10 Best Free MP3 Converters for a Mac [2025]

• This roundup looks at ten MP3 converters for macOS, from the workhorse Movavi Video Converter to the minimalist FileZigZag. Every app was tested on a MacBook Pro to see how it handles real video to MP3 tasks, large MKV files, and everyday audio conversions.
• Some tools shine with speed and clean interfaces, others give you endless options but ask for patience. Free versions usually have limits, paid ones tend to pack in editing, compression, and batch tools.
• The right choice depends on how you work. Movavi is great for quick results, HandBrake for those who like to experiment, Wondershare UniConverter for professionals, and MacXvideo AI for anyone who wants strong performance without effort.
• To get studio-quality sound, set your bitrate before converting. Matching the right settings to your file type turns a simple export into something clean, balanced, and professional – the mark of the best music converter for a Mac.

In the early 90s, a short clip of Tom’s Diner by Suzanne Vega quietly became the first MP3 ever shared online. It didn’t sound like much at the time, but that small file opened the door to everything we now take for granted in digital music. Decades later, the idea is the same: clean sound in a small file. The difference is the endless stream of converters that all claim to do it best, though most fall short once you start using them.

I spent several weeks trying these programs on my Mac, converting all sorts of files – songs, videos, and stray voice notes. A few were quick and precise, some offered clever tools that caught me off guard, and a couple gave up before finishing a single track.

The list that follows includes the converters that earned their spot through real testing, not marketing claims. Whether you just want a quick clip saved as a song or something more advanced, these are the ones worth trying.

Best overall: Movavi Video Converter
Works fast, keeps the sound clean, and looks simple on screen. It handled every format I tried without any problems, which made it an easy first choice.

Best free software: HandBrake
Gives you full control without charging a cent. It takes a little practice, but once you get it, the results are sharp and consistent.

Best for professionals: Wondershare UniConverter
Packs in every feature you could need, from AI tools to editing and compression. It’s reliable when you work with big projects every day.

Best lightweight option: MacXvideo AI
Runs quietly, improves quality, and never slows down. It’s perfect when you just want clean results without extra steps.

Best for quick online conversions: FileZigZag
The easy fix when you need a fast online conversion. No installs, no setup, just upload and download your file.

Why I picked it: fast performance, clean layout, and reliable results on every test.

OS: macOS 12.0 or later, Windows

One of the best video-to-MP3 converters for a Mac on the market, Movavi Video Converter does more than just conversions. The software has a variety of editing tools and other features that make it ideal for converting MP4 files into audio tracks or music files.

The interface feels natural and uncluttered, built around quick menus and simple drag and drop actions. I liked how fluid the process was, every step moved fast without any hiccups. It handles conversions with impressive speed while keeping the sound crisp and clear. With support for more than 180 formats, it gives plenty of freedom to rework any track you own. The latest update added ARM processor support on Macs, which makes conversions quicker and the program more stable on Apple Silicon.

Changing the video’s format with Movavi Video Converter is the fastest way to get the job done. The program supports a wide range of formats – including MP4 – and offers many additional benefits like file trimming, encoding, audio adjustments, and batch conversions. Movavi offers a free trial, the program is free to download.
Read the steps below to learn how to convert your MP4 file to MP3 with Movavi Video Converter.

Why I picked it: free price tag and deep settings that let you dig in if you want to.

OS: macOS 10.13 or later, Windows, and Linux

HandBrake was originally a Mac-exclusive platform, but the program now works on PC. Known as a top-tier encoding program, it’s one of the best free MP3 converters for a Mac available.

With its robust settings, users can encode their video files with precision. It also comes with additional tools to help users apply effects, crop large videos, tweak frame rates, and change codecs. I liked how many customization options it offered, although it took a bit of time to get used to them.

However, for something as simple as converting an MP4 file without iTunes, the program may be a lot to handle. It’s not a turnkey program, so you may need to spend some time learning how everything works before you’re rolling out quick conversions.

But if you are looking for a freeware program, you can’t go wrong with HandBrake. In the latest update, improved AV1 encoding support and a stability fix for Apple Silicon Macs were introduced, making the conversion process smoother and more efficient.

Why I picked it: wide format support and smooth performance without unnecessary clutter.

OS: macOS 10.10–13, Windows

Wondershare UniConverter feels like a tool built by people who actually convert videos every day. It handles over a thousand formats and works just as smoothly with short clips as with long recordings. It easily ranks among the best audio converter for Mac options, delivering clean sound even when processing heavy files. When I used it, switching between converting, trimming, and compressing felt quick and natural, with no wasted motion.

The design is clear and focused. Each feature is easy to find, and the program reacts instantly to every action. You can prepare multiple files at once, check the quality, and start conversion in a few clicks. It feels steady and predictable, which matters when working with big projects.

The latest update added AI voice cloning and new video enhancement tools. They make the program more creative but still simple to use.

Why I picked it: straightforward setup that delivers quick, consistent conversions.

OS: macOS 10.5 or later, Windows, Android

Whether you’re a techie or novice user, everyone can navigate Switch Audio File Converter. Every process only takes a few steps, and the program is full of automation features to help you level your settings. When I tried it, the whole process felt smooth and efficient, and I was impressed by how little effort it took to get great results.

The clean interface removes a lot of the clutter found on other programs and actually speeds up the conversion process. Switch Audio File Converter transcodes even massive files in a matter of seconds and converts large batches faster than many other programs on this list.

Switch also has a command line plugin that allows you to use it as an automated converter with other programs. Overall, it’s a good choice for anyone who wants fast, dependable results without extra steps.

Why I picked it: simple workflow and fast processing that save time on short projects.

OS: macOS 10.12 or later, Windows

With a sleek, clean layout, FonePaw makes quick video conversions easy. You can drag and drop files directly into the window and have a new format ready within seconds. For MacBook users, it’s a smooth and lightweight experience that doesn’t slow down the system. The program supports a wide range of file types and comes with additional tools to help users create GIFs, merge and trim videos, and compress files as well. When I tested it, the conversion speed impressed me, and the interface felt intuitive from the start.

The only hiccup is you’ll need to pay for the full version to access the program’s full range of capabilities. The free version only allows you to convert five minutes of video and disables batch conversions.

Why I picked it: solid free option with more useful features than most paid tools.

OS: macOS 10.6.0 or later, Windows

As an open-source free converter, this is the cheapest option on our list. But you get a lot when you download this program. Miro supports a wide range of file formats and has a versatile tool set that adds a lot of perks with your download. You’re able to play back files before conversion, share files directly with others via your Wi-Fi network, and even search the web for video files and convert them directly from the site. When I tried it, I was pleasantly surprised by how many features it offered for free.

The interface is easy to use, and users can access tools with little confusion. Though some icons are unclear, once you go through the process a couple of times, you won’t have any issues setting things up.

Why I picked it: clean design, sharp output, and steady performance with 4K clips.

OS: macOS 10.6 or later, Windows

MacXvideo AI feels light and quick, built for people who want results without digging through endless settings. It reads almost any video format and handles 4K clips with no hesitation. When I used it, the AI sharpening and color tools made older footage look noticeably cleaner, especially in low light.

The layout is quiet and direct. You can trim, crop, or tweak a clip in a few clicks, and the preview loads instantly. Nothing about it feels crowded or overdesigned, which makes long sessions easier.

The latest update added batch URL support and a new AI stabilization model that smooths shaky footage for more professional results.

Why I picked it: Handles many formats easily and stays stable during heavy use.

OS: macOS 10.12 or later, Windows

If you’re looking for an all-star converter with a wide range of functionality, Vidmore Video Converter could be an excellent choice. The program supports conversions into over 200 formats and offers robust tools that work on high-quality formats to basic web videos. I liked how effortlessly it handled different file types and how smooth the overall conversion process felt.

The program is gaining popularity because of its fast conversion speeds and intuitive interface that’s easy for users of any level to pick up. The price point is high if you want to access its full functionality, but you’ll gain access to a wide range of features.

Why I picked it: no installation needed and quick for on-the-spot conversions.

OS: online (compatible with any version of macOS)

FileZigZag is a free online audio conversion tool, so there’s no need to download any software. The program is free to use on any device and from anywhere in the world. I liked how simple it was to start a conversion without installing anything, which makes it convenient for quick tasks.

But with a free program like this comes a couple of downsides. First, you can only convert up to 10 files per day at 50 MB per file. Next, as an online converter, the conversion process can be very slow.

But if you’re in a pinch and need an online tool to convert your MP4 to MP3 on a Mac, FileZigZag is a solid choice.

Why I picked it: quick YouTube-to-MP3 conversion that works anywhere without setup.

OS: online (compatible with any version of macOS)

If you’re looking for a simple, online tool to convert a YouTube video into an MP3, Y2Mate is an excellent solution. You only have to type your YouTube link into the bar and the program will take care of the rest. It’s completely free to use, and you don’t have to register to use Y2Mate. When I tried it, it seemed very convenient for quick conversions without any setup or sign-in.

The system offers an auto-fetch system, so you won’t have to pay for a YouTube subscription to gain access to downloads on the platform. Also, Y2Mate works with any browser, and it’s also compatible for mobile browsers for converting on the go.

Choosing a converter isn’t about specs, it’s about how you like to work. If you want something quick and reliable, Movavi Video Converter is where most people should begin. It launches in a blink, moves through large files without fuss, and keeps the whole process neat from drop to export.

If you like getting lost in menus and testing what each tweak can do, HandBrake has that kind of pull. It’s not instant; it takes a few tries before it clicks. But once it does, the program feels like an instrument, and you’re the one tuning the sound.

And for anyone juggling bulky videos or switching formats all day long, Wondershare UniConverter is the steady hand that keeps everything in line. It has every tool you could need and keeps everything organized no matter the workload.

For a lighter touch, MacXvideo AI runs quietly and produces clear results in no time. And if you just need a quick fix, FileZigZag works straight from your browser without any setup.

Each tool has its rhythm. Movavi and Wondershare handle daily work, HandBrake rewards curiosity, and FileZigZag is perfect for quick jobs. Choose what fits your pace and converting MP3s on your Mac will always feel easy.