How to Convert M4A to MP3?

You are here:

Home
Support
Renee Audio Tools
How to Convert M4A to MP3?

16 December 2020 Jennifer Thatcher Technology Manager of Test Dept.

Last update by Emma Johnson at 9 November 2026

Summary
M4A is the file extension of MPEG-4 standard audios. But, M4A has been indicated as both of video and audio since Apple used “.m4a” in iTunes and iPod. In this essay, we will talk about how to convert M4A to MP3.

Content

Part 1: Introduction of Audio Converters

1. Convert M4A to MP3 with Renee Audio Tools (Free)

2. Convert M4A to MP3 with Renee Video Editor

3. Convert M4A to MP3 with iTunes

4. Convert M4A to MP3 on Convertio

Part 2: Tips

Part 3: Extensions

1. What is M4A?

2. What is MP3?

Part 1: Introduction of Audio Converters

M4A is the specific format used in Apple devices and iTunes. That means M4A is not as compatible as MP3 in lots of devices and software. How can we convert M4A to MP3?

Convert M4A to MP3 with Renee Audio Tools (Free)

If you want to edit audio files, Renee Audio Tools is a good choice. It can not only convert various formats, but also convert video to audio. What’s more, it supports users to transfer audio files to iTunes.

Professional Audio Editor – Renee Audio Tools

CutterArbitrarily cut and clip audios in MP3, ACC, FLAC and APE formats. Many effects, such as fade in/out, speed adjustment, music mixing and volume adjustment, are available.

ConverterConvert music files between all audio formats, including MP3, M4A, ACC, OGG, AAC, FLAC and the others. It can also convert the video format into MP3.

RecorderRecord computer sounds from streaming media and microphone at the same time and output into multiple audio formats.

JoinerMerge music files into one regardless the original file formats. The output format and quality can be set, too.

CD BurnerBurn multiple music files into CD, DVD and also make APE or BIN image file.

Compatible with: Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP (32bit/64bit)

CutterArbitrarily cut and clip audios in diffrent formats. Many effects, such as fade in/out, speed adjustment, music mixing, are available.

ConverterConvert music files between all audio formats, including MP3, M4A, ACC, OGG, AAC, FLAC and the others. It can also convert the video format into MP3.

RecorderRecord computer sounds from streaming media and microphone at the same time and output into multiple audio formats.

Full Version Download

32321 users has downloaded and enjoyed it!

1. Download and install Renee Audio Tools. Then, open the software and click on [Converter].

2. Click on [Add Files] to select the target file and set [MP3] as the output format. Finally, click on [Start] to convert M4A to MP3. In addition to MP3, you can select dozens of audio formats within the software.

use renee audio converter to convert m4a to mp3

If you want to play the audio file on iPhone, you can click on [Transfer to iTunes] and then add the audio file. After that, you click on [Add to iTunes] and sync it from iTunes to iPhone. This is a convenient function for iOS users.

If you are an Android user, you can connect the phone to the computer and then input the MP3 file into the device.

transfer m4a file to itunes with renee audio tools

TipsIf you want to DIY phone ringtones, you can get into [Cutter]. Within this function, you can cut the audio file, set the fade-in/out effect, adjust the playback speed and volume and change voice.

cut m4a file with renee audio tools

Convert M4A to MP3 with Renee Video Editor

Renee Video Editor is the free, powerful video editing software. It not only supports audio and video conversion, but also edits audio and video files.

Unlike the traditional video editing software, Renee Video Editor will detect the selected audio and video files and take lossless conversion as priority. In addition, it is very friendly to beginners.

Professional Audio Editor – Renee Audio Tools

CutterArbitrarily cut and clip audios in MP3, ACC, FLAC and APE formats. Many effects, such as fade in/out, speed adjustment, music mixing and volume adjustment, are available.

ConverterConvert music files between all audio formats, including MP3, M4A, ACC, OGG, AAC, FLAC and the others. It can also convert the video format into MP3.

RecorderRecord computer sounds from streaming media and microphone at the same time and output into multiple audio formats.

JoinerMerge music files into one regardless the original file formats. The output format and quality can be set, too.

CD BurnerBurn multiple music files into CD, DVD and also make APE or BIN image file.

Compatible with: Windows 11 / 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP (32bit/64bit)

CutterArbitrarily cut and clip audios in diffrent formats. Many effects, such as fade in/out, speed adjustment, music mixing, are available.

ConverterConvert music files between all audio formats, including MP3, M4A, ACC, OGG, AAC, FLAC and the others. It can also convert the video format into MP3.

RecorderRecord computer sounds from streaming media and microphone at the same time and output into multiple audio formats.

Full Version Download

32321 users has downloaded and enjoyed it!

1. Download and install Renee Video Editor. Open the software and click on [Crop].

2. Click on [Add File] to select the target file. Then, set [MP3] as the output format. Finally, click on [Start] to convert M4A to MP3.

click to add file in renee video editor cropper

how to convert m4a to mp3 with renee video editor

Convert M4A to MP3 with iTunes

iTunes is the free, digital multimedia application for Mac and Windows users. It can manage and play digital music and videos. Users can not only edit music, but also convert formats. Besides, you can buy and back up music through Music Store.

1. Open iTunes. On Windows, click on [Edit] – [Preferences]; click on [iTunes] – [Preferences] on Mac.

click to file and select preferences in itunes

2. Then, follow to select [Import Settings] – [MP3 Encoder].

how to add music to iphone through itunes

select mp3 encoder in itunes import settings

3. Click on [File] – [Convert] – [Create MP3 Version]. After that, add the target music and convert to MP3. The converted music will be listed in the library soon.

Convert M4A to MP3 on Convertio

Convertio is an online and free converter. It can convert video to audio, video to GIF and the other formats. Just by uploading the file to the website, you can easily convert the format. Besides, it supports to select files from Dropbox and Google Drive.

1. Get access to https://convertio.co/. Upload the file you wish to convert and select MP3 as the output format. Then, click on [Convert].

2. As the conversion is finished, click on [Download] to save the converted file.

Here is the comparison between these tools.

Name	Renee Audio Tools	Renee Video Editor	iTunes	Convertio
Friendly to beginners	√	√	×	×
Secure	√	√	×	×
Fast speed	√	√	×	×
Network	√	√	×	×
Various formats	√	√	×	×
Easy	√	√	×	√
Professional	√	√	×	×

Part 2: Tips

1. We suggest beginners should use Renee Video Editor to convert formats because:

a. It doesn’t need network when you are using the software on PC. That can protect your files from being stolen.

b. It is not affected by the network. You can quickly complete your tasks within the software.

c. It can convert all of the audio and video formats used in our daily.

2. If you merely edit the audio files, we suggest using Renee Audio Tools because:

a. This audio editing software is more professional than the video editor when you edit audios.

b. The software is powerful, clear and easy to use.

3. We don’t suggest you convert audio formats with iTunes because:

a. It is not user-friendly enough for Window and new Mac users.

b. It takes a long time to update iTunes.

c. iTunes can only convert audio files to WAV, MP3, AAC, AIFF and Apple Lossless.

4. We don’t suggest using online converter because:

a. Using online converter depends on network. That easily affects the processing speed and the file security.

b. Most of online converters support few formats.

Part 3: Extensions

Let’s learn more about M4A and MP3.

1. What is M4A?

M4A stands for MPEG-4 audios. In the standard MPEG-4, “.mp4” is the file extension. But in Apple devices and iTunes, “.m4a” is used as the file extension, different from the MPEG-4 audio and video files.

Now, “.m4a” is available in those MPEG-4 supported software. M4A is encoded with advanced audio coding (AAC). But Apple Lossless and MP3 can also be encoded in the M4A container.

2. What is MP3?

MP3 is the audio compression technology. It can greatly reduce data of audios. With this technology, it achieves the compression rate to 1:10 and even 1:12.

With advantage of the human ear’s insensitivity to high-frequency sound signals, time waveform signals are converted into frequency signals, and they can be divided into multiple frequencies. Then, different compression rates are used for different frequencies. That can ensure that the signal is not distorted.

In this way, people cannot hear the high-frequency sounds, merely low-frequency sounds left. Besides, according to the MPEG specification, AAC shall be the successor of MP3.