15 Best Free Tools to Convert M4A to MP3 [2022 Update]

Fact Check: What are the different MP3 formats? MP3 (MPEG Layer 3) supports different levels of data compression. Perhaps the most common is 128kbps, but 48, 56, 64, 96, 192, 320 and more are all in use. The lower the bit-rate, the more extreme the compression, and the more obvious its audible consequences.

Questions You May Ask:

1. Why convert M4A to MP3?

M4A is an audio-only MPEG-4 file and widely used by Apple for unprotected music downloaded from iTunes Music Store. If you want to play the files on many other devices, MP3 is a better choice since it is compatible with many players. That’s why an M4A to MP3 Converter matters. Wanna convert YouTube to MP3 online for free? Click to convert now.

2. Is M4A good quality?

The quality of M4A is better and the file size is smaller than MP3 file. So when you convert M4A to MP3, the sound quality loss may be caused.

3. Is M4A the same as MP4?

MP4 and M4A files are often confused, and the two are quite similar, being both based on the MPEG-4 codec. However, M4A is a file comprising solely of audio, whereas MP4 may also contain video.

4. Does M4A work on Android?

The native Android music player cannot play m4a files. Therefore, for Android, users, MP3 is the most preferred format. If you really want to play M4A files on your Android device, you have to use third-party apps to do that.

Part 1: Top 3 Free M4A to MP3 Converters Recommended

1. Online Audio Converter

Compatibility: Online

Supported formats: MP3, WAV, iPhone ringtone, M4A, FLAC, OGG

This online M4A to MP3 Converter provides you a variety of audio formats not only MP3. Besides, it allows you to choose output quality from 64 kbps to 320 kbps. Edit track info if you like. More importantly, this best M4A to MP3 Converter supports file upload from local, Google Drive, Dropbox or pasting a URL.

How to convert M4A to MP3:

• 1. Click Open files to upload a file from the local
• 2. Choose a format from the list
• 3. Click Advanced settings to make adjustments
• 4. Click Convert to start the conversion

Cons:

• Some distracting ads

2. ZAMZAR

Compatibility: Online

Supported formats: MP3, M4A, FLAC, OGG, M4R, WMA, and various video/audio formats

ZAMZAR, as an online M4A to MP3 Converter, is good at converting M4A to MP3 online quickly. If supports more formats than the previous one, but doesn’t provide advanced settings. Upload files from your device or pasting a URL. Not able to upload from the Cloud. By the way, its homepage provides a lot of detailed information about all kinds of formats, which is quite considerate.    

Cons:

• Max file size 50 mb

3. Convertio.co

Compatibility: Online

Supported formats: WAV, MP3, OGG, M4R, FLAC, WMA, AIFF, AAC, and more

This Online M4A to MP3 Converter is able to upload files from local, Dropbox, Google Drive, or entering a URL. Through advanced settings, you can adjust Bitrate, audio channels, frequency, volume, or make a cut for the output. Convertio provides a good online service to convert M4A to MP3 online easily and effectively. Better with 100 MB maximum file size. A simple interface and no ads.

Cons:

• You need to sign-up or upgrade to enjoy unlimited conversion

Besides the previous three online M4A to MP3 Converters, there are also many good online products that can be good alternatives. Read on and find out more handy and useful tools to convert M4A to MP3 and more formats.

Part 2: 12 Alternatives to Convert M4A to MP3 Free 

1. Online Converter

Compatibility: Online

Supported formats: MP3, WAV, WMV, FLAC, AIFF, AACA, or choose to convert for iPhone, Android, iPad

The homepage of this online M4A to MP3 Converter is quite simple without much redundant words. But the interface is not very well-designed because the operating area takes up only a small portion of the homepage. This free M4A to MP3 Converter lets you upload files from local or URL. Also possible to choose audio quality, from 8 up to 320 kbps. Max file size 200 MB.

 

Cons:

• Not very well-designed

2. Cloud Convert

Compatibility: Online

Supported formats: MP3, WAV, WMV, FLAC, AIFF, AACA

Cloudconvert allows converting M4A to MP3 by choosing files from the device, Google Drive, One Drive, Dropbox, and entering URL. This Online M4A to MP3 Converter also provides advanced options to help make a more custom result, like audio bitrate, volume, audio length, and more.

Cons:

• Not very intuitive
• Free for up to 25 conversions per day

3. Free Convert

Compatibility: Online

Supported formats: MP3, M4A, WMA, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AMR, OGG, AIFF, AAC or choose according to device

Upload files from the device, Google Drive, Dropbox, or URL and click Advanced settings to get a more custom result, including audio bitrate, audio sample rate, audio channel, volume, and output audio length. Max file size 1 GB. A lot more than other online M4A to MP3 Converters.

Cons:

• Some distracting ads

4. Online Convert Free

Compatibility: Online

Supported formats: M4A, MP3, WMV, and more 200 formats

You’re allowed to upload files from your device to this online M4A to MP3 Converter. Then select a format and click to download the audio file. The advanced setting is not supported here. Though some bothering ads, this free M4A to MP3 Converter is very easy and simple to use.

Cons:

• No advanced settings

5. ManiacTools

Compatibility: Windows

Supported formats: M4A, MP3, AAC, WAV, AAC

This free M4A to MP3 Converter claims to convert M4A to MP3 totally free of charge. Besides, compared to some of its competitors, ManiacTools even supports batch conversion and built-in media player. Advanced settings, faster speed, and higher quality are also offered here.

Cons:

• Limited formats

6. Audio. Online Convert

Compatibility: Online

Supported formats: AAC, AIFF, FLAC, M4A, M4R, MMF, MP3, OGG, OPUS, WAV, WMA

This online M4A to MP3 Converter is another a good choice though you may feel confused by the various tools on the homepage. Upload a file through Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or device and make changes on the optional settings for a better result. You’re allowed to change audio bitrate, sampling rate, audio channels, trim audio, or remove cover art.

Cons:

• Not very simple and concise homepage

7. Convert Files

Compatibility: Online

Supported formats: M4A, MP3, FLAC, AAC, OGG, WMA, and more

When you use this online M4A to MP3 Converter, you have to choose an input format and output format from a wide range of options instead of filling out formats by default after choosing M4A to MP3. Not allow making adjustments. If you don’t want to download it to your device immediately, you can enter your email address to send a download link.  

Cons:

• Not very easy to use

8. Freemake Audio Converter

Compatibility: Windows

Supported formats: M4A, MP3, WAV, AAC, OGG, and 50+ formats

Freemake is quite well-known for its amazing free features. Support a wide range of formats and able to extract audio from video for completely free. No limitations and no registration. As a M4A to MP3 Converter for desktop, batch conversion is not doubt supported here.

9. Free File Convert

Compatibility: Online

Supported formats: FLAC, MP3, M4A, OGG, and a wide range of formats

Convert M4A to MP3 online for free with Free File Converter. If you upload files from the device, you should click File first and you’ll see the button of Choose File. Although you choose a tool for M4A to MP3, you still need to choose an output format after uploading a file. No advanced settings.

Cons:

• Not quite intuitive

10. Any Audio Converter

Compatibility: Windows

Supported formats: M4A, WMV, MP3, WAV, OGG, and 100+ video/audio formats

Free M4A to MP3 Converter supports converting audios according to formats or devices. For example, you can choose to convert to MP3 or convert for Android devices. It all depends on you. Still, advanced settings are provided to help you get a better output.

Cons:

• Not very easy to use

11. Online UniConverter

Compatibility: Online

Supported formats: M4A, MP3, and a lot more media formats

This Online M4A to MP3 Converter is originally called Media.io and now changed to Wondershare Online UniConverter. Clean interface and simple steps to convert M4A to MP3. High-speed conversion and download guaranteed.  

Cons:

• Limited conversions

12. Wondershare Video Converter

Compatibility: Windows and Mac

Supported formats: MP3, M4A, WMA, M4A, AAC, and 1000+ audio/video formats

Wondershare UniConverter is quite powerful not only for its huge amount of supported formats, but also for other features, like 30x faster conversion, trimming, editing, and enhancing videos and audios easily. But remember it is a paid software. You can free download it and enjoy limited features to have a try.

Cons:

• Limited features under the free version

Conclusion

If you just want to convert M4A to MP3 or to some limited formats, it’s no need for you to download and install a software or app on your device to do that. An online M4A to MP3 Converter can do that well. Compared to software products, the online M4A to MP3 Converter is easy to access, more compatible, and space-saving. If you're looking for a tool to convert YouTube to MP4, this YouTube to MP4 Converter provides a fast conversion speed and is no doubt your best choice.

Do you want to convert video free? please click Free Video Converter Review.