Transcode audio with Movavi’s converter:
Download and install the program.
Add an audio file.
Choose the desired output format.
Start the conversion.
15 Best Free Audio Converters [2024]
Having trouble playing an audio file on your PC or smartphone? Try converting it to another file format with a free audio format converter.
We’ve narrowed down the 15 best free audio converters available for Mac and PC – highlighting their compatible operating system(s), input/output formats, pros and cons, and online ratings/reviews.
Here’s what Movavi’s team does to provide you with verified information:
When selecting products to include in our reviews, we research both demand and popularity.
All products mentioned in this article have been tested by Movavi Content Team.
When testing, we aim to highlight the best features of a product and what it’s best suited for.
We study user reviews from popular review platforms and make use of this information when writing our product reviews.
We collect feedback from our users and analyze their opinions of Movavi software as well as products from other companies.
OS: Mac OS X® 10.10 or higher, Microsoft® Windows® 7/8/10 (versions for older operating systems also available)
Best for: Beginners (simple interface, 200+ presets, tutorials, customer support available)
Input: OGG, Opus, AIF, AIFF, AU, SND, F4A, M4A, M4B, FLAC, M4R, MKA, MP3, WAV, WMA, MP+, MP1, MP2, AIFC, APE, MPC, MPEG-3, AAC, AC3, and more
Output: MP3, OGG, AAC, AIFF, FLAC, M4A, M4B, M4R, MKA, WAV, WMA, AU, F4A
TopTenReviews rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Movavi Audio Converter can convert audio files to all popular formats, extract and save the sound directly from video files, and ultimately produce high-fidelity conversions. It’s also fast and largely error-free because of frequent support and optimization.
Movavi’s Audio Converter software is available on all major operating systems and allows beginners and experts alike to convert and modify audio files. If you only need to convert to or from MP3, use the free version of the program. To edit or manipulate your audio, try the free trial of the full version and see if it meets your needs.
Pros:
HD video and audio conversion support, 180+ available file formats
Presets for 200+ devices
Batch music converter
Easy for beginners to use
Shrink audio and video file sizes while maintaining fidelity
Cons:
Free version doesn’t include audio editing
Can’t pull videos from YouTube
OS: any (online browser tool)
Best for: Converting larger audio files directly in your browser
Input: MP3, M4A, AAC, OGG, WMA, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, MP2, MPA, MMF, OPUS, AIF, CAF, AC3, M4B, OGA, RA, VOC, DTS, AU, GSM
Output: AAC, AC3, AIF, AIFF, AU, CAF, DTS, FLAC, GSM, M4A, M4B, MMF, MP2, MP3, MPA, OGA, OGG, OPUS, RA, VOC, WAV, WMA
Movavi’s Online Converter is one of the best free audio converters. Whether you want to convert audio right on the page or prefer downloading the software, all options are at your disposal.
Adjust file size and quality on the fly, convert single files or batches quickly, and upload files as large as 2 GB. Movavi’s technology adapts to your needs, can be used across any platform, and can handle audio conversions of both common and rarer audio codecs.
Pros:
Fast conversions
Convert larger files in your browser
Adjust file size and quality without a download
Helpful support staff
Cons:
Free audio converter maxes out at 100 MB files
OS: Windows
Best for: Batch converting files to MP3
Input: AAC, AC3, AIFF, APE, FLAC, M4A, M4B, MKA, MP3, OGG, RA, TTA, WAV, WMA
Output: MP3, M4A, FLAC, ALAC, AMR, WAV, WMA
CNET rating: 3.1 out of 5 stars, 26 good reviews out of 46
Free Audio Converter by DVDVideoSoft helps you quickly convert different types of audio, although it’s best known for high-quality MP3 conversions.
In addition, this software lets you batch convert audio of varying file types to a specific file output (like MP3), which is useful if you have a collection of files you want to use on a new device. You can also create presets for future conversions.
Pros:
Batch convert different file types simultaneously
Produce high-quality MP3s
Lossless audio conversions help maintain sound quality
Simple settings
Cons:
Lacks effective support
Limited features
OS: Windows 7, 8, 10 (or Vista)
Best for: Intermediate to expert audio enthusiasts who want advanced audio-editing settings
Input: AVI, AAC, AC3, APE, AMV, ASF, DIVX, FLV, MPG, MPEG, MPE, MKV, MOV, M2TS, MP4, M4V, MXF, MKA, OGG, VOB, RMVB, SWF, WEBM, WMV, 3GP, 3GPP, 3G2, 3GP2, 3GA, and more
Output: MP3, AAC, AC3, E-AC3, Ogg-Opus, Ogg-Vorbis, WMA, FLAC, M4A-AAC, M4A-ALAC, WV (WavPack), MKA-Opus, CAF-Opus, AIFF, WAV
CNET rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars, 82 good reviews out of 96
Pazera Free Audio Extractor can be used to convert over 70 audio and video formats. You can also use this software to extract audio clips from video without losing audio quality, split files into pieces (like chapters of an audiobook), and customize encoding parameters like sampling frequency, audio bitrate, and more.
Pazera’s interface is easy for new users to pick up, and includes predefined settings to make things even easier for beginners. However, Pazera’s advanced settings are more suited for experienced audiophiles.
The Pazera app comes with support for 23 languages, making it one of the more accessible free audio file converter products online.
Pros:
Preset “profiles” for beginners
Drag and drop file conversion
Split files into without hurting audio quality
Advanced features for audio enthusiasts
Cons:
No “Help” file
Output to non-MP3 file formats sometimes changes the volume level
OS: Windows (8, 10, Vista), Mac, Android
Best for: Converting a group of different audio files into a single audio codec
Input: AAC, AC3, AMR, APE, ASF, AVI, CAF, CDA, FLAC, M2A, M3U, M4U, M4B, M4R, MKA, MKV, MP1, MP2, MP3, MP4, MPA, OGA, OGG, OPUS, WMA, WMV, and more
Output: AAC, AC3, AMR, APE, CAF, CDA, FLAC, M3U, M4A, M4B, M4R, MP1, MP2, MP3, MPC, OGG, OPUS, RAW, RSS, WAV, WMA, and more
TopTenReviews rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Switch Audio File Converter is another audio converter (free download) worth exploring. While it offers the main features of other top free audio converters (robust audio codec support, batch conversions, and audio extraction from video), Switch also has an interesting range of advanced settings as well.
A few of those advanced settings include:
Although Switch is a popular freeware audio converter for Mac and listed high in the App Store, it can also be downloaded as a free audio converter for Windows 10, Vista, and even Android.
Pros:
Auto-delete old audio files after conversion
Create (or use existing) presets
Batch conversions
Connect music audio files with their relevant information (label art, track name, artist)
Cons:
User-noted issues with the product after repeated use
6. Freemake
OS: Mac, PC, and Android
Best for: Merging separate audio files into a single file
Input: MP3, AAC, OGG, FLAC, M4A, M4R, AIF, AIFF, AC3, APE, CAF, MKA, MLP, MP1, MPC, MP2, MPEG3, MP+, W64, WMA, WAV, and more
Output: AAC, AC3, APE, AMR, ADTS, DTS, FLAC, AIFF, MP2, MP3, M4A, M4R, OGG, VOC, Vorbis, WAV, WMA, (Pro & Lossless), and more
TechRadar rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Freemake is a free audio converter for Windows, Mac, and Android that converts audio files into codecs usable on most major electronic devices (like smartphones and tablets).
In addition to standard conversions, Freemake allows you to merge multiple files (of varying formats) into a totally new audio file. You can also run more than one conversion at a time, which provides additional flexibility.
You can even automatically move your new audio codecs directly to your preferred cloud storage (Dropbox and Google Drive are both compatible).
Pros:
Combine multiple files
Cloud storage
Lossless audio
Support for simultaneous file conversions
Cons:
Free version has length restrictions in place
Slower than other free sound file converter software
7. Convertio
OS: any (online browser tool)
Best for: Users who don't want to download software (or can't)
Input: AIF, AIFF, AAC, AMR, AC3, 3GA, AU, CAF, FLAC, M4A, M4R, MP2, MP3, MPGA, OGA, OGG, OMA, OPUS, QCP, WAV, WEBM, WMA, and more
Output: AAC, AC3, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AMR, AU, FLAC, M4A, M4R, MP3, MMF, OPUS, OGG, RA, WAV
TechRadar review: “Convertio has a rather unique approach to file conversion, available entirely online. Some users might miss using a standalone app for this purpose – especially those who frequently need to convert large files and don’t have a very fast internet connection – but for all other cases, Convertio definitely manages to compensate with its feature set and intuitiveness.”
Convertio is free audio converting software that facilitates conversions to and from most major audio codecs. To use Convertio, visit their homepage, click “Choose Files”, and find your audio file on your computer.
Your original and converted files are deleted within a month to protect your privacy.
Your download will directly move to your browser upon completion (or you can choose to have an email sent to you once it’s done).
Pros:
No download required
Supports most common audio file formats
Cons:
Files must be less than 50 MB
Free version limits users to 10 conversions/day
8. Zamzar
OS: any (online browser tool)
Best for: People who need support for many file types (1,200+ available)
Input: APE, AAC, AC3, AIFC, AIFF, AMR, CAF, FLAC, M4A, M4B, M4R, MIDI, MP3, OGA, OGG, RA, RAM, WAV, WMA, 3GA
Output: AAC, AC3, FLAC, M4A, M4R, MP3, MP4, OGG, WAV, WMA
Lifewire review: “Zamzar is a good free file converter that supports lots of file formats. It's really easy to use and lets you convert files online without having to download any software. It's not the first service or software I'd try, but it works for what it does.”
Looking for an audio converter for a PC that doesn’t require a download? Zamzar can get the job done.
To use Zamzar, upload the file or copy-paste the URL where your audio file is hosted, then select your preferred codec. Your many output options are accessible in the dropdown menu once you’ve uploaded your file.
Pros:
No download required
Supports 1200+ file formats (audio, images, CAD, documents, video)
Email support
Cons:
Slower conversion
Free version has volume-based restrictions
OS: Windows
Best for: Repairing damaged audio files
Input: MP3, WMA, OGG, AAC, WAV, MP4, 3GP, AVI, WMV, SWF
Output: MP4, 3GP, MPEG, AVI, WMV, FLA, SWF, MP3, WMA, AMR, OGG, AAC, WAV, JPG, BMP, PNG, TIF, ICO, TGA, PDF
TechRadar rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Format Factory is an audio converter for Windows users that lets you convert audio, rip CDs, merge files, and even recover damaged files. You can even save soundtracks from (or overlay audio on top of) video with ease.
This software can be set for 62 different languages, making it one of the more internationally accessible pieces of free audio file converter software on the market.
Pros:
62-language support
Batch conversions
Convert CDs to audio files
Repairs damaged files
Cons:
Distracting advertisements
May trigger your antivirus software
10. Oxelon
OS: older versions of Windows
Best for: Anyone interested in developer plugins and customization features
Input: AC3, AAC, FLAC, G726, GSM, MP2, MP3, PCM ALAW, PCM MULAW, PCM 8/16/24/32 bit, SONIC, SONICLS, VORBIS, WMA V1, WMA V2, WAV, and more
Output: ASF, AVI, AC3, AAC, AIFF, AMR, AU, DV, DVD MPEG2, FFM, FLV, GIF, MOV, MP4, MPEG1, NUT, PSP, VOB, M1V, M2V, M4V, FLAC, MMF, MP2, MP3, OGG, VOC, WAV, 3GP, 3G2, and more
CNET rating: 3.4 out of 5 stars, 8 good reviews out of 14
Oxelon is a Windows audio converter that’s been around a while. Although it lacks certain high-level features available via other software, Oxelon does have a few tricks up its sleeve – allowing users to adjust audio sampling rates and bitrates.
Pros:
Batch file conversions
Convert via drag-and-drop
Developer-supported plugins
Cons:
No Google Chrome integration
Distracting pop-ups
11. Convertilla
OS: Windows
Best for: Quick downloads via Internet Download Accelerator
Input: AVI, APE, AAC, ASF, FLV, FLAC, MPG, MOV, WMV, M4V, MP3, MP4, MKV, OPUS, WAV, WEBM, 3GP
Output: AAC, ASF, APE, AVI, FLV, MKV, MPG, MOV, M4V, MP3, MP4, OPUS, FLAC, WAV, WEBM, WMV, and 3GP
Softpedia rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars, 34 good reviews out of 38
Convertilla is free audio conversion software for Windows only (sorry Mac users).
Use this tool to turn most major audio codecs into other commonly used file types (including those used on your phone).
Is audio conversion not enough? Tweak the quality using Convertilla’s huge range of presets – options ranging from Android and iOS to gaming consoles such as Sony PSP and Microsoft XBOX 360.
Pros:
Clean UI/UX
Small file size (easy to download)
Adjusting audio quality is simple
Cons:
Missing high-level features for audiophiles
12. FFmpeg
OS: Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, Linux
Best for: Developers (or tech-savvy users) and people looking to convert rare audio file types
Input: AAC, ADPCM, aptX, ATRAC1, DPCM, AC-3, G.729, GSM, MP1, MP2, MP3, MPEG-4, MLP, PCM, WMA, and many more
Output: AAC, ADPCM, aptX, ATRAC1, DPCM, AC-3, GSM, MP1, MP2, MP3, MPEG-4, MLP, PCM, WMA, and many more
Slant rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars, 55 good reviews out of 56
FFmpeg is an open-source file converter that combines the work of developers from around the world and hones it into maybe the most robust conversion tool you can find on the internet. Understandably then, it can of course be used as an audio file converter – free to use as well if you understand how it operates.
But that’s the tricky part, specifically the learning curve. This tool was created by computer developers who have a good understanding of codebases, audio codecs, containers, and the like. If you’ve never heard of Github, you should probably look elsewhere for your audio-converting needs.
Pros:
Customizable if you’re a developer
Runs on any OS
Huge range of file inputs and outputs
Cons:
Not friendly for non tech-savvy people
OS: Mac OS X 10.6 or later, Windows 2003 or later
Best for: Splitting audio files automatically (via .CUE files)
Input: AAC, ALAC, APE, WMA, WAV, MP3, M4A, OGG, FLAC, WavPack
Output: AAC, WAV, FLAC, OGG, WMA, MP3, AIFF, Apple Lossless format, and more
MacUpdate rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars, 33 good reviews out of 40
MediaHuman Audio Converter has a clean interface and handles most major audio-conversion tasks. If you want to splits tracks, pulls audio from video, and even export to iTunes via your audio converter, download MediaHuman’s software and give it a try.
MediaHuman Audio Converter is also a good choice for users who have an extensive collection of music organized in folders, because large batch conversions that retain your folder structure are built into the program.
Pros:
Helps you automatically split .CUE files
Folder retention is helpful to keep your audio organized
Cons:
User-reported issues like certain file types not converting correctly
OS: Windows (32 and 64-bit)
Best for: Its device compatibility (200+ devices)
Input: AC3, AMR, FLAC, AIFF, OGG, MP3, MP2, WAV, WMA, ACC, VOC, and RM
Output: AC3, AMR, FLAC, AIFF, OGG, MP3, MP2, WAV, WMA, ACC, VOC, and RM
PCWorld review: “Depending on the format that was used to create the video (I’m looking at you, MKV), it might not play properly. You need a converter, a utility that changes a video from one format to another. And I’ve yet to find one that’s easier to use (or has a better name) than Hamster Free Video Converter.”
Hamster Free Audio Converter is another tool at your disposal when converting audio. With a gentle learning curve and usability on most modern electronic devices, this software can help you convert audio files without overwhelming you with tons of intricate (and often unnecessary) features.
Pros:
Easy to use
Compatible with 200+ devices
Cons:
Lacks in settings for adjusting audio quality
No longer available on the developer website
15. Fre:ac
OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, Haiku
Best for: Using as a portable converter (can save it to your flash drive)
Input: AAC, APE, FLAC, WMA, Opus, Ogg Vorbis, MP3, M4A, Speex, WAV, and more
Output: AAC, APE, FLAC, WMA, Opus, Ogg Vorbis, MP3, M4A, Speex, WAV, and more
CNET rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars, 92 reviews
Fre:ac is a regularly updated audio converter usable on major (and obscure) operating systems. These updates help address bugs encountered by users, making the experience running their software ultimately better for you, the end-user.
Its interface comes in multiple languages, the software is completely open-source, and you can even place it on a flash drive. So if you ever need to help out a parent with their audio conversion needs, pop Fre:ac on your flash drive and get to work.
Pros:
Portable
High-quality CD ripping
Cons:
Advanced options aren’t as intuitive to use as other audio converters
Summary: How to choose the best audio converter
We hope our run-through of 15 top online audio converters helped you determine your top option(s) to convert audio on your computer. Whether you’re looking for the best free music converter for converting to MP3 or need something with more features, there’s definitely an option online to better meet your needs.
Still unsure which converter to use? Here’s a quick look at the most notable things to pay attention to when picking out your audio converter:
Interface: make sure that whatever audio-conversion tool you end up downloading is easy enough for you personally to use. Most developers try to make software that suits their own audience, and if their audience is a bunch of computer developers (and you’re not) then you’ll struggle to use their tool even if you like what their tool can do.
Features: what do you specifically need from your audio converter? If you’re just looking to convert a few old audio files to MP3, then you don’t need a tool that helps you adjust file size and quality, do batch conversions, or help you organize songs into album folders.
Supported file formats: while it’s a good idea to choose the audio conversion software with the biggest range of input and output formats, you ultimately only need a converter that will input your files and output the new audio codec you want. If you can’t find input and outputs on the developer’s website, Wikipedia can usually help.
Reviews and star ratings: want to avoid a headache using software that’s buggy or lacks good customer support? See what users are already saying about the audio converter you’ve got your eye on.
Customer support: developers who keep their pages updated and have clear avenues to reach their customer service team can be the difference-maker when choosing between audio converters. Investigate customer support options before finalizing the software you choose.
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