How to use the AAC converter
- Choose a file. Drop an AAC file to convert it to something else, or any other audio file to convert it to AAC.
- Check "Convert to". The converter picks MP3 for AAC files and AAC for everything else; change it if you need something different.
- Adjust quality if you want a smaller or higher-quality file.
- Click Convert and download the result.
What is an AAC file?
AAC is the successor to MP3 and the sound inside most MP4 videos, YouTube and Apple Music. A .aac file is a raw AAC stream (ADTS) without the MP4 wrapper, which some apps and players handle less well than M4A.
AAC is mainly used for streaming, video soundtracks and some phone recordings. It plays on most phones, iTunes and VLC; some players skip raw .aac files.
AAC at a glance
| Full name | Advanced Audio Coding |
|---|---|
| Type | Audio |
| Created by | Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), 1997 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Codec | AAC |
| Can be created here | Yes |
Pros and cons of AAC
Good
- Better quality than MP3 at the same bitrate
Not so good
- Raw .aac files have limited tag support and seek poorly in some players
Common AAC problems and fixes
An AAC file shows the wrong length or will not seek
Convert it to M4A or MP3.
Popular AAC conversions
Frequently asked questions
How do I open an AAC file?
AAC files play on most phones, iTunes and VLC; some players skip raw .aac files. If yours will not open, convert it to MP3 on this page; that format plays on any device.
How do I convert a file to AAC?
Drop any audio file on this page. "Convert to" is set to AAC automatically for files that are not AAC already.
Is the AAC converter free?
Yes, completely free, with no sign-up and no watermark. Files up to 1 GB each can be converted, and there is no daily limit.
Are my files safe?
Yes. Files are converted locally in your browser and are never uploaded. When you close the page, nothing is left behind.
Is AAC lossy?
Yes, AAC normally uses lossy compression, which removes detail you are unlikely to notice to keep files small.