How to Convert M4A File to MP3 (Online & Free)

Music is everywhere, encoded in various formats, including M4A, MP3, FLAC, etc. Some can be beneficial and simple, while others might be the opposite. For example, if you feel absurd about not playing music because it’s M4A, you can convert it into a more straightforward audio format. So let’s talk about how to convert M4A to MP3 for free in this article, and hopefully, it will help you.

Part 1. M4A vs. MP3, What’s the Difference?

M4A and MP3 both offer great utility of their own. But it’s subjective how well one audio format can work better than the other. If you have a good understanding of both of these audio formats, you will know what works best for you. So let’s have a look.

M4A is abbreviated as MPEG 4 Audio. Unlike MP3, it is for encoding audio files only. M4A is the successor of the MP3 format. And like most successors, it is every bit improved. The file sizes are smaller, and it uses advanced audio coding for better-quality audio. However, M4A audio files are more prone to threats and hazards. So if you consider saving a file for a more extended period, you should use the M4P extension. iTunes and Windows media players both use m4A audio formats for music playbacks.

MP3 is commonly known as MPEG-1 Audio Layer III or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III. MP3 files are digitally encoded and offer great versatility due to their smaller file size. Talking about numbers, it is 1/10^th the size of a WAV file. MP3 may be outdated for most up-to-date music geeks, but it’s hard to get over the usability and compatibility MP3 offers for the rest of the world. Almost all video and audio players can play MP3 files very quickly.

Part 2. How to Convert M4A to MP3 on iTunes [Free]

As discussed earlier, M4A files may offer excellent quality but at the cost of low compatibility with other devices. You are already familiar with the restrictions of the audio format, and that’s probably why you are reading this. However, Changing M4A to MP3 can be tricky if you don’t know the procedure. First, we need to convert M4A to MP3, so below is your guide for converting M4A to MP3.

Step 1: Launch the iTunes application on your desktop.

Step 2: Click on Edit from the top shelf menu. Then click on preferences

Step 3: Click Import settings for Windows under the General tab. Mac users can find import settings under the Files Tab.

Step 4: Click on encoding format after clicking on the menu next to import using. Click OK to confirm.

Step 5: Select the M4A files that you want to convert to MP3. And then create a separate MP3 version. You can find the updated file right next to the previous version in the library.

Part 3. How to Convert M4A to MP3 without iTunes

Method 1. Convert M4A to MP3 Online

It’s interesting to know that once the limiters of iTunes are not there, you can try out several third-party software to run your file. So many options to choose from, having a blissful taste of freedom. The application we filter for you is the easiest one. You don’t have to download any software or application. You can do it all on the online webpage in just three simple steps. Allow me to help you convert M4A to MP3 without iTunes using Zamzar online free converter.

Step 1: Go to Zamzar.com Add M4A files by clicking on Choose Files toggle

Step 2: Under Music Formats, click on MP3. Add your email address in the next step

Step 3: Now click on Convert to receive an email with your M4A to MP3 converter file.

Method 2. How to Convert M4A to MP3 on a PC

Converting M4A to MP3 on a Desktop can be fun. Thinking about the controls and options you get on the desktop while multiplying it with various great tools is a treasure. There are many free audio converter tools out there. Let’s talk about some of the finest in the competition. You can try Music Converter. Here is how you convert M4A to MP3 using Music Converter.

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Step 1: Download Music Converter and install it. Next, launch the application and click on Add Files.

Step 2: Once you upload files to convert from your local storage, select MP3 format to convert under Output Profile.

Step 3: Click on Convert to transfer your audio file from M4A to MP3.

Note: You can add links to audio files in URL form or extract M4A from a CD to convert it into MP3 format using Music Converter.

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Method 3. Convert M4A to MP3 on Mobile

Thanks to the technology, you can now convert not just M4A but almost any other audio format. It’s simple and easy to operate a smartphone, and it doesn’t take much to transfer M4A files to MP3.

There are loads of applications that you can find either on the App Store or Google Play Store. However, there are too many junk and malware applications that are non-convenient for most of our users. What if we tell you you can go to an online website and convert M4A to MP3 in just three simple steps? Here is your guide to direct those fingers to make suitable taps and swipes when converting M4A to MP3 on Mobile.

Step 1: Go to onlineaudioconverter.com, click on Open files, and upload any file from your local storage. You can also upload via Google Drive, DropBox, or any external URL.

Step 2:Adjust the output format to MP3 and select the audio quality you want. You can also mess with the advanced settings for more complex settings like fading the audio, changing the sample rate, or manipulating the bitrate frequencies.

Step 3: Click on Convert and have your M4A to MP3 converted files instantly.

Bonus Tip: How to Convert Apple Music to MP3

Applications like iTunes or Apple Music encode every audio file in AAC or M4A format. The methods mentioned above and applications can work well with all other sources. But for extracting and converting a premium service like Apple Music needs a pro tool. That offers immense value and usability.

Apple Music Converter is an offline downloader for Apple Music. It does not just download and decode the music into a more simple MP3 format. But it also translates to the more complex audio formats that are less compatible formats for music applications. In addition, there are a bunch of other things this converter can do. For example, it removes active DRM (Digital Right Management) songs to make your songs playable on the videos and public usage. The following are some features of Apple Music Converter.

1. DRM (Digital rights management) removal to protect against copyright claims
2. Customizable output formats including MP3, M4A, WAV, AAC, and FLAC, among others
3. Retains the original ID3 tags of songs, artists, and playlist
4. Lossless audio quality and batch downloads
5. High conversion rates for Mac and Windows, up to 5x and 10x, respectively

Ready to try to work your M4A files out? Want to know how to convert Apple Music to MP3? Here is your compulsive guide.

Step 1: Download the Apple Music Converter by clicking on the Download options below. Install the setup once the download is complete.

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Step 2: Apple Music Converter syncs with your iTunes playlist to show you your Apple Music library upfront in the application. Make sure your iTunes is active all the time during the process. Then, when the sync is complete, you can find your music collection from Apple Music right in the converter.

Step 3: Now, select the tracks you want to download from Apple Music. Tick the boxes of the songs you wish to download in the tiny box on the left of each piece. The converter supports batch download so that you can select multiple songs at once.

Step 4: Customize your output preferences, including output formats, audio quality, storage locations, and metadata of songs, artists, and playlists from below the screen.

Step 5: Click on the Convert option in the bottom right corner of your screen. You can see the conversation happening right in front of you; each song will have its own estimation time. As soon as the M4A to MP3 conversion is complete, you can browse and find the MP3 music ready to play, share, or transfer.

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Conclusion

No matter how much quality and small file size the M4A format provides. The yardsticks that MP3 has made are still unbeatable. Moreover, the immense advantage of acceptability and compatibility is keeping the MP3 format everlasting. However, once in a while, you might feel the need to transfer your M4A track to MP3.

So if you want to convert M4A to the MP3 format, we have put down a compulsive guide about everything you need to know when changing the audio format from M4A to MP3. Please let us know if there are any questions on this topic.