What is MP3?
MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III) is the most widely recognized audio format in the world. Developed in the early 1990s, MP3 revolutionized digital music by compressing audio to roughly 1/10th the size of CD quality while maintaining good sound.
MP3 works on every device, player, and platform. From smartphones to car stereos, streaming to downloads, MP3 remains the universal standard for audio compatibility.
Why Convert MP3 Files?
While MP3 is universal, you might convert for:
- Higher quality formats - FLAC or WAV for editing
- Apple ecosystem - M4A/AAC for iTunes optimization
- Ringtones - M4R for iPhone custom ringtones
- Specific requirements - Platform-specific format needs
Convert MP3 to Other Formats
MP3 to WAV
Uncompressed audio for editing. Audio editors work better with WAV, and some applications require uncompressed input.
MP3 to FLAC
Lossless format for archiving. Note: Converting lossy MP3 to lossless FLAC preserves current quality but cannot restore lost data.
MP3 to M4A
Apple ecosystem optimization. AAC in M4A container integrates better with iTunes and Apple devices.
MP3 to OGG
Open-source alternative for royalty-free requirements. OGG Vorbis offers similar quality to MP3.
Convert Other Formats to MP3
Create universally compatible audio:
WAV to MP3
Compress recordings for practical file sizes. A 50MB WAV becomes 5MB MP3 while maintaining excellent quality.
FLAC to MP3
Create portable versions of lossless audio. MP3 at 320kbps provides excellent quality for listening on the go.
M4A to MP3
Maximum compatibility from iTunes files. MP3 works on every device, including those that struggle with M4A.
Video to MP3
Extract audio from video files. Perfect for saving music from video sources.
MP3 Technical Specifications
- Full name: MPEG Audio Layer III
- Developer: Fraunhofer Society, ISO/IEC
- File extension: .mp3
- Compression: Lossy
- Bitrate range: 32-320 kbps
- Sample rates: 8-48 kHz
- Channels: Mono, Stereo, Joint Stereo
MP3 Bitrate Guide
- 320 kbps: Highest quality, near-CD quality, largest files
- 256 kbps: Excellent quality, good for music libraries
- 192 kbps: Good quality, smaller files
- 128 kbps: Acceptable quality, common for podcasts
- 64 kbps: Voice only, very small files
How to Convert MP3 Files
- Upload your audio file - MP3 or any other format
- Choose output format - WAV, FLAC, M4A, OGG, and more
- Download converted file - Get your audio in the new format
Works on Any Device
Convert MP3 files in your browser:
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- iPhone, iPad, Android