6 Excellent Methods to Convert M4A to MP3 on Windows/Mac

Lynn Hu Lynn Hu
Dec 28, 2021 (Updated: Oct 31, 2022)Filed to: Convert Audio

Playing an M4A file on Windows is difficult since this file format is a default audio file extension for Apple products. So to say, you need to convert your M4A files to MP3 to open them on any device, including Windows and Android. That's because MP3 is a standard audio format used for any player and device. No worries, this article will help you figure out the best tool to convert M4A to MP3 by reading through the six exemplary methods. Let's get started.

The Default Method to Convert M4A to MP3 via iTunes on Mac

As we have mentioned, the standard way to open and play an M4A file is through iTunes on Mac. Moreover, you can also convert an M4A file to MP3 using iTunes without trouble. But since iTunes is not a professional converter, it only supports MP3 format and there's no additional settings.

How to convert M4A to MP3 format on iTunes:

Step 1.Open iTunes and click the "Edit" button on top of the window. Click the "Preferences" button to open the "General Preferences". Click the "Import Settings" button to change the encoder.

Step 2.Click the drop-down menu and click the "MP3 Encoder" button. You can also customize the audio quality by clicking the "Setting" button. Once done, click the "OK" button.

iTunes General Import

Step 3.Go to the iTunes library and select an M4A file. Click the "File" button, and click the "Create New Version" button, and then "Create MP3 Version" button. Once you click this, the converted MP3 file will be on the iTunes Media folder by default.

iTunes Create MP3 Version

All-in-One Method to Convert M4A to MP3 on Windows/Mac

If you are looking for the easiest way to play and convert M4A to MP3 on Windows, AnyRec Video Converter is for you. With this software, you can convert files without losing the original quality, and it allows you to customize the audio codecs for better audio quality. With its intuitive interface and easy navigation, you can complete your task quickly.

AnyRec Video Converter Package
The Powerful M4A to MP3 Converter for Windows/Mac

Converts M4A to MP3 format easily with high-quality audio.

50x faster speed to convert multiple M4A files at once.

Has advanced settings and editing tools to modify audio files.

Provide additional editing tools to adjust the volume and add audio effect.

Free Download

100% Secure

Free Download

100% Secure

How to convert M4A to MP3 in AnyRec Video Converter:

Step 1.After downloading the tool on your device, open it and click the "Add" button in the middle part of the pane. If you want to add another file to convert, click the "Add Files" button on the top left part.

Add Files New

Step 2.Once you have chosen the desired file, click the "Convert All To" button on the top right part to click the "MP3 format" button. For resolution, choose any available options or customize it by clicking the "Custom Profile" button.

Choose The Desire Format

Step 3.Once you go back to the main page, edit the audio file by clicking the "Star Wand" and "Scissors" button under the chosen file. You can cut, trim, and even increase the MP3 volume up to 200%.

Edit WAV Audio Files

Step 4.Once satisfied with the changes, choose the designated folder to save the converted file by clicking the "Save To" button on the lower part. Once done, click the "Convert All" button on the right lower part of the pane and wait for it to convert M4A to MP3.

Saves Your File

4 More Methods to Convert M4A to MP3 Online

There are still online converters that will help you convert M4A to MP3. Some alternatives may differ from the expectations you have in mind because online tools always have size limitation and less features.

1.CloudConvert

CloudConvert is one of the best tools to change M4A to MP3. With its simple interface, you can convert any file without worries. However, there is no guarantee to retrieve the lost file when the internet connection is disconnected.

How to use CloudConvert to convert M4A to MP3:

Step 1.Go to your browser and search for CloudConvert. Once you are on the website, choose the M4A to MP3 converter option. Then click the "Select File" button to select the desired M4A file.

CloudConvert Select Files

Step 2.Once your file's name appears on the website, click the "Settings" button to edit the audio's bitrate, codec, and many more advanced settings. If you want to add another file to convert, just click the "Add More Files" button.

CloudConvert Convert M4A To MP3

Step 3.Once satisfied with the changes, click the "Convert" button and wait to complete the conversion of M4A to MP3. Once it is complete, a preview will appear. Along with this, you can click the "Download" button to save it to your computer.

CloudConvert Download Files

2. Convertio

This online converter is accessible and user-friendly. With its advanced settings, you can change the audio channels, bitrate, and other settings for better audio quality. However, you can only convert audio file up to 100MB file size.

How to use Convertio to convert M4A to MP3:

Step 1.Go to your browser and search Convertio. Click the "Choose Files" button to select the desired file to convert. You can also obtain files from Dropbox and Google Drive.

Convertio Add File

Step 2.Once you have chosen the M4A file, click the "Settings" button to customize the audio before converting it. You can cut, change frequency, and edit more on this step. Click the "OK" button to save the changes. You can add another M4A file to convert to MP3 by clicking the "Add More Files" button.

Convertio Convert M4A To MP3

Step 3.Once done, click the "Convert" button to convert. Wait for it to complete and click the "Download" button to save it to your device.

3. Zamzar

This online converter is the most accessible tool to convert M4A to MP3. You can't be lost in the process as Zamzar has the simple steps to help you convert without a problem. But unlike other apps, this online converter does not come with settings to edit your audio quality.

How to convert M4A to MP3 through Zamzar:

Step 1.Search Zamzar on your browser. Once you are on the website, click the "Add Files" button as the first step indicates, or simply drag and drop your file to the website. Click the "Convert To" under the second step for the drop-down menu to appear. Click the "MP3 format" button.

Step 2.Once you have chosen the MP3 format, click the "Convert Now" button to start converting M4A to MP3. You can enable Zamzar to email you when the conversion is finished by checking the Convert Now button option. Once it finishes converting, click the "Download" button to save it to your folder.

ZamZar Convert M4A To MP3

4. FreeConvert

This online tool is free and available on any browser. FreeConvert guarantees you to protect the uploaded file and delete them after 2 hours of converting. Moreover, it supports various audio and video formats so that you can convert M4A to MP3, MKV to AVI, etc. However, like other online converters, it may crash during converting, and you can lose progress.

Steps to convert M4A to MP3 through FreeConvert:

Step 1.Search FreeConvert to your browser. Click the "Choose Files" button to select your desired M4A file to convert on the website. You can also drag and drop your file from the folder to the website. Once you have chosen the file, select the MP3 format by clicking the "Convert To" button. To edit the audio quality, click the "Settings" button to enable the advanced options. Click the "Apply Settings" button to save the changes.

FreeConvert Advanced Options

Step 2.When you go back to the main page, click the "Convert To MP3" button to start the M4A to MP3 conversion. Wait for the file to finish converting, and click the "Download" button to save it to your device.

FreeConvert Convert M4A To MP3

FAQs about Converting M4A to MP3

Conclusion

The conversion of M4A to MP3 comes with different methods, and have learn the detailed steps in this post. You can use iTunes for Mac, and the professional software - AnyRec Video Converter for Windows and Mac. Through it, you can convert any file anytime you want it without worrying about losing audio quality. Try the free trial now! If you have any question, please contact us.

Free Download

100% Secure

Free Download

100% Secure

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