Convert AAC to MP3 Audio File – Full Guide
Summary: There can be scenarios made when users want to convert AAC to MP3 files in quick time. So, through this blog we are going to cover all user aspects like if you want to manage your music library or want to make your audio file compatible with all kinds of devices. Now, let’s talk about these music files.
There are multiple file formats for audio and AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) is one of the most popular because of its compressed size and higher sound quality from lower bitrates. But MP3 is still the most compatible format across devices and software platforms. This is where many users like to have AAC to MP3 conversion.
AAC to MP3 Conversion – Reasons Behind
There are various reasons to convert AAC to MP3 files. Let’s look into the points which are given in the below part.
- MP3 is natively supported by nearly all devices, media players, gaming consoles, including old and new car stereos and small standalone devices.
- Although AAC is a widely used music format, some older devices or non Apple users might not read or identify it.
- You can share MP3 files more easily via email, the cloud, or messaging apps because of their popularity.
- Some online editing software is more compatible with MP3 and offers more options for tagging, effects, and encode settings.
- You should convert files to MP3 for archiving your audio collection and want to ensure that they’re compatible with almost all operating systems.
How to Convert AAC to MP3 Without Losing Quality? All Possible Methods
We are going to present four methods which will help you to convert AAC File to MP3 with short steps.
#1. Export AAC to MP3 in Seconds – Professional Software
Want to convert AAC to MP3 as quickly as possible? When it comes to doing it in a professional way, the SysTools Audio converter software is the name to trust on. Whether you’re dealing with a small amount of files or a whole music library. You can have this file conversion in batch mode and in the right way without quality loss. The tool has over 40 types of audio input and 15 types of output. The software works smoothly and quickly with the help of a user-friendly interface even for techies or non tech users. And there’s no internet access required or installing any unauthorized apps. Everything securely happens on your system.
Easy Steps to Convert AAC File to MP3 – Automated Tool
1. Download & run our AAC to MP3 converter on your Computer Firstly.
2. Next, you can click on Add File(s) or Add Folder to add AAC files.
3. You will need to Browse your file into the software.
4. Then, click the Open button after you selected the audio file in the previous step.
5. Other than that, just tap the Next button and let the conversion process start.
6. The tool will prompt you to choose Export Types for the AAC file.
7. Further, you will notice advanced settings on your screen on which you can adjust Audio Bitrate, Sample Rate, Channels, & Volume according to you.
8. Now, provide the Final Path Location and simply click the Change button to move on.
9. Then, click the Export button to convert AAC to MP3 audio file.
10. Here is where the message will appear in a pop-up box. Just click the OK button.
11. Once done, click on the View Report button to have the full detail in your target path.
#2. Using VLC Media Player
People who like open-source software and freedom of format. Those can go with this method to convert AAC to MP3 and follow its steps.
- Download and Install VLC media player.
- Go to Media > Convert.
- Click Add to browse for your AAC file and click on Convert
- Next, select Audio MP3 under Profile.
- Now, select the Destination and File Name.
- Click Start to initiate the conversion process.
#3. Through iTunes – For Both Windows & Mac Users
Both Mac OS and Windows users can use this method. It is for those who already have AAC files in iTunes/Apple Music Library.
- Open iTunes/Apple Music.
- Go to Preferences > General > Import Settings.
- You need to set “Import Using” to MP3 Encoder and click OK.
- Choose the AAC song(s) from your library.
- Go to File > Convert > Create MP3 Version.
- Now, iTunes copies the file to MP3 format.
Note: On macOS Catalina and later, use the Apple Music app instead of iTunes.
#4. Using Online AAC to MP3 Converter
Here are some you can find with an internet search. You can comfortably convert AAC files to MP3 using online tools. For example, Cloud Convert Online-convert, Convertio, Zamzar, etc. Here are four steps you can follow to do quickly:
- Start by heading over to one of these online converters.
- Then, quickly upload an MP3 file of your own.
- Just choose MP3 as the output format.
- Finally, you need to press Convert and then you can easily get your MP3 file.
As a result, you can use this way to convert MP3 to WAV with few steps.
AAC to MP3 Audio Formats – Difference Table
In this particular section, we are going to see various key information which makes them different from each other. Users should know this aspects in order to convert AAC to MP3 in great efficiency.
| Aspect | AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) | MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer III) |
| Compression Accuracy | More efficient, gives better quality at lower bitrates | Less efficient, needs higher bitrates for similar quality |
| Sound Quality | Generally superior to MP3 at the same bitrate | Slightly lower audio quality at 128 kbps |
| File Size | Smaller for similar quality | Slightly larger for the same perceived audio quality |
| Device Compatibility | Widely supported, especially on Apple devices | Universally compatible across all platforms |
| Streaming Support | Preferred format for YouTube, iTunes, and more | Still used, but gradually replaced in streaming platforms |
| Bitrate Range | Supports variable & constant bitrate up to 576 kbps | Supports variable & constant bitrate up to 320 kbps |
| Licensing | Patent-encumbered, some usage restrictions may apply | Also patent-encumbered, historically more restrictive |
| Metadata Support | Uses MPEG-4 tags | Uses ID3 tags |
| DRM Support | Often used with DRM like iTunes Purchase | Rarely used with DRM |
| Suitable Use Case | Better for streaming, and modern media playback | Great for offline music libraries and legacy hardware |
Conclusion
If you want to convert AAC to MP3 files and want compatibility is likely your best option. Whether you’re an audiophile, content creator, or digital archivist, you can choose from a variety of methods including professional software, free AAC to MP3 converters, iTunes, VLC. Above are a free ways to quickly change it to other format. Each has its own different features and there are lots more online or offline options to choose from. Also, we have given a complete table to understand both the format. Pick your preferred method from above to have successful file conversion.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Now, we are going to take few commonly asked queries related to the conversion of AAC to MP3 file.
Q1. I converted AAC to MP3 and the sound has become quieter. Why is that?
Ans. AAC files contain volume normalization that often isn’t preserved when converting to MP3. Use our professional tool which have the feature to change volume according to you.
Q2. Is it possible to convert AAC to MP3 without recoding?
Ans. No, you can’t and never will be able to record files without quality loss. They are both lossy formats, so effectively you’re compressing a compressed file further.
Q3. Why is my batch converted MP3 file much larger than my original AAC file?
Ans. It is because MP3 is lower quality codec than AAC. If you convert using a higher bit rate, then the MP3 file may go larger without quality change.
Q4. Is there any legal way to re encode iTunes “Protected” AAC files with MP3?
Ans. Not directly. DRM-protected AAC files cannot be converted unless you remove DRM which counts as a violation of terms of service. Always verify the licensing before you do anything.
Q5. I want to keep chapter markers in my AAC audible book. Will they transfer to MP3?
Ans. No, MP3 codec does not support embedded chapter markers as AAC does. Unless you manually divide chapters or you have a player which supports external cue files.