Movavi Video Converter

  • Lightning-fast file conversion
  • Powerful video compression
  • AI video upscaling: up to 8X
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Need to Сonvert WAV to MP3?

Use this WAV to MP3 converter online!

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Here, you can convert WAV to MP3 online for free in just a few clicks. Use this free WAV-to-MP3 converter to convert a single file. To convert multiple files and edit them, use Movavi’s desktop program.

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Get WAV to MP3 Converter for Free

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Edited by
Ben Jacklin
26,545

Key takeaways

  • Everyone’s choice of WAV to MP3 converter is unique as it depends on speed, quality, and workflow.
  • After testing, Movavi Video Converter proved the best for reliability and performance.
  • WonderFox, MediaHuman, Audacity, and VLC were also great. WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory handled batch conversion, compression, and editing well, though the free version limits 4K and 8K conversion.
  • MediaHuman and Audacity are free, ad-free, and give high-quality output, though without GPU acceleration they’re slower with large conversions.
  • For best sound, export MP3s at 256–320 kbps and always keep your original WAV files as backups.

After being an archaeologist scanning old music files in my basement in a folder on my hard drive, I found my old music I used to record with my bandmates back when I was in college. We were called the Kids of the Universe. We sucked, but at least we have proof years later.So I needed to find a program quickly, one that’s not just extremely fast but safe, reliable, and efficient. I needed to save space on my laptop for new things and turn these old music files from WAV into MP3 so that I could save an abundance of space.

So I began my dig with the click of a shovel or a mouse into the desert or safari to find the best program I could use. Some would freeze on me, and I felt like Ice Age melting in the heat. Others would have these annoying watermarks, and quality for me is extremely important. So I drank up that caffeine, continued the dig, and eventually found my favourite program, Movavi Video Converter. It is the highest quality all-in-one I was looking for. Fun fact: a three-minute WAV can be over 30 MB, while the same track in MP3 takes barely 3 MB. That’s like trading a suitcase for a pocket.

My top picks

Best overall – Movavi Video Converter

Movavi Video Converter was the ultimate dream when it came to bringing my albums back to life. The GPU acceleration saves hours, and the interface is intuitive. When I want speed and reliability, this is the one I reach for first.

Best for batch conversion – WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory

Smooth performance and the ability to handle bulk files, it came with handy extras like general editing tools and compression, which also made it a wonderful all-in-one option.

Best free option – MediaHuman Audio Converter

MediaHuman is a lightweight, free alternative without the fancy features, but it delivers clean conversions. I like that there are no unnecessary ads or add-ons. It offers tons of formats and is quick and reliable fix.

Best for audio editing – Audacity

When I need more control, it’s my go-to, as it offers a full-on audio editing studio where you can clean up, trim, and enhance your work. It takes a bit of effort to learn, but it’s completely worth it.

Best everyday tool – VLC

VLC was already on my computer, and it works when I need something quick. It’s not the prettiest or most advanced, but it’s reliable, completely free, and gets the job done in seconds.

Comparison table: Best tools to convert WAV files to MP3

Program

Key features

Download

Movavi Video Converter

GPU acceleration, supports all major formats, fast batch conversion, intuitive interface

Download for Free
Download for Free

WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory

Smooth bulk file handling, compression tools, basic editing

Read More

MediaHuman Audio Converter

Lightweight, supports multiple formats, no ads, batch mode

Read More

Best programs to convert WAV to MP3 on a Mac or PC

1. Movavi Video Converter

Download for Free
Download for Free

Why I picked it: Movavi was the obvious choice because of its speedy, reliable conversion, that has never crashed on me. I tested it with large WAV folders, and it handled everything smoothly while keeping perfect sound quality.

Movavi Video Converter brings a modernised approach to conversions with better performance and an AI upscaling feature. It’s regularly updated and available for both macOS and Windows. It lets me convert WAV files to MP3 in minutes with GPU acceleration that noticeably cuts down waiting time. The interface is clean, and it supports over 180 formats.

RATINGS

4.8/5

G2

4.9/5

Capterra

5/5

GetApp

Pros:

  • Extremely fast conversions with GPU acceleration

  • Clean and intuitive interface

  • Supports 180+ formats

  • Constant updates and active support

  • Built-in compression and trimming tools

Cons:

  • Free trial has watermarks

How to convert WAV to MP3 with Movavi Video Converter

OS: Windows, macOS

Wondering how to convert WAV to MP3? Movavi has the answer – use our WAV-to-MP3 converter with free download. The Movavi software supports 180 video and audio formats and also lets you save files for playing on more than 200 types of mobile devices. With this handy tool, you can convert .wav to .mp3 and vice versa in just five minutes!

Download for Free
Download for Free

Step 1. Install the WAV-to-MP3 converter

To convert from WAV to MP3, download the Movavi converter. Unlike a WAV-to-MP3 converter online, this simple but powerful software can transfer music from WAV to MP3 or vice versa at high speed. You can also use the program to extract soundtracks from films, clips, and ads.

Step 2. Add a file to convert

Launch the software, then go to Add Media > Add audio in the converter interface. Choose the music files you want to change from WAV to MP3. You can convert a single file or batch process several files at once.

Step 3. Choose the format and settings

Now you can turn WAV into MP3 just as easily as MP3 into WAV. You will find the MP3 presets under Audio > MP3. Here, you can choose the preset with your preferred bitrate, but remember that the higher the bitrate, the greater the quality and file size will be.

You can also change a number of parameters, like the sample rate and bitrate, by clicking the Cogwheel icon.

Step 4. Compress the WAV file to MP3 (optional)

If you want to compress your file, click the file size. Use the Quality slider to select the target file size. You can click Convert sample to convert a part of your file with the selected quality and see if you're satisfied with the result.

Step 5. Convert WAV to MP3 or vice versa

To choose the folder in which to save the output files, click the Save to button. To convert a WAV file to MP3, just click Convert to start the process. Converting WAV to MP3 usually takes from one to ten minutes, depending on the size and number of files. When the conversion is complete, your new files in MP3 format will automatically be displayed in the selected destination folder.

Now you know how to change WAVE to MP3 and vice versa. Converting music between formats is as easy as 1–2–3 with the Movavi converter!

Movavi Video Converter

The ideal way to get your media in the format you need!

Download for FreeAbout the Windows version
Download for FreeAbout the Mac version
Movavi Video Converter

2. WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory

Why I picked it: I picked WonderFox because it’s the best for batch conversion. I converted entire albums without it slowing down or freezing.

WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory is powerful yet simple to use. It handles audio and video conversions with over 500 formats, and I found it ideal for batch converting WAV to MP3. It also lets me compress and edit files before exporting.

It still receives updates, the latest version (v27.3, released early 2025) improved hardware acceleration and fixed output bugs.

RATINGS

4.5/5

TechRadar

5/5

Capterra

Pros:

  • Great for batch conversions

  • Built-in compression and basic editing

  • Hardware acceleration support

  • Supports 500+ file types

Cons:

  • Windows-only

  • Free version limits advanced features

  • Interface looks slightly dated

3. MediaHuman Audio Converter

Why I picked it: I picked MediaHuman because it’s lightweight, free, and easy to trust, it just works without pushing ads or pop-ups.

When I needed a simple, ad-free tool, MediaHuman was perfect. The software supports MP3, AAC, FLAC, and other popular formats. I liked that I could drag and drop full folders and it kept my metadata intact.

It’s still maintained as of 2025, with recent small updates improving stability and CUE splitting.

RATINGS

4/5

FileHorse

3.8/5

Softpedia

Pros:

  • Completely free and ad-free

  • Supports batch conversion and CUE splitting

  • Keeps folder structure and tags intact

  • Simple and clean interface

Cons:

  • No GPU acceleration

  • Fewer customization options

  • Slightly slower with large folders

Quick summary: Best apps to convert WAV files to MP3

  1. Speedy, reliable conversion that works with large files: Movavi Video Converter

    Download for Free
    Download for Free

  2. Powerful audio-editing suite for converting and enhancing: Audacity

    Read More

  3. Popular software that combines playback features with editing tools: VLC

    Read More

4. Audacity

Why I picked it: I picked Audacity because it’s a classic. I’ve used it for years to edit and clean audio before exporting it to MP3.

Audacity isn’t just a converter, it’s a full audio studio. I used it to trim, enhance, and remove noise from WAV files before exporting to MP3. The 2025 version supports new plug-ins and improved real-time effects. It’s open-source and updated regularly by contributors worldwide.

RATINGS

4.5/5

G2

4.5/5

Software Advice

Pros:

  • Professional-level editing tools

  • 100% free and open source

  • Regular updates and community support

  • Great export control for MP3

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve

  • Dated interface

  • Requires manual setup for batch export

5. VLC

Why I picked it: I picked VLC because I already had it installed, and it’s surprisingly good at converting when you need a quick fix.

VLC is more than just a player. I used its Convert/Save feature to change WAV to MP3 in seconds. It’s not fancy, but it works. VLC is updated constantly by the VideoLAN team; version 3.0.21 (2025) brought improved codec support and faster transcoding.

RATINGS

4.7/5

G2

4.5/5

TechRadar

3.6/5

Mac App Store

Pros:

  • Free and open source

  • No installation needed (most already have it)

  • Converts and plays almost any format

Cons:

  • Interface isn’t beginner-friendly for conversion

  • No batch conversion

  • Lacks extra features like compression or editing

6. Freemake Audio Converter

Why I picked it: I picked Freemake because it’s easy for beginners and still a good offline option despite its age.

Freemake Audio Converter can convert between 50+ formats and supports batch processing. It’s simple, works offline, and even extracts audio from videos. The latest version still runs well on Windows 10 and 11. While updates have slowed, it’s stable for basic use.

RATINGS

3.7/5

G2

3/5

TechRadar

Pros:

  • Supports over 50 audio formats

  • Easy to use for beginners

  • Offline and lightweight

Cons:

  • No major updates since 2022

  • Free version limits long files

  • Windows-only

7. iTunes

Why I picked it: I picked iTunes because it’s still one of the most stable and feature-rich ways to manage, convert, and organize audio, especially across Apple devices.
This app handles WAV to MP3 conversion smoothly and keeps tags, playlists, and album art intact. iTunes 12.13.1, released in 2025, remains compatible with Windows 10/11 and macOS. It supports library management, conversions, and syncing for iPhone, iPad, and iPod.

Pros:

  • Seamless integration with Apple devices

  • Retains full metadata and album art

  • Syncs libraries across iCloud and devices

  • Free and regularly updated

Cons:

  • Heavy compared to other converters

  • Requires Apple ID for syncing

  • Limited advanced export settings

How to convert WAV to MP3 with iTunes on Mac and PC

Does iTunes play WAV? Yes, it does. Still, converting WAV to MP3 with iTunes might be a good idea for Mac users because it's a versatile format that allows you to play your favorite music tracks on the go, on all types of music players. Let’s have a look at different ways to convert WAV to MP3 with iTunes on both Mac and PC.

How to convert WAV (WAVE) to MP3 with iTunes on a PC

The steps to convert .wav to .mp3 with iTunes on a PC are described below. If you don't have iTunes for Windows installed already, below is a link to get the latest version.

Download iTunes for Windows

Step 1. Open iTunes

You need to access iTunes for WAV-to-MP3 conversion.

Step 2. Change the import settings

From the menu bar, choose Edit, then Preferences.

On the Preferences pop-up window, in the General tab, select Import Settings.

  1. In the Import Using menu, choose MP3 Encoder.

  2. Next, select a file quality type, such as Higher Quality (192 kbps).

  3. Click OK to save your settings.

Step 3. Select the WAV file you want to convert to MP3

From the music library, find the song in WAV file format that you want to convert to MP3.

Step 4. Convert it to MP3

Click on File and select Convert, then Create MP3 Version. Your WAV file will be intact, and the app will create an MP3 version with the same name. This is how to change WAV to MP3 on iTunes for PC.

How to convert WAV to MP3 with iTunes on a Mac

iTunes converts WAV to MP3 on Mac easily. There are just a few simple steps to follow. If you happen to have uninstalled iTunes before, it's time to reinstall it using the App Store or directly from the link below.

Download iTunes for Mac

Step 1. Open iTunes

The first step of converting WAV to MP3 on a Macintosh would be to open iTunes.

Step 2. Change the import settings

Move your cursor on top of the menu bar, click iTunes, and from the drop-down menu, click on Preferences.

To use a Mac to convert WAV to MP3, on the Preferences pop-up window:

  • For Import Using, choose MP3 Encoder.

  • Next, select a file quality type, such as Higher Quality (192 kbps).

  • Click OK when you are happy with your selection and go back to the main window.

Step 3. Find the song you want to import in the library

The iTunes library will automatically update all the songs it finds on the computer. If you have a large number of files, use the search function to find what you want.

Step 4. Convert it to MP3

You can right-click on a song title to access the Create MP3 Version option from the drop-down menu. If, for some reason, that option is not enabled when you right-click on a song's title, you can access it by going to File, then Convert, and then Create MP3 Version.

iTunes will go ahead and convert that file to MP3. When it's done, you'll have two versions displayed one after another. They may look the same, but you can right-click on the file and select Get Info to view the file format of each.

Want to burn that MP3 file to a CD? Here are the simple steps to do so:

  1. First, create a new playlist.

  2. Add any MP3 you want into the new playlist by drag-and-drop.

  3. Right-click on your playlist and select Burn Playlist to Disc.

  4. When the pop-up menu appears, make sure to select Audio CD.

Your MP3 CD will be ready in a few minutes! This is how you convert WAV to MP3 on a Mac.

How to convert WAV to MP3 with Apple Music (for Catalina users)

Using iTunes to convert WAV to MP3 isn’t the only option for Mac owners. If you're using a Mac running Catalina, you have probably already noticed that iTunes isn’t on the list of the pre-installed programs. To convert WAV to MP3 on a Mac, use Apple Music instead. Below are the instructions on how it’s done.

Step 1. Open Apple Music (the app is pre-installed on your Mac).

Step 2. In the menu bar, choose Music, then click Preferences.

Step 3. Next, in the Files tab, click Import Settings.

Step 4. Click the Import Using menu, then choose MP3 Encoder and click OK.

Step 5. Select the songs that you want to convert. Then click File, choose the Convert option, then select Create MP3 Version.

disclaimer_person

Here’s what Movavi’s team does to provide you with verified information:

  • When selecting products to include in our reviews, we research both demand and popularity.

  • All the products covered in this article have been tested by our team.

  • When testing, we compare key characteristics, including supported input and output formats, quality loss when converting, and other significant features.

  • We study user reviews from popular review platforms and make use of this information when writing our product reviews.

  • We collect feedback from our users and analyze their opinions of Movavi software as well as products from other companies.

How to choose a WAV to MP3 converter

After testing what felt like every converter available to download online, I realized there isn’t one perfect way to convert WAV files to MP3, it really depends on what you’re after. Some people want pure speed, others care about control, and some (like me) just want a program that won’t crash halfway through their music.

If you want something fast, powerful, and reliable, go for Movavi Video Converter. It handled my giant WAV folders without breaking a sweat and didn’t mess with my audio quality.

For bigger projects or full albums, WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory is the one. It manages batch conversions like a pro and keeps everything neat and running smoothly.

If you need a free WAV to MP3 converter, MediaHuman Audio Converter and Audacity are hard to beat. They’re both free, clean, and deliver great sound without any junk or ads.

If you’ve already got VLC, don’t sleep on it. It’s not flashy, but it’s solid and gets a quick conversion done fast.

On a Mac, I found Movavi Video Converter and Audacity work best to convert WAV to MP3 on my Mac with zero hassle.

And if you’re just starting out, Freemake Audio Converter is simple and straightforward, great if you don’t want to mess around with complicated settings.

If you care about sound like I do, stick to 256–320 kbps when exporting your MP3s. That’s where the audio stays clear without eating your whole hard drive. And always keep your original WAVs, they’re like your master tapes. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

In the end, the right converter is the one that fits your workflow. Whether you want pro-level power or just something quick and easy, there’s a tool here that’ll make your audio life smoother, and your hard drive a lot happier.

WAV vs. MP3 comparison

WAV vs. MP3: what’s the difference? The WAV file format can contain audio encoded with different codecs. It is mostly used to store uncompressed audio, that’s why WAV files are often quite large. MP3 is the name for both the audio codec and the container format. The MP3 codec is used for lossy audio compression, so MP3 files are relatively small. This format is very popular and can be played on almost any device.

Comparison parameter

WAV

MP3

File extension

.wav, .wave

.mp3

File size

Relatively large

Relatively small

Audio codecs

PCM, GMS, MPEG-1/MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, others

MPEG-1/MPEG-2 Audio Layer III

Supported by

Windows

Windows, Mac, portable devices

Movavi Video Converter

The ideal way to get your media in the format you need!
Download for FreeAbout the Windows version
Download for FreeAbout the Mac version
Movavi Video Converter

Frequently asked questions

MP3 or WAV: which one should I choose?

Choosing between MP3 and WAVE files is a matter of compression and storage. Basically, when looking at WAV vs. MP3, a WAV is an uncompressed (also called lossless) file format. To get the best results when producing and editing a file, you want to use an uncompressed format, like a WAVE file. If you want to distribute an audio file that won’t take up all of the memory on listeners’ devices, choose MP3. Basically, consider how you’ll be using your WAV or MP3 file – if you need high-quality sound or not – and then choose the format that best suits your purpose.

How do I convert a batch of WAVs to MP3?

When you convert multiple WAV to MP3 files, you want a solution that isn’t dependent on internet connection and bandwidth. So, the best way to convert batch WAV to MP3 files is to use a desktop converter like Movavi Video Converter.

How do I convert WAV to MP3 on a Mac?

For a simple, easy-to-use WAV-to-MP3 converter, Mac users can:

  1. Download the program.
    Download Movavi Video Converter

  2. Drag and drop your WAV files into Movavi on your Mac.

  3. Choose MP3 as your output format.

  4. Hit Convert.

How do I convert WAV to MP3 on Windows 10?

If you want to turn WAV into MP3 on your Windows 10 computer:

  1. Download the program.
    Download Movavi Video Converter

  2. Drag and drop your files into the WAV-to-MP3 software.

  3. Choose MP3 for your output format.

  4. Hit Convert.

How do I convert WAV to MP3 with Windows Media Player?

To convert WAVE files to MP3, Windows Media Player lets you drag and drop your WAV file(s) into the Windows Media Player library. This will automatically import your files into the library. Then you can change WAV to MP3 files by going to the Options menu and clicking on the Rip Settings tab. From here, choose the Format tab. The tab will expand, and you can then choose MP3 from the drop-down menu. Then you can finish up by selecting Apply and then hitting the Rip button. This will start the conversion process, and when it’s done, you’ll have a compressed MP3 version of your WAV file.

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