Want to convert MKV to MP3? Simply download a video-to-audio converter, import the target MKV video, specify MP3 as the converted format, and start the conversion. After converting to MP3, the file size is smaller, making it easier to share.

Part 1. MKV vs MP3

What are the differences between MKV and MP3? The following chart is a detailed comparison.

MKVMP3
File Extension.mkv.mp3
Type of formatVideo file formatAudio file format
Developed ByMatroskaMoving Picture Experts Group
DescriptionMKV is a container format that holds an unlimited number of video, audio, picture, and subtitle tracks in one file.MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3) is a standard audio format. It is developed to compress audio for storage and playback on digital devices.

Part 2. How to Convert MKV to MP3

If you don’t know how to extract MP3 from your MKV video easily and quickly, check the following professional MKV to MP3 converters and learn the step-by-step guide below.

  • MiniTool Video Converter
  • VLC Media Player
  • OnlineConvertFree

The conversion steps are usually easy to handle. Here’s how:

  • Get a converter or go to the conversion page
  • Import MKV file
  • Set MP3 as the output format
  • Start the conversion
  • Check/save the converted audio

#1 MiniTool Video Converter

MiniTool Video Converter is a free and safe MKV to MP3 converter. Its fast conversion speed, various format support, optional output quality, and other features make it an ideal choice. Below is a detailed guide on how to complete the MKV to MP3 conversion.

1. Download and Install MiniTool Video Converter

Download and install MiniTool Video Converter.

MiniTool Video ConverterClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

2. Upload the Target File

Launch MiniTool Video Converter on the computer. In the default Convert Video tab, click on the Add Files option to import the MKV file.

MiniTool Video Convert interface with the Convert Video tab and the Add Files option selected.

3. Specify MP3 as the Output Format

Click on the Gear icon to trigger the output format window. Next, switch to the Audio tab and choose MP3. Then, choose an audio quality option, such as High Quality.

MiniTool Video Converter format settings window showing how to set MP3 for the converted video in the Convert Video tab.

4. Begin the Conversion

Before the conversion, expand the Output option to choose a storage location for the converted audio. Then, click on the Convert button to begin the conversion process.

MiniTool Video Converter with the Output option and the Convert button selected in the Convert Video tab.

5. Check and Locate the Converted Audio

As soon as the conversion finishes, the converted audio will land on 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 Completed tab with the Play icon and the Folder icon selected in the Convert Video tab.

MiniTool Video Converter can not only convert MKV to MP3, but also supports batch video-to-audio conversions. Moreover, this converter also allows you to adjust the advanced settings, such as resolution or bitrate.

#2 VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player can also convert MKV to MP3. It is a widely used media player that plays most multimedia files, and it is compatible with almost all devices. Let’s see how to convert MKV to MP3 using VLC Media Player.

1. Click the Media tab and select Convert/Save…

VLC Media Player interface showing how to find the conversion option.

2. After the Open Media window pops up, select the + Add… option to import the MKV file. Then tap on the Convert/Save button at the bottom.

3. Open the dropdown list next to Profile and select MP3 as the output format. Then specify the destination file folder for this MP3 file.

4. Tap on the Start button to start the conversion.

#3 OnlineConvertFree

OnlineConvertFree is an online converter that enables you to convert multiple MKV videos to MP3 at the same time, free and fast. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to convert MKV to MP3 with OnlineConvertFree.

1. Click CHOOSE FILE to upload your MKV file to the service. Or you can simply drag and drop it onto the program.

OnlineConvertFree interface with the CHOOSE FILE option selected.

2. Click on the blue CONVERT button. If you add two or more MKV files, just click CONVERT ALL.

3. Wait till your MKV file is converted, and then click Download.

OnlineConvertFree also supports converting images, audio files, documents, etc. However, the maximum size of a video file you can convert with this platform is limited to just 500MB.

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Bottom Line

This article shows how to convert MKV to MP3 with 2 desktop and an online video-to-audio converters, including MiniTool Video Converter, VLC Media Player, and OnlineConvertFree. Besides, the post also compares MKV and MP3.

If you have any questions or suggestions about MiniTool Video Converter, feel free to contact MiniTool official via support@minitool.com for help.

MKV to MP3 FAQ

Will the audio quality decrease after converting MKV to MP3?
Yes. This is because both MKV and MP3 are lossy compression formats. Converting between them removes some data, which usually results in a slight loss of audio quality. However, you can use a higher bitrate option to minimize this loss.
How do I select the audio track to extract?
Many MKV files contain multiple audio tracks. Modern conversion tools typically extract the main audio track by default.
Why is my converted MP3 file completely silent?
The original audio might use a complex audio codec that some basic converters cannot decode. It's also possible that the video contains multiple blank audio tracks, and the conversion process selected one of those blank tracks. Therefore, the converted MP3 has no sound. Another possibility is that the MKV format container is corrupted, preventing the software from reading the audio stream.
Can album art and metadata be preserved during conversion?
In most cases, no. MKV files rarely store standard MP3 ID3 tags. Additionally, the metadata configuration file output by the converter is essentially blank. If you need to preserve album art or metadata, you'll need to add it manually. Of course, some tools do save album art and metadata by default, such as VLC Media Player or iTunes.
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About The Author

Juniper

Position: Columnist

Juniper is a technical writer and specialist in audio-visual processing, dedicated to simplifying complex workflows. She provides expert analysis and practical guides on format conversion, video compression, speech-to-text, and screen recording. Besides, Juniper provides efficient operating methods through software testing, aiming to help users accurately solve technical problems.

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