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Music downloaded from iTunes is typically in M4A or unprotected M4P formats, which lack compatibility across devices and apps. This can frustrate users needing the freedom to play their music without limitations. 

Here are a few common scenarios where you may seek to convert iTunes files to MP3:

  • Rip the CDs in the iTunes app
  • Conversion of high-quality files to other (compressed) formats and managing space
  • Convert and listen to iTunes to MP3 player
  • Store songs on USB flash drives for a convenient music-listening experience
  • Creation of an MP3 CD with an audio file inside the playlist

How to Convert iTunes to MP3: Recommended Methods

Learning how to convert iTunes to MP3 is essential. We used iTunes MP3 Encoder and Audacity to offer free conversion solutions for unprotected songs. For superior audio quality, we turned to a pro-level option: MusicFab Apple Music Converter. Here's a look at how each tool performed during our trials.

How to Convert iTunes Songs to MP3 Using iTunes

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Convert iTunes Music to MP3

Step 1: Open iTunes on your Mac computer. Go to the File menu and click Add File to Library (or Add Folder to Library) to add local music.

Note: If you already have music in your library, there’s no need to buy anything new. But if you’d like to, iTunes lets you purchase songs directly from the iTunes Store.

click Import Settings

Step 2: Open Preferences from the top menu. Then, under the General tab, click Import Settings...

change the Import Using setting to MP3

Step 3: Afterwards, change the Import Using setting to MP3 Encoder via the dropdown menu.

Convert > Create MP3 Version.

Step 4: From the library, select all the songs you want to convert. Then, click File in the top menu and select Convert > Create MP3 Version.

By following these steps, it took only a few extra seconds, but our new MP3 song versions appeared next to the originals. The new song tracks were available to play and transfer to any device.

Challenges

  • Limited output formats without customizable quality options
  • The MP3 version appears alongside the original, which can clutter the library if you're converting many files

Our Experience

Using iTunes' built-in converter was quick and straightforward. The process of converting iTunes to MP3 went smoothly. We didn't require any additional software to complete the task. The conversion speed was fast. However, there was a slight degradation in the music's sound quality, particularly with standard CD-ripped files.

However, despite being free, this method has some downsides. We were unable to convert DRM-protected Apple Music files. Similarly, it also didn't work with older protected iTunes purchases. Besides MP3, we could only see basic encoding formats, with no FLAC or advanced quality controls. New users may find its interface complex. Initially, it took us quite a while to find the MP3 Encoder option. Overall, it is a decent method for obtaining basic MP3 files from unprotected tracks.

How to Convert iTunes Music to MP3 Using Freeware Tool

Step-by-Step Process on How to Download iTunes Songs as MP3

Step 1: Open Audacity on your Windows PC (though it has cross-platform availability) and import your iTunes music track. Then, click the File menu and select Import to upload your required audio files for conversion.

We also tried dragging and dropping the files directly into Audacity — that worked just as well.

go to File and select Export

Step 2: As soon as the songs are loaded, go to File and select Export. Then, choose either Export Selected Audio to export individual tracks.

Note: Audacity features an 'Export Audio' function that allows you to save the whole project in one go.

Export Audio

Step 3: Then select MP3 as the output format in the export window that popped up.

Step 4: After confirming the export settings, hit the Export button. Audacity will convert iTunes files to MP3 and save them on your computer.

Challenges

  • Lacks automation; entirely manual, so batch conversions take more time
  • There is a steep learning curve, especially if you are unfamiliar with audio tools

Our Experience

Working with Audacity required a bit more manual work than other professional tools. But as a free solution, we had decent results in the end. 

The interface felt somewhat technical. And fine-tune the output by customizing the bitrate and updating the metadata, which was a nice touch. However, it didn't work on DRM-protected music files. Also, converting single songs was easy and quick. However, the manual load made it complex to convert bulk songs simultaneously.

How to Convert iTunes Songs to MP3 Using MusicFab Apple Music Converter

TrustPilot Ratings: 4.5/5

Best For: Converting and preserving bulk Apple Music files in lossless quality

While the free methods worked fine to convert iTunes to MP3, they still lacked professional grace and quality. MusicFab Apple Music Converter emerged as a stunning solution to convert and play Apple Music on other devices. Its built-in Apple Music web browser and player offered a more convenient way to search and preview music directly without putting a strain on system resources.

Key Attractions

  • Download Apple Music tracks at 20x faster speed
  • Search and convert Apple Music to MP3 with a built-in browser
  • Offers many output options for high-quality audio, such as MP3, FLAC, WAV, and others
  • Preserves ID3 tags and saves lyrics (external .Irc files)
  • Bulk download songs, playlists, albums, podcasts, and audiobooks

Step-by-Step Process on How to Convert iTunes Songs to MP3

Step 1: First, download and install the MusicFab software from the official website. Then, access the program's main interface and select Apple Music from the right panel.

musicfab converter

Step 2: After logging into the iTunes account, navigate the built-in browser. After that, find the desired track, and MusicFab will promptly analyze and recognize the song’s information.

find the desired track

Step 3: After careful analysis, a panel will display on the screen. Tailor the export settings and select MP3 as the output format. Also, adjust the audio quality to match your preferences.

select MP3 as the output format.

Step 4: Finally, click the Download Now tab, and the conversion process will begin immediately.

Free Trial: MusicFab gives you full-feature access during the free trial—convert 3 tracks to test it out.

Our Experience

It was smooth and surprisingly efficient. Download songs/albums within 3 clicks. It also contains the ID3 tags. 

Recommended iTunes-to-MP3 Conversion Methods Comparison

Let's look at the detailed comparison of all three methods discussed to convert or export iTunes to MP3. 

Key ParametersiTunes MP3 EncoderAudacityMusicFab Apple Music Converter 
Best For (Purpose)Purchased iTunes library filesAdvanced users needing flexibility or editingAnyone needing to convert Apple Music songs 
Compatible OSWindows and older macOS versionsWindows, macOS, and LinuxWindows and macOS 
Ease of UseEasy (built into iTunes)Medium (requires manual setup)Very easy (automated interface) 
Supports DRM-Protected SongsNo (works only on unprotected files)Yes (but requires real-time recording)Yes (supports Apple Music and protected M4P files) 
Output FormatsMP3, WAV, AAC, and AIFFMP3, WAV, OGG, etc. (many formats)MP3, M4A, FLAC, and WAV formats 
Audio Quality CustomizationBasic bitrate settingsFull control over bitrate, sample rateFull quality options 
Conversion SpeedFastSlowSuper Fast (20x faster speed) 
Batch ConversionLimitedNoYes 

Bonus: Comparison Table - iTunes Unprotected M4A vs iTunes Protected M4P vs MP3

Here's a quick comparison of the iTunes unprotected M4A, protected MP4, and MP3 formats in terms of audio quality, compatibility, and several other aspects. This will help you learn more about your audio formats to refine the listening experience.

Key ParametersiTunes Unprotected M4AiTunes Protected M4PMP3
File Extension.m4a.m4p.mp3
Audio CodecAACAACMP3
Audio QualityHigh (better than MP3 at the same bitrate)High (same as M4A)Good (lower than AAC at the same bitrate)
DRM ProtectionNoYes (Apple FairPlay DRM)No
File Size EfficiencyHighHighMedium
CompatibilityHighLimited (Only with Apple devices/accounts)Very High (Almost all devices & platforms)
Editing FlexibilityEasy to edit and convertLimitedEasy

Summary

  • iTunes can convert regular local songs to MP3. This includes many imported CDs, local AAC/M4A files, WAV files, AIFF files, and eligible iTunes Store purchases.
  • Mac users should use the Apple Music app. On modern macOS versions, iTunes has been replaced by the Music app for music library management.
  • Windows users can use iTunes for Windows. Set MP3 Encoder in Import Settings before creating an MP3 version.
  • The original song will not be deleted. Apple Music or iTunes creates a new MP3 copy and keeps the original file unchanged.
  • Protected AAC files may not convert. Older protected purchases or restricted files cannot always be converted with Apple’s built-in tool.
  • MP3 is best for compatibility. Use MP3 if you want to play songs on older MP3 players, car stereos, USB drives, or non-Apple devices.

FAQs

How to add MP3 file to iTunes on iPhone?

Adding MP3 files to iTunes and syncing them to an iPhone can be a complex process. Here's how to proceed.

  • Step 1: Open iTunes on your computer. Go to File > Add File to Library (or Add Folder to Library) and select the MP3 file you want to add.
  • Step 2: Next, grab a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the PC. Click on the phone's icon in iTunes.
  • Step 3: Click Music and check the Sync Music box.
  • Step 4: Select the MP3 files to sync and click Apply.

How to convert WAV to MP3 iTunes on Windows PC?

To convert WAV to MP3 using iTunes, follow these steps.

  • Step 1: Launch iTunes on your Windows PC.
  • Step 2: Set the MP3 Import Settings by going to Edit > Preferences > General and choosing Import Settings.
  • Step 3: Select MP3 Encoder in the Import Using dropdown. Select a preferred quality setting.
  • Step 4: Find the WAV files for conversion in the iTunes library. Right-click the selected file and select Create MP3 Version.

Can I convert Protected AAC or M4P to MP3 in iTunes?

Usually no. Apple’s built-in converter cannot convert some protected files, including older Protected AAC purchases.