Apple's audio, made universal
M4A is Apple's everyday audio format. iPhone Voice Memos, GarageBand exports and most iTunes purchases are M4A files holding AAC audio. They play perfectly on Apple devices, but some podcast hosts, Android apps, car stereos and older DJ software want MP3 instead.
Because voice memos are often private (interviews, lectures, ideas you haven't shared yet), it matters where they go. WAVR converts them inside your browser, so the recording stays on your phone or computer.
How to convert M4A to MP3
- Add your M4A filesDrag them onto WAVR or click Browse files. On iPhone, save voice memos to Files first.
- Choose a bitrateMP3 is selected at 192k. Use 128k for voice or 320k for music.
- Convert and downloadClick Convert all, then download each MP3 or use Download all.
Recommended settings
- Voice memos, lectures, interviews: 128k, Mono, with Normalize and Trim silence on.
- iTunes music: 256k or 320k. Most iTunes tracks are 256k AAC, so matching or exceeding that avoids extra loss.
- GarageBand demos: 320k, or export WAV from GarageBand and use WAV to MP3 for the cleanest result.
M4A to MP3 questions
Can I convert iPhone voice memos to MP3?
Yes. Voice Memos are saved as M4A. Share or save them to Files, open WAVR in your browser, add them and convert to MP3.
Why won't some M4A files open?
Songs bought from iTunes before 2009 may be copy-protected (M4P), and browsers can't decode those. Some browsers also can't read Apple Lossless (ALAC) inside an M4A. Unprotected AAC files work everywhere WAVR runs.
What bitrate should I use for voice recordings?
128k is plenty for speech and keeps files small. Turn on Normalize if the recording is quiet, and Trim silence to remove pauses at the start and end.
Is converting M4A to MP3 lossy?
Yes. Both are lossy formats, so re-encoding loses a little more detail. Pick the same or a higher bitrate than the source to keep the difference inaudible.