How to use the MP3 to M4A converter
- Choose your MP3 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 M4A". A progress meter shows how far along it is.
- Download your M4A and listen to it right on the page.
Why convert MP3 to M4A?
M4A (AAC) is the native audio format for iPhone and Apple Music and stores tags and artwork neatly.
- MP3: lossy: some detail is removed.
- M4A: better quality than MP3 at the same size.
- M4A: native on Apple devices.
Re-encoding MP3 to AAC adds a little loss; choose 256 kbps to keep it inaudible.
MP3 vs M4A
| MP3 | M4A | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG-1 Audio Layer III | MPEG-4 Audio |
| Type | Audio | Audio |
| Created by | the Fraunhofer Institute and MPEG (1993) | Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and Apple (2001) |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Codec | MP3 | AAC (or ALAC) |
| Best for | Music, podcasts, audiobooks and ringtones | iTunes music, voice memos and phone recordings |
| Plays on | Every phone, computer, car stereo, smart speaker and browser | iPhone, Mac, Android, Windows 10 and later, and browsers |
Does converting MP3 to M4A lose quality?
Both formats are lossy, so converting adds a small amount of loss. Use the same or a higher bitrate than your MP3 (192 kbps covers most files) and the change is inaudible.
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 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.
What is an M4A file?
M4A is an audio-only MP4 file, usually holding AAC sound. It is the default for iTunes, Apple Music downloads, iPhone voice memos and many Android recorders. AAC sounds slightly better than MP3 at the same bitrate.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay or sign up to use the MP3 to M4A converter?
No. There is no account, no payment and no watermark. The only limit is 1 GB per file, set by what browsers can handle.
Do you keep a copy of my files?
We never receive them. All processing happens on your device, so there is nothing for us to store or delete.
Will the M4A sound as good as the MP3?
Both formats are lossy, so converting adds a small amount of loss. Use the same or a higher bitrate than your MP3 (192 kbps covers most files) and the change is inaudible.
Can I convert M4A back to MP3?
Yes, use the M4A to MP3 converter.
An MP3 sounds thin or has artefacts. What should I do?
It was probably encoded at a low bitrate. Re-encoding cannot restore it; find a better source.
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.