To convert MP4 to MP3 on Windows, open the MobileStudio Video to MP3 tool in Edge or Chrome, drop in the file, and download the MP3. VLC and Audacity are free desktop options that also work on Windows 10 and 11. All three are free, and the browser tool keeps the video on your PC.
The short answer
| Method | Best for | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Video to MP3 | One file, quick, choose a part | MP3 or WAV |
| VLC | Already installed | MP3 |
| Audacity | Editing the audio too | MP3, WAV, and more |
How do I convert MP4 to MP3 on Windows in the browser?
- Open Video to MP3 in Edge or Chrome.
- Drop in the MP4.
- Drag the handles to keep only part of it, if you like.
- Choose MP3 and a quality: 128, 192, or 320 kbps.
- Click Extract MP3 and save.
How do I convert MP4 to MP3 with VLC?
- Open VLC and choose Media > Convert / Save.
- Click Add, choose the MP4, then click Convert / Save.
- In Profile, choose Audio - MP3.
- Click Browse, name the file with an .mp3 ending, and click Start.
VLC's progress bar moves along the timeline while it converts. To change the bitrate, click the wrench icon next to the profile and open the Audio codec tab.
How do I convert MP4 to MP3 with Audacity?
Audacity is a free audio editor. To open MP4 files, it needs the optional FFmpeg library, which you install once from Edit > Preferences > Libraries, as Audacity's libraries guide explains.
- Choose File > Import > Audio and select the MP4.
- Trim, clean up, or adjust the volume if you want.
- Choose File > Export Audio and pick MP3.
MP3 export is built into current Audacity versions on Windows. The export formats page lists the alternatives.
Which MP3 quality should I pick?
| Content | Bitrate |
|---|---|
| Speech, lectures, meetings | 128 kbps |
| Music and general video audio | 192 kbps |
| Music for high-quality listening | 320 kbps |
Details in what MP3 bitrate should I use. If you'll edit the audio, save WAV instead, as explained in MP3 vs WAV.
Where does VLC save the MP3?
Wherever you chose with Browse in the convert window. If you didn't pick a location, VLC may save next to the original video. Name the file with an .mp3 ending, or VLC might save it without one.
Can I convert a meeting recording to MP3?
Yes. Open the meeting's MP4 in the tool. Zoom also saves a separate audio file for many recordings; see extract audio from a Zoom recording.
How do I convert several MP4 files to MP3 at once?
VLC's convert window accepts more than one file: click Add and select them all, then convert with the Audio - MP3 profile. For bigger batches, FFmpeg in PowerShell does it with one line: Get-ChildItem *.mp4 | ForEach-Object { ffmpeg -i $_.FullName -vn -b:a 192k ($_.BaseName + ".mp3") }. The -vn flag drops the video, and -b:a 192k sets the MP3 bitrate. The FFmpeg documentation lists the other audio options.
Is the Windows Media Player able to convert MP4 to MP3?
Not reliably for video files. Its ripping features are built for CDs. VLC or the browser tool is the simpler choice.
Where MobileStudio fits
Video to MP3 is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns phone screen recordings into polished app demos. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
What's the best free MP4 to MP3 converter for Windows?
The browser tool for quick single files, VLC if it's installed, Audacity if you want to edit.
Can I convert MP4 to MP3 on Windows 10?
Yes. All three methods work on Windows 10 and 11.
Why won't Audacity open my MP4?
It needs the FFmpeg library. Install it from Edit > Preferences > Libraries.
Does converting MP4 to MP3 lose quality?
A little, as with any MP3. 192 kbps or higher sounds clean.
Is it legal to convert MP4 to MP3?
For your own videos and content you have rights to, yes.
