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.
Free audio conversion softwareOS: Mac OS X® 10.10 or higher, Microsoft® Windows® 7/8/10 (versions for older operating systems also 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:
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OS: any (online browser tool) 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 Online Video Converter is also in contention for the best free audio converter, regardless of the fact that it has “video” in its name. 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:
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Go to Movavi’s Online Converter OS: Windows 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:
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Download Free Audio Converter OS: Windows 7, 8, 10 (or Vista) 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:
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Download Pazera Free Audio Extractor OS: Windows (8, 10, Vista), Mac, Android 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:
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Download Switch Audio File Converter Software OS: Mac, PC, and Android 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:
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Download Freemake OS: any (online browser tool) 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 Lifewire review: “FileZigZag is a pretty good choice if you're after an image converter or a document converter. However, due to the time it takes to both upload and convert a file, FileZigZag isn't our first choice as a video converter or audio converter.” FileZigZag is free audio converting software that facilitates conversions to and from most major audio codecs. To use FileZag, visit their homepage, click “Browse for file”, 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:
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Go to FileZigZag OS: any (online browser tool) 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:
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Go to Zamzar OS: Windows 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:
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Download Format Factory OS: older versions of Windows 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:
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Download Oxelon OS: Windows 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:
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Download Convertilla OS: Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, Linux 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:
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Get FFmpeg OS: Mac OS X 10.6 or later, Windows 2003 or later 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:
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Download MediaHuman Audio Converter OS: Windows (32 and 64-bit) 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:
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Get Hamster Free Audio Converter OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, Haiku 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:
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Download Fre:ac SummaryWe 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:
A prolific content creator and copy editor with 5+ years of experience writing blog posts, landing pages, product reviews, product copy, and more. Graduated from the University of Nevada with an MA in History in 2014 and got swept up into the world of digital marketing not long afterward. Geoff is a regular contributor on GoDaddy.com’s Garage Blog and has been quoted on major websites like Adobe, Monster, Recruiter, and GlassDoor. Get to know all the authors The ideal way to get your media in the format you need! Frequently asked questionsHave questions? If you can’t find the answer to your question, please feel free to contact our Support Team. Sign up for news and special offers |