How to use the WMV to MP3 converter
- Choose your WMV video or drop it on the box.
- Pick an audio quality. 192 kbps is the usual choice; 320 kbps for music you care about, 128 kbps for speech.
- 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 WMV to MP3?
WMV videos from Windows Movie Maker and old corporate archives play poorly outside Windows. WMV to MP3 keeps the narration or music in a universal format.
- WMV: not supported on Apple devices, Android or browsers.
- MP3: plays on every device.
- MP3: small files.
WMA sound in WMV files is often 128 kbps, so 192 kbps MP3 is more than enough.
WMV vs MP3
| WMV | MP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Windows Media Video | MPEG-1 Audio Layer III |
| Type | Video | Audio |
| Created by | Microsoft (1999) | the Fraunhofer Institute and MPEG (1993) |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Typical codecs | WMV (VC-1) + WMA | MP3 |
| Best for | Older Windows Movie Maker projects and legacy corporate videos | Music, podcasts, audiobooks and ringtones |
| Plays on | Windows Media Player and Movies & TV on Windows, and VLC; Macs, iPhones and browsers do not play WMV natively | Every phone, computer, car stereo, smart speaker and browser |
Does converting WMV to MP3 lose quality?
Only the sound is kept and re-encoded as MP3. Video soundtracks are usually AAC at 128–256 kbps, so choosing 192 kbps or more keeps the MP3 sounding the same as the video.
How long does it take?
Fast. Only the sound is decoded, so even a long video usually converts in well under a minute.
What is a WMV file?
WMV is Microsoft's Windows Media video format, stored in the ASF container. It was common for Windows Movie Maker exports and early web video in the 2000s.
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
How much does the WMV to MP3 converter cost?
Nothing. It is free with no registration, no watermark and no limit on how many files you convert.
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 MP3 sound as good as the WMV?
Only the sound is kept and re-encoded as MP3. Video soundtracks are usually AAC at 128–256 kbps, so choosing 192 kbps or more keeps the MP3 sounding the same as the video.
Can I convert MP3 back to WMV?
Yes, use the WMV Converter and choose WMV as the output.
A WMV will not open on a Mac or iPhone. What should I do?
Convert WMV to MP4.
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.