Despite having been designed to be the equivalent of MP4 for audio only, M4A does not enjoy the same popularity as its video “cousin.” For this reason, you will likely have problems playing back M4A files on your device. Converting these files into a more readily accessible format like WAV will make life easier. In this article, you’ll learn how to convert M4A files to WAV, what the difference is between M4A and WAV, and also we’ll answer some frequently asked questions.
List of the best tools to convert M4A to WAV on Windows
How to convert an M4A file to WAV with Movavi Video Converter
Movavi Video Converter is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to change the format of your audio files from M4A to WAV. The app supports many other audio, video, and image formats. With Movavi Video Converter, you can also trim your audio files.
Step 1. Install the Movavi M4A to WAV converter
Launch the downloaded file and install the app following the setup instructions.
Step 2. Transfer audio files to the program
Click the Add Media button and then Add audio. Find the sound files you want to convert and add them to program.
Step 3. Choose the output preset
Open the Audio tab. Select the WAV group and pick the desired preset.
Step 4. Launch the conversion from M4A to WAV
If you want to save your output files in a folder other than the default Movavi Library, click Save to and make your selection. Hit Convert, wait a few seconds – and there you go!
Movavi Video Converter
How to convert from M4A to WAV with Audacity
Audacity is a free and open-source audio editor and recorder, but you can use it to convert files as well. Audacity doesn’t have a native support for M4A files, so you’ll need to install the optional FFmpeg library in order to open M4A audio in this program.
Here’s how to use the Audacity freeware to turn M4A into WAV.
Download and run the app.
Download AudacityDrag and drop your audio into the program.
Click File, pick Export, and select Export as WAV. Then specify the folder for export and hit Save.
How to convert M4A to WAV for free with VLC
VLC is a cross-platform media player. Apart from playing files, the app lets you do many other things, including conversion. With VLC, you can convert M4A to WAV on Windows 10 or older, macOS, and Linux. The program supports a great variety of audio and video formats. The interface might seem confusing at first, so we’ll provide brief instructions on working in this program.
The interface on Windows and macOS is slightly different. Here, we’ll show you how to convert M4A to WAV on Windows.
Download the app from the official website. Run VLC.
Go to the VLC websiteOpen the Media menu and hit Convert / Save.
Hit the Add button and select the audio for conversion. Click Convert / Save.
Open the list of formats next to Profile and pick WAV.
Hit Browse and choose the folder where you want to save the file. Make sure the name of the file ends with “.wav”. Hit Save.
Click Start.
How to convert M4A to WAV online with Zamzar
One more way you can convert M4A to WAV is to use an online converter. Zamzar lets you convert files online in a couple of clicks. The free plan allows you to convert files under 50 MB, which is normally enough for audio files. If you need unlimited conversions and high-speed downloads, consider one of the paid plans.
Here’s how to change M4A to WAV online using Zamzar.
Go to the converter’s website.
Go to ZamzarClick Choose Files and import your M4A audio.
In the Convert To list of formats, select wav.
Hit Convert Now.
Once the file is converted, click Download.
M4A vs. WAV: A comparison
When comparing WAV vs. M4A, pay particular attention to audio quality, file size, and devices supported. For example, Apple users might find M4A more useful because it is Apple’s native format. And professionals (singers or even lawyers) might prefer WAV because of its high quality and no data loss. Check the table below to learn about the main differences between the formats.
Frequently asked questions
Which format is better: WAV or M4A?
This depends on what is more important to you: quality or file size. WAVs require more storage space, but the audio quality is great. M4As are smaller while maintaining acceptable quality. Also, when making your selection, take into account the type and model of your device, because M4A and WAV are not very widely supported.
What are the disadvantages of WAV?
The main disadvantage of the WAV format is the file size. WAVs take up a lot of space, so if you have limited storage, maybe it will be better to convert audio files to a format that’s smaller in size. Also, some devices do not support WAV.
Can phones play WAV files?
It depends on the phone. Android phones don’t support the WAV format, so you’ll need to convert your WAV files before you can listen to them. iPhones can usually play WAV format files.
Can Windows play M4A?
Yes, if you have the correct codec pack installed. For example, the K-Lite Codec Pack will work.
How do I convert M4A to WAV using Windows Media Player?
Windows Media Player doesn’t currently support the conversion feature.
How do I convert M4A to WAV on a Mac?
You can download the Mac version of the converter app or use an online tool.
These links will help you:
How do I convert M4A into WAV in iTunes?
Here’s how to convert M4A to WAV with iTunes on a Mac:
Start the app and click iTunes. From the drop-down menu, select Preferences.
Click Import Using and pick WAV Encoder. Hit OK.
Go back to the main window and find the audio you want to convert in the library.
Right-click on the audio track and click Create WAV Version.
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