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Are you tired of having to switch between multiple media players on your Mac when it comes to playing multimedia files like MP4 videos or music files? You might have wondered if there is a way to convert these files to MP3 so that they can be played on any device and media player. The good news is that there is! There is a range of MP4 to MP3 converters for Mac that can help you transform your audio experience.
In this article, we will be exploring the top and best 7 MP4 to MP3 converters for Mac with download links, detailed descriptions, pros and cons, comparison tables, and our thoughts on each product. We will also be answering some frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
Video Tutorial:
What is an MP4 to MP3 Converter?
As the name suggests, an MP4 to MP3 converter is software that can help you convert any MP4 video or audio file to an MP3 audio file format. This can be especially useful when you want to listen to music files on your phone or media player that only supports MP3 files. MP4 files are often larger in size and may not be compatible with all devices, which is why converting them to MP3 format can be convenient.
Best 7 MP4 to MP3 Converter Recommendation
1. UniConverter
UniConverter (formerly Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) is one of the best MP4 to MP3 converters, which is fast, efficient, and easy to use. It supports more than 1,000 video and audio formats, including MP4 and MP3, and can seamlessly convert between them. The software has a simple and user-friendly interface, making it easy for even novice users to use.
The free trial version of UniConverter allows you to convert up to 1/3 of your files and has a limit of 5 minutes per video. For unlimited features, users can opt for the paid version starting at $39.95. UniConverter is compatible with all Mac operating systems from OS X 10.9 to macOS 11 Big Sur with no issues.
Pros:
- Supports over 1,000 video and audio formats
- Highly efficient and fast converting speed
- User-friendly and intuitive interface
Cons:
- The paid version is slightly expensive
- No editing options or customization features for conversion
2. HandBrake
HandBrake is a free, open-source video converter that is compatible with various operating systems, including Mac. It can convert MP4 to MP3, and other formats like M4A, FLAC, and more, giving users the freedom to choose the desired format. Handbrake also features batch processing, queueing up files for conversion to save time.
HandBrake is completely free and has no limitations on usage. Its simple UI makes it easy for anyone to use, including beginners. However, it may not have as many features as other paid software options.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Supports various formats besides MP3
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Limited editing and customization features
- Sometimes compatibility issues with Mac
3. Movavi Video Converter
Movavi Video Converter for Mac is another popular MP4 to MP3 converter that can perform quick and easy conversions. It supports a wide range of input video and audio formats and can convert between them without compromising on quality. Movavi lets you adjust the output settings for videos and audio, including bitrate, codec, and sample rate.
The software costs $34.95 for a personal license, while a business license is priced at $79.95. A free trial version is also available for testing the software before purchasing it.
Pros:
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Supports a wide range of input and output formats
- Extensive customization and editing features
Cons:
- No support for Mac retina displays
- Slow conversions for high-quality videos
4. Any Video Converter
Any Video Converter is a free video converter and editor compatible with several platforms, including Mac. It allows users to convert MP4 to MP3 and other formats and edit videos to customize them. The software is also available in a professional version with extra features available at $49.95.
The free version may have some limitations, such as watermarks on the output files or lack of batch processing capabilities. However, it is still a useful and free tool to convert videos and audio files.
Pros:
- Free and easy to use
- Fast conversion speed
- Supports different formats and batch processing
Cons:
- Ads may pop up on the free version
- Output quality isn’t as good as some professional software
5. VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a free, open-source media player that can play almost any multimedia file format. It can also convert MP4 files to MP3, as well as other formats like FLAC, OGG, and more. The player is highly-rated for its playback quality and compatibility.
Since VLC is primarily a media player, it does not have extensive editing and customization features like other video converters. However, its simple UI and ease of use make it a reliable MP4 to MP3 converter option.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Compatible with various multimedia formats
- No ads and popups
Cons:
- Minimal editing features and customization options
- Can be slow when compared to other converters
6. Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate
Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate is a powerful software that can convert MP4 to MP3 and other popular audio formats. It allows users to control the output quality and has options to extract audio from videos and convert videos with subtitles. It also has basic editing tools such as trimming, cropping, and applying effects.
The software costs $59.95, and there is a free trial version available with some limitations. It is compatible with macOS, and the user interface is straightforward and user-friendly.
Pros:
- Fast and efficient conversions
- High output quality
- Basic editing and conversion options available
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other similar software
- Some compatibility issues with Mac OS X 10.6
7. Freemake Video Converter
Freemake Video Converter is a free video converter that can convert MP4 to MP3 and other audio formats. The software also has editing tools to trim, merge, and add subtitles to videos. It supports almost all popular audio and video file formats, making it a versatile tool for users.
The free version has some limitations, such as watermarks on output files, but the functionality and ease of use make it a popular choice among users.
Pros:
- Free and easy to use
- A vast range of output formats
- Simple and fast
Cons:
- Limited customizations options
- The interface is slightly outdated
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
We have put together a detailed comparison table below to help you compare and decide which MP4 to MP3 converter is best for your requirements. The comparison items include Free Trial, Price, Ease-of-Use, and Value for Money.
| Features | UniConverter | HandBrake | Movavi Video Converter | Any Video Converter | VLC Media Player | Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate | Freemake Video Converter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | Limited features | ✅ | Limited features | Limited features | ✅ | Limited features | Full functionality unless upgraded |
| Price | Starting at $39.95 | Free | Starting at $34.95 | Free or $49.95 for a professional version | Free | $59.95 | Free |
| Ease-of-Use | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Value for Money | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Our Thoughts on MP4 to MP3 Converters
From the listed options above, it is clear that there are many MP4 to MP3 converter tools that Mac users can choose from. However, UniConverter appears to be the best tool available, given its simplicity, speed, and compatibility. HandBrake comes in a close second as an open-source option, and Movavi Video Converter provides a great balance between price and features.
It’s essential to choose the tool that best fits your needs depending on your usage and budget. A tool like VLC media player will work for users looking to make a quick conversion or the occasional file conversion. On the other hand, if you’re a professional editor or require extensive functionality from the software, it is recommended to opt for premium software like UniConverter.
FAQs about MP4 to MP3 Converters
Q1: Can I convert multiple MP4 files to MP3 at the same time?
A: Yes, most MP4 to MP3 Converters support batch processing, allowing you to convert multiple files at the same time.
Q2: Is it legal to convert MP4 to MP3?
A: Yes, it is legal to convert MP4 to MP3 provided you are doing it for personal use. However, converting copyrighted material and distributing it is illegal.
Q3: Are there any free MP4 to MP3 converters?
A: Yes, there are many free MP4 to MP3 converters available. HandBrake, Any Video Converter, and Freemake Video Converter are some great options.
Q4: Can I extract audio from a video using an MP4 to MP3 converter?
A: Yes, most MP4 to MP3 converters have an option to extract audio from a video file.
Q5: Do I need to install additional drivers or codecs to use an MP4 to MP3 converter?
A: No, most modern MP4 to MP3 converters come with all necessary drivers and codecs required to convert the files.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, MP4 to MP3 Converters can be a convenient tool for users looking to play their favorite music on any device or media player. Considering the many options available, it is essential to choose the tool that best fits your needs. UniConverter from Wondershare is our top recommended MP4 to MP3 converter due to its reliability, compatibility, and versatility. Whichever tool you choose, be sure it fits your budget and provides a straightforward user experience.