Guide · Audio Converter
How to convert audio files online
Updated · 6 min read
A recording that will not play in an app, a WAV that is too big to email, an M4A that a website will not accept: format problems are everywhere, and they are easy to fix. You can convert audio in your browser without installing software or uploading a private file. This guide explains the formats, shows how to convert in four steps and helps you pick the right bitrate.
Try the audio converter nowFree, runs in your browser, nothing uploaded.Convert audio in four steps
The free audio converter runs on your device, so your file is never uploaded.
- Drop your audio file on the converter, or tap the box to choose one.
- Choose the output format: MP3, WAV, M4A, OGG or FLAC.
- For MP3, M4A and OGG, choose a bitrate. 128 kbps suits speech and 192 kbps suits music.
- Press Convert, play the result to check it, then download it.
Which audio format should you choose?
MP3 is the safest choice because every phone, car stereo, website and editing tool plays it. M4A (AAC) gives slightly better quality than MP3 at the same bitrate and is the default on Apple devices. OGG Vorbis is an open format that is common in games and on the web.
WAV and FLAC are lossless, which means they keep every detail of the original. WAV is uncompressed and large, at about 10 MB per minute for CD quality stereo. FLAC is lossless but compressed, usually half the size of WAV. Use WAV or FLAC for editing and archiving, and MP3 or M4A for sharing.
Pick the right bitrate
Bitrate decides the quality and size of lossy files such as MP3, M4A and OGG. A higher number is a bigger file.
- 64 to 96 kbps: voice notes, lectures and audiobooks where size matters most.
- 128 kbps: clear speech and podcasts, about 1 MB per minute.
- 192 kbps: good everyday music quality.
- 256 to 320 kbps: the best quality a lossy file offers, for music you care about.
Keep quality when you convert
Every conversion between two lossy formats removes a little more detail, so convert from the original recording whenever you still have it. Do not convert a low bitrate MP3 to a higher bitrate and expect it to sound better, because the lost detail does not come back.
If you record yourself, capture a clean signal first. Check the level with the mic test and record with the voice recorder, which saves MP3 directly. Convert only when you need another format.
Why converting in the browser is private
Most online converters upload your file to a server, which is slow for large files and a risk for private audio such as interviews, calls and voice memos. This converter does the work with your browser, so the file stays on your device. When you need text from the same recording, the audio transcript tool works the same way.
Common audio conversion problems
The file will not play after conversion: try WAV, which every player understands, then convert to MP3 from that. The file is too large: lower the bitrate or switch from WAV to MP3. The sound is quiet or distorted: the problem is in the original, so check the source and the recording level with the mic test. Skipping or clicks at the start: re-export from the original recording instead of a converted copy.
FAQ
Common questions
What is the best format to convert audio to?
MP3 for the widest compatibility, M4A for slightly better quality at the same size, and WAV or FLAC when you need lossless audio for editing.
Will converting reduce audio quality?
Converting to a lossy format such as MP3 removes some detail. Converting lossless to lossless, for example WAV to FLAC, keeps full quality. Always keep your original file.
Can I convert audio on my phone?
Yes. Open the audio converter in Safari or Chrome, choose a file from your device and convert it. Very large files are easier on a computer.
How do I make an audio file smaller?
Convert it to MP3 or M4A at a lower bitrate such as 96 or 128 kbps. Speech stays clear and the file is a fraction of the original size.
How do I convert M4A to MP3?
Open the M4A in the audio converter, choose MP3 and press Convert.
Is converting audio online safe?
It is safe when the converter runs in your browser, because the file is never uploaded. Avoid sites that upload private audio to a server.
What is the difference between MP3 and WAV?
MP3 is compressed and small. WAV is uncompressed and large but keeps every detail, so it is best for editing.