How to Efficiently Convert AAC to MP3 with or without iTunes

Music downloaded from iTunes Store or Apple Music are saved in AAC audio format. Before playing the songs, you’d better convert AAC to MP3 format since latter is more compatible. In fact, there is an audio file converter built in iTunes that has the capacity to convert music files saved in AAC to MP3 format. Plus, you have more options to do it on your desktop or online. If you are ready, let’s start it now.

Part 1: Convert AAC to MP3 with Vidmore Video Converter

Vidmore Video Converter is a powerful way to convert AAC to MP3 without losing audio quality. To be honest, it can meet all your need regarding audio conversion including high output quality, easy to use, and more.

1. Convert AAC to MP3 or other audio formats quickly.
2. Utilize multi-thread to process unlimited AAC files in batch.
3. Edit your music files, such as split, trim, and more.
4. Offer extensive custom options to create unique effect.
5. Available to Windows 7/8/10 and Mac OS X.

In short, it is the easiest way to convert AAC to MP3 even if you have hundreds of AAC songs.

How to Convert AAC to MP3 without iTunes

Step 1: Get the best AAC to MP3 converter

When you need to convert some AAC files to MP3 format, download and install the best AAC to MP3 converter to your computer. Then launch it and click Add File -> Add File(s) or Add Folder to import the AAC files. The latter can import all media files in the folder.

Step 2: Pre-listen to AAC music

Now, you can pre-listen to the music with the media player on the right side. If you want to convert a clip of the AAC file, click the Clip menu on the top ribbon, and reset the starting and end points. Hit OK to confirm it and go back to the home interface.

Step 3: Convert AAC to MP3

Go to the bottom area, expand the Profile drop-down list and choose MP3. Then click the Browse button to set a specific folder for saving the output. Finally, click the Convert button to start converting AAC to MP3 immediately.

Part 2: Convert AAC to MP3 via iTunes

As mentioned previously, iTunes has the capacity to convert AAC to MP3. Unlike audio converter software, iTunes does not provide any custom options related to AAC conversion. Moreover, it is not so transparent to get the feature for beginners. The steps below can help you do it with iTunes.

Step 1: Open your iTunes and update to the latest version. For Windows, click Edit -> Preferences to open the Preferences dialog. On Mac, head to iTunes -> Preferences.

Step 2: Go to the General tab, click Import Settings button to open the next dialog. Then set MP3 Encoder from the Import Using drop-down list.

Step 3: You can change the audio quality in the Settings menu, and click OK to confirm and close the popup dialog.

Step 4: Navigate the music library in iTunes and highlight the AAC songs on the list. If the AAC files are not in iTunes library, you need to add them to your library first.

Step 5: Click File -> Convert -> Create MP3 Version. Wait for a few minutes, and then you can find the MP3 files in iTunes library.

Note: If some of the AAC music are protected by DRM, iTunes will notify you that it cannot convert them.

Part 3: 2 Methods to Convert AAC to MP3 Online

In addition to iTunes, web AAC to MP3 converter apps are another option to get what you want. They are usually free of charge with some restrictions, such as file size limit.

Method 1: Convert AAC to MP3 with Vidmore Free Online Audio Converter

Though it is an online app, Vidmore Free Online Audio Converter is as powerful as some desktop software. It allows you to convert multiple AAC files to MP3 format per conversion. Moreover, the output quality is pretty good.

Step 1: Open the web audio converter in your browser and click Add Files to Convert button to download the launcher. It does not require installation.

Step 2: Hit the Add File button at the upper left corner and upload the AAC files from your computer.

Step 3: To modify the custom options, click the Gear icon on the audio file to open the Settings dialog. Then you can change bitrate and other parameters.

Step 4: Locate the launcher, choose MP3 at the bottom and click the Convert button to start it. When it is done, click OK to complete it.

Method 2: Convert AAC to MP3 on Zamzar

Zamzar is a collection of online file converters including an AAC to MP3 converter. You can upload AAC files from your hard drive or URL, but it can only process audio files up to 150MB per conversion.

Step 2: Click the Add Files button to upload the AAC files less than 150MB.

Step 3: Make sure the format box shows MP3; otherwise, choose MP3 from the Format area manually.

Step 4: Hit the Convert button, and then download the music files when it finishes. Or you can check the box next to Email when done and leave you email address to receive the result.

Part 4. AAC VS MP3

Both AAC and MP3 are popular audio formats, but they are pretty different on several factors, such as:

1. File size. As compressed audio formats, AAC and MP3 balance a song sounding good without taking up much space on your device. However, AAC is generally smaller in the same condition.
2. Compatibility. Obviously, MP3 performs better on compatibility than AAC. Though all Apple devices can play AAC, it is slightly less ubiquitous.
3. Audio quality. AAC sometimes sounds better than MP3, but there is no much difference.
4. DRM. If you purchase AAC from iTunes Store or Apple Music, chances are that they are encrypted by DRM.

Conclusion

This tutorial has told you how to convert AAC to MP3 on your desktop or online. If you want to produce the best audio quality or convert multiple AAC files, you should try Vidmore Video Converter. Encounter other troubles when converting AAC to MP3? Please leave a message below.