A Complete Guide to Converting M4A to MP3
The M4A audio file format, commonly used for iTunes and Apple Music, is popular for its high-quality sound. However, not all devices and software support M4A, so many users might prefer MP3 because of its wider compatibility. If you are one of them, then this guide is for you. In this article, we will cover a clear comparison to help you understand the differences between M4A and MP3 and introduce three reliable solutions to convert M4A to MP3 easily.
- GUIDE LIST
- Part 1. Comparison Between M4A and MP3
- Part 2. 3 Solutions to Help You Change M4A to MP3
- Part 3. FAQs about How to Turn M4A to MP3
Part 1. Comparison Between M4A and MP3
So why might you want to convert M4A to MP3? This table will show you the main differences between these two formats so you can make the right choice before converting your audio.
| Features | M4A | MP3 |
|---|---|---|
| Format | MPEG-4 Audio | MPEG-1 Audio |
| Characteristics of Format | More advanced codecs, often used for Apple devices | Older codecs, widely adopted |
| Audio Quality | Generally higher quality at the same bitrate | Lower quality at the same bitrate |
| File Size | Smaller for the same quality | Larger for the same quality |
| Compression Method | Lossy compression (with improved quality) | Lossy compression |
| Compatibility | Limited, mainly Apple devices | Widely compatible with almost all devices |
Part 2. 3 Solutions to Help You Change M4A to MP3
If you are going to change M4A to MP3, here are three reliable tools that can make the process easy:
Solution 1. ArkThinker Video Converter Ultimate
Price: 7-day free trial; 15.6$/month
ArkThinker Video Converter Ultimate is a comprehensive multimedia converter. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or an expert. The simple and clean interface of ArkThinker Video Converter Ultimate makes the conversion process super easy. It’s incredibly efficient and has many practical features that support various circumstances. For example, when dealing with a large volume of files, you can download this software and convert all of them in one go. Without losing the original file’s quality, you can enjoy music on almost any device.
Features:
• Easily turn M4A files to MP3 online with straightforward steps.
• Supports many commonly used audio formats, including MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, and more.
• Compatible with multiple devices when exporting files, such as PCs, Android phones, iPads, iPhones, and Macs.
• Compresses your audio while preserving high quality.
Here is the step-by-step guidance to help you change your M4A file to MP3:
Download and install ArkThinker Video Converter Ultimate by clicking one of the links below based on your device.
Launch the application, choose the M4A file from its location, and click Add Files. Select MP3 as the output format, and if necessary, change the settings.
Click Convert to start the conversion.
Among ArkThinker tests, Video Converter Ultimate is one of the best M4A to MP3 converters. It’s incredibly user-friendly and efficient. What we love the most about it is its fast conversion speed and the ability to convert files in batches. I often need to convert multiple M4A files to MP3 format to transfer songs to other devices, and this software makes it so convenient.
Solution 2. iTunes
Developed by Apple Inc., iTunes serves as a multimedia player that allows users to buy, play, and organize digital music and video files. Fortunately, in addition to managing and playing music, iTunes also functions as a reliable audio converter. It allows users to transform files between many audio formats.
To turn M4A files to MP3 format on iTunes, you can try out the following steps:
ake sure that you’ve installed the latest version of iTunes on your device.
Open iTunes. Click Edit > Preferences > General > Import Settings. Then, select MP3 Encoder in the Import Using option. Click OK to save the change.
Press File > Convert > Convert to MP3.
Click the File option in the menu bar. Choose either Add File to Library or Add Folder to Library, then navigate to where your M4A files are located and select them.
- Free and easy to use.
- Integrated with the Apple ecosystem.
- Batch conversion.
- Limited format support.
- Lack of advanced audio editing features.
- Only available on Windows and Mac.
- There is not as much customization for output quality as in other converters.
Although iTunes is free and easy to use, the procedures are a bit complex, so sometimes people might accidentally export the M4A file again.
Solution 3. Online Zamzar
Zamzar is a web-based file converter and compressor that allows users to convert files between different formats without installing any software. It’s a flexible tool for various conversion requirements because it supports a wide range of file types, including documents, photos, music, and video files. You can access the official webpage online.
To use Zamzar as an audio converter, you can follow these steps:
Visit Zamzar’s website and click Add Files to upload your M4A files. Choose MP3 as the output format.
Click Convert Now
- Web-based, no software installation is needed.
- Easy to use and supports numerous file formats.
- Free to use.
- A daily file size limit for free users.
- Lack of advanced audio editing features.
Compared with iTunes, Zamzar is more convenient to use, but it’s limited to two conversions per hour for files up to 100MB. Therefore, it doesn’t work when you need to convert a bigger audio file or multiple files at the same time.
Notice: you can also check here to see how to turn FLAC to MP3.
Part 3. FAQs about How to Turn M4A to MP3
Will converting M4A to MP3 reduce audio quality?
Yes, MP3 is a lossy format so some audio quality may be lost during the conversion. However, if you choose a high bitrate, you can minimize the loss.
Why can’t I open M4A files on my device?
M4A is primarily used by Apple and may not be compatible with all devices. Converting to WAV or MP3 can make the file compatible with most devices and software.
Should I convert M4A to MP3?
Converting to MP3 might be good if you prioritize compatibility and convenience. However, if the audio quality is your priority, and you use Apple devices, M4A could be a better choice.
Can I change M4A files to MP3 on my iPhone?
Yes, it’s super easy. Just navigate to the Music List, select the files you want to convert, choose Create the New Version, and then Create MP3 Version from the File menu.
Conclusion
Changing M4A to MP3 isn’t that difficult with the right tools. We have covered three useful methods, including a desktop solution like ArkThinker Video Converter Ultimate, a familiar platform like iTunes, and an online tool like Zamzar. Each option has its benefits. With these methods, you can convert from M4A to MP3 effortlessly and better enjoy your audio files across different devices.
Have you tried any of these tools before? Or do you have a go-to method for audio conversions? We’d like to hear from you!
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