How to convert M4A to MP3 on Mac to listen to audio on any device

Some time back, I found myself in a dilemma: I had made some audio recordings for a project using my Mac, saving them in M4A format — only to realize afterward that a colleague wouldn't be able to open such files on their device. Annoying, right? Although M4A delivers top-notch sound quality, it's not as widely accepted as MP3. 

Having tried several methods, I eventually stumbled upon an easy way — particularly if you're using a Mac computer — to change those pesky M4As into something anyone can play: MP3s. 

If you've ever found yourself in a similar spot, then this post is for you. Read on to learn how to convert M4A to MP3 and ensure your audio files can be heard on any device, anytime. 

Why need to convert M4A to MP3?

While M4A files are great within the Apple ecosystem due to their high-quality audio and compatibility with Apple's software and devices, the MP3 format has much broader compatibility with audio playback devices (and is supported by virtually all devices). 

Here are a few reasons you might want to convert M4A into MP3:

• Compatibility: MP3 is universally supported across all audio playback devices, making it easier to share music with friends and use on non-Apple products.
• File size: MP3s are typically smaller than M4As, which allows you to store more songs on your device without compromising quality.
• Editing flexibility: Many audio editing applications work more effectively with MP3 files.

Let’s briefly find out the difference between M4A to MP3:

Best way to convert M4A to MP3 on Mac

If there’s a decent file converter to MP3, you might wonder what the specialized tool can do a good converting job. 

If you need to convert M4A files to MP3 on a Mac, Permute is a great option that makes everything super easy, especially if you often deal with different formats. Unlike some converters that can be picky about file types or get slow when handling a lot of files, Permute manages various formats flawlessly and lets you convert in batches. That means you can whip through multiple files at once with just a couple of clicks, which is a time-saver for anyone looking to make their audio files work on different devices.

Plus, Permute keeps the conversion process smooth, so you don’t have to stress about losing quality, fiddling with complicated settings, or adjusting each file one by one. 

Here’s how to convert a file to MP3 in Permute:

1. Install and open Permute.
2. Click Permute in the menu bar > Settings.
3. In the Presets tab, select MP3 and M4A presets.

   

4. Close Settings, and go back to the Permute launch window.

5. Click the “+” at the bottom left or drag your M4A file onto the window. 

   

6. Select MP3 (if not selected) next to Audio.
7. Click the play button to start the conversion.

How to convert m4a to mp3 for free

If you are looking for free solutions, macOS has various built-in tools that will do the job. However, these options are more suitable for people who don't have bulk requirements or need additional features.

Method 1: Using the Apple Music app

Apple Music comes with an excellent built-in feature that allows the conversion of M4A files into MP3 format. 

Here is how to convert music to MP3: 

1. Go to Finder > Applications > Music app.
2. Click Music in the menu bar > Settings > Files > Import Settings.
3. Next to Import Using, select MP3 Encoder in the drop-down menu.

   

4. Drag the M4A file from the Finder into Apple Music.

5. Select the M4A file in Apple Music to convert.

6. In the menu bar, click File > Convert > Create MP3 Version. 

   

The new MP3 file shows up in your library right next to the original M4A file. To find the converted file, just select it in Apple Music, then go to File and click on Show in Finder.

Also, check out how to convert audio files to video on a Mac.

Method 2: Using Terminal and FFmpeg

If you feel like a pro, you can convert files via Terminal using FFmpeg. It even lets you process multiple files at the same time. Plus, FFmpeg can handle quite a few other file formats, too.

Here's how  to convert M4A to MP3 with FFmpeg:

1. First, install the Homebrew package manager (if needed). Go to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal and type /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)" to install Homebrew.

   

2. Once Homebrew is set up, install FFmpeg. In Terminal type brew install ffmpeg.

3. To convert your M4A file to MP3, type ffmpeg -i input.m4a output.mp3. Replace input.m4a with the name of your M4A file and output.mp3 with your preferred output name.

The converted MP3 file will be saved in the same folder as the original M4A file, unless you specify a different path.

Method 3: Using Automator

If you're not in a good relationship with Terminal, then you will like this method. Automator is a pre-installed tool on Mac that helps users automate repetitive tasks. For instance, if you have many music files in M4A format and want to convert them to MP3 format, Automator can make this process easier. It allows users to create custom workflows without needing any programming skills. You can set up a process to convert files with just a few clicks, saving you time and effort, especially when you need to handle large batches of files.

Here's how to use Automator to batch convert M4A to MP3:

1. Go to Finder > Applications > Automator.
2. Click File in the menu bar > New > Quick Action.

   

3. Next to Workflow receives current, select audio files in the drop-down menu.
4. Next to “in,” select Finder.app, so this workflow will be available in Finder’s right-click menu.

   

5. In the search bar, type Encode to MP3 audio. 
6. Drag Encode to MP3 to the workflow area. If you don't see Encode to MP3, ensure that you have FFmpeg or other encoding tools installed, as Automator relies on built-in macOS encoders.
7. Once set up, save this Quick Action, naming it something like "Convert to MP3."
8. Now, when you right-click on an audio file in Finder, you should see your "Convert to MP3" action under Quick Actions.

If you have lots of files that need converting, this method will save you time because it can be easily reused for multiple batches.

M4A to MP3 via online converter

Free online converters offer a quick and convenient way to convert M4A file to MP3 online without apps. In just a few clicks, you can quickly change your files without having to download any software, which is super handy for those fast tasks when you're on the move.

However, there are cases where apps are preferable — like when you need faster conversions or have sensitive audio files to protect. Security risks can arise when uploading files online, so it’s essential to choose trustworthy converters. 

Look for those with:

• Encryption: Ensure the site uses HTTPS.
• User reviews: Check ratings for reliability.
• Clear retention policies: Understand how long your files will be stored.

M4A vs MP3: Simplifying how to convert M4A to MP3 on Mac

Finding the right M4A to MP3 converter on a Mac is easy with several built-in tools. If you use Apple Music, you can convert audio files in your library with just a few clicks. Automator can create automated workflows for repetitive tasks. And if you prefer a command-line tool, don’t forget about FFmpeg — this free software can convert many other file types, too.

If you're looking for alternatives that are both versatile and easy to use, check out the Permute  — video and audio file converter that works with various formats and Elmedia Player to watch and listen to files in different formats either online or offline. 

These apps, along with many more macOS and iOS apps, are available on Setapp. The platform is a great choice for those who want to upgrade their devices with awesome tools and stay productive. Plus, you can test all apps for seven days free. Why don’t you start testing them now?