How to Extract Audio from Video

Ever had that moment when you’re watching a clip, and the soundtrack just slaps harder than the visuals? Yeah, I do know this feeling, too. I wanted the audio, clean, separate, ready to drop into my own project. But it was locked to the video like glue.

So I rolled up my sleeves and tested a bunch of tools myself. Ten of them, in fact. Each one is put through its paces. Some are lightning-fast; others are bare-bones but reliable. And a few surprised me with tricks I didn’t expect.

Down below, you’ll find the lineup of the tried-and-true solutions that will help you learn how to pull audio from video. Every piece of software I ran, checked, and compared. And the best part? Half of these products are free, and they’ll rip audio from MP4, MKV, WMV, MOV, FLV, AVI, and the rest without breaking a sweat.

Best overall – Movavi Video Converter: Fast, clean, and nails the job across formats without fuss.

Best free budget option – VLC: Legendary player, doubles as a no-cost app to extract audio from video on any device.

Best for professionals – Audacity: Deep editing control, effects, and precision that pros swear by.

Best for power users – FFmpeg: Raw, command-line power. Not for rookies, but unbeatable for speed and flexibility.

Best for Windows fans – Windows Movie Maker: Old-school but still useful if you just want a simple way to save audio from a video.

Best online pick – 123Apps: No install, works in-browser, and gets the job done fast.

Why I picked it: I went for Movavi Video Converter since it’s a slick, no-nonsense tool to strip audio cleanly from any video. Fast and simple. Nothing clogs your workflow like slow software, and this one zips through tasks without fuss.

Operating system: available for Windows PC and Mac.

Movavi Video Converter is an extremely capable app to extract audio from video files on both Windows PC and Mac. You can save audio from a video in formats like MP3, FLAC, AAC, or M4R, while preserving quality and ripping from AVI, MP4, MOV, and more.

The latest version 24.3.0 fixed DVD conversion issues for smoother outputs. Its interface is clean, supports Intel, NVIDIA, and AMD hardware acceleration, and even beginners can learn how to pull audio from video fast. The app to extract audio from video works online or offline and integrates minor editing tools for tweaking audio clips.

Running this myself, I was impressed with how quickly it processed multiple files. Converting clips to MP3 and separating audio tracks for a quick project was seamless. Even handling larger movie files, it stayed smooth and didn’t crash once. The software makes it easy to learn tricks like batch conversion and exporting directly to an iPhone or external device.

How to use Movavi Video Converter

1. Download, install, and launch Movavi Video Converter.
2. Click Add Media, select Add Video, and then choose files and click Open.
3. Click on the Audio tab to select the suitable output format.
4. Select the desired folder where you want to save the file and then click Convert.
5. Once the process of stripping audio from video is complete, the MP3 extractor opens the folder automatically.

Why I picked it: I leaned on VLC because it’s that one free tool you can always count on. Lightweight, flexible, and works across platforms, it’s more than just a player; it’s an all-in-one solution for media.

Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

VLC Media Player doubles as an app to extract audio from video while handling nearly every file type you throw at it. You can use it to separate audio and save the track into MP3, FLAC, or OGG without third-party junk clogging your system. The latest 3.0.21 update boosted Windows 11 ARM support and fixed bugs for smoother playback. If you’re learning how to pull audio from video, VLC is still the easiest free software around—no spyware, no ads, just a clean tool that does what it promises.

When I tried it myself, the process felt genuinely straightforward. Converting a clip into an MP3 file and saving it to my iPhone was seamless, no hiccups, no crashes. Even with heavier MKV files, the extraction stayed quick, and the software didn’t choke. For a free option, it’s tough to beat this kind of stability.

How to extract audio with VLC

1. Open VLC, click Media on the top right of the window and choose Convert/Save from the drop-down menu.
2. When the Open Media window opens, click Add and browse through your media album to search for your video file.
3. Click on Convert/Save, after which the Convert button pops up.
4. Select the audio format you want to convert the extracted file into from the profile settings.
5. Click the Browse button and select the folder where you want to save the extracted audio file. Enter the name of the file and choose the audio format you want.
6. Click on the Start button and start converting the audio file. Once finished, open the extracted audio file and enjoy the extracted audio on VLC.

Why I picked it: The beauty of Audacity is that it’s free, cross-platform, and still one of the most reliable names in open-source audio editing.

Operating system: Audacity is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Audacity works as both an app to extract audio from video and a full-scale editing suite. It lets you separate tracks, clean noise, or save the cut straight into MP3, FLAC, or WAV. The latest 3.7.5 drop improved Mac stability and fixed critical bug crashes. If you’re figuring out how to pull audio from video or just how to save audio from a video on your laptop or iPhone, this software still gets the job done without bloat.

From my own runs with it, I liked how quickly I could strip audio from an MP4, tweak levels, and export the file without glitches. Even longer projects (like cleaning a podcast) held up fine. It’s free software, but it didn’t feel cheap or clunky in daily use.

How to use Audacity

1. Download, install, and launch Audacity.
2. Click on File and select Open to open the desired video file.
3. Again click on File and select the Export option.
4. Choose from Export as MP3 or WAV format based on what you need.
5. Click on Save.

Why I picked it: I went with FFmpeg since it’s the powerhouse under the hood. Free, flexible, and constantly updated with bleeding-edge codec support.

Operating system: it works on Linux, Windows PC, and Mac OS.

This open-source tool is more than just an app to extract audio from video. It’s the backbone software for countless editors, streamers, and even big-name platforms.

The new FFmpeg 8.0 “Huffman” build dropped in August 2025. It has added Vulkan-powered codecs, fresh decoders, and tighter GPU acceleration. If you’re figuring out how to pull audio from video or wondering how to save audio from a video file for your iPhone, FFmpeg handles it without blinking: batch jobs, obscure formats, you name it.

When I fired it up, the process was fast: a single command ripped clean audio from an MP4 and dumped it into a separate MP3 file. No crashing, no drama. I’ve even used it online via wrappers, but the raw command-line tool still feels like the real deal.

How to use FFMPEG

1. Download, install, and launch FFmpeg.
2. Use ffprobe to check the original audio format of the file.
3. Substitute myvideo.mp4 in the command with the video filename.
4. After getting the original audio format, extract the audio by re-encoding the video file.
5. Replace myvideo.mp4 in the command line with the video filename and audio.ogg with the name you have chosen for the extracted audio file.
6. You get an isolated audio stream now.

Why I picked it: I leaned on this one since it’s still alive and kicking in the Microsoft Store, compatible with new Windows 10 & 11

Operating system: Windows.

This isn’t the vintage tool we all remember, but a modern rebuild aimed at YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram creators. It comes with basics like cutting, splitting, transitions, text overlays, and (what matters here) an option to extract audio straight from your clips.

You can save that audio file as MP3 or WAV and keep it separate for podcasts, remixes, or voice-over reuse. The free version lets you export in Full HD without watermarks, while the Pro unlocks 4K, project saving, and more. The latest 3.x version is enhanced with animated text templates, overlay rotation, and speedier quick tools.

When I tested it, I tossed in a short vacation video, stripped the soundtrack, and saved it as an MP3 in seconds. No fancy commands, no learning curve, just drop, click, save. I’ve also played with the captions and filters, and while not pro-grade like other big-name competitors, it’s solid for quick content jobs.

How to rip audio from video with Windows Movie Maker

1. Start the Windows Movie Maker on your Windows PC.
2. Click Add Video and Photos and select the video file you want to extract the audio from.
3. When the video loads in the Movie Maker, click File, select Save Movie, and choose Audio Only.
4. Name the audio file, and the Movie Maker will save it in MP4/AAC format automatically. You can also save it as a WMA file.
5. Depending on the length of the audio, you see a window that shows the progress of the conversion.

Why I picked it: It’s fast, free, and doesn’t lock you into endless downloads or shady installs.

Operating system: online

123Apps is an online tool that knows exactly what it’s doing: you open a video, it spits out the audio, done. No bloated software, no drama. The platform supports over 300 file types, from MP3 to FLAC to M4A, which is a godsend when you’re juggling different projects. They recently improved speed and file compatibility across browsers, which keeps it relevant and sharp. If you’ve been wondering how to pull audio from video without headaches, this app to extract audio from video is one of the most straightforward options online.

When I tried it, I didn’t overthink it: dragged in an MP4, picked MP3, hit convert. In less than a minute, I had the track sitting in my downloads. No hiccups, no sign-ups. That’s how to save audio from a video without stressing. On my iPhone, it handled quick edits just fine, though bigger files felt slower compared to the desktop. For free software that runs in-browser, it feels solid and dependable.

How to extract audio from video online

1. Open the online audio converter.
2. Click Open Files.
3. Select the video file you want to extract the audio from and start the extraction process.
4. Choose the format you want to convert the sound into.
5. If there’s no particular format you want to convert to, use the default settings.
6. Click on Convert and wait until it is done.
7. Then click Download, and the file is saved on your computer.

Why I picked it: It’s a solid piece of software that gives you multiple ways to separate audio from video files without fuss.

Operating system: available for Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista, and XP.

AVS4YOU is more than an app to extract audio from video. It’s a full suite covering editing, converting, and tweaking audio/video files. You can save audio from a video in MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, OGG, or AAC and even add metadata to the file. Their September 2025 fix-release tightened codec stability and patched bugs.
When I first ran AVS Audio Converter, I was surprised at how quickly it extracted tracks from a test MP4 clip. I trimmed the video, pulled the audio out, and the tool had the file ready in seconds. I also tried merging two separate files, and it didn’t choke once. For someone who just wants to know how to pull audio from video without learning a complex workflow, it’s reliable.

How to use AVS4YOU

1. Download, install, and launch AVS Audio Converter.
2. Run the converter and select the video file you want to extract the audio from.
3. Open the Edit window and select the part of the video you want to extract audio from.
4. Start the extraction process.

Why I picked it: It’s built into macOS, works without extra installs, and gets the job done when you just need a clean app to extract audio from video.

Operating system: it is the official video player for Mac OS, but Windows also supports it.

QuickTime Player has been part of the Mac ecosystem for years, and despite Apple phasing out older versions like QuickTime 7, the bundled QuickTime 10 still supports simple tricks like exporting audio-only files. It’s not loaded with effects, but it’s steady, stable, and free. Apple keeps it alive mainly as a playback and lightweight editing tool, no bloated nonsense, just the basics done right.

From my side, I’ve used QuickTime countless times when I had to quickly save audio from a video clip on my MacBook. No plugins, no paid tiers. Just “Export As > Audio Only,” and the file is separate in seconds. It’s a tool that doesn’t waste your time, especially if you’re juggling multiple clips and need audio extracted fast.

How to use QuickTime

1. Launch the QuickTime player and open the video file you want to extract audio from.
2. From the Menu bar, select File, choose Export, and then Audio Only from the drop-down menu.
3. Enter the file name in the dialog box and select the folder where you want to save it.
4. Hit the Save button, and the audio file is exported.

Why I picked it: It’s an old-school piece of software. But (surprisingly) it still gets the job done when you just want to pull audio from video without any frills.

Operating system: it supports Windows XP, 2003.

A lightweight Windows-only tool, AoA Audio Extractor lets you separate audio from AVI, MPEG, MP4, MOV, and ASF files in a couple of clicks. You pick your start and end points, hit convert, and the software spits out an audio file in MP3, WAV, or AC3.

It hasn’t seen a fresh update in years, so don’t expect modern polish or iPhone/online support. But for basic jobs like figuring out how to save audio from a video, it works. For anyone who just needs a free app to extract audio from video without extra clutter, it’s capable enough.

From my own runs with this tool, I’ll say it feels frozen in time, like stepping back into the XP era. The interface is plain, but it’s quick, and the software does exactly what it promises: extract audio and save it as a separate file. I liked that it handled multiple files in one go, though I had to be careful since it overwrites outputs if I didn’t rename them. For simple “how to pull audio from video” tasks, this tool still has some legs despite its age.

How to use AoA Audio Extractor

1. Download and install the program.
2. Click on the Add Files icon and select the video file you want to extract audio from. You can also drag and drop the file.
3. Choose the required output format.
4. Click the start button to begin the extraction process.

Why I picked it: It’s swift, penny-plain, and doesn’t force you to sign up or download bulky software. That’s the kind of no-nonsense tool I trust when I just need the job done.

Operating system: online

Beecut Online Audio Extractor is a web-based platform that strips audio from video in seconds. It works with MP4, MOV, AVI, WEBM, and the usual suspects. No gimmicks: drag your file, slide to the part you want, hit extract, and you’re ready to save. The output is MP3-only, but the process is seamless and there’s no quality drop. It’s an app to extract audio from video that doubles as a go-to if you ever wonder how to save audio from a video without fuss.

When I first tested it, I dumped a 400 MB MP4 into the browser, expecting lag. Instead, it chewed through the file faster than I thought possible. The slider trimming was dead simple – I managed to separate a podcast intro clip in under a minute. If you’ve ever tried clunky desktop software for how to pull audio from video, you’ll get why I keep this one bookmarked. It feels like a free lifeline for those quick tasks you don’t want to overcomplicate.

How to use Beecut Online Audio Extractor

1. Open the program.
2. Drag the video into the browser window and wait for the audio extractor to process it.
3. Use the slider to choose the part of the video to extract audio for.
4. Click Start Extracting and wait for the extraction to finish.
5. Click Download.

I’ve walked you through a lineup of tools above, but the real question is: how to save audio from a video painlessly? Choosing the right tool depends on what you need and how you plan to use it. Here are some pointers to make that selection easier:

• Usability. Gravitate toward software that feels natural from the first click. If you’re just starting out, an app like Movavi Video Converter is great for quick, no-hassle conversions that even total rookies can cope with.
• Supported formats. Don’t get boxed in. Look for a tool that supports the formats you’ll actually use. For the widest coverage, FFmpeg can handle just about anything you throw at it.
• Budget. The process of how to pull audio from video doesn't have to be a costly affair. For those on a budget, VLC Media Player offers none-so-dusty features for free.
• User reviews. Before you hit download or buy, take a minute to scan ratings and reviews. Real-world experiences highlight not only strengths but also recurring glitches or hidden limits.
• Support. Things break, questions pop up. Make sure your software comes with responsive help options: live chat, email, or solid documentation. Movavi and Beecut stand out here for dependable support.

I hope this guide helps you zero in on the right audio extractor and know what to check before committing.