- Step 1: Download and install M4A to MP3 converter, you can launch the program on your computer and click the “Add File” menu to load the M4A files into the program.Just drag and drop the M4A files to the program with a batch process. Step 2: Click the “Profile” to select the MP3 from the “General Audio” option.Then click the “Settings” to adjust the audio codec, bitrate, sample.
- M4A (or MP4, stands for MPEG 4 Audio) uses the Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) standard to provide lossy audio compression, meaning that it involves some level of quality loss which however is usually inaudible. The audio quality is better than with MP3 at equal file sizes. Apple’s iTunes opens M4A files but those are typically encoded with.
ITunes is the basic audio converter to convert M4A to MP3 free on desktop. Notwithstanding there may be better M4A to MP3 converting freeware, with better filters or something else. Nevertheless, iTunes is the basic software for most people to install already, so no necessary to download third party M4A to MP3 converter. M4A to MP3 Converter: Convert M4A to MP3 on Mac without Quality Loss. The most useful way to convert M4A to MP3 is using a free and efficient M4A to MP3 converter, like All2MP3. It is an audio converter as well as a video converter. It can handle many types of conversion tasks if you need. Best way to convert your M4A to MP3 file in seconds.
Whether you need to batch convert M4A to MP3 on Mac, adjust the audio settings, combine the different clips, or even enhance the audio quality, Apeaksoft Video Converter Ultimate is a professional M4A to MP3 Converter for Mac. Besides the above features, you can also edit the ID3 tags, extract the audio files from DVD and Blu-ray files.
M4A is the extension of the standard MPEG-4 audio file. Since Apple began using M4A in its iTunes and iPods to distinguish the video and audio files from MPEG-4, the M4A extension has become popular. But M4A is an audio format compatible with Mac. If you need to play it on Windows, Samsung, Android LG, HTC, or other systems, you may meet some knotty troubles.
Whereas MP3 is a sought-after audio format that can be recognized by most devices and players. To play M4A anywhere, you’d change it to MP3. How to convert M4A to MP3 on Mac with the easiest ways? Here shows the ultimate guide.
How to Convert M4A to MP3 on Mac Free with iTunes?
In terms of audio quality and file size, M4A indeed has a greater advantage over MP3. But if we are able to play the M4A file, all the advantages are just decorations. So changing M4A to MP3, you will have no worries about the M4A audio playback problem.
In this part, you will know how to convert M4A to MP3 on Macintosh with iTunes - the app preinstalled in macOS Mojave and earlier.
- Launch iTunes. Click the tab in the upper banner, navigate to 'iTunes' > 'Preferences' > 'General'.
- In the 'General' interface, click on “Import Settings…”.
- Choose 'MP3 Encoder' from the dropdown menu of 'Import Using'. Click OK.
- Select an M4A song that you want to handle and right-click the song to bring up a menu. Choose “Create MP3 Version” to save your M4A songs to MP3 format in iTunes on your PC.
Although this method requires only a few clicks to complete the conversion, it is not my most recommended method. Because iTunes only provides users with limited output audio formats. Meanwhile, since macOS Catalina, iTunes separates into Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts.
How to Convert M4A to MP3 on Mac without iTunes?
Apart from iTunes, we can still use other useful converters to start the conversions. Here we list 4 tools to help you.
#1. Cisdem Video Converter (professional conversion app)
Cisdem Video Converter for Mac is undoubtedly the best program to convert audio, video, and DVD to all hot formats and devices without quality loss. It's able to perform batch conversion of multiple media files in one go.
Except as a converter to change M4A to MP3 on Mac, you can also regard it as a video downloader or DVD ripper due to its versatility.
Powerful M4A to MP3 Converter for Mac
- Convert M4A files to MP3, AU, AMR, FLAC, and other audio formats
- Convert videos to 300+ formats, including 4K/3D
- Rip DVDs purchased from the store or made by yourself to media files
- Edit, enhance & personalize videos before conversion
- Extract audio from video into M4A, MP3, etc.
- Download videos from YouTube, Vevo, Dailymotion, and other 1000+ sites
- Joint audio of any format into one single audio file
- Supported OS: OS X 10.10 and later, 10.15 Catalina and 11.0 Big Sur included
Step 1. Import M4A files to the program
Download and install Cisdem M4A to MP3 converter on your Mac. Launch the program, drag and drop the M4A files to it.
Step 2. Select MP3 as output format
Click on the blue format icon, a format tray will pop up. Choose “MP3 Audio” from the “General Audio” tab.
For further configuration, click the 'gearwheel' icon next to the output option you choose. And then an 'Advanced Settings' window displays. You have an opportunity to adjust the parameters of the exported audio such as sample rate, channels, bitrate, etc.
Note: If you are not a technical user, keep the current settings, which are already good enough.
Step 3. Convert M4A to MP3 on Macintosh
Select a file destination as the output folder. In the end, click the icon to start the conversion of M4A audio to MP3 on Mac without degrading the original quality.
#2 Audio.online-convert.com (Online website)
Online converters are simple, free, and come without any added frills. If you search the keyword “convert M4A to MP3 online” on Google, you will get tons of free tools. To make your selection task a little easier, we pick up one of the best M4A to MP3 converters for Mac online.
Audio-online-convert.com is the one that will help you convert audio to M4A, M4R, OPUS, MMF, AIFF, etc. It lists more than related free online audio converter items. The free account empowers you to convert up to 20 audio files per 24 hours and up to 5 audio files per time.
Pros:
- Free and easy-to-use
- No need to waste time on the installation process
- Customize some audio parameters
Cons:
- The maximum upload is 100MB
- Support a limited number of conversions per day and each time
- May lose audio quality
- Go to https://audio.online-convert.com/convert-to-mp3 in your browser.
- Click “Choose Files” and select M4A from your Mac
- Personalize optional settings like audio bitrate, sampling rate, or trimming audio.
- Hit the “Start Conversion” button.
#3 Audacity (open-source audio editor and recording app)
Audacity was initially unable to convert M4A to MP3 on Macintosh, as it was unable to import M4A. The software could only add some common audio file formats like WAV, AIFF, and MP3.
If you have the FFmpeg library installed, it will support more formats, including M4A, AC3, MP4, WMA, etc. Audacity uses LAME to encode MP3, and it actually has been packed with a built-in LAME encoder already. But you can still install a higher version. These two extra libraries are necessary for converting M4A to MP3 but are not packaged together.
- Navigate to https://lame.buanzo.org/#lameosx64bitdl. Find the FFmpeg package you need to download to your Mac.
- Download and install FFMPEG.
- Launch Audacity. Go to the menu bar, and click on “Audacity” > “Preferences” > “Libraries” > locate and add the FFmpeg library.
- Return to the main interface of Audacity. Drag-n-drop M4A audio into it.
- Head to “File” > “Export” > “Export as MP3”. From the pop-up “Extract Audio” window, click “Save”.
- Edit metadata tags and click “OK”.
Note: It can’t change the M4A file to MP3 in batches, or your extracted tracks will be merged and save a one stereo file.
#4 Terminal (use command line and FFmpeg)
It's complicated to convert M4A to MP3 on Mac in the terminal. It will cause 'command not found' because of outputting a character or letter. It took me a lot of attempts to get it right, which was a bit time consuming, especially for beginners.
- Install FFMPEG: https://www.rickmakes.com/ffmpeg-notes/.
- If you desire to convert multiple M4A files, copy the batch script here: https://www.rickmakes.com/batch-convert-lossless-audio-to-mp3-shell-script/.
- Create a folder on the desktop to save M4A files (Name it “M4A”) and the output MP3 files (name it “MP3).
- Open Terminal.
- Type the command line as the image shows, and press the enter key to begin the conversion.
To convert a single M4A file to MP3, use the commands below:
- ffmpeg -i input.m4a output.mp3
- ffmpeg -i input.m4a -acodec libmp3lame output.mp3
- ffmpeg –i input.m4a -f mp3 output.mp3
You can't type the command line: ffmpeg -i audio.m4a -c:a copy audio.mp3 to copy or remux M4A to MP3, as they use different codecs.
FAQs
1) Can I convert M4A to MP3 on Macintosh via Google Drive?
In fact, it is similar to use an online converter. But it added the steps to log in to the Google account, and the converted MP3 will be saved in Google Drive. It has designated tools-CloudConvert.com and suggested apps-Cloud FLAC, MP3, AAC Player, and Cloud Audio Recorder.
- Sign in to your Google Drive.
- Import the M4A file.
- Open M4A with “CloudConvert”, and then perform the conversion there.
2) Can I convert M4A to MP3 on Mac using QuickTime?
The answer is no. QuickTime merely allows you to export media files to M4A format now.
Whether it’s the past or the present, the answer is no.
The old version of QuickTime 7 Pro allows you to export media files to AIFF, AU, and Wave. There are no MP3 options to choose from. The sole solution is to install a third-party add-on (LAME encoder).
However, QuickTime Player 7 no longer provides Pro upgrades since 2009 and Apple has completely killed it since Catalina.
When Mac OS X Snow Leopard was released, it's equipped with the new QuickTime X Player, which can merely save the audio to M4A format.
3) Can VLC change the M4A file to MP3 on Mac?
Yes, VLC offers a transcoding function. You should select the format as 'Audio-MP3' and make sure to manually name the file as 'xxx.mp3'.
In general, VLC on Mac is not as good as it on Windows.
Conclusion
We introduced 5 ways to convert M4A to MP3 on Mac. Taking into account the limitations of the iTunes application and online converters, as well as the complexity of the command line and Audacity, we are more inclined to use the full-featured applications, like Cisdem Video Converter for Mac. You can easily find the merits of it.
by Christine Smith • 2020-10-27 15:42:09 • Proven solutions
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Convert Mp3 To M4a File
heMP3, a digital audio file format, is one of the widely used and worldwide accepted formats that no one can deny gives the sound quality in an optimized way. MP3 is supported by almost all the online platforms, websites, media players, devices. Most of the time, people prefer the audio file to be in the MP3 format to have better compatibility. One may need to change some of the videos and recorded data to the MP3 format in simple terms. They may require a tool that necessitates this. Whether on Android, iOS, Mac, or Windows, there are tools to make this possible since the MP3 format is a popular and widely used file format. Herein are the best free MP3 converters to assist in any format conversions.
Part 1. Top 3 Free MP3 Converter for Windows
1. Wondershare Video Converter Free
Wondershare comes to this advanced video converter for Windows. The Video Converter Free is free as the name states and has powerful conversion capabilities. The software is uniquely designed, and the dashboard is as elaborate as it is stunning. The software converts not only audio files but also video, image, and other documents.
Key Features
- It produces high-quality output after conversion.
- The interface is concise, elaborate, and impressive.
- It provides with a quick conversion facility.
- Not only conversion but can be used to record and burn DVD files.
- It has an inbuilt media player.
How to Convert MP3 to/from Other Formats
Step 1 First, download, install and launch Wondershare free MP3 converter, then click Add Files to add MP3 or other files that you wish to convert.
Step 2 Hit the setting icon on the right side and select your target output format.
Step 3 Tap the Convert button to convert the file(s). To view the converted file, just hit the Converted button.
2. Freemake Audio Converter
The Freemake Audio Converter supports conversion to many file formats and is compatible with Windows. The software is specifically an audio converter, and you can thus be assured of great quality output. It has nice features such as the ability to batch convert with quality output.
Pros:
- It has a sleek Interface.
- It is easy to use.
- It has batch conversion abilities.
Cons:
Convert M4a To Mp3 In Windows 10
- It is only an audio converter, not for videos or other file formats.
- It has one must purchase the premium package to enjoy perk and benefits.
3. Format Factory
The software is pretty basic but has extensive coverage for anything to do with media files. It has some amusing features such as the batch conversion ability and supporting many file format conversions. The software comes equipped with over 60 different languages and a number of skins to change the appearance as one pleases. Format Factory is a Windows-based software.
Pros:
- It has many features, such as the number of languages used and the supported file format conversions.
- The software is easy to use.
Cons:
- The software may crash at times due to huge conversions underway.
- The interface is straightforward and understandable, almost monotonous.
Part 2. Top 3 Free MP3 Converter for Mac
1. Handbrake
Though the interface is quite basic, it makes up for this in its all-inclusive features. Handbrake is one of the most suitable tools for Mac OS. With the software, one can change the quality of output before converting and features the ability to add subtitles.
Pros:
- You can add subtitles for ease of understanding.
- One can change the format quality before converting.
- Has Apple presets to convert for Apple devices quickly.
Cons:
- The software is somewhat complicated.
- The number of file formats supported is limited.
2. ffmpegX
ffmpegX is a converter designed for Mac OS and has some great features. Like Handbrake, the software offers the ability to add subtitles, but in contrast, supports numerous file formats. It is a sturdy software with the ability to set quality converting parameters as one pleases.
Pros:
- FFmpeg supports conversion to many file formats.
- It has advanced settings such as the ability to adjust the bitrate and sample rate.
- The software has a media player.
Cons:
- It is quite complex for novice users.
- It is not regularly updated.
3. MediaHuman Audio Converter
This is a freeware software for Mac OS. The software features an audio converter, easy splitting, and extraction of audio from video files and batch convert. The interface is smart and appealing, with no hidden functions.
Key Features
- It supports batch converting.
- The audio converter supports many file format conversions.
- The software is free.
Cons:
- It's basically an audio converter and does not support video and other file format conversions.
- It may be a little bit complex for new users.
Part 3. Top 3 Free MP3 Converter Online
1. Online UniConverter (originally Media.io)
Online UniConverter (originally Media.io) is a free online converter that supports many file formats. The design is eccentric and unique. While it has a file size limit for conversion, the output is simply amazing and redefined. The conversion process is straightforward and can also compress the MP3 file easily.
Pros:
- The site is stylish and easy to use.
- Using the converter is free.
- This online converter supports conversion to many file formats.
Cons:
- It does not support batch conversion.
- There is a limit to the file size to be converted.
2. Online Audio Converter
Online Audio Converter supports many file formats and with a high-quality conversion rate. No account registration is required. You only to convert and get a link to the converted file. It is easy to use, and one can even be used the advanced settings on the site for conversion.
Pros:
- The online converter is easy to use.
- It has a metadata editor to track the info of the converted file.
- It is free.
Cons:
- The site may lag with huge file size conversions.
- The advanced settings require some background knowledge on how to configure before setting them.
3. Convertio
This is an online converter with many features such as the OCR and the video image and other documents such as an ebook converter. It has a file size limit of 100MB for conversion. Convertio is quite easy since the procedure is clearly detailed on the page.
Pros:
- The conversion speed is speed.
- It can enable conversion to many file formats.
- It has more features such as the video and image converter, as well as the OCR feature.
Cons:
- Upload file size for the conversion is limited.
- One is required to create an account to enjoy more features.
Part 4. Top 2 Free MP3 Converter for Android
1. MP3 Video Converter for Android
When it comes to conversion on Android devices, some converters come in handy such as the MP3 Video Converter for Android. The app is lightweight and supports conversion to both audio and video files. One can even extract audio from video using the app
Pros:
- It is a lightweight app.
- The conversion process is speedy.
- It supports both audio and video file conversions.
Cons:
- It does not support the conversion of huge files.
- Some of the features are a bit complex to use.
2. Media Converter
The ability to configure even complicated settings such as the bitrate and sample rate is the Media Converter. Designed for Android devices, it is easy to use and a free app. The app support conversion to many file formats as well.
Pros:
- The app supports some advanced settings, such as changing the bitrate and sample rate.
- The conversion process is fast.
- Background conversion is enabled.
How To Turn M4a Into Mp3
Cons:
- The app interface may seem complicated.
- It's a powerful app, but with huge conversion, it may tend to be unresponsive.
Part 5. Top 2 Free MP3 Converter for iOS
1. iConv Video Converter
This is a super app for the iOS users that really utilize much of your iPhone's processing power to convert. The more complex settings like adjusting the bitrate, sample rate, and resolution come with this converter. iConv Video Converter is stylish and can convert to many formats.
Pros:
- It has a stylish design.
- The app is free.
- It can integrate well with chatting apps for the sharing of the converted files.
Cons:
- It utilizes much of the iPhones battery.
- The conversion process may be slow.
2. MyMP3
M4a To Mp3 Converter Freeware Mac
Similar to iConv, MyMP3 can share the converted files. It also turns many file formats to MP3, thus making it one-sided. It executes well, though the number of formats it can convert from is numerous.
Pros:
- Supports sharing with different apps.
- Quick conversion of media files.
- The software design is simplified, making it easy to use.
Cons:
M4a To Mp3 Converter Free For Mac Windows 10
- It is only an MP3 converter. Thus one cannot convert media files from MP3 to other formats.
- The conversion speed is a bit slow.
M4a To Mp3 Converter Free For Mac Osx
I hope now you are confident and are aware of the best MP3 Converters for Windows, Mac, Online, iOS, and Android devices. Due care was taken to explain the steps easily. Simply follow the guide above, and it will help you in converting your media files to and from the MP3 file format.