Convert MP3 to AAC Online
MP3 is the most widely adopted lossy audio format. AAC is the successor to MP3, offering better efficiency at the same bitrates. AnyConvert converts MP3 to AAC securely without installing desktop software.
MP3 to AAC Converter
Convert your MP3 files to AAC format quickly and easily. Upload your file and download the result.
Max file size: 50MB
Why convert MP3 to AAC?
Switching from MP3 helps you avoid lossy compression discards frequencies, reducing fidelity compared with lossless formats. AAC excels at superior quality to mp3 at bitrates of 128 kbps and below, making it a better fit when clients or platforms expect streaming services like apple music and youtube.
Advanced Audio Coding also offers supports multichannel audio and higher sample rates up to 96 khz. That means your converted files stay useful for streaming services like apple music and youtube and broadcast applications requiring efficient multi-channel audio.
MP3 strengths
- Universal playback support across hardware and software players
- Good quality-to-size ratio at bitrates between 128 and 320 kbps
- ID3 metadata stores track titles, artwork, and album details
AAC advantages
- Superior quality to MP3 at bitrates of 128 kbps and below
- Supports multichannel audio and higher sample rates up to 96 kHz
- Mandatory audio codec for many streaming standards and mobile OSes
Key differences
| Feature | MP3 | AAC |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Lossy |
| Transparency / Alpha | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Typical file size | Compact (lossy compression) | Compact (lossy compression) |
| Best suited for | Music libraries on phones, cars, and portable players and Podcast distribution and audiobooks | Streaming services like Apple Music and YouTube and Broadcast applications requiring efficient multi-channel audio |
| Standard | Open, royalty-free specification | Open, royalty-free specification |
Before you convert
- Keep a backup of your original file before converting so you can roll back if needed.
- Review known pain points: No multichannel (surround) support beyond unofficial extensions. Adjust your source file accordingly.
Quality tips
- Start with a high-quality setting (85–90%) and only reduce it if file size targets demand it.
- Pick a bitrate that matches your destination: 128 kbps for speech, 192–256 kbps for music, 320 kbps for archive copies.
- Download the result immediately and open it in the target application to verify everything matches expectations.
Where AAC fits best
Once you have the converted file, you can plug it straight into streaming services like apple music and youtube, broadcast applications requiring efficient multi-channel audio, and mobile apps that demand high quality with compact file sizes. AAC is the format teams expect in those environments, so you spend less time re-exporting or explaining compatibility issues.
Common AAC use cases
- Streaming services like Apple Music and YouTube
- Broadcast applications requiring efficient multi-channel audio
- Mobile apps that demand high quality with compact file sizes
Tools that open AAC
- ffmpeg (libfdk_aac)
- Adobe Audition
- Logic Pro
Frequently asked questions
Does converting MP3 to AAC reduce quality?
Yes, AAC uses lossy compression. Start with the highest quality setting available and compare the converted file against your original. If you need a perfect copy, keep the MP3 source as an archive.
Which bitrate should I pick for AAC?
Match the bitrate to the destination. 96–128 kbps is fine for speech, 192 kbps balances quality and size for music, and 256–320 kbps keeps critical mixes transparent.
Is there a file size limit for converting MP3?
Yes—uploads up to 150 MB convert reliably in the browser. For larger assets, split them into smaller segments first so the process stays responsive.