How to convert M4A to MP3 (Ultimate Guide)

Learning how to convert M4A to MP3 is essential for anyone working with digital audio. M4A files are the high-quality audio files that Apple uses for iTunes and Apple Music stores.

However, since M4A isn’t as widely supported as MP3, knowing how to convert M4A to MP3 ensures your music will play on almost any device and software. MP3 files are supported on virtually every media player, cell phone, and portable device, making them the ideal format for sharing and playing your music files.

Understanding M4A and MP3 Formats

What is M4A & MP3?

M4A (MPEG-4 Audio) is an audio file format that Apple prefers. It provides excellent quality at smaller file sizes and supports both lossless and lossy compression.

MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3) is one of the most universal audio codecs. It’s excellent for maintaining small file sizes and offers widespread support, though its lossy compression does result in some quality degradation.

Key Differences

• Audio Quality: The M4A format typically produces slightly louder output
• Support: MP3 has more universal compatibility
• Compression: M4A supports both lossy and lossless compression, while MP3 uses only lossy compression

Why Convert M4A to MP3?

1. All Devices Supported: MP3s are playable on virtually any device
2. Storage: While M4A files are sometimes more efficient, MP3 remains an excellent choice for devices with limited storage
3. Sharing: MP3 is platform-agnostic, meaning recipients can play the file without compatibility issues

6 Methods on how to convert M4A to MP3

Method 1: iTunes M4A to MP3 Conversion

iTunes is a simple tool to convert M4A to MP3, which is especially convenient for Apple users.

Steps:

1. Open iTunes
2. Open “Edit” > “Preferences” (Windows) or “iTunes” > “Preferences” (Mac)
3. Click “Import Settings” in the “General” section, then select “MP3 Encoder”
4. Right-click your M4A file in the iTunes library and click “Create MP3 Version”

Method 2: Using VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player, which can play nearly all file formats, also supports M4A to MP3 conversion.

Steps:

1. Start VLC: Navigate to “Media” > “Convert/Save”
2. Add File: Browse to locate your M4A file
3. Choose MP3 Format: Under the “Profile” menu, select “MP3”
4. Convert: Click “Start” to begin the conversion

Method 3: Using Online Converters

M4A to MP3 online converter tools such as Zamzar, CloudConvert, and Online Audio Converter require no software installation.

Steps:

1. M4A File Upload: Select and upload your file
2. MP3 File Format: Select MP3 as the output file type
3. Convert and Download: Initialize the conversion and download your MP3

Method 4: Specialized Conversion Software

Specially developed software such as Audacity, Freemake Audio Converter, and Any Audio Converter offers advanced options and batch processing.

Steps:

1. Install Software: Install your chosen software on your PC
2. Load M4A File: Import your M4A file
3. Select Output Type: Choose MP3 as the output format
4. Convert: Begin the conversion process

Method 5: Using FFmpeg from Terminal

For advanced users, it’s very convenient to convert M4A to MP3 with FFmpeg using the terminal, especially for batch processing.

How to Install FFmpeg

For macOS (via Homebrew):

brew install ffmpeg

For Ubuntu/Debian:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install ffmpeg

For Windows: Install FFmpeg from FFmpeg’s website and follow the installation guide.

Basic Conversion Command

To convert an M4A file to MP3, run this FFmpeg command in the terminal:

ffmpeg -i inputfile.m4a -acodec libmp3lame -ab 192k outputfile.mp3

Command explanation:

• inputfile.m4a: Replace with the path to your M4A file
• -acodec libmp3lame: Sets the MP3 codec
• -ab 192k: Sets audio quality bit rate (192 kbps)

Batch Conversion

To convert multiple M4A files to MP3 at once:

for file in *.m4a; do
    ffmpeg -i "$file" -acodec libmp3lame -ab 192k "${file%.m4a}.mp3"
done

Method 6: Mobile Apps

For convenient conversions on mobile devices, “The Audio Converter” (iOS) and “Audio Converter” (Android) are useful applications.

Steps:

1. Install App: Download and install the app from your device’s app store
2. Choose M4A File: Select the file for conversion
3. Choose MP3 as Output: Select MP3 as the output format
4. Convert and Save: Initiate the conversion process

How to Convert M4A to MP3 While Maintaining Quality

To preserve maximum quality during conversion, use bitrates of 192 or 320 kbps. This helps minimize the quality loss associated with MP3’s lossy compression format. Configuring the appropriate settings in your conversion tool will provide results closest to the original quality.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Conversion Failures: Verify file type or path. Try an alternative tool if the current one isn’t working.
2. Quality Loss: Use higher bitrates during conversion to maintain better sound quality.
3. Batch Processing Errors: If a file fails during batch processing, check the file name and format.

Conclusion

Learning how to convert M4A to MP3 gives you the flexibility to play your audio files on any device. Each method has its own unique advantages – whether you prefer graphical user interfaces like iTunes and VLC, or command-line tools like FFmpeg. Choose the method that best suits your needs based on your device, file size requirements, and desired level of customization.

If you found this article useful make sure you check out How to Convert YouTube videos to MP4

Frequently Asked Questions

Are M4A to MP3 converters free?

Yes, many options (including iTunes, VLC, and FFmpeg) are completely free.

How can I convert files in batch?

You can use FFmpeg or applications such as Freemake Audio Converter for batch processing.

How can I maintain quality when converting M4A to MP3?

While some quality loss is inevitable, using a high bit rate during conversion minimizes the impact.

Are online converters safe?

Well-known conversion services are generally safe but avoid uploading any confidential files.

Which method is the fastest?

Online utilities are quick for individual files, while FFmpeg is optimal for batch conversions.