Online WMA Converter - Convert Audio to Windows Media Audio
Convert your audio files to Microsoft's WMA (Windows Media Audio) format using our free online converter. You can also convert existing WMA files to other formats like MP3, WAV, AAC, etc. WMA was developed as a competitor to MP3 and can offer good compression. Our WMA converter is free, secure (files deleted after 1 hour), requires no signup, and is easy to use.
How to Convert Files to WMA Online
Easily create or convert WMA files:
- Upload Audio/Video: Use the upload box above to select or drag and drop your source file.
- Select Output Format: Choose
WMA from the 'Convert to:' dropdown list.
- Convert: Click the 'Convert' button.
- Download: Download your converted WMA file once the process is complete.
What is a WMA File?
WMA (Windows Media Audio) is an audio data compression technology developed by Microsoft. It's part of the Windows Media framework and was originally positioned as a competitor to the MP3 format.
WMA includes several codecs:
- WMA (Standard): A lossy codec designed to compete with MP3 and AAC. It generally offers better quality than MP3 at lower bitrates.
- WMA Pro: A more advanced lossy codec supporting higher resolutions and multi-channel audio.
- WMA Lossless: A lossless codec competing with FLAC and ALAC, providing perfect quality archival with some file size reduction compared to WAV.
- WMA Voice: Optimized for low-bitrate voice content.
This converter typically targets the standard lossy WMA codec unless specific options are chosen (which are not available in the simple interface). WMA files often include support for Digital Rights Management (DRM), although our converter only handles unprotected files.
WMA vs. MP3 and Other Formats
- Quality (Standard WMA): Generally considered better than MP3 at lower bitrates (e.g., 64-128 kbps), but the difference diminishes at higher bitrates where AAC might be preferred. WMA Lossless is comparable to FLAC/ALAC in quality.
- Compatibility: Primarily associated with Windows. While support exists in some third-party players (like VLC) and devices, it's far less universal than MP3 or AAC. Native support outside the Windows ecosystem can be limited, especially on mobile devices (iOS/Android often require specific apps).
- Proprietary Format: WMA is a proprietary Microsoft technology, unlike open formats like OGG, FLAC, or Opus.
- Use Cases: Was common for music purchased from Windows Media-based stores, used within Windows Media Center, and sometimes for streaming. Its usage has declined relative to more cross-platform formats.
How to Open a WMA File
WMA files are best supported within the Microsoft ecosystem:
- Windows Media Player (Native Windows support)
- Groove Music (Windows 10/11)
- VLC Media Player (Good cross-platform support)
- Some other third-party media players might support it.
- Support on macOS, iOS, and Android is limited and often requires installing specific third-party apps.
If you are not primarily using Windows, converting WMA files to a more compatible format like MP3 or AAC is often recommended for broader usability.
Explore Specific Converters
Need detailed information or want to set a different default format? Visit our specific converter pages: