M4A to MP3 Converter
Convert M4A audio and iPhone voice memos to MP3, free and in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
- Free, no signup required
- Nothing stored, nothing to delete
Select your file to convert
or drop your file here.
Fast, secure conversion.
✓ Batch processing available with your Pro plan
Converting — files
Batch jobs process on our server and are never stored.
How to convert M4A to MP3
- Add your M4A file by choosing it or dropping it onto the converter.
- Choose a bitrate (optional). Open Options. The default is 128 kbps; use 192 kbps or more for music, and 96–128 kbps for speech.
- Click Convert and download the MP3.
What is an M4A file?
M4A is a file type for audio stored in an MP4 container, almost always compressed with AAC. It's Apple's usual format: the iPhone's Voice Memos app records to M4A, and music from iTunes and Apple Music downloads is stored as M4A. It's a good format, but not every device or program can play it, which is the main reason people convert to MP3.
M4A vs MP3
| M4A (AAC) | MP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Efficiency | Usually sounds a little better than MP3 at the same bitrate | The long-standing standard |
| Compatibility | Apple devices and most modern players; missing from some older or basic ones | Plays almost everywhere |
| Typical source | iPhone voice memos, iTunes/Apple Music files | Almost everything |
Quality: what to expect
Both formats are lossy, so converting M4A to MP3 compresses the audio a second time and adds a small amount of extra loss. For voice memos and everyday listening you're unlikely to notice. For music you care about, choose 192–320 kbps and keep the original M4A as your master.
Protected files can't be converted
Songs bought long ago from iTunes with copy protection (often .m4p), and tracks that are only available offline inside a streaming app, are protected by DRM, and a browser can't decode them. Only unprotected M4A files, such as your own recordings and music you've ripped yourself, can be converted.
If the conversion fails
- "Your browser couldn't open that audio file." Your browser opens the file first, so try Chrome, Edge or Safari, which handle M4A well.
- Check that the file isn't protected (see above) or damaged.
- Very long recordings are decoded all at once and may need more memory than a phone has. Try a computer.
Is it private?
Yes. The file is decoded and encoded inside your browser and isn't uploaded, which is handy for private voice memos.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a voice memo off my iPhone to convert?
Share it from the Voice Memos app to Files, email or AirDrop, then open it on the device where you're converting. Voice memos are saved as M4A.
Is it free?
Yes, with no signup. Free conversions handle one file at a time, with no account needed. Pro adds batches of up to 100 files.
Will I keep the title and artist?
No. The MP3 is built from the audio only, so tags and cover art aren't copied across.
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