the best tools for conversion.

Part 1. What is MP4 & WAV

What is MP4

MP4 is among the most common container formats used to store digital multimedia content, including videos and audio. It can also store subtitles, images, and metadata, making it one of the most used and versatile file types today. Thanks to the unique MP4 compression method, quality and file size are well balanced. MP4 file compression is the reason why MP4 file formats are widely used in streaming, video sharing and playback on mobile devices.

What is WAV

Developed by Microsoft and IBM, the WAV file, short for Waveform Audio File Format, is an uncompressed file format used for storing audio data. WAV file formats capture audio in its raw form, which results in the best sound quality but also large sizes. Because of the high fidelity of audio, WAV files are often used for sound editing, music production and broadcasting.

Comparison Table

Part 2. Convert MP4 to WAV with Best Sound Quality

If you need to extract audio from MP4 videos, the most reliable tool is AVAide Video Converter. It is an all-in-one converter that can handle more than 300 video and audio formats, making each conversion more flexible and efficient. AVAide Video Converter can convert videos to WAV audio files while maintaining the best possible audio quality, even for professional editors, as it is optimally designed for super-fast conversion speeds and ease of use.

Step 1Download and Install

Visit the official site of AVAide and download the program that meets your OS requirements. Follow the steps provided to complete the installation process.

Step 2Run the Software and Upload the Video

Once open, click on the Add Files tab. Upload the MP4 file, or if you are looking for batch conversion, upload multiple MP4 files.

Step 3Choose WAV

On the Output Format option, click the dropdown button and choose Audio > WAV. You can also choose the audio quality and bitrate you want in the profile settings.

Step 4Modify Audio Parameters

You can also remove any unwanted audio segments, adjust the volume, or cut the video to capture the particular audio in WAV format.

Step 5Initiate the Conversion

Select the destination folder where you want the WAV file to be saved. Afterwards, click on Convert All to start the MP4 to WAV conversion. The program will work in a timely manner and keep the sound quality of the file at its best.

Part 3. Transform MP4 to WAV for Free

Free MP4 to WAV converters make it easy to extract high-quality audio without investing in paid software. Whether you prefer a downloadable program or an online solution, there are reliable tools that deliver excellent results. In this section, we'll explore three popular free options and guide you through the steps to convert MP4 files into WAV effortlessly.

1. Audacity

Audacity is a free, open-source audio editing tool that also works as a converter. While it cannot play video, it can extract and convert the audio from MP4 files into WAV format. This makes it a great option for users who need professional-quality audio editing along with basic conversion features. For users handling older formats, pairing it with a tool that converts ASF to MP4 ensures broader compatibility before editing in Audacity.

Step 1The very first step is to download and install Audacity from the official site.

Step 2Open the software and in the top menu, select File > Import > Audio.

Step 3Click on the MP4 audio you want to open and load its audio track.

Step 4After it has been imported and shows on the screen, click on the top left side of the screen, File > Export > Export As and select WAV.

Step 5Set the location where you want to store the output and select the audio WAV option, then click the Save button.

2. VLC Media Player

VLC is one of the most downloaded and free media players, available on multiple platforms. In addition to playing audio and visual files, VLC can convert MP4 files to WAV files, which is fantastic if you already have the converter on your devices.

Step 1Start by downloading and installing VLC Media Player if you do not have it yet.

Step 2Launch VLC and proceed to Media, then Convert/Save.

Step 3Click on Add and choose the MP4 file that you would like to convert.

Step 4Click on Convert/Save, and then select Audio > WAV from the profiles.

Step 5Click Start to begin the conversion after choosing the folder and file you want to save the conversion as.

3. CloudConvert

CloudConvert is a free conversion tool available online. It can convert files from and to over 200 different formats, including MP4 to WAV. This truly online-based tool does not require installation and can be used on any device with an internet connection.

Step 1Open any browser and go to the CloudConvert site.

Step 2Click on the File button and upload the MP4 file you have.

Step 3Choose WAV from the Convert to dropdown as the desired output.

Step 4Change any other settings like audio length or bitrate.

Click the Convert button, let the conversion complete, and then download the file in WAV format.

Bonus Part: Want to Convert WAV to MP4 with a Picture?

Social media platforms only accept videos, which makes direct WAV audio sharing impossible. AVAide Video Converter allows you to add a background image to a WAV file and export it as a professional video so you can convert WAV to MP4.

Step 1Open The Tool and Select the MV Tab

The software should be opened on your computer, and you should press the MV feature, which is between the Convert option on your main dashboard.

Step 2WAV Audio File

In the MV workspace, click the + button and upload a WAV file. The audio will automatically be placed on the MV timeline.

Step 3Background Image

Go to the media area and click the + button to upload a photo or image that will be the background of the video.

Step 4Stretch the Image to the Length of the Audio

Shrink or stretch the image duration in the timeline so it ends with the WAV file.

Step 5Add Themes or Text

You can select a theme, add transitions, and text to make your video more visually appealing.

Step 6Export as MP4

Click Export, select MP4, choose a resolution, then hit Start Export to save your new video.

By Sylvie Hyde on Sep 19, 2025