Convert MP3 to M4A
Free, fast and secure — convert MP3 to M4A right in your browser.
Convert MP3 to M4A for wider compatibility
Converting MP3 to M4A gives you a more widely supported file that opens cleanly across more devices, apps and platforms — handy when MP3 will not play nicely everywhere.
How to convert MP3 to M4A
- 1 Drop your MP3 file into the converter above.
- 2 It is converted to M4A automatically — no settings to fiddle with.
- 3 Download your new M4A file instantly.
MP3 vs M4A
| Feature | MP3 | M4A |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| MIME type | audio/mpeg | audio/mp4 |
| Best for | Music, podcasts and voice that need to play everywhere at a small size. | High-quality music and voice on Apple devices and modern apps. |
About the formats
MP3 audio
MP3 is the world’s most compatible audio format. Its lossy compression makes small files that play on every device and app, which is why it is still the default for music and podcasts.
Strengths
- Plays on virtually everything
- Small, convenient files
- Adjustable bitrate
Limitations
- Lossy — discards some audio detail
- Not ideal for archiving
- No lossless option
Best for: Music, podcasts and voice that need to play everywhere at a small size.
M4A (AAC) audio
M4A holds AAC audio, the default for Apple Music and iTunes. It generally sounds better than MP3 at the same bitrate and is well supported on modern devices.
Strengths
- Better quality than MP3 at equal size
- Default on Apple platforms
- Efficient, modern codec
Limitations
- Slightly less universal than MP3
- Lossy compression
- Occasional legacy-player issues
Best for: High-quality music and voice on Apple devices and modern apps.