How to Convert AIFF to MP3 on Windows and Mac?

Need to convert AIFF to MP3 on Windows or Mac? AIFF files are known for high-quality audio, but they're not always easy to share or play on every device. That's why many people look for ways to convert AIFF to MP3 format.

In this guide, you'll learn what AIFF files are and why you might want to convert them to MP3. We'll show you how to do it for free using iTunes, plus introduce some of the best free AIFF to MP3 converters for Windows and Mac. And if your audio files get damaged, we'll also show you how to fix them so you don't lose important recordings or music.

Part 1. What is AIFF and Why Change AIFF to MP3?

Apple created the uncompressed audio format known as AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format). It preserves CD-quality sound without losing any audio data, which is commonly used in music production, editing, and archiving. Because it's uncompressed, AIFF files are large, often taking up much more space than compressed formats.

AIFF:

• Uncompressed, lossless audio
• Larger file size (~10MB+ per minute of audio)
• Best for professional editing or archiving
• Compatible mainly with Apple software

MP3:

• Compressed, lossy audio
• Much smaller file size (good for storage and streaming)
• Universal compatibility across devices and apps
• A slight reduction in audio quality, but often unnoticeable for casual listening

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If you're sharing music online, saving space, or listening on various devices, converting AIFF to MP3 is the easiest way to make sure your audio files work anywhere without eating up storage.

Part 2. How to Convert AIFF to MP3 Using iTunes (Free Method)

If you have a Mac (or older versions of iTunes on Windows), you can convert AIFF to MP3 for free without installing anything extra. Here's how:

Step 1. Open the Apple Music app.

Step 2. From the menu bar, select Music and choose Preferences.

Step 3. Click the Files tab and then Import Settings.

Step 4. In the Import Using dropdown, select MP3 Encoder.

Step 5. Click OK to save your settings. Hold the Option key, then go to File > Convert > Create MP3 Version.

Step 6. Select the songs you want to convert, and they’ll be saved as MP3s.You can also go to “Get Info” to find and play the converted file.

Part 3. Convert AIFF File to MP3 on Windows and Mac Using Converters

If you want more options or you're not using iTunes, here are five great free AIFF to MP3 converters:

AIFF to MP3 Converter Free 1. Audacity

Audacity is a free audio editor you can install on Windows, Mac, or Linux. It’s widely used for recording and editing sound, but it also makes converting AIFF to MP3 really easy. Just open your file, make any edits you want, and export it as an MP3 with a few clicks.

Key Features:

• Completely free and open-source
• Edit, trim, and enhance audio before conversion
• Batch processing for multiple files

Step 1. Download and install Audacity on your computer if you haven’t yet. Open Audacity, click on File in the top-left corner and choose Open to add your AIFF file. You can also go to File > Import > Audio to bring in the AIFF file.

Step 2. Once your AIFF file is loaded, click File again. Hover over Export, then choose Export as MP3 from the menu.

Step 3. In the Format Options section, you can choose Preset for the Bit Rate Mode. The default setting is standard (about 170–210 kbps), but you can pick higher or lower quality as you want. Just keep in mind that higher quality means a bigger file size. You can leave the other settings, like variable speed and channel mode, as they are.

Step 4. Finally, click Save, and Audacity will start converting your AIFF file to MP3.

AIFF to MP3 Converter Free 2. CloudConvert

CloudConvert is an online tool you can use straight from your web browser, no download needed. It lets you convert AIFF files to MP3 quickly and even customize things like audio quality. Just upload your file, choose MP3, and download the result when it’s done.

Key Features:

• Free for small conversions
• Works on any device with a browser
• Adjustable settings like bitrate and sample rate

Step 1. Go to CloudConvert’s website. Upload your AIFF file.

Step 2. Choose MP3 as the output format.

Step 3. Customize settings and click Convert.

AIFF to MP3 Converter Free 3. FreeConvert

FreeConvert is another simple online converter that works on any modern browser. It has a drag-and-drop interface, so you can easily upload your AIFF file and convert it to MP3. It’s great for fast, one-time conversions without needing to install anything.

Key Features:

• Drag-and-drop upload
• Customizable output quality
• Works in all modern browsers

Step 1. Visit FreeConvert online. Upload your AIFF file

Step 2. Select MP3 and adjust settings if needed

Step 3. Click Convert and download the MP3

AIFF to MP3 Converter Free 4. ZAMZAR

ZAMZAR is one of the oldest online converters and is known for being reliable and easy to use. You don’t need to sign up for small files; just upload your AIFF, choose MP3, and hit convert. It supports tons of file types, making it a handy option for many needs.

Key Features:

• Simple, no-login option for small files
• Email notifications when your file is ready
• Supports over 1200 file types

Step 1 Go to ZAMZAR’s website and upload your AIFF file.

Step 2. Choose MP3 as the format

Step 3. Click Convert Now and download when finished.

AIFF to MP3 Converter Free 5. Movavi

Movavi Video Converter (which also converts audio) is a desktop app for Windows and Mac. It’s easy to use, with a clear design and quick conversions. You can adjust the output quality and convert multiple AIFF files to MP3 all at once.

Key Features:

• User-friendly design
• High-speed batch conversions
• Adjustable bitrate and quality settings

Step 1. Visit Movavi Video Converter online then add your AIFF files.

Step 2. Choose MP3 as output. Once done, click Convert to save your MP3 files.

Part 4. How to Fix Damaged AIFF and MP3 Files?

Sometimes, audio files can get corrupted after transfers, edits, or storage failures. If you have experienced converting AIFF to MP3 and become corrupted when you open the file, a good and reliable professional repair tool is a must.

Repairit Audio Repair is a tool that can fix broken or unreadable audio files in formats like AIFF and MP3. Instead of re-recording or losing valuable sound, you can restore your files and listen to them without any disturbance.

Key Benefits:

• Repairs corruption issues like clipping, static, or files that won’t open
• Works with popular audio formats, including AIFF and MP3
• Easy, guided steps for both Windows and Mac
• Secure offline processing to keep your audio private

Step 1. Open Wondershare Repairit on your Windows computer. Go to the More Types Repair section and choose Audio Repair. After that, click the Add button to select the audio files.

Step 2. Click the Repair button to begin. You’ll be asked to add a good sample audio file in the same format as the damaged ones. This helps the software know what the audio should sound like. The sample will be used for all files of that format.

Step 3. Repairit will work for a few moments to repair your audio files. When it’s done, you’ll see a status that says Completed. You can click Preview to listen and check the quality. If you’re happy with the result, click Save and pick where you want the files to go on your computer.

Before You Go

Converting AIFF to MP3 is simple; you can use iTunes or free converters online and offline. MP3 files save space and work almost everywhere, which is ideal for sharing and everyday listening. And if you run into issues with corrupted files, don’t forget you can repair them instead of losing your audio for good.