10 Ways to Convert WMA to MP3 on PC

Converting audio files can be a tricky task, especially when you are not aware of the technical details. Knowing how to convert WMA to MP3 can be incredibly helpful if you want to share music, podcasts, or other audio files across different devices.

WMA is a proprietary audio format created by Microsoft and used for streaming tracks over the internet. It offers various levels of compression, allowing users to store more audio in less space. However, it is not supported on many devices and platforms outside of Windows.

Whether you use Windows or macOS, prefer offline WMA to MP3 converters or online services, there are plenty of options available for getting your music in the right format. In this article, we will observe the most popular ones.

How we picked the WMA file converters

Selecting the right methods for converting WMA to MP3 involved a thorough evaluation of various factors to ensure a comprehensive and user-friendly guide.

Here's a glimpse into the criteria:

• Accessibility. We prioritized free audio converters that are easily accessible to a broad range of users.
• Versatility. The selected methods needed to cover both Windows and Mac platforms, providing a well-rounded guide for users regardless of their operating system preference.
• User-friendliness. We focused on methods that offer a user-friendly interface, ensuring that the conversion process is smooth and straightforward.
• Reliability. The chosen methods have a proven track record of delivering consistent and high-quality results, giving users confidence in their audio conversion tasks.

By carefully evaluating these factors, we curated a list of 10 methods that collectively provide a comprehensive guide for transferring WMA to MP3.

Method 1. Movavi (Win, Mac)

Movavi Video Converter is an easy-to-use, reliable audio converter that enables the rapid and effortless transformation of WMA files into MP3s. It is available for both Windows and Mac computers. The application can convert audio files in batches – making the process of switching WMA to MP3 even faster.

Look how to get started:

1. Download and set up the converter on your PC.
2. Run the program and go through "Add Media" > "Add Audio".
3. Browse the WMA files and tap "Open".
4. Under "Audio", select the "MP3" format.
5. Specify the location for the converted file and click "Save To". Then hit "Convert".

Method 2. CloudConvert (Web)

CloudConvert is a popular online MP3 converter. It supports a wide range of file types including documents, images, videos, audio, and more. The online audio converter is often used by individuals and businesses to convert files quickly and efficiently without the need for specialized software.

Here's an instruction on how to convert WMA to MP3:

1. Go to the main page of the website.
2. Open the "Tools" tab and select "Audio Converter".
3. Now, you can upload your audio right away with the "Select File" button. Alternatively, open the "WMA Converter" by clicking the link below the button.
4. In the "Convert to" field, set MP3 as the output format.
5. Hit "Convert" to begin processing.
6. Download the resulting MP3 audio.

Method 3. Format Factory (Win, Mac)

Format Factory is a no-cost audio and video converter that can convert various audio, video, and image formats. It offers an easy-to-use interface and can process numerous files simultaneously. It is capable of transferring WMA to MP3 files.

Let's see how to use WMA to MP3 converter:

1. Download and install the application.
2. Open it once the installation is complete. On the left side of the window, click the "Audio" tab.
3. Choose "MP3" as the desired output format. Press "Add File" or drag and drop the files.
4. If needed, you can configure advanced settings. Hit the "Output Settings" button to access the options.
5. Specify the folder where you want the converted MP3 files to be saved.
6. Tap "Start" to begin the conversion.

Method 4. Freemake Audio Converter (Win)

Freemake Converter serves as a free and easy-to-use audio conversion software. It allows users to quickly and easily convert audio files between various formats, such as WMA to MP3. The program is compatible with Windows and Mac systems.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get started:

1. Start by downloading and installing the converter.
2. Open the program on your computer.
3. Click the "+Audio" button or drag and drop your WMA files directly into the converter interface.
4. Look for the output format options and choose MP3.
5. Adjust various settings such as bitrate and audio quality.
6. Specify the folder or destination for the MP3 files.
7. Press "Convert" to start the conversion process.

Method 5. Zamzar (Web)

Zamzar is a free online audio converter that allows for the transformation of files online at no cost. It provides users with the capacity to rapidly and effortlessly transfer files between distinct formats.

For changing WMA to MP3 follow the instruction:

1. Visit the WMA file converter and click the "Add Files" button. Select the WMA file. You can also upload files via a URL or cloud storage.
2. In the "Convert to" drop-down menu, pick "MP3".
3. Enter your email address in the designated field. This is where the tool will send a download link for the converted MP3 file (optional).
4. Click the "Convert Now" button to initiate the conversion process.

Method 6. VLC Media Player (Win)

VLC media player serves as a free, open-source multimedia program that supports a wide variety of audio and video formats. It's available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android devices.

With its robust capabilities, the player makes it simple to transform WMA into MP3.

Here's how to use it to switch WMA files over to MP3:

1. Download the player and install it.
2. Start VLC and click "Media" in the menu bar, then go to "Convert/Save".
3. After that hit "+Add" and browse the file.
4. At the bottom of the window, tap "Convert/Save".
5. In the following window, select "Audio-MP3" from the "Profile".
6. Once finished, click "Browse" to specify a destination folder.
7. Lastly, touch the "Start" button to begin converting your WMA file to MP3.

Method 7. iTunes (Win, Mac)

If you have music or audio files in WMA format, you can swiftly convert them with iTunes to MP3. All you need is the latest version of iTunes and a few minutes of your time.

Check how to switch WMA to MP3:

1. Open iTunes, go to "Edit" and then "Preferences".
2. Select "General" and then "Import Settings".
3. Pick "MP3 Encoder" from the dropdown menu next to "Import Using". Press "OK".
4. Go to "File" in iTunes, then click "Add File to Library" to choose the song you want to convert, and select "OK".
5. Hit "Convert".

You can also use it to convert more than one WMA file at once by selecting multiple files and clicking on "Add Folder to Library".

Method 8. FreeConvert (Web)

FreeConvert is a specialized online platform tailored to offer comprehensive file conversion solutions across a diverse range of formats. The service prioritizes user experience with a streamlined interface that facilitates seamless file uploads via direct device upload or URL input.

Look how to use this WMA converter:

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the website.
2. Click "Choose Files" and pick the audio file. Select "MP3" as the resulting extension.
3. Once your track is uploaded, customize the output settings such as the bitrate.
4. Initiate the conversion by clicking on the corresponding button.

Once the process is complete, the service will provide a download link for your converted MP3 file.

Method 9. Windows Media Player (Win)

Windows Media Player is the default application for the Windows operating system, and many people use it to play their audio and video files. It does not have an integrated WMA to MP3 converter. Nevertheless, you can convert files using the CD.

Find out how to change a WMA file to MP3:

1. Open Windows Media Player.
2. Press "Library" and pick "Create Playlist".
3. Find the WMA file you want to convert and drag it onto the panel.
4. Insert a CD into your device and hit the "Audio CD" button. Then click "Burn".
5. Proceed to "Tools" followed by "Option". Tap "Rip Music".
6. From "Format" menu, choose "MP3".
7. Then click "OK" to save your changes. Switch back to your music library and select the WMA file again.
8. Press the right mouse button and choose "Rip CD".

Method 10. Audacity (Win, Mac)

Audacity is a popular, open-source audio editing software that offers a range of tools for recording and working on sound. Unlike some media players, it is designed specifically for audio manipulation, making it a versatile choice for those who need to edit tracks or convert between different formats.

Learn how to convert WMA audio to MP3 using using this app:

1. Start by downloading Audacity from the official website. Launch the application after installation.
2. Go to "File" and select "Import". Choose "Audio" and navigate to the file you want to convert.
3. After the file is imported, go to "File" and hit "Export".
4. From the dropdown menu, select the desired format.
5. You can customize the output settings, including bitrate and sample rate. Once you’re satisfied with the result, click "Save".

WMA vs MP3: A comparison

Are you trying to figure out which digital audio format works best for your needs?

• WMA was developed by Microsoft in 1999. It has a higher audio quality than MP3, but it can result in larger file sizes. It also provides better compression, so you can store more music in less space. But it is not compatible with many devices.
• MP3 was developed in 1993. It is accepted by the majority of devices, including iPods and iPhones. Its file size is less than WMA, but it has lower sound quality too. However, its small size makes it convenient for streaming over the internet. The MP3 format has built-in tags that allow you to easily sort and organize your music based on artist name, album title, genre, etc.

Both formats have their pros and cons. If sound quality is your top priority, WMA may be the better choice. But if compatibility and convenience are more important to you, then MP3 might be the best option. Moreover, some streaming services don't accept WMA files. You'll need to convert WMA to MP3 if you want to play them online.

FAQ

How long does it take to switch from WMA to MP3?

It depends on the size of the file and your internet connection speed, but it usually takes only a few seconds or minutes for a track of a standard size.

Is there any quality loss when converting WMA to MP3?

Both WMA and MP3 are lossy compression formats, so some loss of quality is inevitable. However, choosing a reliable and high-quality service can help minimize perceptible loss.

What bitrate should I choose for MP3 conversion?

The bitrate determines the audio quality and size. Higher bitrates result in better quality but larger file sizes. Consider your preferences and available storage space.

Is there a difference in sound quality between WMA and MP3 at the same bitrate?

In general, they would have similar audio quality. However, individual preferences and specific audio characteristics may influence perceived differences.

Will transferring WMA to MP3 affect the metadata of my files?

Conversion may alter metadata such as album cover or tags. Check your chosen converter's settings to preserve metadata

Does changing WMA to MP3 improve sound quality?

No, conversion from one format to another will not make the sound better unless you use certain advanced settings or features that can enhance the quality of the output audio.

Can I convert WMA files with Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection to MP3?

DRM-protected files may have restrictions preventing conversion. Use only authorized methods to remove DRM before conversion.

WMA to MP3 conversion: Tips

1. Check for DRM protection. Verify if your WMA files have protection. If they do, ensure you have the right to convert them.
2. Preserve metadata. If maintaining metadata like album art and tags is crucial, choose a converter that allows you to keep this information.
3. Backup original files. Before converting, make a backup of your original WMA. This ensures you have a copy in case of any unexpected issues.
4. Consider bitrate settings. Adjust the bitrate based on your preferences and storage capacity.
5. Check compatibility. Ensure the converted MP3 files are compatible with your intended devices and software. MP3 is widely supported, but it's always good to confirm.
6. Offline conversion for large files. For extensive collections, try using desktop converters to avoid the potential limitations of online services.
7. Verify file integrity. After conversion, listen to a sample of the converted files to ensure the audio quality meets your expectations.
8. Explore the advanced settings. If you're comfortable with advanced settings, explore options like variable bitrate (VBR) for a balance between quality and file size. This can be useful for audiophiles.

Video Converter

Free video converter for easy switching between media formats of your files. Convert, trim, compress videos, add watermarks and more!

Free Download

How to Convert WMA to MP3: Conclusion

Take control of your music by mastering the art of WMA to MP3 conversion. Whether you use desktop software, an online tool, or a built-in application, the goal is the same - to make your music more accessible and compatible.

Thanks to our article, your music is no longer tied to one format, and can easily fit your preferences and your devices. As we close this guide, enjoy the freedom to shape your audio journey into a personal melody that resonates with you.

Alexandra Meyer

Editor-in-Chief at Icecream Apps

With experience spanning over several years, Alexandra Meyer holds the esteemed position of editor-in-chief at Icecream Apps. Originally involved in the website's establishment in 2014, Alexandra now ensures the maintenance of the company's exceptional content standards across their various projects. Specializing in technology, software, online services, and human resources, she has extensively written and edited numerous articles on these subjects.