M4A to MP3 converter
Turn M4A files such as iPhone voice memos and iTunes songs into MP3 that plays in any player. Preview, choose the bitrate, download.
- 100% free
- Runs in your browser
- No uploads
- Runs on your deviceEvery tool works directly in your browser. No files are uploaded.
- Your privacy mattersYour files never leave your device, so there's nothing for us to store.
- No limitsUse any tool as much as you need. No daily caps, no waiting.
- Completely freeNo signup and no trial to cancel. Ads keep the tools free.
How to convert M4A to MP3
- Add your M4A file. Drop it on the box or choose it. On iPhone, share a voice memo to Files first, then pick it here.
- Check the settings. MP3 is selected. Pick a bitrate and, if you like, mono to halve the size of speech recordings.
- Convert and download. Play the MP3 on the page, then save it.
MP3 bitrate and file size
| Bitrate | Size per minute | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 96 kbps | About 0.7 MB | Voice memos, lectures |
| 128 kbps | About 0.96 MB | Podcasts, speech, casual music |
| 192 kbps | About 1.44 MB | Music |
| 320 kbps | About 2.4 MB | Music from a high-quality source |
Size per minute = bitrate × 60 ÷ 8, so 128 kbps is 960 KB a minute.
Tips
- Only need part of a recording? Cut it first with the audio trimmer, which also saves MP3.
- The MP3 encoder is the open-source LAME encoder running inside your browser, so it takes a moment to start the first time.
- Keep the original M4A if you might convert again: converting an MP3 to another lossy format loses quality a second time.
Frequently asked questions
What is an M4A file?
M4A is audio in an MP4 container, usually AAC. iPhones save Voice Memos as M4A, iTunes and Apple Music downloads use it, and many phone recorders and WhatsApp exports produce it. It's efficient, but some car stereos, older players and apps only play MP3.
Which bitrate should I pick?
192 kbps is a safe default for music. 128 kbps is fine for speech, podcasts and voice memos and makes smaller files. Going above the M4A's own bitrate doesn't add quality, only size.
Does converting M4A to MP3 lose quality?
A little, because both are lossy formats and the sound is encoded again. At 192 kbps or higher, most people can't hear the difference.
Can I convert songs bought on iTunes?
Songs bought from the iTunes Store since 2009 are DRM-free M4A files and convert normally. Apple Music streaming downloads are protected and can't be read by any web page.
Is my audio uploaded?
No. The audio is decoded and encoded to MP3 in your browser. Nothing leaves your device, which matters for recordings of meetings or calls.