Best Free MP3 Tools For Converting Your Music Files
Updated July 06, 2017
Why Convert to a Different Audio Format?
Sometimes it’s necessary to convert a music file into another audio format for compatibility reasons. You may find for example that the new portable device you've just purchased cannot play your favorite tracks. This might be because they are encoded in a less popular format and therefore one that your device doesn't support.
Another reason why you might want to convert to a different format is if you store your original music library in a lossless format. File sizes are often much larger and not that well suited to store on portable devices like smartphones. So, in this case you'll want to convert to a lossy format like MP3 before syncing..
This guide lists some of the best free software for converting between audio formats. They have been selected due to their good audio format support and ease of use -- not to mention being free too!
Free:AC Audio Converter
Image © Mark Harris - Licensed to About.com, Inc.
Free:AC Audio Converter is a full-featured tool for converting your music files to several formats. You can batch convert audio files by adding them to a job list and then selecting an encoder to convert.
Currently the program supports MP3, AAC, MP4/M4A, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis. and the Bonk format.
If you need to rip a CD, then this free tool can also convert your music to one of the above formats. It's also smart enough to automatically add ID3 tag information via CDDB.
If you’re looking for a combined CD ripper and file format converter, then this might be the only tool you'll need. More »
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Free MP3 WMA Converter
Free MP3 WMA Converter has a user-friendly interface and has excellent audio format support. It can handle MP3, WMA, OGG, APE, FLAC, MPC, and WAV.
Once you have added all your files to the program's batch list, it's relatively straightforward to pick an output format via a drop-down menu.
As a bonus, there’s also a built-in tag editor which can be used to edit basic ID3 information. This could be useful if you need to change metadata before converting.
The installer comes with some potentially unwanted software, so be sure to un-check / decline the various offers if you don't want this also installed on your system.
Overall, Free MP3 WMA Converter is a great ‘no frills’ tool that does a great job of converting between popular audio formats. More »
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Free MP3/WMA/OGG Converter
A list of audio files in MP3/WMA/OGG Converter. Image © Mark Harris - Licensed to About.com, Inc.
If you just need a simple, easy-to-use audio file converter then Free MP3/WMA/OGG Converter could be what you’re looking for. Even though the name might suggest a limted amount of formats can be used, it supports a fair few.
At the time of writing, this free program can convert MP3, WMA, OGG, AC, M4A, FLAC, and MP2. The interface takes you through a wizard where you can simply choose an output format using a drop-down menu system. Highly recommended for basic audio format conversion. More »
Switch Audio File Converter
Available as a free download for Mac and PC, the free version of Switch Audio File Converter (Windows Download ) can convert to MP3, WMA, AC3, AIFF, AU, WAV, and VOX.
When you first install the program you'll get a taste of what the full version (Switch Audio File Converter Plus) can do. After a while this will revert to a free version (for non-commercial home use only) that doesn't expire.
The interface is clean and simple to use which makes converting files quick and easy. And it also comes with a basic player to listen to tracks. However, the free version doesn't support lossless formats like FLAC unless you upgrade. But, if all you want to do is convert to MP3 for example then it is still a useful tool. More »