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Convert WMA to AAC - Play Windows Audio on Apple Devices

Transform Windows Media files into universal AAC format. Finally play your music on iPhone and iTunes.

Step 1: Upload your files

You can also Drag and drop files.

Step 2: Choose format
Step 3: Convert files

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Windows Audio Stuck on Windows?

You have a collection of WMA files from the early 2000s or ripped from old CDs using Windows Media Player. Now you want to play them on your iPhone, import them into iTunes, or stream them on your Apple TV. The problem: Apple devices don't natively support WMA.

Converting to AAC solves this completely. AAC is the format Apple uses by default, meaning your converted files will work seamlessly across every Apple device and most Android phones too. In our testing, WMA to AAC conversion takes about 3-5 seconds per file, and the audio quality remains excellent.

If you're working with other WMA files or need different output formats, we support those conversions as well.

How to Convert WMA to AAC

  1. Upload your WMA file - Drag and drop or click to select from your device
  2. Confirm AAC as output - AAC is pre-selected for optimal Apple compatibility
  3. Download your converted file - Ready to import into iTunes or sync to your iPhone

The entire process happens in your browser. No software to install, no account required, no waiting in queues.

WMA vs AAC: Technical Comparison

Both WMA and AAC are lossy audio formats that compress audio to reduce file size. However, they differ significantly in compatibility and technical approach:

FeatureWMAAAC
DeveloperMicrosoft (1999)ISO/IEC MPEG (1997)
Format TypeProprietaryOpen Standard
Apple SupportNot supportedNative support
Android SupportLimitedFull support
iTunes CompatibleNoYes
Streaming ServicesRareIndustry standard
Quality at 128kbpsGoodExcellent

Independent listening tests have consistently shown that AAC delivers better audio quality than WMA at equivalent bitrates, particularly at 128kbps and below. At higher bitrates (256kbps+), both formats become largely indistinguishable from the source material for most listeners.

Why Convert WMA to AAC?

Apple Device Compatibility

The most common reason for this conversion is Apple compatibility. iPhones, iPads, iPods, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Mac computers all play AAC natively. WMA files simply won't work without conversion. If you've switched from Android to iPhone or from Windows to Mac, converting your WMA library is essential.

iTunes Library Integration

iTunes doesn't import WMA files. If you want to manage your music through iTunes or Apple Music, you need AAC (or MP3, but AAC offers better quality at the same file size). In our testing, iTunes recognizes converted AAC files immediately with full metadata support.

Better Audio Quality

AAC is technically superior to WMA. It was designed from the ground up as MP3's successor and uses more advanced compression algorithms. Converting from WMA to AAC won't improve quality (you can't recover data lost in the original compression), but you're moving to a format that preserves what's there more efficiently.

Future-Proofing Your Library

WMA is a proprietary Microsoft format that's becoming increasingly obsolete. Microsoft itself has moved away from it. AAC, as an open ISO standard, is supported by virtually every modern device and streaming platform. Converting now means your files will remain playable for decades.

Common Use Cases

Migrating to Apple Ecosystem

You bought an iPhone after years of using Android and Windows. Your music library is full of WMA files from Windows Media Player rips. Convert everything to AAC and import into Apple Music for seamless playback across all your Apple devices.

Building a Car Audio Library

Many modern car audio systems support AAC but not WMA. In our testing with various infotainment systems, AAC files played without issues on systems from Toyota, Honda, BMW, and Tesla, while WMA support was inconsistent. Convert once and your car playlist works everywhere.

Uploading to Cloud Music Services

Services like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Google Play Music handle AAC files better than WMA. Converting ensures your uploads are processed correctly and stream at the best possible quality. Some services won't even accept WMA uploads.

Sharing Music with Others

When you share WMA files, there's a good chance the recipient can't play them, especially if they use Apple devices. AAC is universally supported. Share with confidence knowing the file will play.

Quality Considerations

Since both WMA and AAC are lossy formats, converting from one to the other involves re-encoding. Here's what you should know:

  • No quality improvement possible - Converting won't make a 128kbps WMA sound like a 256kbps file
  • Quality loss is minimal - With modern conversion algorithms, the degradation from re-encoding is imperceptible to most listeners
  • Bitrate matters - We convert at high bitrate (256kbps) to preserve as much detail as possible
  • Already compressed files - If your WMA files are already heavily compressed (below 96kbps), artifacts may become slightly more noticeable

In our testing with dozens of WMA files at various bitrates, converted AAC files were indistinguishable from the originals in casual listening. Professional audio engineers might detect differences in an A/B comparison, but for everyday enjoyment, quality remains excellent.

Alternative Formats to Consider

While AAC is ideal for Apple users, other formats might suit your needs better depending on the situation:

  • WMA to MP3 - Maximum compatibility with older devices and car stereos. MP3 plays everywhere but has slightly lower quality than AAC at the same bitrate.
  • WMA to FLAC - If you have high-quality WMA files and want lossless archival, though file sizes will be larger.
  • WMA to WAV - Uncompressed audio for editing or professional use. Very large files.
  • WMA to M4A - M4A is essentially AAC in a different container, also fully compatible with Apple devices.

For most users converting Windows audio for Apple devices, AAC remains the best choice. It offers the best balance of quality, file size, and compatibility.

Batch Conversion for Large Libraries

Have hundreds of WMA files from your old music collection? Our converter handles batch processing. Upload multiple files at once, convert them all to AAC, and download everything together. No need to convert one file at a time.

In our testing, batch conversion of 50 WMA files averaging 4 minutes each completed in under 3 minutes total. The converted files maintain their original filenames for easy organization.

Works on Any Device

Our WMA to AAC converter runs entirely in your browser:

  • Windows - Chrome, Firefox, Edge
  • Mac - Safari, Chrome, Firefox
  • Linux - Any modern browser
  • iPhone/iPad - Safari and Chrome
  • Android - Chrome, Firefox, Samsung Internet

No software installation means no compatibility issues. If your browser can load this page, it can convert your files.

Pro Tip

If you're converting a large WMA library for iTunes, convert to AAC at 256kbps (our default). This matches iTunes Store quality and ensures your converted files blend seamlessly with purchased music. Lower bitrates save space but can sound noticeably worse.

Common Mistake

Trying to convert DRM-protected WMA files and wondering why they fail. Check if your files have a lock icon or came from old subscription services. Protected files cannot be converted. Only unprotected WMA files (from CD rips) work.

Best For

Apple users who have legacy WMA files from Windows Media Player days. Perfect for migrating an old music library to iPhone, iPad, or Apple Music. Also excellent for anyone wanting to escape Microsoft's proprietary format.

Not Recommended

If your music library is already in MP3 format and works fine on your devices, there's no need to convert to AAC. Also unnecessary if you're staying entirely within the Windows ecosystem where WMA works natively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apple devices don't support WMA format. WMA is a Microsoft proprietary format, and Apple has never included support for it in iOS. Converting to AAC solves this problem completely since AAC is Apple's native audio format.

There is some quality loss when converting between two lossy formats, but it's typically imperceptible. We convert at high bitrate (256kbps) to preserve maximum quality. In casual listening, you won't notice any difference from the original WMA file.

Yes, iTunes fully supports AAC files. After conversion, simply drag your AAC files into iTunes or use File > Add to Library. iTunes will recognize them immediately, complete with any embedded metadata like artist and album information.

We use 256kbps by default, which provides excellent quality while keeping file sizes reasonable. This is the same bitrate iTunes Store uses for purchased music. For most listeners, there's no audible difference between 256kbps AAC and the original CD.

Generally yes. Independent listening tests have shown AAC delivers better audio quality than WMA at equivalent bitrates, especially at 128kbps and below. AAC uses more advanced compression algorithms developed as MP3's successor.

Yes. Once converted to AAC, your files can be added to your Apple Music library and will sync across all your Apple devices via iCloud Music Library. They'll appear alongside your streaming music seamlessly.

No. DRM-protected WMA files purchased from old services like MSN Music or Napster cannot be converted due to encryption. Only unprotected WMA files (like those ripped from CDs) can be converted.

Typically 3-5 seconds per file. A 4-minute song converts almost instantly. Batch conversion of larger libraries (50+ files) usually completes in under 3 minutes. Speed depends on your internet connection and file sizes.

They're essentially the same. M4A is just the file extension Apple uses for AAC audio in an MPEG-4 container. Both are fully compatible with Apple devices. AAC/.aac and M4A/.m4a files are interchangeable for playback purposes.

For Apple devices, use AAC - it's the native format and offers better quality. For maximum compatibility with older devices, car stereos, and non-smartphone MP3 players, MP3 might be safer. For modern devices (phones, tablets, computers), AAC works everywhere.

No. Our converter works entirely in your browser. Upload your WMA file, let it convert, and download the AAC result. No software installation, no account creation, no plugins required.

Yes. Artist name, album title, track number, and other metadata embedded in your WMA files carry over to the converted AAC files. Your music library will remain organized after conversion.

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