Convert files online
Convert files online
Why convert APE to FLAC
APE (Monkey's Audio) is one of the earliest lossless audio compression formats. It compresses audio slightly better than FLAC, meaning APE files are modestly smaller at the same quality. However, APE has a significant practical problem: support. Most media players, streamers, mobile devices, and modern hardware simply cannot read it.
FLAC is an open lossless standard with an entirely different level of support. It plays in Plex, Kodi, Jellyfin, VLC, most Android players, macOS, Linux, hardware DACs, and network streamers. It is the de facto standard for lossless audio outside of Windows.
Converting APE to FLAC is a format change between two lossless containers. Audio quality does not change: lossless data transfers completely. The file will be slightly larger (FLAC compresses marginally less efficiently than APE), but it gains incomparably better compatibility.
What changes after conversion
The audio will be identical to the source APE - both formats are lossless and converting between them introduces no quality loss whatsoever. This is the fundamental difference from converting a lossy format.
What changes:
- the file opens in software and on devices that do not support APE;
- it can be added to Plex, Kodi, Jellyfin, and other media servers without additional codecs;
- it plays on Android, macOS, Linux, hardware streamers, and DACs;
- it can be uploaded to most lossless streaming platforms;
- the size increases slightly but not significantly - FLAC just compresses a little less efficiently than APE.
If you only keep an APE collection on Windows and only use software that supports APE, conversion is not necessary. If you want to open files in other environments, FLAC solves the problem.
When switching to FLAC is especially important
Media server or home network. Plex, Kodi, Jellyfin, and most NAS systems work excellently with FLAC and may not support APE or may require installing additional components.
Android devices and portable players. Most Android players (Poweramp, Neutron, USB Audio Player) and hardware players support FLAC natively. APE support is much rarer.
macOS and Linux. Built-in macOS tools and most Linux environments do not handle APE without additional packages. FLAC is supported natively.
Hardware DACs and network streamers. The vast majority of network streamers, DACs, and AV receivers support FLAC as the primary lossless format. APE is uncommon.
Lossless streaming and uploading. Tidal, Qobuz, and other platforms work with FLAC, not APE.
Common tasks and search scenarios
- cannot open APE on Android or Mac;
- APE will not play in Plex or Kodi;
- convert a lossless collection to FLAC for a media server;
- convert APE for a portable player;
- APE not accepted by a hardware DAC;
- bring a Monkey's Audio archive into FLAC;
- upload lossless audio to a streaming platform.
What to check before converting
- Verify that the source APE plays correctly - a corrupted APE file will produce a corrupted FLAC.
- Check for a CUE sheet alongside the file if this is a single large APE image of a full album - splitting into individual tracks may be needed during conversion.
- After converting, test one file on the target device or software.
Format and conversion limitations
No quality loss occurs when converting APE to FLAC - both formats are lossless. If the source APE is damaged, the FLAC output will also be damaged. FLAC files will be slightly larger: FLAC compresses less efficiently than Monkey's Audio. For regular high-volume processing, paid plans are available - current conditions are listed on the pricing page.
Related conversions
If you need a compact format for devices with limited storage, consider APE to MP3: MP3 is much smaller but uses lossy compression. If you already have FLAC files and need to make them smaller for a device, see FLAC to AAC. For the reverse if ever needed, FLAC to APE conversion is possible but rarely useful given FLAC's far broader support.
What is APE to FLAC conversion used for
Lossless collection on a media server
Plex, Kodi, and Jellyfin work excellently with FLAC and may not support APE. Converting allows adding the full collection to a media server without additional plugins or workarounds.
Portable player or smartphone
Most Android devices and hardware portable players support FLAC natively. APE tracks are converted to FLAC for unrestricted playback across devices.
Hardware DAC or network streamer
Hardware DACs, AV receivers, and network streamers from most brands treat FLAC as the primary lossless format. APE support is much rarer among these devices.
Collection archive on NAS
When storing a lossless collection on a network-attached storage device, FLAC ensures compatibility with any playback system on the home network.
Tips for converting APE to FLAC
Check for a CUE sheet
If the APE file contains a full album as a single file, there should be a CUE sheet alongside it. Make sure it is preserved: without it, splitting into individual tracks during conversion is difficult.
Test one file on the target device
After converting, verify one FLAC file on the device or in the software you are converting for. Confirm that tags and artwork display correctly before processing the full collection.
Keep the original APE files initially
FLAC from APE is identical in quality, but keep the originals until you have verified the entire converted collection. Once everything checks out, the APE copies become redundant.