CNET Editors' review
The iTunes Store is one of the leading venues for buying digital music, and despite its popularity, it's not without its problems. Many users have found that when they try to play tracks purchased through iTunes with other types of media players, they don't work. The issue is often the file format that iTunes uses, m4a. Although the m4a format has its advantages--it takes up less space than the MP3 format, for one thing--those advantages don't mean much when you can't play the files to begin with. And that's where Free M4a to MP3 Converter comes in. This simple program easily converts m4a files to the MP3 format, making them compatible with a much wider variety of applications and devices.
The program's interface is basic and intuitive, although the menu bar is slightly cluttered with ads for the publisher's other applications. Converting files is easy; users simply choose the file or files they want to convert, choose a destination folder, and specify MP3 or WAV for the output format. The program quickly converts the files to the desired format. Users should be aware that although the program supports the conversion of m4a and AAC files, m4b, which is the commonly used formats for audiobooks, is not supported. The program comes with a built-in Help file that is well-written and thorough. Overall, although the program really only performs one function, we found it to be effective and easy to use.
Free M4a to MP3 Converter is free. The program installs and uninstalls without issues. We recommend this program to all users.
Publisher's Description
From ManiacTools:
The race of audio formats has never ended or slowed down. Quite the opposite, it's just revving up and often confuses people by the variety of formats they have to choose from. So far, MP3 has been the most popular format in the world, but Apple's iTunes is catching up quickly with their M4A/AAC music due to the astounding sales volumes of their multimedia gadgets and the popularity of their online music distribution services. If you would like to be able to easily convert M4A/AAC music into MP3 and are seeking a simple, fast and affordable tool, Free M4A to MP3 Converter should be your first candidate for a permanent place in your software arsenal. The name of the software speaks for itself--it's free and narrowly focused. It allows you to convert m4a to MP3, convert AAC to MP3/WAV and listen to the converted music with the help of the built-in player. Using the program is a child's game--just browse your computer for m4a and aac audio, add the necessary files to the conversion list (or simply drag them from the Explorer and drop onto the working area of the application), specify the output location and the output audio parameters and click the "Convert" button on the toolbar. Free M4a to MP3 Converter also supports M4B files, which are usually used for audio books, so you won't have any problems converting this rather rare format into MP3, which can be played on virtually any audio device these days. If your original m4a or AAC audio had any tags with song-related information, they will be preserved as well, as the software supports tag inheritance during conversion. The program is currently available in 11 languages that you can switch on the go. For a free, stable and fast M4A conversion tool, look no further than Free M4a to MP3 Converter. Offering a functional minimum of features, it is perfect for what it was created for. Try it out to forget about the problem of converting your M4A/M4B/AAC audio into good old MP3 forever. You will never regret it.
What's new in this version: Version 7.1 considerably improves conversion speed for M4b audio books. M4a to MP3 Converter works without creating intermediate WAV files. Support for very big files.
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 79 votes
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Current version:
4.0 starsout of 2 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-2 of 2
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"Does what it is supposed to, and more!"
Version: Free M4a to MP3 Converter 7.1
Pros
Easy to use, no fuss approach. Invaluable to me.
Cons
Unless you can't burn iTunes downloads to CD, you don't really need this.
Summary
I very rarely download from iTunes - all my music (at least 98% of it) has been downloaded and burned to disk in mp3 format. I guess I'm used to it after all these years! After using "Free Converter", I can have BOTH formats in my music library. Takes up space, but keeps me happy - and drives my daughter to distraction. She's an iTunes girl! Good at what it does and, what's more, it's free.
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"Works as advertised!"
Version: Free M4a to MP3 Converter 7.1
Pros
Works as advertised!
Cons
None, yet!
Results 1-2 of 2
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