Audio tools
MP3 to M4A Converter
Convert MP3s to M4A (AAC) for iPhone ringtones, Apple apps and players that prefer AAC.
Convert your file
MP3 → M4AThis conversion runs on our server. Your file is uploaded over HTTPS, converted with FFmpeg and deleted within 30 minutes. Limits: files up to 50 MB and 15 minutes, 5 server conversions a day.
How it works
- Choose an MP3Files up to 50 MB and 15 minutes long are accepted.
- Pick a bitrateMatch the original MP3. Standard (192 kbps) suits most songs.
- Agree, convert and downloadConfirm the upload, follow the progress, then save the M4A.
Supported formats
Files your browser cannot read are converted on our server instead.
MP3WAVM4AAACFLACOGGOPUSWEBMMP4
About this tool
M4A with AAC audio is the native format of Apple devices. You may need it for an iPhone ringtone, a project in iMovie or GarageBand, or an app that only lists M4A files. This converter re-encodes your MP3 as AAC inside an M4A file at the bitrate you choose.
For a ringtone, convert a short clip, ideally 30 seconds or less, then rename the downloaded file from .m4a to .m4r before adding it to your iPhone. Converting does not improve the sound of the MP3, so pick a bitrate at or above the original. The conversion runs on our server with FFmpeg and files are deleted within 30 minutes.
Questions people ask
Is M4A better quality than MP3?
At the same bitrate AAC usually sounds a little better than MP3, but converting an existing MP3 cannot add back what MP3 compression removed.
How do I make an iPhone ringtone?
Trim your song to a short clip, ideally 30 seconds or less, convert it here, rename the file ending from .m4a to .m4r, and add it to your iPhone with Finder, iTunes or GarageBand.
Will my song details carry over?
No. Titles, artist names and artwork are removed during conversion to keep files private.
Know your formats
MP3 vs M4A
| MP3 | M4A | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | MPEG-1 Audio Layer III | MPEG-4 Audio, usually AAC inside |
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy (AAC) or lossless (ALAC) |
| Typical file size | About 1 MB per minute at 128 kbps, 2.4 MB at 320 kbps | About 1 MB per minute at 128 kbps |
| Best for | Music, podcasts and sharing | iPhone voice memos, Apple Music and iTunes files, podcasts |
| Works with | Practically every phone, computer, car stereo and app | Apple devices, Android and browsers; some older players and upload forms refuse it |
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