MP3 (MPEG-1/MPEG-2 Audio Layer 3) is a widely used lossy audio format. It shrinks file size by discarding partial original audio data irreversibly. It boasts universal compatibility, playable on nearly all audio players. Windows and macOS support native playback without extra software.
M4A is audio-only MPEG-4, while standard video-audio MPEG-4 files use the .mp4 extension. Most M4A files adopt lossy AAC encoding, and some Apple lossless tracks use ALAC. It’s common for DRM-free iTunes music downloads. It works natively on Apple devices, iTunes, and QuickTime. Windows Media players need extra codecs to open M4A files.
How to Convert MP3 to M4A
If you have an MP3 audio file and want to listen to it on an iPhone or other Apple products, it is necessary to convert the MP3 to M4A. How can you do this work? A professional converter is essential, and some tools are introduced here.
- MiniTool Video Converter
- iTunes
- Freemake Audio Converter
How to use them? Here are some common steps for using them.
Quick Steps:
- Access the conversion interface
- Upload MP3 File
- Specify M4A as the output format
- Start converting
- Check or download the converted audio
1. MiniTool Video Converter
MiniTool Video Converter is a professional video converter that supports MP3 to M4A. It helps you easily convert between audio and video. Now, don’t hesitate to download MiniTool Video Converter to convert MP3 to M4A for free.
1. Download and Install MiniTool Video Converter
Download MiniTool Video Converter and set it up.
MiniTool Video ConverterClick to Download100%Clean & Safe
2. Upload the Target MP3 File
Launch this video converter to its main interface and then drag or add your MP3 file here.
3. Set M4A
Click the Gear icon to open the output format window, switch to Audio, select M4A, and specify a bitrate option, like High Quality.
4. Start the Conversion
Click Convert to start the conversion from MP3 to M4A.
5. Check the Result
After the conversion, click the Play icon or the Folder icon to check or locate the converted audio.
Furthermore, you can use MiniTool Video Converter to quickly batch convert files. Moreover, it also enables you to customize the audio sample rate and bitrate.
2. iTunes
iTunes is a media library, Internet radio broadcaster, media player, and mobile device management utility, as well as the client app for iTunes Store developed by Apple. You can use it to convert MP3 to M4A, which is also helpful. Then, follow these steps for the conversion.
1. Import MP3 Audio
Launch iTunes and then click File > Add File to Library to add an MP3 file. If you are using macOS, you can directly drag and drop the MP3 file to iTunes.
2. Select AAC Encoder
Go to Edit > Preferences and click Import Settings under the General tab. Choose AAC Encoder from the Import Using section and save the change.
3. Set M4A
Go to the Songs list, select your MP3 file, and click File > Convert > Create AAC Version. Then, iTunes will create and store an M4A version of the file with the same name.
And you can install iTunes on your computer that is running a macOS or Windows operating system for work.
3. Freemake Audio Converter
Freemake Audio Converter can help you convert most non-protected audio formats for free and extract audio from videos. In addition to converting a single audio file in batch, you can use this converter to merge several songs into one for endless playback. It is compatible with Windows operating systems, including Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.
To convert MP3 to M4A, install Freemake Audio Converter on your PC and launch it, then click Audio to choose your MP3 file and click to M4A. Next, click Convert to start the conversion.
Pros:
- Common audio file formats supported
- Converts Audio Files in Batch
- Joins multiple audio files into one and converts it to a new format
- Adjusts the quality of the converted file
Cons: Cannot convert the file that is longer than 3 minutes
MP3 VS M4A
Typically, M4A is perceived as the successor to MP3, and they have some common points. For example, they are designed to download audio and use the compression mechanism to impact the size of the music. Additionally, they also have some differences, and you may ask which one is better. Now, let’s keep reading.
- Video Quality
- Compatibility
1. Quality
Compared to MP3, the M4A file with ALAC codec has better original sound quality and even an M4A file with AAC codec offers better quality at the same bit rate. This is because M4A features a large bit rate. Besides, file size is also related to the bit rate. The larger the bit rate, the larger the file size and the better the sound quality. But this doesn’t mean the sound quality of the MP3 file is poor but M4A is better.
2. Compatibility
M4A is a limited audio format file and some of the devices don’t support it and M4A cannot be shared on other devices. In short, its compatibility is not good. While MP3 allows sharing across other devices and the file can be used on multiple devices.
To sum up, if you want to listen to music with high quality on Apple devices, M4A is recommended. If you prefer compatibility, MP3 is suggested. No matter whether you are using MP3 or M4A, these two file formats can be converted to each other. In our previous post, How to Convert M4A to MP3? 3 Free Ways You Can't Miss, you know the conversion from M4A to MP3. In the following part, let’s see the information on MP3 to M4A conversion.
Bottom Line
Do you want an MP3 to M4A converter to turn the MP3 file into M4A so that you can use it on Apple devices? Many excellent conversion apps are introduced and just choose one for the work.
Besides, if you have any suggestions about MiniTool Video Converter, you can send an email to support@minitool.com.
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