M4A to MP3

Convert M4A to MP3 in three steps

1. Choose one or more M4A files, or try the included sample.
2. Pick your MP3 bitrate and press Convert to MP3. Keep this tab open while it works.
3. Listen to the preview and save individual files or download the batch as a ZIP.

What an M4A file is

M4A is an MPEG-4 container for audio. Voice Memos on iPhone, iTunes purchases, and many recorders produce it. The audio inside is usually AAC, a lossy codec, and sometimes Apple Lossless (ALAC). Converting M4A to MP3 is mostly about compatibility: older MP3 players, some car stereos, and a long tail of upload forms ask for MP3 specifically.

Quality and codec notes

Because AAC is already lossy, the MP3 cannot sound better than the source. AAC at a given bitrate is more efficient than MP3, so choose 192 or 256 kbps for music to avoid noticeable additional loss, and 128 kbps for voice memos. Protected files from a store with DRM cannot be decoded, and Apple Lossless depends on your browser: Safari is the most likely to open it. If a file fails here, export it as AAC or WAV from the app that made it.

Troubleshooting and tips

Audiobooks in M4B format use the same MPEG-4 audio container, but chapters and bookmarks are not carried over into an MP3. If your file is a very long audiobook, expect heavy memory use, and consider a desktop tool. Songs from a streaming service download manager are encrypted and cannot be opened in a browser. Voice Memos recorded in Lossless mode use ALAC, so try Safari if another browser refuses the file.