How to convert M4A to MP3
- Drop your M4A files into the box above, or click it to choose from your device.
- MP3 is already selected for you. Press "Convert to MP3".
- Download each new MP3 file, or grab them all at once as a ZIP.
Why convert M4A to MP3?
M4A files are best for iTunes purchases and iPhone voice memos. MP3 is the better choice for music and podcasts that must play on any device. It opens in everything, while M4A opens in apple devices and most players.
MP3 uses lossy compression, so the converter encodes at high quality settings that look (or sound) identical to the original for everyday use.
M4A vs MP3 at a glance
| M4A | MP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy (AAC) | Lossy |
| Opens in | Apple devices and most players | Everything |
| Best for | iTunes purchases and iPhone voice memos | music and podcasts that must play on any device |
What happens to your file
The page runs FFmpeg, the open-source media engine used inside most video and audio software, compiled to WebAssembly so it works inside your browser. Your file is converted on your own processor, which is why a long video takes longer on an older laptop, and why nothing is uploaded.
Tips for a clean conversion
- Drop a whole folder's worth of M4A files at once. They convert one after another and you can download everything as a single ZIP.
- Keep your original M4A files until you have checked the results. Converting back later is rarely lossless.
- MP3 is a lossy format. Convert from the best original you have, not from a file that was already compressed.
About the formats
M4A: AAC audio in an MP4 container. Apple's default for music and voice memos.
MP3: The universal compressed audio format. Plays everywhere.
Questions
- Is it safe to convert M4A to MP3 here?
- Yes. The conversion runs entirely inside your web browser. Your M4A file is never uploaded to a server, so nobody else can see it.
- Will I lose quality?
- MP3 uses lossy compression, so the converter encodes at high quality settings that look (or sound) identical to the original for everyday use.
- Can I convert several M4A files at once?
- Yes. Drop as many files as you like. Each one is converted in turn, and you can download them one by one or all together as a ZIP.
- Is it free?
- Yes. There is no sign-up, no watermark and no limit on how many files you convert.
- Does it work on a phone?
- Yes. The converter runs in any modern browser, including Safari on iPhone and Chrome on Android, so you can convert M4A files without installing an app.