M4A → MP3
M4A to MP3 converter
Drop an M4A file and get it back as an MP3 that most players and editors accept. The AAC audio is converted in this tab, so the file stays on your device.
M4A holds AAC audio, MP3 is a different codec, so the sound is decoded and encoded again. 192 kbps suits most recordings, 320 kbps suits music.
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At a glance
- Price
- No charge
- Account
- None needed
- Upload
- None — the M4A is read and converted in your browser tab, nothing is sent to a server
- Input
- M4A (AAC audio)
- Output
- MP3 at 128, 192 or 320 kbps
- File size
- 1 GB per file, 5 files per batch
- Works on
- Recent Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari with an AAC decoder (Safari 26+ for audio)
How to convert M4A to MP3
Add the M4A
Drop an M4A file on the box above, or up to five at once. A batch runs one file after another.
Choose the bitrate
Pick 192 kbps for speech and most music, 320 kbps to stay close to the original, or 128 kbps for the smallest file.
Download the MP3
The MP3 appears with its size and plays right there. Download it, or convert the next M4A without reloading the page.
M4A and MP3 are different codecs
M4A is a container, an MPEG-4 audio file, and the sound inside is normally AAC. MP3 uses another codec, so the conversion cannot simply rewrap the data: your browser decodes the AAC into raw samples and the tool encodes them as MP3. Two lossy steps in a row cost a little quality, which is why a higher bitrate is worth choosing when the sound matters.
Decoding AAC is up to the browser. Most browsers include an AAC decoder, but some builds, for example certain Chromium and Linux builds, do not, and the tool then reports that the browser cannot process the file. An M4A can also hold Apple Lossless (ALAC) instead of AAC; whether that opens depends on the browser as well.
M4A to MP3 questions
What is the difference between M4A and MP3?
M4A is an MPEG-4 audio container, usually with AAC inside; MP3 is an older codec and file type. AAC is a newer design, but MP3 is the one nearly every player, editor and car stereo reads.
Does converting M4A to MP3 reduce the quality?
Slightly. Both formats are lossy, and the audio is decoded and encoded again. At 192 or 320 kbps the difference is hard to hear on most recordings; keep the original M4A if you may need an untouched copy later.
Is my M4A file uploaded anywhere?
No. The file is read and converted by your browser in this tab, and nothing is stored. The MP3 encoder is a small script that loads from this site the first time you convert; the audio itself is never sent.
Why does my M4A show an error?
The browser could not decode the audio inside. That happens when the browser has no AAC decoder, when the file holds a codec such as ALAC, or when the file is damaged. Try the latest Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari.
Can I convert voice memos from my phone?
Yes. Voice Memos on an iPhone are saved as M4A, and many recorder apps on other phones use the same format. Copy the file to the device you are browsing on and drop it here.
How large can the M4A be?
Up to 1 GB per file and up to 5 files in one batch.