Top 6 Ways to Convert CDA to MP3

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Edited by

Ben Jacklin

October 23, 2025

8,914

Key takeaways

I wanted to find the best CDA to MP3 converter that technology could offer me. I tried 6 different methods, and although each one of them had their own individual benefits, HandBrake, Permute and Convertio definitely came out on top.
HandBrake offers professional control. It’s free, highly customisable, and ideal for detailed conversions when you don’t want to be left out of pocket.
If you want to go down the more convenient online tools route: Convertio and AnyConv allow quick CDA file to MP3 conversions without installation, but rely on internet access.
For Mac-friendly and versatile options: Permute provides a simple, drag-and-drop interface with broad format support.
VideoProc Converter AI is a great all-in-one solution that supports 4K/8K, hardware acceleration, and extra features like editing, downloading, and recording.

If you’ve ever tried converting videos, you know how frustrating it can be to find a tool that actually works well. Some are too slow, others are confusing, and a few just wreck your audio quality. So I decided to take a deep breath and take my time testing a bunch of programmes to understand how to convert CDA to MP3. After a lot of trial and error, I landed on 6 online and desktop programmes that really stood out for me. From open-source options to AI-enhanced powerhouses, here are the converters that are definitely worth taking a look at.

My top picks

1. Best for professional control: HandBrake
HandBrake is free, open-source, and works on all major platforms. It offers detailed control over bitrate, codecs, and quality, making it perfect for professional-grade conversions.

2. Best online converter: Convertio

Convertio is a browser-based tool that supports over 300 formats. I found it fast, easy to use, and it requires no installation, making it ideal for quick online conversions.

3. Best all-in-one tool: VideoProc Converter AI
This all-in-one solution combines AI-powered conversion with editing, downloading, and recording features. It supports 4K/8K video and hardware acceleration for fast, high-quality results.

4. Best quick online conversion: AnyConv

AnyConv offers a simple, drag-and-drop online conversion. No installation is needed, and it’s perfect for casual users who need fast CDA to MP3 conversion.

5. Best for Mac users: Permute

Permute is a sleek, Mac-optimised converter that supports a wide variety of formats. Its minimalistic interface and basic editing tools make conversion simple and fast.

6. Best simple online tool: Online Audio Converter

This online tool allows for fast, free conversion with adjustable audio settings. It’s straightforward and convenient for people like me – looking for a no-fuss solution.

Comparison table: Best ways to convert CDA to MP3

Program

Main advantages

Read more

HandBrake

Exceptional format compatibility
Comprehensive features suited for professionals

Permute

Broad compatibility with various formats
Comprehensive editing capabilities

VideoProc Converter AI

Exceptional format compatibility
Native hardware acceleration support

Convertio

User-friendly interface
Typically completes conversions within 1-2 minutes

AnyConv

Free and simple to use
No software download required

Online-audio-converter.com

Fast conversion
Adjustable audio settings

What is a CDA file?

A CDA file, which is denoted by the .cda extension, is a small file that contains information on the location of an audio track on a CD. Importantly, CDA files don’t actually contain any audio information. Without the CD, you won’t be able to play audio with CDA files only. If you’re planning on ripping audio files from CDs, you should ensure that you save audio in some other file format – or convert those CDA files to another format, like MP3.

Best ways to convert CDA to MP3

1. HandBrake

Why I picked it: I picked HandBrake because it’s completely free, works on every major platform, and gives full control over the conversion process – perfect for anyone who wants professional results without the cost.

HandBrake gets rave reviews for being one of the most powerful and reliable free converters you can find. It’s open-source, cross-platform, and gives you detailed control over nearly every aspect of video conversion – from codecs to bitrate and resolution. While its interface isn’t flashy, it’s good for users who value customisation and professional-grade results.

How to use HandBrake:

Download HandBrake.
Launch the app and click Open Source to import your video.
Choose a preset such as Fast 1080p30 or HQ 720p.
Select the output format (MP4, MKV, or WebM).
Adjust the video codec, bitrate, and quality as needed.
Click Start Encode to begin the conversion process.

RATINGS

4.7/5

4.5/5

TechRadar

Pros:

Convenient built-in device profiles
Exceptional format compatibility
Comprehensive features suited for professionals
Simple and user-friendly operation

Cons:

Interface is less modern or visual than some competitors
No dedicated hardware acceleration support

2. Permute

Why I picked it: I picked Permute as I’d read about how easy it was to use on Macworld. It supports unusual formats like WebP and PDF, and still gives you essential editing tools – all at a pretty affordable price.

Permute is a sleek and minimalistic converter for macOS that combines speed, simplicity, and flexibility. It supports nearly every media format, from video to audio and even images, while keeping the user experience effortless. Despite its lightweight design, it delivers pro-level control for quick and reliable conversions.

How to use Permute:

Download Permute from the official website.
Drag and drop your video file into the program window.
Select your desired preset or output format.
Trim or crop the video before exporting.
Click Start and let Permute convert your file.

RATINGS

4.9/5

Mac App Store

Pros:

Streamlined and intuitive interface
Great overall value
Broad compatibility with various formats
Comprehensive editing capabilities

Cons:

Advanced features may take time to master

3. VideoProc Converter AI

Why I picked it: I picked VideoProc AI because it’s more than a converter – it’s a full media toolbox with AI features that improve quality while making conversion fast and easy.
VideoProc Converter AI goes beyond standard video conversion by combining AI technology with editing, downloading, and recording features. It’s optimized for both Mac and Windows, and can process 4K and 8K videos with ease thanks to advanced hardware acceleration. If you want an all-in-one solution, this is one of the most powerful options around.

How to use VideoProc Converter AI:

Download and install VideoProc Converter AI.
Choose Video from the main dashboard.
Drag and drop your audio files into the window.
Pick a target format or device preset.
Enable High-Quality Engine or Hardware Acceleration.
Click Run to begin the conversion.

RATINGS

4.1/5

Software Advice

4.1/5

GetApp

Pros:

All-in-one platform for video management
Integrated downloader and screen recorder
Exceptional format compatibility
Native hardware acceleration support

Cons:

Certain features are limited or unavailable on a Mac

4. Convertio

Why I picked it: Convertio is known for its user-friendly interface and seamless processing, so I thought I’d give it a go.

Its versatile online file conversion tool supports over 300 formats, including CDA to MP3. It's browser-based, so there’s no time wasted installing software.

How to use Convertio:

Visit Convertio's audio converter.
Click on the Choose Files button to upload your CDA file.
Select MP3 as the output format from the dropdown menu.
Click on the Convert button to start the conversion process.
Once the conversion is complete, click Download to save the MP3 file to your device.

RATINGS

4.6/5

Capterra

4.5/5

TrustRadius

Pros:

No installation needed
Converts over 300 file formats, including audio, video, images, and documents
User-friendly interface
Typically completes conversions within 1-2 minutes
Files are automatically deleted after 24 hours to ensure privacy

Cons:

The free version only allows uploads up to 100 MB per file.
Limited features in free version.
Needs good internet connection to perform at its best.

Quick summary: Best programs to convert CDA to MP3

HandBrake: free, open-source, professional-grade converter with full control over codecs, bitrate, and quality. Ideal for detailed, high-quality conversions.
Read More
Permute: Mac-optimised, minimalistic converter with broad format support and simple drag-and-drop interface. Also includes basic editing tools.
Read More
Convertio: versatile online converter supporting 300+ formats; fast, user-friendly, cloud-based processing, but free version has file size limits.
Read More

5. AnyConv

Why I picked it: I picked AnyConv because it’s free and easy to use, so it’s a great choice for a quick CDA to MP3 conversion.

AnyConv turned out to be one of the easiest options available online. It doesn’t require downloading or installing any software - everything happens right there in your browser.

How to use AnyConv:

Go to AnyConv.com
Drag and drop your CDA files into the red upload box, or click Choose File to browse your computer.
Select MP3 as the output format.
Click Convert and wait for the process to finish.
Download your converted MP3 files once they’re ready.

Pros:

Free and simple to use
No software download required
Files are automatically deleted after an hour for privacy

Cons:

Requires an internet connection
Very basic - no audio editing or customisation features

6. Online-audio-converter.com

Why I picked it: I’d heard this was one of the quickest and most hassle-free online converters, so I jumped straight in.

What I liked most was how simple and fast the process was – no complicated software, no confusing menus, just upload, select MP3, and convert. The tool also lets you customise audio quality, so you can balance file size and sound to your liking.

How to use Online-audio-converter.com:

Go to Online-audio-converter.com.
Upload your CDA file (drag-and-drop works well).
Select MP3 as the output format.
Adjust settings (bitrate, quality) if needed.
Click Convert and wait a few moments.
Download your newly created MP3 file.

Pros:

Free and convenient
Simple interface
Fast conversion
Adjustable audio settings

Cons:

Limited batch processing
Requires internet connection
Large files may take longer
Privacy concerns for sensitive files

Convert media files with Movavi Video Converter

Download for Free

One great option for people looking to convert audio files is Movavi Video Converter. Available for Mac and Windows computers, Movavi Video Converter gives you the ability to convert to and from dozens of popular file formats, including MP3. And you also have access to other powerful tools, such as the compressor and AI upscaler. That means you can compress and upscale your files at the same time as converting them.

How to choose the best CDA-to-MP3 converter

After testing the tools, I definitely found that HandBrake impressed me the most with its professional-grade control. It’s free, open-source, and perfect if you want to tweak every setting for the best quality. Permute would be my go-to for Mac: simple, fast, and supports almost every format you might need. For quick online conversions, Convertio and AnyConv do the job well – Convertio handles more formats and larger files, while AnyConv is super lightweight and hassle-free. If you need an all-in-one solution, VideoProc Converter AI really shines with its AI-powered processing, 4K/8K support, and extra editing tools. And for something quick and no-fuss, Online Audio Converter is straightforward, fast, and gets the job done without any complications.

Overall, it really comes down to what matters most to you: control, convenience, or extra features. Each of these tools has its strengths, and choosing the right one makes converting CDA to MP3 surprisingly easy.

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Frequently asked questions

What will open a CDA file?

In order to open a CDA file, you’ll need a media player that can process it. Fortunately, there are many options, including the options listed in this article, and others like the VLC media player.

How do you convert a CD to MP3 without a computer?

Converting CDs to MP3 files is a straightforward process. But what if you don’t have a computer, or don’t want to use one? In that case, you’ll need a CD-to-MP3 docking station. This is a clever piece of tech that contains both a CD reader and MP3 recorder. All you have to do is insert the CD you wish to convert, and the device will save the audio files encoded on the CD as MP3 files on an external drive, like a USB or memory card.

Is it legal to convert CDs to MP3?

The act of converting CDs to MP3s is sometimes called “space shifting” or “place shifting.” In effect, it means making the audio files on a CD accessible from another device – in this case, from your computer, or whatever device you use to store and play your converted MP3 files. Generally, converting CDs to MP3s is legal, as long as you legally purchased the CD. However, if the audio files you convert are copyrighted, then the normal rules still apply. You can’t sell, distribute, or make available copyrighted audio files, whether they are on a CD or converted to MP3.

Can I play a CDA file on an MP3 player?

No. CDA files don’t actually contain audio information. Think of them like an index card or shortcut. They help CD players go to the right place on the disk to play audio files. In order to play a CDA file on an MP3 player, you need to convert it to MP3 first.

What is the best free CDA to MP3 converter?

For a free option, HandBrake works well. It’s reliable, cross-platform, and allows control over quality and formats.

How do I convert CDA music to MP3?

Insert the CD, open a converter like Handbrake or Permute, select the tracks, choose MP3 as the output, and start the conversion.

What is a CDA file and how to open it?

A CDA file is a shortcut to a track on a CD and does not contain actual audio. It can be played from the CD or converted to MP3 using Permute or HandBrake.

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