How to use the FLAC to MP3 converter
- Choose your FLAC file or drop it on the box.
- Pick an audio quality. 192 kbps is the usual choice; 320 kbps for music you care about.
- Click "Convert to MP3". A progress meter shows how far along it is.
- Download your MP3 and listen to it right on the page.
Why convert FLAC to MP3?
FLAC files are large and not supported by many phones, cars and portable players. MP3 gives a much smaller copy for everyday listening, while you keep the FLAC as your master.
- FLAC: much larger than MP3.
- MP3: plays on every device.
- MP3: small files.
Use 320 kbps for music you care about; the difference from FLAC is very hard to hear.
FLAC vs MP3
| FLAC | MP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Free Lossless Audio Codec | MPEG-1 Audio Layer III |
| Type | Audio | Audio |
| Created by | Josh Coalson and the Xiph.Org Foundation (2001) | the Fraunhofer Institute and MPEG (1993) |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy |
| Codec | FLAC | MP3 |
| Best for | CD rips, hi-res music and archiving | Music, podcasts, audiobooks and ringtones |
| Plays on | Android, Windows 10 and later, recent iPhones (Files app), VLC and hi-fi streamers; older iTunes and some car stereos do not | Every phone, computer, car stereo, smart speaker and browser |
Does converting FLAC to MP3 lose quality?
FLAC is lossless and MP3 is lossy, so some detail is removed to make the file smaller. At 256 kbps or higher, almost nobody can hear a difference.
How long does it take?
A few seconds for a song, and under a minute for an hour-long recording on most computers.
What is a FLAC file?
FLAC compresses audio without throwing anything away: decode it and you get exactly the original. Files are about half the size of WAV. It is the favourite format for CD rips and hi-res music downloads.
What is an MP3 file?
MP3 is the most widely used audio format in the world. It removes sounds people are unlikely to hear, shrinking a song to about a tenth of its CD size. At 192 kbps or higher most listeners cannot tell it from the original, and every device plays it. Its patents expired in 2017, so it is now free to use.
Frequently asked questions
Is the FLAC to MP3 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.
Is my file uploaded to a server?
No. The converter runs inside your browser using WebAssembly, so your file is processed on your own device and never sent to us or anyone else.
Will the MP3 sound as good as the FLAC?
FLAC is lossless and MP3 is lossy, so some detail is removed to make the file smaller. At 256 kbps or higher, almost nobody can hear a difference.
Can I convert MP3 back to FLAC?
Yes, use the MP3 to FLAC converter. Keep in mind that detail removed by MP3 compression does not come back.
FLAC files will not import into iTunes or Apple Music. What should I do?
Convert FLAC to ALAC (lossless) or MP3.
Can I use it on my phone?
Yes. Open the page in your phone's browser and choose a file. Phones have less memory than computers, so very large files are better converted on a laptop or desktop.