---
title: "How to convert audio files to MP3, M4A or WAV | ToolSugar"
description: "Convert audio files to MP3, M4A or WAV in your browser, pick a bitrate, and see which input formats the converter accepts."
canonical: https://toolsugar.com/blog/how-to-convert-audio-files
image: https://toolsugar.com/og.png
---

# How to convert audio files between MP3, M4A and WAV

Updated 2026-11-09

To convert audio files, choose the output format you need and a bitrate, then re-encode the file. Audio Converter runs ffmpeg inside your browser and turns audio or video files into MP3, M4A or WAV without uploading them. It handles one file at a time. Here is how to use it and which format to pick.

[Open Audio Converter](https://toolsugar.com/tools/audio-converter)

## Convert an audio file in four steps

Video files work as input too, and the converter keeps only the sound. The ffmpeg engine is about 32 MB and loads once from a public CDN.

1. Choose an audio or video file from your device.
2. Pick MP3, M4A or WAV as the output.
3. For MP3 or M4A, pick a bitrate of 64, 128, 192 or 320 kbps.
4. Press convert and download the new file.

## MP3, M4A or WAV, which should you pick?

MP3 plays almost everywhere, so it is the safe choice for sharing. M4A holds AAC audio, which is common on Apple devices and in video apps. WAV here is 16-bit PCM with no compression, so files are large but nothing more is lost.

Choose WAV when you plan to edit the file further. Choose MP3 or M4A when size matters.

## What bitrate should I use?

Bitrate is how much data each second of sound gets. You can pick 64, 128, 192 or 320 kbps. Low values suit spoken word where small files matter. High values keep more detail in music.

Bitrate does not apply to WAV, since that format is not compressed.

## Why converting does not fix poor sound

A file that is already compressed has lost detail. Saving it as a higher bitrate or as WAV makes the file bigger but cannot bring that detail back. Convert from the best source you have.

A 5.1 surround track is folded down to stereo when the output is MP3.

## Formats the converter accepts

Our tests cover MP4, MOV, WebM, MKV, AVI, M4A, WAV, FLAC, OGG, Opus, AAC, narrowband AMR, WMA 2 and MP3. WMA files with DRM protection are not supported.

## Questions

### Can I convert FLAC to MP3?

Yes. FLAC is on the list of tested inputs. Choose MP3 as the output and pick a bitrate.

### Is my file uploaded to convert it?

No. ffmpeg runs in your browser, and only the engine itself is fetched from a CDN.

### Can I turn a video into an MP3?

Yes. Choose the video, pick MP3, and the converter saves just the sound.

[Open Audio Converter](https://toolsugar.com/tools/audio-converter)

## Related guides

- [How to extract audio from a video](https://toolsugar.com/blog/how-to-extract-audio-from-a-video)
- [How to cut an audio file to the part you need](https://toolsugar.com/blog/how-to-cut-an-audio-file)
- [How to convert a video to MP4](https://toolsugar.com/blog/how-to-convert-a-video-to-mp4)
- [How to remove background noise from audio](https://toolsugar.com/blog/how-to-remove-background-noise-from-audio)

## Comparisons

- [CloudConvert alternative](https://toolsugar.com/alternatives/cloudconvert-alternative)
- [Convertio alternative](https://toolsugar.com/alternatives/convertio-alternative)
- [FreeConvert alternative](https://toolsugar.com/alternatives/freeconvert-alternative)
