M4A to MP3 Converter
Convert M4A audio to MP3 format.
Drop your M4A file here
or click to browse · max 500 MB
Settings
128k for speech · 192k for general use · 320k for music
FFmpeg WASM (~25MB) will be downloaded on first use and cached by your browser.
M4A to MP3 Converter
Converts M4A (MPEG-4 Audio) files to MP3 format. M4A is Apple's preferred audio format, used by iPhones for voice memos, Apple Music for downloads, and GarageBand for exports. Converting to MP3 ensures compatibility with all devices and platforms.
What is it used for?
- Converting iPhone Voice Memos for sharing on non-Apple devices
- Making Apple Music downloads playable on Android and Windows
- Converting GarageBand exports to universal MP3 format
- Podcast distribution - M4A is common but MP3 has wider RSS feed support
- Audio sharing via messaging apps and email
Step-by-Step Guide
- Upload your M4A file (from iPhone, iTunes, GarageBand, etc.)
- Adjust audio bitrate (128-320kbps) in the settings panel
- Click 'Convert to .MP3'
- Preview the converted audio
- Download your MP3 file
How it works
Upload an M4A file. FFmpeg decodes the MPEG-4 audio (usually AAC or ALAC) and transcodes to MP3 using LAME encoder at high quality. Download the converted file ready to play anywhere.
Tips & Best Practices
- iPhone Voice Memos are typically low bitrate - 128kbps MP3 is usually sufficient
- Music files benefit from 192-256kbps for good quality
- M4A files with ALAC (Apple Lossless) codec will also convert correctly
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between M4A and MP3?
M4A is Apple's audio container (usually AAC codec), while MP3 uses MPEG-1 Layer III. M4A/AAC offers slightly better quality at the same bitrate, but MP3 is universally supported.
Can I convert Apple Music DRM-protected files?
No. DRM-protected files cannot be converted with any browser-based tool. This works with unprotected M4A files (Voice Memos, GarageBand exports, iTunes purchases).
Will my iPhone Voice Memos convert properly?
Yes! iPhone Voice Memos save as M4A with AAC codec, which is fully supported by this converter.
Privacy & Security
This tool uses FFmpeg compiled to WebAssembly (WASM). The WASM binary (~25MB) is downloaded from a CDN on first use and cached by your browser. All file processing happens locally on your device - your files are never uploaded to any server. This makes it safe for sensitive, private, or confidential media files. Large files may take longer to process depending on your device's CPU and available memory.