As the most widely used audio file format, MP3 could be the best choice if you are looking to convert your favorite music or audio files. So we put together this list of the best free MP3 converters for Windows and Mac, considering factors like ease of use, conversion speed, and output quality.
Whether you're a musician looking to share your music online, a podcaster wanting to make your episodes available to a wider audience, or just someone who wants to convert a few audio files for personal use, these converters can help. So, without further ado, let's dive into the best free MP3 converters you can use right now.
1. VideoProc Converter
Overall Best MP3 Converter
Platform: Windows and Mac
VideoProc Converter is a versatile video processing software that comes with a built-in MP3 converter. Its interface is quite intuitive and easy to use even for novice users.
The software allows converting more than 420+ video and audio file formats to MP3. You can also adjust various parameters of the output MP3 file, including bitrate, sample rate, and channels, to get the desired output quality and size.
VideoProc Converter uses advanced algorithms to ensure that the quality of the converted MP3 file is as close to the original as possible. The batch conversion feature can help save time and effort when converting multiple video or audio files at once. Despite being a commercial tool, this MP3 converter for Windows includes a free trial so you may try it out before buying.
Pros:
- Simple and intuitive interface
- High-quality MP3 conversion and other formats like FLAC, AAC, M4A, WAV, etc.
- Customizable settings, including overall quality, sample rate, bitrate, metadata, etc.
- Batch conversion; MP3 metadata editor
- Fast conversion with GPU acceleration
- Online to MP3 converter PC, compressor, editor, recorder
Cons:
- While VideoProc Converter does offer a free version for files under 5 minutes, the full version is a paid software. Since songs now average 3.5 minutes and are steadily shrinking, you can convert your music and songs from or to MP3 for free with VideoProc Converter.
2. MediaMonkey
Best Free MP3 Converter for Windows 10
Platform: Windows and Android
MediaMonkey is a popular media player and audio library application for Windows. Besides media organizing and managing, it also serves as the best free MP3 converter for Windows 10. This software can help convert files in your library to various formats, including MP3, OGG, WAV, FLAC, etc. It also provides customizable output settings, such as sample rate and channels.
However, for MP3 conversion, customizable MP3 settings require a gold license. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with the default MP3 conversion settings, which include a time-limited LAME MP3 encoder. Besides, an additional codec pack is also required for AAC (.m4a, .m4b), H.264 (.mp4, .m4v, .mkv), and MPEG4 (.avi) files.
Pros:
- Reliable and powerful music manager with automatic tag editor
- Various audio conversion formats, including MP3, WAV, FLAC, etc.
- Professional-quality CD ripping
- Additional add-ons to customize and extend software features
Cons:
- It requires 32/64-bit Windows 10/11 and has no support for other operating systems.
- The standard version only includes a time-limited LAME MP3 encoder.
- Advanced MP3 settings require a gold license which costs $29.95.
3. MediaHuman Audio Converter
MP3 Converter Free Download
Platform: Windows and Mac
MediaHuman Audio Converter is a widely-praised audio conversion software. This MP3 converter is available for both Windows and Mac users. Besides MP3, it can help convert audio files to a list of formats, including AAC, AC3, WAV, AIFF, and more. You can adjust various parameters of the output MP3 file, including bitrate mode, sample rate, and channel, to get the desired output quality and size.
In addition to MP3 conversion, MediaHuman Audio Converter also provides premium features to add effects and enable file naming by tags.
Pros:
- Clean and easy-to-navigate user interface
- Splits lossless tracks by CUE sheet
- Batch conversion capabilities
Cons:
- The premium version is required for audio effects like fade-in, fade-out, trim, etc.
- The feature for file naming by tags requires the premium.
- Users report it's not very good at converting a large number of files (like 500 tracks at once).
4. FFmpeg
One of the Best MP3 Converter Programs
Platform: Windows, Mac, and Linux
FFmpeg is a free and open-source program for video and audio processing. As the swiss army knife of media conversion, it can convert audio files between various formats, including MP3. With FFmpeg, you can customize the output settings, such as the bitrate, sample rate, and channel layout. It packs so many new encoders, decoders, and filters to meet your MP3 conversion needs.
However, FFmpeg may not be the best option for everyone since it's a command-line tool. All the FFmpeg commands and documentation can be complicated for beginners. But for those comfortable using the command line, FFmpeg can be one of the best MP3 converter programs.
Pros:
- Free, open-source, and powerful
- Extensive format support, including MP3, WAV, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, etc.
- Customizable output settings, including codec, bitrate, sample rate, filters, etc.
Cons:
- A command-line tool without GUI
- Steep learning curve for beginners
5. Audacity
Best MP3 Converter with Recording and Editing Features
Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, other Unix-like systems
Audacity is popular among many audio enthusiasts and podcasters, although there is still debate about whether it's a DAW. It's a free and open-source audio editing and recording software. Apart from that, it allows users to change or customize the output file format, including MP3. The most striking difference is its waveform display. So compared with other free MP3 converters on this list, Audacity provides more editing features like normalizing and fading.
Pros:
- Customizable metadata tags and labels
- Rich audio editing options like volume, compression, fading, pitch, filters, etc.
- A large array of plug-ins
Cons:
- Slightly more complex than other pure audio converters
- Not a very convenient batch conversion feature
- Does not support AAC, AC3, and WMA coding format natively (FFmpeg library required)
6. fre:ac
Best Free MP3 Converter for Mac
Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, FreeBSD
Fre:ac is a lightweight and free MP3 converter and CD ripper. It's a program for just over 7MB. Besides MP3, this program allows you to convert audio files between various formats, including ALAC, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, Bonk formats, and more. You can use the presets in the program or the customizable options to get the outputs you want. Fre:ac provides settings like encoder, overall quality, and filters.
Compared to other MP3 converters, it may not have as many advanced features. And the windows-98 style interface looks quite outdated. Overall, fre:ac is a great option for anyone who needs a simple and reliable audio converter and CD ripper without any unnecessary bells and whistles.
Pros:
- Support most common audio formats
- Rip audio CDs to MP3 or M4A files for use with various hardware players
- Make use of multi-core CPUs
- Provide full support for the Unicode character set
Cons:
- Can't easily edit file names
- Potential high CPU usage
- All gray and Windows-98 style UI
7. Switch Audio File Converter Software
Free MP3 Converter for Windows
Platform: Windows, Mac, and Android
Switch Audio File Converter is a commercial software developed by NCH Software. As the name suggests, its main feature is to convert audio files. When it comes down to format support, you can convert audio files from or to MP3, WAV, FLAC, and more. In addition to the key audio formats, it also supports the RAW format. The Windows version also provides the feature of audio to .txt to generate a rough approximation of the words spoken in an audio file.
Pros:
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Customizable options of bitrate, metadata, channels, volume, and effects
Cons:
- Limited batch conversion of five audio files at a time with the free trial version
- The free trial version does not include all common audio file formats.
- Audio to video conversion with NCH watermark; MP3 tag editor requires a paid version.
- Can't choose the installation path
- Can't easily edit file names
8. VLC Media Player
Media Player with Audio to MP3 Converter
Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, tvOS…
VLC Media Player is a very popular multimedia player. In addition to playing most multimedia files, VLC also provides features like editing video files and format conversion. It has some output presets for audio, including OGG, MP3, FLAC, WAV, etc. This makes it an audio to MP3 converter for users who need to convert their MP3 files to other formats or vice versa. You can also set bitrate, channels, and sample rate. But VLC does not provide options to edit metadata.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Basic MP3 conversion features
- Customizable bitrate, channels, and sample rate
Cons:
- Limited audio format support
- No options to edit metadata
- Not as advanced as other dedicated audio conversion software
9. Zamzar
Best Free MP3 Converter Website
Platform: Web
Zamzar is our choice for the best free MP3 converter website. This online converter has a clear and simple interface. You can use it without any instructions. Zamzar supports the conversion of MP3 files from a wide range of audio formats, including WAV, FLAC, AAC, and WMA, among others.
However, like most online tools, Zamzar has a limitation on file size. You can only convert audio files under 50 MB with the free plan. Besides that, Zamzar doesn't offer customizable MP3 settings either. But overall, it's ideal for users who need to convert audio files to MP3 format on the go.
Pros:
- Clean and intuitive interface
- Wide range of supported formats, including MP3, MP4, FLAC, etc.
- Batch conversion supported
Cons:
- Internet connection required
- Limited file size for free accounts (50 MB)
- Potential loss of metadata
10. Online Audio Converter
Best Free MP3 Converter Online
Platform: Web
Online Audio Converter is another best free MP3 converter online you can use directly in your browser. Compared with other online audio converters, it offers a series of advanced features, including output quality, bitrate mode, sample rate, channels, and effects. You can even edit track info as a non-registered user. However, based on our test, you'll see a prompt window saying "Server connection interrupted" very often when editing metadata.
Pros:
- Online audio converter with no software installation
- Relatively higher file size limits and operations per day
Cons:
- Annoying misleading ads on the page
- Potential crashes when editing metadata
- Time-consuming uploading and downloading process
11. All Audio Converter
Best Free MP3 Converter for Android
Platform: Android
All Audio Converter is a free mobile application that can help convert audio files from one format to another. Its user-friendly interface makes it straightforward to convert audio files between MP3, AAC, M4A, OGG, WAV, and WMA. This MP3 music converter APK also comes with the batch conversion feature, so that you can convert multiple files at once. Overall, All Audio Converter could be the best free MP3 converter for Android.
Pros:
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Support various audio formats, including MP3, AAC, M4A, OGG, and WAV
- Editing features available
Cons:
- Limited file formats supported with the free version
- In-app ads
12. MP3 Converter -Audio Extractor
Best Free MP3 Converter for iPhone
Platform: iOS
MP3 Converter is our pick for the best free MP3 converter for iPhone. It's available for iOS and iPadOS devices. With this app, you can easily convert any video and audio files to MP3 and save them to your Apple devices. Like any other MP3 converter iPhone, it is designed to be easy to use. Besides converting audio files, it also provides batch conversion and some basic editing features. After the post-processing, you can even quickly set the converted file as ringtones.
Pros:
- Easy to use even for novice users
- Support most video and audio formats
- Quick editing and denoising features
Cons:
- Limit time and format supports with the free version
- In-app ads with the free version
Conclusion
So this is all about the best free MP3 converter. We've compiled a list of some of the top to convert MP3 files on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and online.
VideoProc Converter is highly recommended for its ease of use, output quality, and conversion speed. It's user-friendly and supports various audio and video formats, including MP3, M4A, FLAC, MP4, MOV, etc. You can also customize the audio settings to get the desired sound quality.
Make your choice based on your needs. And feel free to download VideoProc Converter and see what I mean for yourself.
FAQ
What is the most reliable MP3 Converter?
VideoProc Converter could be the best MP3 converter for many users, considering factors like ease of use, conversion speed, and output quality. The intuitive UI makes it simple to use even for novices. A veteran can also get the desired sound quality with its support for various formats and customizable settings.
How can I convert songs to MP3 for free?
You can easily convert audio from or to MP3 with VideoProc Converter. After installing the program, launch it and add your music by dragging and dropping. Then select MP3 as the output format. Change the MP3 settings if needed. Then you can start converting your audio files to MP3 by clicking the RUN button.
