M4A, an audio-only MPEG-4 file, is generally regarded as the successor to the MP3 format. Compared with MP3, an M4A file is compressed with lossless quality. However, M4A is mainly applied to iTunes, iPod, and other Apple devices, which means Windows can’t open M4A files.
How to Convert M4A to MP3
- MiniTool Video Converter
- MiniTool MovieMaker
- CloudConevrt
- iTunes
#1. MiniTool Video Converter
MiniTool Video Converter is an efficient M4A to MP3 converter with a few simple steps. It also supports converting videos and audio in batches of up to 5 tasks. Below is a step-by-step tutorial using this software.
Fast Track:
- Install MiniTool Video Converter
- Upload M4A audio
- Configure MP3 as the converted format
- Start the conversion
- Check the converted audio
1. Download and Install MiniTool Video Converter
Download and install MiniTool Video Converter. Then, run this application on the computer.
MiniTool Video ConverterClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
2. Upload the M4A Audio
In the default Convert Video tab, click on the Add Files option to import the M4A file.
3. Set MP3 as the Output Format
Click on the Gear icon to open the output format window. Next, switch to the Audio tab and choose MP3. Then, choose an audio quality option, such as High Quality.
4. Begin the Conversion
Before the M4A to MP3 conversion, expand the Output option to pick a storage location for the converted audio. Then, click on the Convert button to begin the conversion process.
5. Check the Result
Once the conversion completes, the converted audio will appear in the Completed tab. Here, click on the Play icon to check it. Or click on the Folder icon to locate the converted audio on the computer.
MiniTool Video Converter makes it easier to convert M4A to MP3. Also, it enables you to adjust customizable settings, such as sample rate, channel, and encoder.
#2. MiniTool MovieMaker
MiniTool MovieMaker is an all-in-one media file processing tool that supports M4A to MP3 conversion. It also allows you to adjust the volume and fade music for the converted audio. The following is a detailed guide on how to convert M4A to MP3 with this tool.
Fast Track:
- Get MiniTool MovieMaker
- Import M4A audio
- Drag the audio onto the timeline
- Set MP3 as the output format and start exporting
1. Launch MiniTool MovieMaker
Download and install MiniTool MovieMaker. Then, run it and close the promotion window.
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2. Upload the M4A Audio
In the main interface, click on the Import Media Files option to upload the M4A audio.
3. Add the M4A Audio onto the Timeline
Drag the M4A audio onto the timeline. Then, click on the Export option to trigger the Export window.
4. Specify MP3 and Start Export
In the pop-up window, expand the Format option to select MP3 as the output format. Then, click on the Export button to start the export process. Finally, click on the Find Target option to locate the exported MP3 file.
MiniTool MovieMaker is a handy tool for converting M4A to MP3. Additionally, you can trim, split, or reverse the audio before conversion.
#3. CloudConvert
CloudConvert is a practical online audio converter that supports M4A to MP3 conversion. It also allows you to customize audio quality and file size. The following is how to convert M4A to MP3 with CloudConvert.
Fast Track:
- Import M4A audio
- Adjust output settings
- Begin the conversion
- Save the converted audio
1. Select the M4A file
Go to cloudconvert.com, click the Select Files button, select the desired M4A file you wish to convert. You will see the conversion options screen after you select your files.
2. Customize your output settings
Click on the file format arrow, select audio, and select MP3. Cloud Convert will convert the file into an MP3 at a variable bit rate of between 220kbps and 250kbps. Click on the wrench icon to change the number of audio channels, the sampling frequency, and more output settings. Click Okay to save these changes.
3. Convert the file
Click the red Start Conversion button on the right-hand side to start the conversion.
4. Download the converted file
After the conversion finishes, you will see a green Download button, which means the MP3 file is available. Click the button to save the MP3 file in the default download folder. Here, you are able to create a QR code for downloading to a mobile device.
#4. iTunes
Finally, iTunes can convert M4A to MP3. This format typically produces smaller files and is compatible with more audio applications. iTunes can convert both compressed and uncompressed song files. Now, try the following steps to convert your M4A file to MP3 format.
Fast Track:
- Launch iTunes
- Set the preferences
- Choose MP3 as the converted format
- Upload M4A file
- Start conversion
1. Open iTunes for Windows. (On Mac, iTunes comes preinstalled with the operating system.)
2. Click Edit and select Preferences. Click the General tab, and choose the Import Settings.
3. Click on the Import Using dropbox inside the second window, select MP3 Encoder, and choose the most appropriate bitrate for you. Higher bitrate means higher quality audio. The average rate is 128kbps.
4. Select the Library at the top of the program, select Music from the drop-down menu to the left, and select the M4A file from your library that you want to convert.
5. Click File, choose the Convert option, and select the Create MP3 version option to use the iTunes M4A to MP3 feature. Now, iTunes starts converting M4A to MP3, and you will find a new song file in your library next to the original files.
M4A VS MP3
Reading here, I guess you know how to convert M4A to MP3. But, what is a .m4a file? What is the difference between MP3 and M4A? Keep reading to know more details.
| M4A | MP3 | |
| File Container | MPEG-4 audio-only container | Independent audio container |
| Source Scenario | Main format for iTunes Store songs | Classic universal audio format |
| File Size | Small | Large |
| Audio Quality | Great | Inferior |
| Compatibility | Apple devices | Nearly all hardware software |
In a word, if you mostly listen to your music on iPod Phone and other Apple products, you can choose M4A. However, you had better choose MP3 if you want to listen to music anywhere.
Verdict
This article introduces how to convert M4A to MP3 with 4 effective video conversion tools, including MiniTool Video Converter, MiniTool MovieMaker, CloudConvert, and iTunes. Besides, it also compares M4A and MP3 in the source scenario, file size, audio quality, and compatibility.
Should you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to contact MiniTool official via support@minitool.com for support.
M4A to MP3 FAQ
2. Click on the Organize button at the top left, select Options.
3. Select the Rip Music tab and click the Change button to specify the location you want to rip music to and choose MP3 as the format.
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