Edited by Ben Jacklin
December 3, 2021
What is an M4A file? M4A is an extension for an audio file encoded with AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) or ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec). It is a common extension for audio imported from CDs using iTunes. M4A files sound better and have a smaller size compared with MP3, which is why you might want to convert your MP3s to this format. This can be easily done with Movavi’s MP3-to-M4A converter. Read this guide to learn how to convert MP3 to M4A with Movavi’s software.
How to convert MP3 to M4A with the Movavi program for Windows and Mac
Unlike many MP3-to-M4A file converters, Movavi’s converter doesn’t require any special skills or knowledge of media formats. It’s designed to be simple and easy-to-use, so the conversion can be done in just a few clicks. The app can convert MP3 to M4A on Windows and Mac alike.
Step 1. Install .mp3-to-.m4a converter
Download the installation file for Movavi’s MP3-to-M4A converter and run it on your computer. Follow the instructions on the screen to install the app.
Step 2. Add your files
Click Add Media, then Add Audio, and select the MP3 file you want to change to M4A. You can also select multiple files for batch conversion, which you usually can’t do with an MP3-to-M4A converter online.
Step 3. Compress your MP3 files (optional)
To reduce the size of a music file, click the Compress file in the description section. In the pop-up window that appears, choose the desired quality, bitrate, and size. Click Convert sample to get a small sample of your file for checking.
Step 4. Convert your files to M4A
Go to the Audio tab, then click the Audio for Apple icon and select M4A as the output format.
Click Save to and select the folder in which the converted files will be saved. By default, the files will be saved to the Movavi Library folder. Click Convert to start the conversion process. The folder with the converted files will open automatically when the conversion is complete.
MP3 vs. M4A сomparison
The biggest difference between MP3 and M4A is the quality: M4A files sound much better. Surprisingly, they are also smaller in size, which is one more reason for converting MP3 to M4A. To learn more about the differences, check out the MP3 vs. M4A comparison table below.
Comparison parameter | MP3 | M4A |
|---|---|---|
| File extension | .mp3 | .m4a |
| Codecs | MPEG-2 Audio Layer III | AAC, ALAC |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy and lossless |
| Audio file size | Relatively small | Relatively large, if encoded with ALAC; smaller than MP3, if encoded with AAC |
| Usage | PCs, CDs, DVDs, mobile devices, digital players | PCs, Macs, iTunes, mobile devices |
View all parameters |
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Frequently asked questions
Which is better: MP3 or M4A?
Compared to MP3, M4A audio files with the same bitrate are smaller in size and have better sound quality. However, the benefits can be neglected by hardware. The best way to know the difference is to try to convert MP3 to M4A and listen to it yourself.
Are M4A and MP3 the same?
M4As have better audio quality than MP3s. M4A files can be lossless if encoded with the Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC), whereas MP3 files are always encoded with lossy compression.
How do I convert MP3 to M4A on a Mac?
There are many MP3-to-M4A converters available for Mac. You can try Movavi’s. Just follow these steps:
- Install the Movavi Video Converter for Mac and run the app.
- Drag and drop your MP3 files into the program window.
- Select the Audio tab and choose M4A as the output format.
- Click Convert and wait for the process to end. The folder with converted files will open automatically. That’s all!
You can also use a free MP3-to-M4A converter online, but those platforms usually have a lot of limitations.
How do I convert MP3 to M4A on Windows 10/8/7?
Just follow these simple steps.
- Install the distribution file of Movavi Video Converter for Windows and run the app.
- Drag and drop your MP3 files into the program window.
- Select the Audio tab below, click Audio for Apple, and choose M4A as the output format.
- Click the Save to button to specify the destination folder and click Convert.
You can also convert MP3 to M4A online using any web media conversion service. Please note that some services have file size restrictions.
How do I convert MP3 to M4A with iTunes?
This is how you can use iTunes to convert MP3 to M4A:
- Launch iTunes, go to File > Add to Library to add an MP3 file. On Mac OS, you can drag and drop tracks directly.
- Click the iTunes button, select Preferences, and go to General > Import Settings.
- Click Import Using and choose AAC Encoder. You can click the Setting button to adjust additional parameters.
- Right-click the OK button and go to a music playlist. Then right-click the MP3 track and choose the Create AAC version option.
Files converted from MP3 to M4A in iTunes will appear in your library. if you want to go directly to the file, right-click it and select Show in Finder.
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