Online M4A Converter - Convert To/From M4A

Using our online audio converter tool, you can quickly and easily convert audio files to the M4A format or convert existing M4A files to other formats. Supported output formats include AAC, MP3, WMA, WAV, FLAC, OGG, and AIFF. Our M4A converter is 100% free to use, respects user privacy, doesn't require any user registration, and doesn't impose arbitrary limits on the number of conversions. All uploaded and converted files are automatically deleted from our servers within one hour for your security.

How to Convert M4A Files Online

Whether you want to convert audio to M4A or convert M4A to other audio formats, the process is simple using our online M4A converter:

Upload Your File: Use the upload box at the top of this page to browse and select your audio or video file. You can also drag and drop your file directly onto the box.
Select Output Format: Choose the audio format you want to convert your file into from the dropdown menu. If you're on this page, M4A will be selected by default, but you can choose any other supported format like MP3, WAV, etc.
Convert: Press the 'Convert' button. Our tool will process your file and convert it to the selected format. Once completed, a 'Download' button will appear.
Download: Click the 'Download' button to save your newly converted audio file.

What is an M4A File?

M4A stands for MPEG-4 Audio. It's a file extension used for audio-only files within the MPEG-4 Part 14 container format (which typically uses the .mp4 extension when it contains video). When an MPEG-4 file contains only audio, the .m4a extension is commonly used to differentiate it.

This format was popularized by Apple for use in the iTunes Store. Most M4A files are encoded using the lossy Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) codec, which offers good quality at relatively small file sizes compared to MP3. However, M4A containers can also hold audio encoded with the lossless Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC).

Differences Between M4A and MP3 File Formats

While often used interchangeably for music, M4A (usually with AAC encoding) and MP3 have key differences:

Efficiency & Quality: M4A/AAC generally provides better audio quality than MP3 at the *same bitrate*. For instance, a 192 kbps M4A file often sounds as good as or better than a 256 kbps MP3 file, resulting in a smaller file size for equivalent perceived quality.
Encoding Types: M4A can contain either lossy AAC audio or lossless ALAC audio. MP3 is always lossy.
File Size: For the same audio quality, M4A/AAC files are typically smaller than MP3 files due to the more efficient compression.
Compatibility: MP3 boasts near-universal compatibility across almost all devices and software. M4A is widely supported, especially by Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac), Android devices, and modern media players like VLC, iTunes, and Windows Media Player, but might not work on some older hardware players.
Bitrate: Both formats use bitrate (amount of data per unit of time) to determine quality and file size. Common M4A bitrates include 128 kbps, 192 kbps, and 256 kbps for stereo audio.

How to Open an M4A File

Opening M4A files is straightforward on most modern systems. You likely don't need special software. Popular applications that support M4A include:

Apple iTunes / Apple Music
VLC Media Player (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS)
Windows Media Player (recent versions)
QuickTime Player (macOS, older Windows)
Winamp (Windows)
Most default music players on Android phones and tablets
Native support on iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad

You can usually open M4A files received via email or downloaded from websites directly with your device's default media player.

Explore Specific Converters

Need detailed information or want to set a different default format? Visit our specific converter pages: