How to Convert a CD to MP3: Best Ways to Rip CD Audio Tracks to MP3

Converting your cherished CD collection into MP3 files can be a rewarding process, allowing you to preserve your music digitally and take it with you on the go. This guide will walk you through the steps explaining how to rip a CD to MP3 using various software tools, ensuring your audio library is modern, portable, and easily accessible.

There’s a reason VLC is so beloved. In January 2025, the program hit six billion downloads! In large part, that’s because this program can do so much more than simple media playback. Among those additional features is the ability to rip a CD and save the audio in MP3 format.

1. If you haven’t downloaded VLC already, do that. Then, open it.
2. Open the Media menu and click Convert/Save. A dialog box with various options should appear.
3. Go to the Disc tab within this box.
4. Choose CD as your source.
5. If you haven’t already loaded your CD into your computer, do that now.
6. Click on Convert/Save, a button located at the bottom of the dialog box. Yet another window should appear.
7. Go to the Profile dropdown menu in this new window. Select Audio - MP3.
8. Click Browse, then choose where you want to save your converted MP3 files.
9. Ready? Click Start to begin the ripping process. VLC will begin converting the audio tracks from the CD into MP3 format. It should show its progress in real time.
10. VLC provides updates on its progress. Once it’s done, your MP3 files should be accessible in the folder you sent them to!

If you use Windows, you’ve likely heard of Windows Media Player. This famous media player was downloaded over 10 million times in just two months after its seventh version was released. Not bad! One of the reasons it’s so popular is how easy it makes ripping CDs to MP3. All you need to do is the following:

1. Insert your CD into your computer.
2. Launch Windows Media Player. If you haven’t downloaded it, do so.
3. Click on the Rip CD tab, then select Rip settings.
4. This will open a menu. Click Format to see the possible audio formats. In this case, you want to choose MP3.
5. If you’d like, you can adjust the settings of the audio you want to rip. Adjustment options are available in Rip settings and Options.
6. Ready? Click Rip CD.
7. Windows Media Player should provide you real-time updates on the ripping process. If you don’t want to watch, no worries. The program should also send a notification when it’s done ripping.
8. Done! Find where Windows Media Player saved your files and enjoy.

For a straightforward and powerful multimedia conversion program, look no further than Movavi Video Converter. Despite the name, Movavi Video Converter offers plenty of options for converting and optimizing audio files.

Of course, you’ll be able to convert from and to various popular audio file formats, including MP3, WAV, and AAC. Movavi Video Converter also lets you compress your audio files during the conversion process. That lets you save both space and time.

Speaking of saving time, Movavi Video Converter also offers a batch conversion tool. With this, you can convert multiple different audio files at the same time.

All these features are built into a straightforward user interface that is easy to pick up and master.

Ripping CDs to MP3 is a straightforward process with the right tools. With VLC and Windows Media Player, you can easily copy your physical music collection into a versatile digital format. If you’re looking for a conversion tool, Movavi Video Converter provides a flexible platform with additional features for managing your audio files. 

However, it's crucial to remain mindful of copyright laws, especially when dealing with copy-protected material. Always respect intellectual property rights and ensure that you're legally entitled to convert and distribute the content!

Here's how to rip CDs quickly and easily using Movavi Video Converter:

1. Download and install Movavi Video Converter

Download the software using the links below and install it on your PC or Mac.

Download the Windows version

Download the Mac version

2. Insert the CD

Ensure the CD isn't copy-protected, then insert it into your computer.

3. Open Movavi Video Converter and add files

Launch the software, click Add Media, then select Add folder for multiple files or Add audio for individual tracks.

4. Choose the output format

Pick a format (MP3, WAV, FLAC, etc.) from the Audio tab or select a device from the Device tab.

5. Adjust settings (optional)

Modify quality and bitrate if needed.

6. Select the output folder

Click Save to and choose a location for the ripped files.

7. Start the conversion

Click Convert to extract and save the audio in your chosen format.

Movavi Video Converter is the best software for ripping CDs. It offers a user-friendly interface and the ability to convert your music to popular formats, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced users.

The best format to rip CDs depends on your needs. If you want high-quality audio with no loss in sound, FLAC is a great choice. For a balance between quality and file size, MP3 (320kbps) is widely supported. WAV provides uncompressed audio but takes up more storage. To easily rip CDs into your preferred format, you can use Movavi Video Converter, which offers a variety of options to suit different needs.

Easily convert your CDs into digital files with Movavi Video Converter by following these three simple steps:

1. Insert the CD and open Movavi Video Converter
   Place your unprotected CD into your computer’s disc drive, launch the software, and click Add Media to import tracks.
2. Choose an output format
   Select your preferred audio format (MP3, WAV, FLAC, etc.) from the Audio tab and adjust settings if needed.
3. Convert and save
   Click Convert, and the software will extract and save the digital files to your chosen folder.