Audio codec checker

Upload an audio file and instantly check which codec it uses.

Codec vs container, finally answered

A file extension names the container, not the codec inside it. An .ogg can hold Vorbis or Opus; an .m4a holds AAC or ALAC; an .mkv could hold nearly anything. This tool reads the actual codec so you know what you are dealing with.

When the codec matters

Hardware compatibility questions (a car stereo that plays AAC but not Opus), platform specs that demand particular codecs, and debugging why one "MP4" plays while another does not.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my .m4a not play on an older device?

It may carry ALAC instead of AAC, or a profile the device lacks. Checking the codec is the first diagnostic step.

Does the check work on video files too?

For video containers, use the video file inspector, which reads both video and audio tracks.

Is this private?

Yes, the file is parsed locally and never uploaded.

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