Convert M4A to MP3
The iPhone Voice Memos app and many recorder apps save M4A. Some Windows programs, older car stereos and phone systems won't open these files, while MP3 plays almost everywhere.
Free · no sign-up · your file is processed in your browser and never sent to a server
No file handy? Try it with a 20-second Turkish meeting recording.
How to use
- Choose your M4A fileDrop one or more M4A files. On this page the tool only accepts M4A; for other formats, use the audio converter.
- Pick the qualityChoose the MP3 bitrate: 128 kbps for speech, 192–320 kbps for music.
- Convert and downloadFiles are processed one after another; each finished file comes with its own download link.
M4A and MP3 at a glance
| M4A | MP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Codec | Usually AAC (sometimes lossless ALAC) | MPEG Layer III |
| Type | Lossy (lossless if ALAC) | Lossy |
| Approx. size | AAC 128 kbps: ~1 MB/min | 128 kbps: ~1 MB/min · 320 kbps: ~2.4 MB/min |
| Typical source | iPhone Voice Memos, Apple devices, many Android recorder apps | Music libraries, podcasts, recorder apps, almost every device |
Why convert?
- A program, device or web form that won't accept M4A
- Sending a recording to someone on Windows
- Keeping an audio archive in a single format
Common issues with M4A files
- Protected (DRM) files: Some older purchased iTunes files (M4P) are copy-protected and can't be opened in the browser.
- M4A with ALAC: It's lossless; converting to MP3 makes it lossy. To keep the quality, convert M4A to WAV instead.
- Bitrate: Voice Memos recordings usually have a low bitrate; 128 kbps MP3 is enough, and higher only makes the file bigger without improving the sound.
Privacy: your file never leaves your device
Everything happens in your browser. Your file is not sent to Voiser's servers or stored anywhere, and it's cleared from memory when you close the tab. That's also why the tool stays fast on a slow connection.
Common questions
What's the difference between M4A and MP3?
M4A is a container that usually holds AAC audio; AAC generally sounds cleaner than MP3 at the same bitrate. MP3's advantage is that it opens on almost every device and program.
How do I convert a recording from my iPhone?
Save the recording to the Files app or send it to yourself, then choose it on this page. It works in Safari too, and the file stays on your phone.
Will the quality drop?
Converting lossy to lossy costs a little. Choose an MP3 bitrate equal to or higher than the source and the difference is usually inaudible.
Can I convert several files at once?
Yes, you can add up to 10 M4A files at a time.
Related tools
- Audio converterConvert files between MP3, WAV, M4A, OGG and FLAC.
- Extract audio from videoSave the audio track of your own videos as MP3, M4A or WAV.
- MP3 cutter and audio trimmerSelect any part of an audio file on the waveform and cut it out.
- Audio joinerMerge several audio files into one, in the order you choose.
Turn your converted recording into text.
Transcription turns speech into time-stamped text with separate speakers. Start with a free account.