11 Ways to Convert M4A to MP3 for Windows, Mac, and Online

While M4A is a popular audio format, especially for Apple devices, it is not always the most convenient when it comes to compatibility. Thus, you'd still prefer to convert M4A to MP3, the universal standard for playback and sharing. The good news is that you don't need to struggle to do so! This guide has rounded up 11 of the best tools to turn M4A to MP3, from desktop programs to online converters. Find the right tool for your needs!

Batch Convert M4A to MP3 Files on Windows and Mac

M4A files are mainly audio-based, so compatibility issues on certain devices or platforms may arise. To solve this, a practical way is to use AnyRec Video Converter. It turns M4A into MP3, making it easier to share, upload, or store without worrying about playback restrictions. What's more, this tool ensures that the sound quality of your music remains intact during conversion. And with the help of its advanced GPU acceleration, the process is super fast, even when you are handling a bunch of files at once.

Step 1.Launch AnyRec Video Converter on your Windows or Mac computer. Click the "Add Files" button on the main screen, then select one or multiple M4A files to import for conversion.

Step 2.After uploading, go to the "Format" dropdown menu, then under the "Audio" tab, select "MP3" as your desired output format.

If you wish to refine the audio quality, click the "Custom Profile" button to adjust bitrate, sample rate, and channels before converting.

Step 3.Return to the main window and set your output folder. When ready, click the "Convert All" button to begin batch converting your M4A files into MP3.

Turn M4A to MP3 with Online Audio Converter

Next up is perfect for those who don't want to install additional software; online audio converters offer a quick and easy way to transform M4A to MP3. These tools are accessible in a browser, letting you open them on any device as long as you have an internet connection. Explore the five best online M4A to MP3 converters available below.

1. AnyRec Free Video Converter

A great place to start is with AnyRec Free Video Converter. Not only is it compatible with video formats, but it also allows you to convert M4A to MP3 without installing any additional software, making it excellent for quick and hassle-free tasks. It supports multiple audio formats and maintains high sound quality both during and after the conversion. Here, you can customize output settings such as bitrate and sample rate, too, ensuring your MP3 output matches your needs.

Step 1.On the main page of AnyRec Free Video Converter, click the "Add Files to Start" button and upload your M4A file. You'll need to get the launcher if you're a first-time user.

Step 2.Now, click on the "Audio" button, then select "MP3" from the available formats lined up. Adjust output settings as needed, then click the "Convert" button to begin.

2. Zamzar

Moving on to Zamzar, a trusted name in online conversions for years now. Using Zamzar, you can save M4A as MP3 format in just three easy steps: upload, select format, and download. It then sends download links to your email, which is efficient if you wish to access the output file later. Its free plan comes with size restrictions, but Zamzar is still suitable for quick conversions.

3. Convertio

One excellent online conversion solution is Convertio. This tool integrates with cloud services such as Google Drive and Dropbox. It offers advanced conversion settings, letting you fine-tune output quality, trim audio, or even codecs. Plus, it supports batch processing so that you can turn multiple M4A files to MP3 simultaneously.

4. Online Audio Converter

Next, Online Audio Converter is another super popular platform due to its simple interface and reliable results. It covers over 300 audio file formats, such as M4A to MP3. What makes it stand out is its ability to extract audio from video files, adding extra flexibility for all users. Indeed a trusted option for many for its simplicity and control.

5. CloudConvert

Finally, you have CloudConvert, a powerful online tool that supports over 200 different file formats. Beyond converting M4A to MP3, this tool lets you customize output bitrate, trim audio length, and adjust volume levels in detail. Further, it focuses on file security, so any sensitive and personal recordings are protected.

Change M4A to MP3 Audio with Apple Music

One of the easiest ways to convert M4A to MP3 is by using Apple Music. Since it is already installed on most Macs, it does not need any third-party tools. The app includes built-in features that let you create MP3 versions of your audio files, making it ideal for those who already use it to organize and play music.

Step 1.Run Apple Music on your Mac. Then, head to the "Preferences" from the menu bar. From the "Files" tab, click "Import Settings", then select "MP3 Encoder" in the dropdown.

Step 2.Select the M4A song in your library, then click on "File", then "Convert" to "Create MP3 Version".

Export M4A to MP3 with iTunes

For someone using Windows or an older Mac, iTunes is another effective method to convert M4A to MP3. Like the previous one, iTunes is a built-in encoder that permits you to transform audio files. Since many have it installed already, it is already a familiar and accessible solution without installing any software to convert iTunes to MP3.

Step 1.Launch iTunes on your computer. From the main screen, click "Edit" then "Preferences", then go to the "General" tab, and choose "Import Settings".

Step 2.Next, select "MP3 Encoder" as the import format.

Step 3.Then, pick your M4A files from the iTunes library, and then click "File", then "Convert" to "Create MP3 Version".

Convert M4A to MP3 with Audacity

Moving on, if you want a free and open-source solution, Audacity is a fantastic choice! Known as an audio editing program, it also has conversion features for multiple audio formats, including M4A to MP3. Unlike the previous ones, Audacity offers more options for tweaking audio quality, bitrate, and more advanced settings.

Step 1.Launch Audacity on your Mac or Windows computer. Drag and drop your M4A file into the main window.

Step 2.Next, head to "File", then "Export" to "Export as MP3". You can then adjust quality settings as needed.

Step 3.Select a destination folder and click the "Save" button to end the conversion.

Save M4A to MP3 with VLC

Another excellent option is offered by VLC Media Player. A widely used software for playing all kinds of video and audio formats, VLC also comes with powerful conversion tools, making it more versatile than you realize. If you wish to transform M4A to MP3 that fast without adding any other program on either a Windows or a Mac computer, VLC is perfect for you.

Step 1.Inside the VLC Media Player program, head to the "Media" menu, then select "Convert/Save" (File, then Convert/Stream on Mac).

Step 2.Click the "Add" button, then browse for your M4A file, and then import it.

Step 3.Next, click the "Convert/Save" button to proceed. Here, select "Audio - MP3" in the "Profile" field.

Step 4.After that, select a save location, then click the "Start" button (Save on Mac) to start the M4A to MP3 conversion.

Transform M4A to MP3 with FFmpeg

Lastly, for users who are comfortable using command-line tools, FFmpeg is one of the most powerful conversion solutions available to convert M4A to MP3. It covers almost every audio and video format and offers complete control over encoding options. While it may seem complex at first, FFpemg is very efficient once you get familiar with it.

Step 1.Upon opening the Command prompt on your Windows PC (Terminal for Mac), type the following command: ffmpeg -i input.m4a output.mp3.

Step 2.Press the "Enter" key to execute. Your newly converted M4A to MP3 file will be saved in the same folder as the original file.

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