What is a WMA file?
WMA (Windows Media Audio) is Microsoft's lossy audio format, once common on Windows PCs and portable players. It was introduced in 1999 by Microsoft.
What WMA is good at
- Plays in Windows Media Player
- Compact files for its era
- Accepted by older Windows-based players
Where WMA falls short
- Poor support on Mac, iPhone and Android
- Outdated compression
When to use WMA
- Older Windows-only players
- Legacy music collections
- Windows Media workflows
Where WMA files open
WMA files open in Windows Media Player, VLC and legacy portable players.
WMA compared with MP3
WMA or MP3? WMA is best for older Windows-only players. MP3 is best for music libraries and downloads. Convert WMA to MP3 or convert MP3 to WMA.
Frequently asked questions
What is a WMA file?
WMA (Windows Media Audio) is Microsoft's lossy audio format, once common on Windows PCs and portable players. It was introduced in 1999 by Microsoft.
What are the advantages of WMA?
Plays in windows media player; compact files for its era; accepted by older windows-based players.
What are the drawbacks of WMA?
Poor support on mac, iphone and android; outdated compression.
What programs open WMA files?
WMA files open in Windows Media Player, VLC and legacy portable players.
How do I convert a WMA file?
Choose the WMA converter you need from the list on this page, drop in your file and press Convert. You get your new file in seconds, free and without sign-up.