M4A to MP3 Converter
Turn Apple M4A files into 320 kbps MP3s that play anywhere. Free, private and right in your browser.
- Free, no account
- No ads
- Nothing is uploaded
- Batch convert
Drop an M4A to convert to MP3
M4A → MP3 is preselected. Drop several files at once. Other formats and videos work too, up to 5 GB each.
Your files are processed on your own device. Nothing is uploaded.
Why convert M4A to MP3
M4A is Apple's default audio container. It sounds great on an iPhone or a Mac, but plenty of DJ software, car stereos, older players and upload forms still expect MP3.
This converter decodes your M4A and encodes a 320 kbps MP3, the highest bitrate the MP3 format supports, so the result stays as close to the original as a lossy-to-lossy conversion allows.
Voice memos and demos
Share an iPhone recording with someone who can't open M4A.
DJ libraries
Bring older iTunes purchases into a setup that prefers MP3.
Upload forms
Some sites and submission portals only accept MP3.
Does converting M4A to MP3 lose quality?
Most M4A files contain AAC, which is already lossy. Re-encoding to MP3 adds a second generation of compression, so a small loss is unavoidable. At 320 kbps it is very hard to hear on typical listening material.
If your M4A is lossless (ALAC), converting to MP3 is a normal lossless-to-lossy step, just like WAV to MP3.
M4A vs MP3
| Property | M4A | MP3 |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG-4 Audio (usually AAC inside) | MPEG-1 Audio Layer III |
| Compression | Usually lossy (AAC), sometimes lossless (ALAC) | Lossy |
| Typical size | About 1.9 MB per minute at 256 kbps AAC | About 2.4 MB per minute at 320 kbps |
| Best for | Apple devices, voice memos and iTunes purchases | Sharing, promos, previews and everyday listening |
| Compatibility | Great on Apple, patchy in some DJ software and older players | Practically every device, browser and DJ setup |
How to convert M4A to MP3
- 1
Add your M4A
Drop one or more files above or choose them from your device.
- 2
Check the settings
MP3 is already selected. Adjust sample rate or bit depth if you need to.
- 3
Convert and download
Press Convert and save your MP3. Nothing leaves your device.
- Output
- MP3, 320 kbps constant bitrate by default (96 to 320 kbps or VBR available)
- Sample rate
- 44.1 kHz for music, 48 kHz for video
- Best source
- The original M4A, not a file that was already converted
Also included, free
Many files at once
Drop a whole folder of tracks, convert them in one go and download everything as a single ZIP.
Files up to 5 GB
Long mixes, DJ sets and 24-bit masters fit easily. Video files (MP4, MOV, WEBM, MKV) work too, and the soundtrack is extracted.
10 output formats
WAV, MP3, FLAC, OGG, AAC, M4A (AAC), M4A (Apple Lossless), AIFF, M4R ringtone and MP2.
Listen, trim and fade
Play the track, cut the start or end and drag in a fade in or fade out before you convert.
Tags and cover art
Edit title, artist, album, year, genre and cover art for MP3, FLAC and M4A files.
Full quality control
Bitrate from 96 to 320 kbps or VBR, sample rates from 22.05 to 96 kHz, and stereo or mono.
M4A to MP3: frequently asked questions
Other conversions
M4A to WAV Converter
Get iPhone and Apple audio into any DAW, sampler or editor as an uncompressed WAV.
AAC to MP3 Converter
Turn AAC audio into 320 kbps MP3 for players and software that don't support AAC.
WAV to MP3 Converter
Shrink a WAV into a 320 kbps MP3 for promos, previews and sharing. Your file never leaves your device.
Need a different format? Use the full Audio Converter.