Convert WMA to MP3
- Click Add Your Media and upload your WMA file.
- Make sure that the output format is set to MP3.
- Click Convert.
Convert your whole music collection in one go with Movavi Video Converter using fast batch processing and preserve ID3 tags.
How to use the online WMA to MP3 converter for free
What is WMA?
Full name
Windows Media Audio
Format type
Audio
Developed by
Microsoft
Description
Windows Media Audio, or WMA, is an audio format introduced by Microsoft in 1999. It was designed to deliver relatively good sound quality at lower bitrates compared to MP3, which helps reduce file size. However, WMA files are not as widely supported today. Many modern devices and media players no longer handle this format easily, especially outside the Windows ecosystem. For broader compatibility, users often convert WMA files to more common formats.
File extension
.wma
Technical details
A WMA file typically contains a single audio track and may use one of several subtypes, including WMA, WMA Voice, WMA Lossless, or WMA Pro. These files are often stored within the Advanced Systems Format container, which is used for digital audio and video. WMA supports sample rate types of up to 48 kHz and stereo channels. Later versions, such as WMA 9.1, improved performance by reducing encoding latency.
Associated programs
Windows Media Player, Windows Movie Maker, VLC, and others
What is MP3?
Full name
MPEG-1 Audio Layer III
Format type
Audio
Developed by
Fraunhofer Society
Description
MP3 is a digital audio format developed in the early 1990s and standardized as part of MPEG-1. Initially released as a proprietary solution, it is now widely accessible and remains one of the most popular audio formats worldwide. Its main advantage is broad compatibility, as nearly all devices and media players can handle MP3 files. Although newer formats may offer improved compression efficiency, MP3 continues to be a reliable and universal choice.
File extension
.mp3
Technical details
MP3 uses lossy compression to reduce file size while maintaining acceptable audio quality. The balance between quality and size depends on the bitrate. For most listeners, a bitrate of 192 kbit/s or higher provides good sound quality with minimal noticeable loss.
Associated programs
Almost any multimedia program
Bitrate comparison (128 kbps vs. 192 kbps vs. 320 kbps)
Bitrate directly affects both audio quality and file size.
- 128 kbps offers smaller files but lower sound quality, which may result in noticeable compression artifacts.
- 192 kbps provides a good balance between quality and size, making it suitable for everyday listening.
- 320 kbps delivers the highest quality among these options, with clearer sound and minimal loss, though files are larger.
Bitrate directly affects both audio quality and file size.
- 128 kbps offers smaller files but lower sound quality, which may result in noticeable compression artifacts.
- 192 kbps provides a good balance between quality and size, making it suitable for everyday listening.
- 320 kbps delivers the highest quality among these options, with clearer sound and minimal loss, though files are larger.
Movavi Video Converter for full-featured desktop conversion
Want a bit more flexibility? Movavi Video Converter for desktop gives you full control over your audio. You can preserve ID3 tags, fine-tune the audio bitrate for the perfect balance of quality and size, and even convert files from older WMA versions without any hassle.
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