MP3 and AAC are the most common audio file formats. Apple Music mainly uses the AAC format for streaming music and before 2009, iTunes used DRM-protected AAC for its music too. AAC offers better sound quality at a smaller file size but might be incompatible with older devices. Converting your songs to MP3 is the best choice for seamless, hassle-free playback on any device if your songs are in protected AAC file format. But, you need professional software to remove DRM protections and convert AAC to MP3. After testing dozens of tools, we came up with the best AAC to MP3 converter list. Read on to discover our top recommendations for 2024.
Top 1: MuConvert Apple Music Converter
The number one AAC to MP3 converter is MuConvert Apple Music Converter. Unlike most online audio file converters which cannot remove Apple Music DRM restrictions, MuConvert Apple Music Converter can bypass these restrictions and quickly transform your AAC files to MP3.
MuConverter comes with a built-in Apple Music Web browser so you do not have to install an iTunes or Apple Music app to convert your files. Just log in, drag and drop songs, and start the conversion process– it is that easy!
In addition, to being able to download Apple Music for playback on a computer or phone, this powerful converter retains original sound quality. You can also customize options such as the sample rate and bit rate. The batch conversion feature lets you convert entire albums and playlists at 20x faster speeds, saving you time.
MuConvert Apple Music Converter Pros and Cons
Pros
- Removes DRM protection from Apple Music AAC files
- Comes with a built-in Apple Music Web Player for easy drag-and-drop conversion
- Delivers original music quality and lossless MP3 audio files
- Saves time with batch conversion of 20x faster speeds
- Supports output parameter customization
- Keeps ID3 tags for efficient music library management
Cons
- Only compatible with Mac and Windows
Follow these easy steps to convert AAC audio file to MP3 using MuConvert Apple Music Converter:
STEP 1: Download and install the MuConvert Apple Music Converter. Click “Open the Apple Web Player” and log into your Apple Music account.
STEP 2: Search the songs you want to convert then drag and drop them into the panel on the right.
STEP 3: Click the three horizontal lines at the top right corner and select “Preferences” to customize the general and advanced settings. Hit “Save” and exit the dialog box.
STEP 4: To change the output settings of a particular song, go to the song, click the arrow next to it, and select the preferred output format, sample rate, and bit rate.
STEP 5: Hit “Convert All” to start the conversion from AAC to MP3. When all the songs are converted, click “Finished” at the top to see the converted MP3 Apple Music tracks. Click the folder icon at the bottom to see the location where the ripped audio files are saved on your computer.
Top 2: iTunes
The second best AAC audio to MP3 converter is iTunes. Before 2009, all music on iTunes was DRM-protected so if you want to convert these songs to MP3, you will first have to remove the DRM restrictions with a tool such as the MuConvert Apple Music Converter.
iTunes Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Offers a seamless conversion process within its library
- No additional cost for converting your AAC files to MP3
- Supports to customize the quality of the converted MP3 files
Cons:
- Only converts AAC files that are free from DRM restrictions
- Slower conversion speed
For unprotected songs, follow these easy steps to learn how to convert Apple Music to MP3:
STEP 1: Set the output format to MP3. If using iTunes on Windows, go to “Edit” >>“Preference.” On Mac, go to “iTunes” >> “Preferences.” Click the “General” tab and select “Import Settings.”
STEP 2: Click the “Import Using” drop-down arrow and select “MP3 Encoder”. Choose the “Settings” drop-down arrow and select the “High Quality” setting or select “Custom”. Hit OK.
STEP 3: Choose the songs you want to convert to MP3 on iTunes. Long-press Ctrl on Windows or Command on Mac and click each song if you want to convert multiple songs.
STEP 4: On the “File” menu select “Convert” >> “Create MP3 Version” and give it a few minutes for the conversion from AAC to MP3 to be complete. The converted MP3 files in your iTunes library are ready for listening.
STEP 5: Delete the AAC file copy from iTunes. In iTunes, select the copy of the converted song and right click on it. Choose Delete from Library.
Top 3: Soundloaders Apple Music Downloader
Third on the list of the best AAC to MP3 converter apps is the Soundloaders Apple Music Downloader. This desktop app lets you convert Apple songs in AAC format to the more flexible MP3. You can then save your MP3 tracks to any device, enjoy songs offline, and keep your favorites forever.
Aside from Soundloaders being free, one of its advantages is how easy it is to use. Just copy-paste the link to the song you want to convert and you get a ready-to-use MP3 file in seconds.
Although this converter retains good sound quality, it doesn’t come close to MuConvert Apple Music Converter, which guarantees lossless conversion from AAC to MP3 and delivers the original sound quality. Another disadvantage of Soundloaders Apple Music Downloader is that it doesn’t convert AAC audio file to MP3 in batch. You can only convert one song at a go, which can be time-consuming.
Soundloaders Apple Music Downloader Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides an easy-to-use interface for one-click conversion of AAC to MP3
- Guarantees free use
- Keeps full metadata information for easy management of your music
Cons
- Lower sound quality
- Doesn’t support batch conversion
- Lacks audio parameter customization
Follow these easy steps to use Soundloader for AAC to MP3 conversion:
STEP 1: Go to the Apple Music website and choose the song you want to convert. Click on the three dots at the end of the song, select “Share” and hit “Copy Link.”
STEP 2: Launch the Soundloaders Apple Music Downloader website and paste the song’s URL into the search bar. Click “Find Track” and hit “Download” to start the conversion. The MP3 version of the song will be saved on your computer.
Top 4: CloudConvert
Last but not least of the best AAC audio to MP3 converter is CloudConvert. This nifty software lets you convert unprotected AAC files to MP3 in just a few simple steps.
CloudConvert is free to use so you do not need to sign up for an account or pay subscription fees. It retains good sound quality and is compatible with all desktop and mobile devices and platforms.
That said, CloudConvert cannot convert DRM-protected songs. You will need an extra tool to remove the copyright restriction. MuConverter Apple Music Converter is a great choice for removing DRM restrictions and converting songs to MP3 format.
CloudConvert Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free to use without additional installation
- Straightforward, easy-to-use interface for seamless conversions
- Retains good sound quality
- Compatible with Mac and Windows
Cons
- Cannot convert DRM-protected files
- Conversion speeds depend on your internet connection speeds
Here’s how to convert your unprotected AAC files to MP3 format using CloudConvert:
STEP 1: Launch the CloudConvert homepage and hit “Select File” to choose the songs you want to convert to MP3.
STEP 2: Select the drop-down menu to convert AAC audio file to MP3 format. Once you’ve selected all the files to convert, click “Convert” to start the conversion. Then, click the “Download” button to save the songs to your computer.
Conclusion
MP3 offers great flexibility, allowing you to save and play your favorite Apple Music tracks on any device with equally good sound quality. When converting AAC to MP3, always choose a professional tool. Our top recommendation is the MuConverter Apple Music Converter. With its integrated Apple Music Web Player, it supports batch conversion, allowing you to access your MP3 files seamlessly and at lightning-fast speeds. Try it now for free.