How to use it
- Drop your M4A files onto the page.
- Pick a bitrate: 192 kbps for music, 96 kbps for voice.
- Tick Mono for voice memos if you want smaller files.
- Click Convert to MP3 and save the file or ZIP.
What is an M4A file?
M4A is an MPEG-4 audio file, usually containing AAC audio. It's what iPhone Voice Memos, Apple Music and iTunes purchases, many Android recorders and some podcast apps produce. AAC sounds as good as or slightly better than MP3 at the same bitrate, so M4A isn't a bad format, just a less universal one.
MP3 still wins on compatibility: older car stereos, some smart speakers, cheap MP3 players, many website upload forms and some editing tools only accept MP3. That's the usual reason to convert.
Which settings to use
| What you're converting | Bitrate | Channels |
|---|---|---|
| Voice memo, lecture, interview | 96 kbps | Mono |
| Podcast | 96–128 kbps | Mono or stereo |
| Music | 192 kbps | Stereo |
| Music you want to keep in top quality | 256–320 kbps | Stereo |
Both AAC and MP3 are lossy, so converting one into the other loses a tiny bit of quality. Choosing a bitrate at least as high as the original's keeps that loss inaudible. If the M4A was 256 kbps (typical for Apple Music downloads without DRM), use 256 kbps.
iPhone voice memos to MP3
To convert a voice memo, first get the file onto the device you're using:
- In the Voice Memos app, tap the recording, then the … (more) button and Save to Files (or Share and send it to your computer).
- Open this page in Safari or Chrome and drop or select the M4A file from Files.
- Choose 96 kbps and Mono: speech sounds the same and the MP3 is small enough to email.
The MP3 downloads to your Files app (iPhone) or Downloads folder (computer).
Troubleshooting
- The file won't open: files bought from the iTunes Store before 2009 may be protected .m4p files, which can't be converted. Apple Lossless (ALAC) M4A files decode in Safari and recent Chrome; if one fails, try another browser.
- The MP3 is quieter or louder than expected: conversion doesn't change the volume. To raise it, run the MP3 through the volume booster.
- Only part of the recording is needed: convert first, then trim the MP3 with the MP3 cutter.
- Very long recordings on a phone: a multi-hour memo needs a lot of memory; convert it on a computer if the phone browser gives up.
Batch conversion
Select several M4A files at once or add them one by one. Each MP3 keeps the original name. With two or more files you get a single ZIP download; with one file, the MP3 itself. The browser decodes and encodes everything locally, so long files take a few seconds each and nothing is uploaded.
Need WAV instead, for editing or a CD? Use M4A to WAV. For other formats, the general MP3 converter accepts almost anything.
Frequently asked questions
Is M4A better quality than MP3?
At the same bitrate, AAC in M4A is usually slightly better than MP3. The difference is small above 192 kbps. MP3's advantage is that it plays everywhere.
Can I convert protected iTunes songs?
No. Files with DRM (older iTunes Store purchases in .m4p format) can't be decoded by the browser. DRM-free M4A files convert normally.
Will my voice memo lose quality?
Not noticeably. Speech at 96 kbps mono MP3 sounds the same as the original memo for listening.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. Open the page in your mobile browser, select the M4A file and the MP3 downloads to your device.
Are my files uploaded?
No. The conversion runs in your browser and the files never leave your device.
Last updated: November 12, 2026