Audible audiobooks are usually downloaded in the AAX file format. This is a protected file type, and encrypted audiobooks are only playable on authorized apps and devices. But sometimes you may want to listen to a purchased Audible audiobook on a device that doesn't support Audible apps, such as an iPod Classic. In this case, you'll need to convert Audible AAX files to another open file format that's compatible with your device. M4B is one of the formats best suited for audiobooks because it supports chapters, bookmarking, and seamless playback on iTunes, Apple Books, and other third-party players.
In this guide, we will provide you with three ways to convert Audible AAX to M4B format on Windows and Mac computers, as well as tutorials on how to play M4B files on Windows and Mac. Whether you prefer AAX to M4B free tools, online converters or dedicated Audible AAX converters, you will find one you love.
Part 1. Why Convert AAX to M4B Instead of MP3?
While many users instinctively use the MP3 format to save audio files, it's not the most user-friendly format for long-form content such as audiobooks. M4B and MP3 differ in sound quality, compatibility, and exclusive features. Simply put, MP3 supports broad compatibility with a wider range of devices, while M4B offers better sound quality and more audiobook features such as bookmarks and chapters. So if you want a better Audible listening experience on your device, M4B is the better choice.
Feel confused about M4B VS MP3 difference? Here is a complete comparison between these two audio formats.
Why M4B Is the Better Choice?
- Designed for Speech: M4B's compression technology is optimized for spoken word, making dialogue and narration sound more natural.
- Chapter Support: M4B files can preserve chapter markers from the original audiobook, allowing you to easily skip different chapters, which MP3 itself does not support.
- Bookmarking: M4B files can remember your listening location in most audiobook players, so you don't need to manually search to continue listening from the last location you left.
- Metadata Preservation: M4B preserves full audiobook metadata such as title, author, voiceover, etc., which makes your audiobook management easy and convenient.
- Higher Compatibility with Audiobook Apps: M4B integrates perfectly with iTunes, Apple Books, and most audiobook apps, whereas MP3 is typically used for music tracks.
However, the two formats, MP3 and M4B, are not mutually exclusive; they can be converted to each other.
If you've already converted your Audible audiobooks to MP3 format and now want to convert them to M4B format, check out this guide on how to convert MP3 to audiobook format (M4B).
Already have an M4B audiobook file but want to convert it to MP3 for wider compatibility? Check out this guide on how to convert M4B to MP3.
Part 2. Convert AAX to M4B for Free
If you're looking for a AAX to M4B free converter, AAX Audio Converter is a good choice. It's an open source tool hosted on GitHub for Windows only. This tool lets you convert Audible files in AAX format to MP3, M4A and M4B formats, preserving metadata, chapter markers and quality. If you are looking for a tool to convert AAX to M4B on Mac, skip to part 4. Here's how to use AAX Audio Converter to get the converted M4B files:
- Visit AAX Audio Converter GitHub page and download the latest version.
- Unzip the folder and run the application on your Windows computer.
- Download Audible audiobooks from the official Audible website. For most audiobooks, they should be saved as .aax files. If not, you can use Book Lib Connect to get Audible AAX audio book files.
- In AAX Audio Converter, click "Add..." to load one or more AAX files into it.
- Select M4B in the Format section.
- Select how to split chapters in the Mode section. Edit the ID3 tags in the Naming section.
- If the application requires an activation code, use a key extractor such as inAudible on GitHub.
Note: Some AAX files can be processed without an activation code. This depends on the download method. We recommend downloading directly from the Audible website. - Click "Convert" and wait for the conversion to complete.
- Once finished, the audiobook will be saved in M4B format in a specific output folder.
- Pros
- 100% free and open-source.
- Preserves chapters and metadata.
- Suppports batch download.
- No quality loss.
- Cons
- Windows only.
- Not friendly to beginners.
Part 3. Use an AAX to M4B Online Converter
Don't want to download any software or deal with open source programs? Use an online AAX to M4B converter such as the AAX Converter developed by Kamsker. It's a free web-based service that allows you to upload Audible AAX files and convert them to M4B, FLAC and MP3 formats in your computer browser. Technically it works behind the scenes using FFmpeg and open-souce libraries, and we're not sure if it works every time, but it's worth a try as it's one of the few tools that can handle Audible's encrypted .aax format and preserve chapter and metadata information during conversion. Here's how to use AAX Converter online to convert AAX to M4B:
- Prepare the Audible AAX file. You can download it from the Audible Library on the official Audible website.
- Open a web browser on your computer (Window/Mac/Linux).
- Go to https://audible-tools.kamsker.at/.
- Drag and drop the file, or click on the upload section to upload the AAX file.
- Scroll down to the Output Format section and select M4B.
- In the Operating System section on the right, select the system you are currently using, such as Window.
- Click the "Convert" button.
- When finished, a download link will appear. Click the link to download the M4B file to your computer.
- Pros
- No advanced setup required.
- No installation.
- Works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Supports M4B, FLAC, and MP3.
- Supports chapter and metadata preservation.
- Cons
- May limit file size for some browsers.
- Cannot batch convert.
- May not work on some browsers.
- Some books may get stuck at 0% when converting.
Part 4. Best AAX to M4B Converter for Windows & Mac
For a more stable, faster and beginner-friendly AAX to M4B experience, use the powerful desktop software ViWizard Audible Audiobook Converter. It is compatible with both Windows and macOS and offers an intuitive user interface that does NOT require an Audible login and activation code for all levels of users.
In terms of conversion features, ViWizard lets you batch convert multiple AAX files to a variety of audio formats, including M4B, MP3, AAC, M4A, FLAC, 2AV, etc., with 100x faster conversion speed. During conversion, ViWizard lets you preserve lossless Audible audio quality, edit ID3 tags, and split chapters by time, chapter, and segment. After conversion, you have full control over Audible M4B files to play them on any device and player.
A unique and innovative Audible audiobook converter to convert any protected Audible audio book from AA or AAX formats to universal formats, including lossless audio, MP3, AAC, FLAC, M4A, M4B, 2AV, AC3, and more in an easiest yet fastest way ever and with up to 100× super faster speed.
Step 1Add Audible AAX Files
Download, install and launch ViWizard Audible Audiobook Converter on your computer. Click the "Add File" button to import the downloaded .aax file. Or drag and drop the file directly into the ViWizard interface.
Step 2Choose M4B as Output Format
Click the "Format" panel at the bottom left corner. In the pop-up window, select M4B as the output format. If you want to optimize the audio quality, fine-tune the codec, channel, sample rate and bit rate.
Step 3Split Audiobook by Chapters
Click the "Edit" icon next to the book title. Go to the "Split" tab and select "Split by chapters." For more customization, go to "Effects" to adjust the narration speed, pitch, and volume. In addition, ID3 tags can be edited under the "Tags" tab.
Step 4Start Conversion
Click the "Convert" button to start converting AAX files to M4B format. After the conversion is finished, click the folder icon next to the title to find the converted audio files in the output folder. Now you can play them in the audiobook player on your computer or transfer them to other devices.
- Pros
- Works on Windows and Mac.
- No Audible account or activation required.
- Converts AAX to M4B, MP3, M4A, etc.
- Preserves chapters, ID3 tags, and metadata.
- 100X faster batch conversion speed.
- Built-in audio editor (adjust speed, pitch, volume).
- Easy-to-use interface for beginners.
- Cons
- Not free (requires a paid license after trial).
- Doesn't support AAXC files downloaded on mobile.
Part 5. How to Play M4B Files on Windows & Mac
After converting Audible AAX audiobooks to M4B format, the next step is to find the right player to enjoy the audiobook. Although the pre-installed media players (such as Window Media Player) can handle M4B audio, it's not the ideal player if you want specific features of audiobooks such as chapter navigation or bookmarks. Therefore, in the following, we recommend that you use other M4B players for Windows and macOS.
How to Play M4B Files on Windows:
Option 1: Use iTunes for Windows
- Install iTunes for Windows.
- In iTunes, click the "File" tab and then click "Add Files to Library."
- Import the converted Audible M4B file into iTunes.
- Navigate to the Audiobooks section, locate the added audiobook and start listening.
Read More : How to Sync Audible with iTunes (Step-by-Step)
Option 2: Try VLC Media Player
- Download and install VLC Media Player.
- In VLC, click on the "Media" tab and select "Open File."
- Locate your M4B file and confirm that it is open in the VLC Media Player.
- Although VLC supports M4B playback, chapter navigation may be limited.
Read More : How to Play Audible Books on VLC Media Player
How to Play M4B Files on Mac:
The Best Option: Use Apple Books
- Locate the converted M4B file and right-click on .
- Select "Open".
- Choose "Books."
- Your M4B audiobook will then play in the Apple Books app with full chapter navigation, playback history, bookmarks, and more.
Read More : How to Listen to Audible with Apple Books
Part 6. FAQs about Audible AAX to M4B
Q1.Can I convert AAX to M4B with chapters?
A1.Yes, you can convert AAX ro M4B with chapters. Some tools, such as ViWizard Audible Converter or GitHub open-source tool AAX Audio Converter, can preserve chapter marks when converting AAX to M4B.
Q2.How to play M4B files on iPod?
A2.To play M4B files on an iPod, you should go to the computer, connect the iPod to the computer using a cable, and perform the following steps:
- Add M4B files to iTunes (or Apple Music on newer system).
- Connect iPod to the computer and sync your iPod using iTunes.
- Find audiobooks under "Audiobooks" on your device and enjoy listening.
You can check this full guide on how to transfer Audible files to iPod.
Q3.How to convert AAXC files on Android to M4B?
A3.AAXC files are encrypted audiobooks downloaded from the Audible Android app. These files cannot be converted directly. To convert them:
- Download AAX-formatted audiobooks from the library on the official Audible website on Windows/Mac computers.
- Use an AAX to M4B converter such as ViWizard or FFmpeg.
- Transfer M4B files to your Android device.
- Play it using an M4B player for Android, such as Smart Audiobook Player.
Check out this guide on how to convert AAXC files to MP3 for more practical compatibility!
Conclusion
Getting Audible AAX files to M4B is the best way to enjoy audiobooks with support for full chapters and seamless playback. You can use a free open source tool like AAX Audio Converter, or a fast online converter like AAX Converter, or a professional desktop solution like ViWizard Audible Audiobook Converter.
After conversion, you can easily play M4B audiobooks on iTunes, Apple Books, VLC Media Player, or a dedicated player. Start converting now and take full control of your Audible listening experience.
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Adam Gorden, the digital media specialist at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing the best solutions for digital media management, including audio and video conversion, file optimization, and media workflow enhancements.
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