Top 5 Methods: How to Convert MP3 to M4A Free on Mac/Windows

M4A is one of the best audio formats made for Apple devices. It is considered the successor of MP3 that reproduces relatively smaller file size quality without sacrificing the quality. Due to the increasing demand of iOS users, MP3 can not satisfy this demand. However, due to the growing demand of iOS users, MP3 can not fulfill this demand. Many users, especially Apple avid fans, are looking for ways to convert MP3 to M4A.

In this manner, you can still enjoy the benefits of your MP3 files on your favorite Apple device. You will be able to store a prosperous amount of audio files with superb quality. On that note, here are some of the best ways to convert from MP3 to M4A.

• Part 1. Best Way to Convert MP3 to M4A
• Part 2. Convert MP3 to M4A in Free Way
• Part 3. MP3 vs. M4A
• Part 4. FAQs of MP3 to M4A

Part 1. Best Way to Convert MP3 to M4A

First off, we have the Vidmore Video Converter. This MP3 to M4A converter app is mainly used to convert audio and video files supporting 200+ formats, including MP3, M4A, M4B, FLAC, WMA, WMV, and many others. Apparently, you will convert from MP3 to M4A and vice versa using this program.

Vidmore Video Converter uses high-tech acceleration. You can convert MP3 to MKV with 150× faster speed. During conversion from MP3 to MKV, it has no quality loss and you are also free to control the output parameters. In the meanwhile, there is no limitation on input file size and quantity, you can convert large and multiple MP3 files freely. Besides, you can use it to convert MP3 to M4A both on Mac and Windows.

Aside from that, it also comes with a custom profile option that you can take advantage of to edit the parameters to achieve your desired output. You can modify the channels, sample rate, bit rate, etc. Furthermore, you can edit the audio track information like the title, album, year, and a lot more. Beyond that, it encompasses major functions wherein you can edit the video, make a slideshow, enhance video, and many more. To have a wider knowledge of how this tool works, refer to the steps below:

Step 1. Download the MP3 to M4A Converter

First things first, get this app downloaded on your computer by clicking on any of the Free Download buttons underneath. Ensure to select the appropriate version for the operating system you are using. After that, install it by following the setup wizard. Then, run the program.

Step 2. Add an MP3 file

Simply click on the Plus sign button to load a file into the program. It will then load a folder on your device. Locate your target music track and upload it into the program. You may also use the drag-and-drop feature of the app to upload files.

Step 3. Select M4A as the output format

Now, open the Profile tray on the upper right-hand side of the interface. Then, go to the Audio tab. From this window, select M4A on the left side panel. After that, choose an audio profile that suits your needs. Alternatively, you can edit the existing profiles or create from scratch.

Step 4. Convert MP3 to M4A

Once done, set an output destination for the converted file and start the conversion process by clicking the Convert All button at the bottom right corner. When the conversion ends, the program should open a folder where you can see the playback of the audio.

Part 2. Convert MP3 to M4A in Free Way

1. Transfer MP3 to M4A with Vidmore Free Video Converter

For a free option, you should consider using Vidmore Free Video Converter. With it, users do not need to install anything on the device because it works using just a browser. Also, it can conduct a quick conversion under a stable and fast internet connection. Likewise, it provides practical conversion tools like converting multiple files simultaneously in an instant. Not to mention, it does not limit you to the number of converts and file size of the audio file. With a clean interface, you can enjoy conversion on any browser like Google, Safari, etc. with simple steps and no ads. Above all, this works well as an MP3 to M4A converter on Windows and Mac. To operate this program, see the instruction below.

Step 1. Go to the Vidmore Free Video Converter webpage and click on the Add files to convert to browse the file you wish to convert. Select and click the Open button from the File Explorer to import the MP3 file. For first-time users, you may need to run the quick installation of the launcher, and then you are good to go.

Step 2. Click on the Music button and select an output format for the file. Tick on the M4A radio button. After that, you can configure the bitrate, channel, and sample rate according to your requirements.

Step 3. Simply click on the Gear button associated with the target audio. Then the profile editor will appear. After modifying the parameters, hit the OK button to confirm the settings.

Step 4. This time, set a file destination for the output file. Click the Convert button to begin converting files. The file will automatically be stored on your computer drive once the conversion finishes.

2. Change MP3 Audio to M4A using iTunes

iTunes is not your usual converter, and it serves many purposes, including the media player and an audio converter. That is right. The program even offers the capability to modify the output of the file. You can choose from the premade setting or customize it for your specific needs. However, this program might be tricky for those using it for the first time. Most recent Macs don’t support iTunes anymore, you can only install it on Windows or macOS 10.13.99 or earlier. You only have 5 format choices and you can’t convert files in batch. Yet, if you are looking for a free MP3 to M4A converter for Mac, iTunes is your go-to app. On that note, here is how to perform the conversion in iTunes.

Step 1. Launch iTunes on your Windows or Mac computer. Select the File menu from the main interface and go to the Add file to library to import the MP3 file you intend to convert.

Step 2. Now, navigate to Edit > Preferences > General > Import Settings. Drop down the Import Using option and select AAC Encoder.

Step 3. After that, go back to the main interface of the app. Select the MP3 file and go to the File menu.

Step 4. Hover the mouse cursor to the Convert option and select Create AAC Version. Then it will create an M4A format out of the same file.

3. Transcode MP3 to M4A by FFmpeg

FFmpeg MP3 to M4A converter is available to anyone. Actually, as an advanced media editor, It can almost do anything that one can imagine including decode, encode, transcode, convert, change parameters, etc. As for the conversion, you can batch convert your MP3 to M4A with a simple command.

Conversion with FFmpeg is very fast and you can control everything by yourself. Besides, as a cross-platform software, you can do transcoding with FFmpeg and convert MP3 to M4A on Window 7/8/10/11, macOS, and Linux. However, FFmpeg is not very easy to activated, you are also required to know some programming skill. Here are the simple steps.

Step 1. Go to ffmepg.org website, download and install the FFmpeg new version.

Step 2. Visit the file folder of the MP3 audio you want to converter. Then, open the terminal by entering CMD to the path bar.

Step 3. In the terminal window, type ffmpeg -i samplename.mp3 samplename.m4a, then press Enter on the keyboard. You can see the active log of conversion and a new m4a will appear in seconds.

4. Turn MP3 into M4A via Convertio

Convertio is another tool to convert MP3 to M4A online free. This program runs on various web browsers without any problem allowing you to turn your MP3 files into your desired audio format. This tool is so good because it supports importing from cloud storage like Google Drive and Dropbox. It has 50+ output format options, including M4A. And it also allows you to add serval files and convert them together. However, it has a file size limitation of 100MB and 10 10 conversion minutes within a 24-hour period. And its uploading and conversion speed is largely decided by the internet. Aside from that, this free web-based application also supports conversion on mobile devices. Find out how this tool works by reading the instructions below.

Step 1. Visit the program's main page with any browser on your computer. Click on the Choose Files button to import that MP3 file you like to convert. Optionally, select the cloud storage button to upload from these platforms.

Step 2. From the drop-down of the format option, select M4A. For further configurations, click the Settings button to display an audio editor. From here, you can define the parts of the audio to cut in seconds, change the bitrate, audio, channels, frequency, volume, etc. Hit OK once you are done with the settings.

Step 3. After that, go back to the main interface of the app. Select the MP3 file and go to the File menu.

Step 4. Hover the mouse cursor to the Convert option and select Create AAC Version. Then it will create an M4A format out of the same file.

Part 3. MP3 vs. M4A

What is an MP3?

MP3 is popular among music fans and remains the most famous audio format due to its compatibility and file size advantages. Fraunhofer Institute developed this format. Moreover, it adopts a lossy compression scheme to reduce the overall size of the audio file. Thus, it consumes a small space on your computer or devices. In addition to that, it is friendly among media players, devices, and even to the internet for sharing purposes.

What is an M4A?

An audio file with the .m4a extension usually represents the audio file in a container called MPEG-4. Apple firstly used iTunes and iPod for songs. This format can either use ALAC (Apple Lossless) or AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) to distinguish it from other MPEG-4 audio files.

Part 4. FAQs of MP3 to M4A

How do you use iTunes to convert MP3 to M4A?

There is no straightforward method for converting MP3 to iTunes, but this is doable if you are willing to explore its hidden features and functions. For exact instructions on how to get this done, you may refer to the steps above.

How do you convert M4A to MP3 offline?

If you want to convert media files without an internet connection, you can use desktop programs like Vidmore. These programs are not internet-dependent, meaning they can operate with or without an internet connection without affecting the performance.

Can I open M4A files on Windows?

Apparently, you can not natively play M4A files on Windows PC. But the latest version of Windows Media Player supports this format. Hence, you have to get the latest version of the Windows media player.

Conclusion

Above mentioned tools are the top approaches to change MP3 to M4A. You may also use them for converting various files. But among these programs, Vidmore Video Converter topped as the best converter with its straightforward interface and practical tools. You should try it yourself.