What is a limitation of WAV audio files?

• A. They have large file sizes and limited support on other platforms.
• B. They always compress audio with loss of quality.
• C. They are not compatible with desktop players.
• D. They are ideal for streaming audio only.

Answer: (A)

WAV files are typically uncompressed PCM audio, which means no data is removed to shrink the file. That preserves maximum sound quality, but it also makes the file sizes much larger than compressed formats like MP3 or AAC. Because of these large sizes, WAV files take more storage space and require more bandwidth to download or stream, making them less practical for distributing audio online or over networks. This is the main limitation.

WAV is actually widely supported on desktop players, so saying it has limited platform support isn’t generally accurate. And WAV isn’t designed for streaming efficiency, so it isn’t “ideal for streaming audio only.” The big trade-off you’re tested on is the large, uncompressed file size that limits usability for distribution and streaming.