Movavi Video Converter
The ideal way to get your media in the format you need!
Need to Сonvert WAV to MP3?
Use this WAV to MP3 converter online!
Here, you can convert WAV to MP3 online for free in just a few clicks. Use this free WAV-to-MP3 converter to convert a single file. To convert multiple files and edit them, use Movavi’s desktop program.
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What are the best ways to change WAV (WAVE) to MP3? We tested converting options in media players, online and free WAV-to MP3 converters, and desktop video converter apps to see which options work best.
How to convert WAV to MP3 with Movavi Video Converter
OS: Windows, macOS
Wondering how to convert WAV to MP3? Movavi has the answer – use our WAV-to-MP3 converter with free download. The Movavi software supports 180 video and audio formats and also lets you save files for playing on more than 200 types of mobile devices. With this handy tool, you can convert .wav to .mp3 and vice versa in just five minutes!
Step 1. Install the WAV-to-MP3 converter
To convert from WAV to MP3, download the Movavi converter. Unlike a WAV-to-MP3 converter online, this simple but powerful software can transfer music from WAV to MP3 or vice versa at high speed. You can also use the program to extract soundtracks from films, clips, and ads.
Step 2. Add a file to convert
Launch the software, then go to Add Media > Add audio in the converter interface. Choose the music files you want to change from WAV to MP3. You can convert a single file or batch process several files at once.
Step 3. Choose the format and settings
Now you can turn WAV into MP3 just as easily as MP3 into WAV. You will find the MP3 presets under Audio > MP3. Here, you can choose the preset with your preferred bitrate, but remember that the higher the bitrate, the greater the quality and file size will be.
You can also change a number of parameters, like the sample rate and bitrate, by clicking the Cogwheel icon.
Step 4. Compress the WAV file to MP3 (optional)
If you want to compress your file, click the file size. Use the Quality slider to select the target file size. You can click Convert sample to convert a part of your file with the selected quality and see if you're satisfied with the result.
Step 5. Convert WAV to MP3 or vice versa
To choose the folder in which to save the output files, click the Save to button. To convert a WAV file to MP3, just click Convert to start the process. Converting WAV to MP3 usually takes from one to ten minutes, depending on the size and number of files. When the conversion is complete, your new files in MP3 format will automatically be displayed in the selected destination folder.
Now you know how to change WAVE to MP3 and vice versa. Converting music between formats is as easy as 1–2–3 with the Movavi converter!
How to convert WAV to MP3 with iTunes on Mac and PC
Does iTunes play WAV? Yes, it does. Still, converting WAV to MP3 with iTunes might be a good idea for Mac users because it's a versatile format that allows you to play your favorite music tracks on the go, on all types of music players. Let’s have a look at different ways to convert WAV to MP3 with iTunes on both Mac and PC.
How to convert WAV (WAVE) to MP3 with iTunes on a PC
The steps to convert .wav to .mp3 with iTunes on a PC are described below. If you don't have iTunes for Windows installed already, below is a link to get the latest version.
Step 1. Open iTunes
You need to access iTunes for WAV-to-MP3 conversion.
Step 2. Change the import settings
From the menu bar, choose Edit, then Preferences.
On the Preferences pop-up window, in the General tab, select Import Settings.
In the Import Using menu, choose MP3 Encoder.
Next, select a file quality type, such as Higher Quality (192 kbps).
Click OK to save your settings.
Step 3. Select the WAV file you want to convert to MP3
From the music library, find the song in WAV file format that you want to convert to MP3.
Step 4. Convert it to MP3
Click on File and select Convert, then Create MP3 Version. Your WAV file will be intact, and the app will create an MP3 version with the same name. This is how to change WAV to MP3 on iTunes for PC.
How to convert WAV to MP3 with iTunes on a Mac
iTunes converts WAV to MP3 on Mac easily. There are just a few simple steps to follow. If you happen to have uninstalled iTunes before, it's time to reinstall it using the App Store or directly from the link below.
Step 1. Open iTunes
The first step of converting WAV to MP3 on a Macintosh would be to open iTunes.
Step 2. Change the import settings
Move your cursor on top of the menu bar, click iTunes, and from the drop-down menu, click on Preferences.
To use a Mac to convert WAV to MP3, on the Preferences pop-up window:
For Import Using, choose MP3 Encoder.
Next, select a file quality type, such as Higher Quality (192 kbps).
Click OK when you are happy with your selection and go back to the main window.
Step 3. Find the song you want to import in the library
The iTunes library will automatically update all the songs it finds on the computer. If you have a large number of files, use the search function to find what you want.
Step 4. Convert it to MP3
You can right-click on a song title to access the Create MP3 Version option from the drop-down menu. If, for some reason, that option is not enabled when you right-click on a song's title, you can access it by going to File, then Convert, and then Create MP3 Version.
iTunes will go ahead and convert that file to MP3. When it's done, you'll have two versions displayed one after another. They may look the same, but you can right-click on the file and select Get Info to view the file format of each.
Want to burn that MP3 file to a CD? Here are the simple steps to do so:
First, create a new playlist.
Add any MP3 you want into the new playlist by drag-and-drop.
Right-click on your playlist and select Burn Playlist to Disc.
When the pop-up menu appears, make sure to select Audio CD.
Your MP3 CD will be ready in a few minutes! This is how you convert WAV to MP3 on a Mac.
How to convert WAV to MP3 with Apple Music (for Catalina users)
Using iTunes to convert WAV to MP3 isn’t the only option for Mac owners. If you're using a Mac running Catalina, you have probably already noticed that iTunes isn’t on the list of the pre-installed programs. To convert WAV to MP3 on a Mac, use Apple Music instead. Below are the instructions on how it’s done.
Step 1. Open Apple Music (the app is pre-installed on your Mac).
Step 2. In the menu bar, choose Music, then click Preferences.
Step 3. Next, in the Files tab, click Import Settings.
Step 4. Click the Import Using menu, then choose MP3 Encoder and click OK.
Step 5. Select the songs that you want to convert. Then click File, choose the Convert option, then select Create MP3 Version.
Comparing Movavi, iTunes, and the online converter
To let you have a clearer idea of the pros and cons between iTunes, Movavi Video Converter, and Online Video Converter we've made the following comparison table.
Here’s what Movavi Content Team does to provide you with only verified information:
When selecting products to include in our reviews, we research both demand and popularity.
All the products covered in this article have been tested by our team.
When testing, we compare key characteristics, including supported input and output formats, quality loss when converting, and other significant features.
We study user reviews from popular review platforms and make use of this information when writing our product reviews.
We collect feedback from our users and analyze their opinions of Movavi software as well as products from other companies.
Summary
To sum up, let’s take a closer look at all three conversion tools.
Movavi Video Converter is a dedicated app that allows its users to convert audio, video, and images between more than 180 formats. The program has an option to change the quality and resolution of the converted file, as well as many presets for various devices. Movavi Video Converter also includes basic editing tools and supports batch conversion. However, quality comes at a price – only the trial version is free, and the app, unlike iTunes, requires installation. If you need to convert lots of files on a regular basis, this option is the best for you.
iTunes is the best option for Mac owners since it comes pre-installed and is completely free. It’s a robust application with multiple capabilities, including music and video library, internet music streaming, and media player. The downsides are the large size of the program, slow conversion speed, and complex interface. Overall, it’s a good choice for those who rarely convert files.
Online Video Converter is a free tool that works in a browser and doesn’t require download or installation. The interface and the conversion process are simple. The online converter supports all popular video and audio formats. Some of the Online Video Converter’s disadvantages are slow conversion speed and file size limit. You can easily convert a single small file with this web-based app, but changing the format of multiple videos will take a long time.
WAV vs. MP3 comparison
WAV vs. MP3: what’s the difference? The WAV file format can contain audio encoded with different codecs. It is mostly used to store uncompressed audio, that’s why WAV files are often quite large. MP3 is the name for both the audio codec and the container format. The MP3 codec is used for lossy audio compression, so MP3 files are relatively small. This format is very popular and can be played on almost any device.
Frequently asked questions
MP3 or WAV: which one should I choose?
Choosing between MP3 and WAVE files is a matter of compression and storage. Basically, when looking at WAV vs. MP3, a WAV is an uncompressed (also called lossless) file format. To get the best results when producing and editing a file, you want to use an uncompressed format, like a WAVE file. If you want to distribute an audio file that won’t take up all of the memory on listeners’ devices, choose MP3. Basically, consider how you’ll be using your WAV or MP3 file – if you need high-quality sound or not – and then choose the format that best suits your purpose.
How do I convert a batch of WAVs to MP3?
When you convert multiple WAV to MP3 files, you want a solution that isn’t dependent on internet connection and bandwidth. So, the best way to convert batch WAV to MP3 files is to use a desktop converter like Movavi Video Converter.
How do I convert WAV to MP3 on a Mac?
For a simple, easy-to-use WAV-to-MP3 converter, Mac users can:
Download the program.
Download Movavi Video ConverterDrag and drop your WAV files into Movavi on your Mac.
Choose MP3 as your output format.
Hit Convert.
How do I convert WAV to MP3 on Windows 10?
If you want to turn WAV into MP3 on your Windows 10 computer:
Download the program.
Download Movavi Video ConverterDrag and drop your files into the WAV-to-MP3 software.
Choose MP3 for your output format.
Hit Convert.
How do I convert WAV to MP3 with Windows Media Player?
To convert WAVE files to MP3, Windows Media Player lets you drag and drop your WAV file(s) into the Windows Media Player library. This will automatically import your files into the library. Then you can change WAV to MP3 files by going to the Options menu and clicking on the Rip Settings tab. From here, choose the Format tab. The tab will expand, and you can then choose MP3 from the drop-down menu. Then you can finish up by selecting Apply and then hitting the Rip button. This will start the conversion process, and when it’s done, you’ll have a compressed MP3 version of your WAV file.
Can iTunes play WAV files?
Yes, it can. iTunes WAV files can be supported, together with other formats such as MP3, Apple Lossless, AAC, and AIFF.
How do I play WAV files on a Mac?
Opening WAV files on a Mac is pretty simple. Simply double-click on the file, and it will be opened in iTunes or QuickTime, or VLC if you have it installed.
You can also convert WAV files to a more versatile format such as MP3 to use them on more devices. Some good WAV-to-MP3 converters include iTunes, Movavi Video Converter, and Freemake Video Converter.
What music formats does iTunes support?
Currently, iTunes supports five audio formats: MP3, WAV, AAC, AIFF, and Apple Lossless(M4A).
How do I convert WAV to MP3 with iTunes on a Mac?
iTunes is traditionally pre-installed on Mac computers. Nowadays, the app is only available for users with devices running versions of macOS below Catalina. Here’s how to convert a WAV file to MP3 in iTunes:
Open iTunes.
On the menu bar, click iTunes and select Preferences.
For Import Using, choose MP3 Encoder. Select the appropriate quality, such as Higher Quality (192 kbps). Click OK.
Find the song you want to import in the Library. Go to File, then Convert, and then select Create MP3 Version.
If you’re using a Mac running Catalina, iTunes is no longer an option. Try converting WAV to MP3 in Apple Music instead. Here’s how it’s done.
Open Apple Music.
In the menu bar, click Music and select Preferences.
In the Files tab, click Import Settings.
Click the Import Using menu, choose MP3 Encoder, and click OK.
Select the songs for conversion. Then click File, choose the Convert option, and select Create MP3 Version.
How do I convert WAV to MP3 with VLC?
To convert WAV to MP3 for free in VLC, you’ll need to:
Go to the VLC menu and select Media then click Convert/Save.
In the window that opens, click Add. Find and select the audio files you want to transcode to MP3.
Next to the Convert/Save button, click the down arrow to expand the conversion menu and click Convert.
In the dialog box that opens, select Convert and choose Audio – MP3 from the dropdown selection in the middle of the box.
Choose the name and location for your destination file and click the Start button.
How do I use FFmpeg for a WAV-to-MP3 conversion?
Changing sound to MP3 with FFmpeg is probably the simplest but also the least user-friendly process of all of the converters in this article. You won’t find a graphical user interface that walks you through the process. Instead, you’ll need to:
Navigate to the folder where your WAV file is saved.
Open a terminal.
Type ffmpeg -1 [current file name].mp3 [new file name].wav into the command line.
How do I convert WAV to MP3 with Audacity?
Audacity is another way to convert WAV to MP3 with freeware. It’s one of a few open-source audio programs designed to work across platforms, so if you don’t know how to play WAV files on a Mac this program can convert WAV to another Mac-compatible format. To transfer WAV to MP3, Audacity uses seven fairly simple steps:
Open Audacity and click the File menu.
Select Import and choose Audio.
Wait for the import to complete (you’ll see sound waves appear when it’s ready).
Open the File menu again.
Select Export and click Save as type in the export window.
Choose MP3 Files from the drop-down menu.
Give your file a name and click Save to change WAV to MP3.
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