FLAC has become the go-to audio format for listeners who want the purest, lossless sound quality. Whether you are an audiophile with a high-end DAC, a portable DAP user, or simply want to archive your Amazon Music songs in a high-resolution format, it's natural to wonder whether Amazon Music allows you to download FLAC files directly. After all, Amazon offers HD and Ultra HD streaming, both advertised as lossless, but does that mean you can export or keep them as FLAC on your computer?
This guide explains everything you need to know about how to get FLAC from Amazon Music, including what Amazon truly offers, the limitations of Prime and Unlimited downloads, and the exact tools you can use to save Amazon Music songs locally in FLAC format. Whether you want a professional converter, a free workaround, or a comparison to help you choose the right tool, this article covers it all.
Part 1. Does Amazon Music Support FLAC?
Many listeners assume that because Amazon Music provides HD (16-bit/44.1 kHz) and Ultra HD (up to 24-bit/192 kHz) streams - both described as 'lossless' - Amazon must be delivering FLAC files behind the scenes. This is partially true, but it does not work the way users expect.
What is FLAC?
The Free Lossless Audio Compression (FLAC) emerged in 2001 as an open-source alternative to ALAC and WAV. It is also regarded as a better compression mode than the most popular MP3, which is a lossy format. FLAC is suitable for storage purposes. As MP3 compresses files by permanently removing some parts, FLAC shrinks files by reducing the size to half of a CD while maintaining all the audio quality details.
Can you download FLAC from Amazon Music Unlimited or Prime?
No. Even if you subscribe to Amazon Music Unlimited or Amazon Prime Music, you cannot download real FLAC files. Amazon uses FLAC encoding for its HD and Ultra HD streaming, but these tracks are delivered as encrypted streaming files. The Amazon Music app decodes them internally and never gives users direct access to the actual FLAC file. What you download inside the Amazon Music app is not a standard audio file but an encrypted cache file that can only be played through the official app. You cannot copy, export, or convert these cached files directly into FLAC.
Is FLAC streaming available on Amazon Music Free or Prime?
Amazon Music Free and Amazon Prime Music do not offer FLAC-quality streaming at all.
• Free tier = low-bit-rate, ad-supported streams (128kbps)
• Prime tier = standard quality (320kbps)
Only Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers can access HD/Ultra HD streams, and even then, downloads are still encrypted - not true FLAC files.
Do all tracks in the Amazon catalog offer FLAC quality?
No. Although Amazon Music promotes a large HD/Ultra HD catalog, not every track supports lossless quality. Some recordings are only available in standard definition due to licensing or master availability issues. This means even if you use a FLAC downloader, certain songs may not reach true HD specs.
Differences: FLAC vs Amazon Music HD vs Amazon Music Ultra HD
The key difference is that FLAC is a local file, while HD/Ultra HD are streaming formats delivered through the Amazon app.
See also: How to Download Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD
| Feature | Real FLAC File | Amazon Music HD | Amazon Music Ultra HD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bit Depth | Depends on source (Up to 32-bit) | up to 16-bit/44.1 kHz | up to 24-bit/192 kHz |
| Format | FLAC (local file) | FLAC (streaming) | FLAC (streaming) |
| DRM Protection | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Offline Access | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Can Transfer? | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Compatibility | All FLAC-enabled devices and players | Only Amazon Music app and supported devices | Only Amazon Music app and supported devices |
Sorry to mention that, you cannot download the purchased Amazon Music songs in FLAC format from the Amazon Digital Music Store. Since it sells most singles and albums in MP3, not FLAC. Therefore, purchasing singles from Amazon Music rarely results in a downloadable FLAC file. To get true Amazon Music FLAC files, you can download Amazon Music to FLAC files without DRM using some tools, including professional or free ones.
Note: While a few niche labels occasionally offer downloadable FLAC purchases in Amazon Digital Music Store, the majority of Amazon-sold digital tracks are MP3 256 kbps.
Part 2. How to Download Amazon Music to FLAC [Professiona Tool]
Since Amazon Music encrypts its downloads and prevents direct access to FLAC audio, the only practical way to get FLAC from Amazon Music is through a professional Amazon Music converter. These tools reprocess Amazon Music streams and export them as genuine FLAC files that you can keep forever.
Among all available options, AudFree Amazon Music Downloader stands out for its stability, high output quality, and compatibility with all types of Amazon accounts.
AudFree Amazon Music Converter is a desktop program designed specifically for converting Amazon Music to standard audio formats, including FLAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, M4A, and M4B. It works with Prime, Unlimited, and even free-tier accounts, enabling you to download full tracks, playlists, albums, and podcasts. You can then listen to your Amazon content offline on multiple devices, not just the supported devices. This sought-after software also keeps the lossless quality and full ID3 meta information of your converted music.
Beyond that, it entitles you to customize the audio parameters like bit rate, sample rate, and the like for exporting Amazon Music playlists in a higher quality. Check to convert and download Amazon Music Unlimited FLAC to local files without interruption by ads.
Key Features of AudFree Amazon Music Converter
- Batch Downloading Amazon Music to computers at 15X faster speed
- Convert Amazon Music to true FLAC, WAV, etc. at up to 24-bit/192 kHz
- Help listen to Amazon Music offline on any device
- Lets you keep Amazon music permanently, even after subscription ends
- Fully compatible with Amazon Music Free/Prime/Unlimited
- Preserves metadata, album artwork, and ID3 tags
Bonus Tips: AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder can also help you get Amazon Music FLAC downloads. It's an all-in-one downloader, which supports Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, etc. If you prefer a more flexible method that works for multiple platforms, it is a great fallback. It also boasts superior download speeds while preserving the original audio quality and crucial ID3 tags.
How to Convert and Download Amazon Music to FLAC Using AudFree Amazon Music Converter
AudFree Amazon Music Converter features an intuitive user interface, allowing you to easily download and convert Amazon Music to local files in FLAC and other common formats. Crucially, the software is safe to use and guarantees your privacy by not collecting personal information. To obtain true FLAC files from Amazon Music, simply follow the steps below.
- Step 1 Launch AudFree Amazon Music Converter and Activate It
- Hit the green "Download" button above to install the AudFree Amazon Music Converter on your computer. Then launch the converter and sign in to your Amazon Music account. It will offer you a lifetime free trial which allows you to convert the first 30s of each track. You can also opt to buy a license to get the entire audio conversion. Then, click the top-right "three-line" icon and the "Register" option from the drop-down list. Next, enter your license email and the registration code once the registration window pops up.
- Step 2 Add Amazon Music to AudFree Amable Conversion List
- Browse in the built-in Amazon Music web player, and navigate to those tracks you'd like to download in FLAC from Amazon Music. Then hit the "+" button to add them to the conversion list.
- Step 3 Customize the Output Format of Amazon Music as FLAC
- To customize the output parameters, please click the top-right "Menu" tab which is like three lines. From the draw-down list, hit the "Preferences" tab and click "Conversion". There, you are allowed to reset the output format as FLAC. Apart from that, it empowers you to personalize more output settings such as bit rate, codec, sample rate, etc. to get the highest audio quality. AudFree Amable enables you to convert Amazon Music to FLAC at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
See also:
How to Convert Amazon Music to WAV
How to Convert Amazon Music to MP3
- Step 4 Download FLAC Playlists from Amazon Losslessly
- Just hit the "Convert" tab in the "Converting" list to start the download and convert process. Afterward, access the converted Amazon Music FLAC playlists in the "Converted" section and click "Open Folder" to find them on your computer. You are now get ready to listen to free FLAC music on all devices or players that support FLAC.
- See also: How to Get Amazon Music Downloads
Part 3. How to Download FLAC from Amazon Music Free
If you prefer a completely free solution, you can use Audacity to record Amazon Music playback and export it as FLAC. This approach does not require a subscription or a license but may not capture true HD/Ultra HD quality because it depends on your computer's sound card and settings.
How to Get Amazon Music FLAC Files Free Using Audacity
Step 1. Install Audacity on Windows, Mac, or Linux. And launch the program and configure it to record system sound.
Step 2. On the home interface, click the Edit icon to go to the Preferences page. Click on Devices > Audio Host section, choose Windows WASAPI or Windows DirectSound option.
Note: Button names or types may vary between Mac and Linux interfaces, but they will be found in the same general area or section.
Step 3. Play your Amazon Music track on your Amazon Music app or Amazon Music web player. Audacity will record the audio in real time. Make sure notifications and system sounds are muted.
Step 4. After recording, to export Amazon Music to FLAC, you can go to File > Export Audio... > Export to Computer. Here, name your recorded Amazon Music FLAC file, select the output location, and choose the FLAC output format. You may also customize parameters such as the compression level and bitrate before exporting.
Free Method Limitations
- Super slow, real-time recording only
- Cannot capture full Ultra HD audio quality
- Slight risk of system noise
- No metadata, album art, or ID3 tags
But still, for users who need a no-cost solution, Audacity works reasonably well.
Part 4. Comparison of Amazon Music FLAC Downloaders
For your convenience, we compared the Amazon Music FLAC downloaders discussed earlier to help guide your decision.
| Features | AudFree Amazon Music Converter | AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder | Audacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gets True FLAC | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Retains Metadata | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ |
| Captures HD/Ultra HD | ✔ | ✔ | Depends on devices |
| Download Speed | 15x | 15x | 1x (Real-time) |
| Audio Quality | Lossless | Lossless | Lossless |
| Batch Conversion | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ |
| Customize Output Settings | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Amazon Music Subscription Required | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Price | Paid | Paid | Free |
| Ease of Use | Very Easy | Very Easy | Medium |
| Best For | Large libraries, playlists | Multiple streaming platforms | Small tasks, free users |
Part 5. FAQs about Downloading FLAC from Amazon Music
Is converting Amazon Music to FLAC legal?
Converting Amazon Music to FLAC is allowed for personal, non-commercial use, but distributing or sharing converted files violates Amazon's terms. The legality depends on your local copyright laws, so always keep the files for your own enjoyment only.
Where can you enjoy your Amazon Music FLAC downloads for personal use?
You can play the true FLAC files on a wide variety of devices: Dedicated DAPs (e.g., FiiO, Astell&Kern, Sony Walkman), software players (e.g., Foobar2000, VLC, Poweramp), and home or portable audio gear (smart speakers, car stereos, NAS systems, and high-end DACs).
Can Amazon Music FLAC play through Bluetooth, AirPlay, or Chromecast?
FLAC files can be streamed in these ways, but the audio is often downsampled due to protocol limitations. For example, Bluetooth typically uses lossy codecs like SBC or AAC. FLAC playback is best through wired or USB-DAC connections.
• Bluetooth: Stream usually compresses audio unless you're using aptX HD/LDAC.
• AirPlay: Limits Audio quality to 16-bit/44.1 kHz.
• Chromecast: Caps audio quality on some devices due to hardware limitations.
Can I import Amazon Music FLAC songs into Audacity and edit them?
Yes. Any local FLAC file obtained from Amazon Music (through conversion or recording) can be imported into Audacity for waveform editing, trimming, effects, or mixing.
Does Amazon Echo support Amazon Music FLAC?
Amazon Echo devices do not play local FLAC files directly, but they support Amazon Music HD and Ultra HD streaming, which uses FLAC encoding internally.
How do I fix Amazon Music FLAC playback stuttering or buffering issues?
Playback issues are primarily caused by an unstable network connection. To stabilize high-resolution streaming, you can try several steps: switch to a stable 5 GHz Wi-Fi band, close other streaming or bandwidth-intensive applications, or manually toggle the streaming quality (between HD and Ultra HD) within the Amazon Music app.
Conclusion
Getting FLAC from Amazon Music is possible, but only with the right tools. Amazon Music does provide HD and Ultra HD streaming, yet it does not allow users to download or export real FLAC files directly. Fortunately, professional software like AudFree Amazon Music Downloader allows you to convert and keep Amazon Music songs as genuine FLAC files with full metadata and high resolution. Free methods like Audacity can work in basic scenarios, but they cannot preserve full HD quality or tags.
Whether you want to archive your Amazon Music library, move songs to a DAP, or build a personal FLAC collection, this guide gives you every option - from the most powerful tools to the simplest free solutions.
Roger Kelly
Staff Editor
