An M4A to MP3 converter can be an online or offline program that helps you transform M4A audio files into MP3 format. M4A is an audio file saved in the MPEG-4 format and can either feature AAC or ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) codec. You are most likely to encounter M4A files when grabbing audio content from the Apple iTunes Store. Both M4A and MP3 are lossy compression types, though M4A has a slightly higher quality audio format than MP3 at the same file size.
Unfortunately, M4A is not as widely used as MP3 which is considered a universal audio format that is compatible with a wider range of devices. Therefore, if you have trouble playing M4A files on certain devices or platforms, it is necessary to turn them into a convenient format like MP3. In that line, we present you with a well-curated list of the best M4A to MP3 converters you can bank on.
6 Great M4A to MP3 Converter Software – Free Download
| Software Name | Supported OS | Version | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Full Version | Free Download | |
| Windows, Mac | Free Version | Free Download | |
| Windows | Free Trial | Free Download | |
| Windows, Mac | Free Version | Free Download | |
| Web-based | Free Demo | Free Download | |
| Web-based | Free Demo | Free Download |
#1. TalkHelper Video Converter (Recommended)
In an industry that sees innumerable audio converter tools, TalkHelper Video Converter is the best M4A to MP3 converter you can get a hold of. This software is crafted with the normal user in mind to guarantee not only a smooth workflow but also tip-top MP3 quality for every M4A file you process. This is realized using conversion presets (up to 320kpbs) that rid you of the need to hassle adjusting audio parameters.
And, instead of taking ages to convert multiple M4A files, you can call the batch processing feature that helps you work on many audio files simultaneously. Unlike other programs, you can carry out an unlimited number of conversions regardless of the input file size.
Key Features:
- Besides M4A files, you can extract MP3 audio from video formats like MP4, MOV, M4V, WMV, MKV, and more.
- It supports Copy Mode which basically allows you to turn M4A files into MP3 format without adjusting the original quality.
- It is super efficient to guarantee fast output delivery while keeping the quality uncompromised as much as possible.
- It allows you to play with the MP3 audio output parameters like sample rate, bitrate, and channels when the need arises.
Supported Platforms: Windows
Best for: A comprehensive M4A to MP3 converter tool that strikes the perfect balance between audio quality output and file size.
#2. Audacity
Audacity is a fully-fledged audio editing and processing app that also happens to bring M4A to MP3 conversion options. Using the built-in and timeline-based editor, you get to cut away unwanted audio portions, merge multiple M4A files, adjust metadata, apply effects, and more, before exporting a high-quality MP3 file in the end. You do not get to enjoy this kind of audio control on many apps.
At the export point, you can define various parameters for a more personalized MP3 file. It is here that you can put the Joint Stereo feature into use. Audacity understands the need for high-quality MP3 audio and therefore strives to deliver exactly that without compromise.
Key Features:
- It helps you convert music tapes into MP3 CDs.
- It allows you to apply audio effects in real-time for faster feedback.
- It helps you adjust the audio pitch and speed before saving it in MP3 format.
- It allows you to process AC3, M4A/M4R (AAC), WMA, Opus, and other formats supported using optional libraries.
- It allows you to ship constant, average, or variable bitrate in the converted MP3 file.
Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac and Linux
Best for: A free and open-source M4A to MP3 converter that allows you to work across multiple platforms.
#3. Freemake Audio Converter
Freemake Audio Converter is a champion M4A to MP3 converter that is minimalistic but falls to nothing less than excellent audio output quality. This free download software is suitable for anyone looking to process offline/online M4A files and also get access to audio trimming options. For instance, it can be a suitable app to help you make MP3 ringtones by removing unwanted M4A audio sections.
If you are an iTunes enthusiast, you will enjoy the option to export MP3 files for iTunes at the click of a button. You also need not hassle tinkering with many settings since there are ready-to-use presets at your disposal. Of course, these presets are based on different levels of MP3 audio quality, making it easy to go by.
Key Features:
- It allows you to download M4A files hosted online and convert them into MP3 files of your preferred quality.
- It offers a built-in DVD burner to help you burn MP3 audio CDs out of the converted M4A files.
- It allows you to combine multiple M4A files into one before exporting them as a single MP3 file.
- It allows you to convert M4A files of any size without limitations.
Supported Platforms: Windows
Best for: A powerful desktop program that helps you turn online and offline M4A files into MP3 effortlessly.
#4. iTunes
iTunes is a popular Apple program that performs a plethora of functions including organizing and playing music and videos. In the same software, you get media conversion options making it possible to convert M4A to MP3. Unlike the fully-fledged audio converters, iTunes’ approach can be a bit intimidating for first-time users since the feature is not straightforward.
By default, this free download program offers three quality levels based on MP3 audio bitrate; Good (128kbps), High (160kbps), and Higher (192kbps). If these options don’t suit your needs, you are free to take the custom setting path and define your preferred MP3 audio bitrate (VBR available), sample rate, channels, and stereo mode.
Key Features:
- It offers multiple quality levels for Variable Bit Rate Encoding (VBR).
- It supports the rare Joint Stereo mode for MP3 audio.
- It offers smart encoding adjustments to help in a more controlled and high-quality M4A to MP3 conversion process.
- If you are converting M4A files from audio CDs, a special error correction feature helps you avoid any issues regarding the final MP3 audio quality.
- It supports other encoders like WAV, Apple Lossless, AIFF, and AAC.
Supported Platforms: Windows and Mac
Best for: An audio player tool that sews in options to convert M4A to MP3 without the need for external programs.
#5. CloudConvert
CloudConvert boasts free online audio conversion and excellent output quality whenever you need to convert M4A to MP3 on any device. Using this online program, you can convert local M4A files, from URLs, or import them from the integrated Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive services. This tool aims at giving you comprehensive command over the output by presenting various parameters that you can tweak for a refined MP3 audio file.
To be specific, you get to set your preferred constant audio bitrate, adjust the number of channels, and make the audio louder or quieter, besides tweaking the sample rate. Apart from MP3, you can convert M4A format into other audio formats like AAC, WAV, WMA, FLAC, and AIFF.
Key Features:
- It allows you to trim the M4A files so that you can get rid of any unwanted parts in the resulting MP3 file.
- It supports batch processing to help you convert multiple M4A files to MP3 all at once instead of taking too much time converting one file after another.
- It provides an API for developers who wish to integrate M4A to MP3 conversion options in their apps or website.
- You are free to set a constant or variable audio bitrate whenever the need arises.
Supported Platforms: Web-based
Best for: An online M4A to MP3 converter that gives you total control over the audio quality and file size.
#6. Zamzar
Zamzar is a three-step online tool that allows converting M4A audio into MP3 format without the hassle of setting up complex software. With it, you can undertake unlimited conversions of small and large M4A files without restrictions. And since this process is handled by an online server, you get to enjoy fast M4A to MP3 conversions regardless of your computer or device specs.
If you prefer to work offline, you can download the desktop version of Zamzar for an uninterrupted process of converting M4A to MP3. Unfortunately, this free online app does not let you tweak any audio parameters but you can rest assured that the converted MP3 file is of impressive quality.
Key Features:
- It allows you to trim the M4A files so that you can get rid of any unwanted parts in the resulting MP3 file.
- It supports batch processing to help you convert multiple M4A files to MP3 all at once instead of taking too much time converting one file after another.
- It provides an API for developers who wish to integrate M4A to MP3 conversion options in their apps or website.
- You are free to set a constant or variable audio bitrate whenever the need arises.
Supported Platforms: Web-based
Best for: A free online audio converter tool suitable for batch converting M4A files into MP3 audio format hassle-free.
Conclusion
There you have it! A reliable list of the best M4A to MP3 converters to help you get rid of any audio playback issues on any device or platform. These programs have touched on various handy features including audio trimming, batch processing, conversion presets, customizable audio parameters, online or offline use, and more. It is now time to consider the features you are looking for to help you settle on the best tool for a smooth sail.
