You might want to convert Audible audiobooks to MP3 or other formats so you can listen on any device. That's a great idea, but only if you can find a reliable Audible audiobook converter. There are tons of converters out there, but many either don't support importing Audible's AAX format, charge too much, or simply don't work. We've been there too.
Therefore, this review will primarily introduce you to the 5 best free Audible audiobook converters currently available. We'll also cover an option for users who want higher conversion quality, a cost-effective Audible converter with full features and performance. For each converter, we'll analyze its features, pros and cons, and provide basic step-by-step instructions. Without further ado, let's get started.
Comparison Table of Top Audiobook Converters
Here's a quick overview of all the Audible audiobook converters reviewed in this article. If you're interested in any of them, simply click the name of the tool to jump to its detailed introduction within this article.
| Features | Libation | OpenAudible | inAudible | AAXtoMP3 | AAX Audio Converter | ViWizard Audible Converter |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free (Open Source) | Paid (One-time fee) | Free (Open Source) | Free (Open Source) | Free (Open Source) | Paid (One-time fee) |
| Platform | Win/Mac/Linux | Win/Mac/Linux | Windows and Mac | Mac/Linux (CLI) | Windows only | Win/Mac |
| Interface Type | GUI | GUI | GUI (outdated) | CLI (Command Line) | GUI | GUI |
| Input Formats | AA/AAX (via sync) | AA/AAX (via sync) | AA/AAX (manual import) | AAX/AAXC (manual import) | AAX/AA (manual import) | All titles in your Audible library |
| Output Formats | M4B, MP3 | MP3, M4B | MP3, M4B/AAC, WAV | MP3, M4A, M4B, FLAC, OGG | MP3, M4A, M4B | MP3, M4A, M4B, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, Lossless |
| DRM Method | Direct DRM removal | Direct DRM removal | Manual Code Required | Manual Code Required | Code/Companion Tool | Direct DRM removal |
| Chapter Preservation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Batch Conversion | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (via scripting) | Yes | Yes |
| Conversion Speed | 1x | ~10x | 1x | Varies (fast w/ FFmpeg) | 1x | 100x (Fastest) |
| User Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ ☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆ ☆ | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Tool 1. Libation
Best for: Users who want a free Audible converter that converts Audible to M4B and MP3 on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Libation is a free, open-source app for managing and converting Audible audiobooks. It uses a secure browser login to access your Audible library. No manual activation codes are needed. Libation can download your books and convert them while keeping metadata like chapters and cover art.
- Supported Input Formats: AAX, AA
- Supported Output Formats: MP3, M4A
- Download Site: https://github.com/rmcrackan/Libation
How to Use Libation to Convert Audible Audiobooks
Download the right Libation version for your OS from its GitHub and install it.
Open Libation. Go to Settings > Accounts. Log in to Audible through the secure browser pop-up.
Click the Import tab. Choose Scan Library. Your Audible library will appear.
Libation converts Audible to M4B by default. If you want MP3, click the Settings tab, go to Audio File Options, and enable the Download my books as . MP3 files option.
Select the books to convert. Click Action > Download. Libation will download the original AAX files first and then automatically convert them to the output format you selected.
When done, the DRM-free files are saved to your chosen folder. You can now play them on any device or player without the Audible app.
- Pros
- Free and open-source
- Downloads and converts in one app
- Removes Audible DRM
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Converts small and medium libraries quickly
- Cons
- Interface looks outdated
- No mobile version
- Needs regular updates to keep up with Audible changes
- Some settings may confuse beginners
- Batch conversion for large libraries can be slow
What is Libation and how to use it to convert Audible audiobooks? Check this review to see if it's right for you.
Tool 2. OpenAudible
Best for: Those who want to manage their Audible library and convert audiobooks to MP3 or M4B files on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
OpenAudible is a desktop Audible converter that lets you convert Audible audiobook files from AA or AAX format to MP3 and M4B without DRM restrictions. To use it, you need to connect your Audible account via a simple browser authentication to sync your library before converting and saving files to your computer. OpenAudible was previously freeware, but it now costs $21.95 per year or $69.95 for a lifetime license. You can, however, download it and use the trial version for free. For fully free Audible converters, scroll down.
- Supported Input Formats: Audible AA (legacy format), Audible AAX (current format)
- Supported Output Formats: MP3, M4B
- Download Site: https://openaudible.org/
How to Use OpenAudible to Convert Audible to MP3/M4B
Download and install OpenAudible from the official website.
Open the OpenAudible app. Go to Controls > Connect to Audible.
A browser window will open. Enter your Audible credentials to authenticate securely.
Once connected, a pop-up will ask if you want a full Audible library sync. Click Yes. OpenAudible will fetch your book list automatically.
Select the books you want from the library.
Right-click a book and choose Convert to MP3 or M4B. The software will download, decrypt, and convert the book for you.
- Pros
- Works reliably on Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Automatically organizes and downloads your entire Audible library
- Converts AAX to MP3 or M4B with one click
- Keeps chapter markers when converting to M4B
- Lets you easily edit title, author, and other metadata
- Can export as a single file or split by chapters
- Cons
- Not free; requires a one-time purchase
- Needs Audible login to import your library
- Conversion can be slow for large libraries
- Desktop only
- Slight learning curve for beginners
OpenAudible is an audiobook manager for Audible users. We will show you a detailed tutorial about how to use it. And give you some OpenAudible alternatives.
Tool 3. inAudible
Best for: Tech-savvy Windows users seeking an Audible audiobook converter to extract MP3, M4B, AAC or WAV files, with optional features like chapter segmentation and CD ripping.
inAudible is developed by rmcrackan, the creator of Libation. It works on Windows and macOS, though the macOS version lacks CD ripping and batch conversion features. This tool utilizes the ffmpeg library to remove Audible's digital rights management (DRM) and convert Audible AA/AAX files into DRM-free formats. During conversion, inAudible fully preserves M4B metadata and chapter markers.
- Supported Input Formats: AA, AAX
- Supported Output Formats: MP3, M4B/AAC, WAV
- Download Site: https://github.com/rmcrackan/inAudible
How to Use inAudible to Convert Audible Audiobooks
inAudible offers two types of interfaces for Windows and Mac. Below, we'll demonstrate how to download and convert Audible files using the Windows version as an example. For a complete, step-by-step guide on inAudible operations, please refer to the inAudible review and tutorial below.
Read More : How to Use inAudible Converter for Audible Backup
Download the inAudible application zip file from the GitHub release page. Install it on your computer.
Launch inAudible.
Click the File tab, select Open, then choose the Audible / M4B option from the menu.
In the pop-up window, open the Audible File dropdown menu and select the Audible file stored on your computer. (You need to download Audible file to your computer from the Audible website.)
Open the Output File dropdown menu and select the folder where you want to save the converted Audible file.
Open the Output Type dropdown menu and choose your desired format.
Click Other Options to tell inAudible to preserve ID3 tags.
Once configured, click the Begin Conversion button at the bottom of the window. inAudible will start downloading and converting.
- Pros
- Free and open-source
- Lets you customize output quality and ID3 tags
- Supports CD ripping and chapter splitting
- Removes Audible DRM
- Supports MP3, M4B, AAC, and WAV formats
- Cons
- Outdated interface
- No mobile version
- Project maintenance can be inconsistent
- Requires you to download Audible files first
- Minimal official support
Tool 4. AAXtoMP3
Best for: Users who want a free and highly customizable method to convert their Audible files using the powerful FFMPEG library.
AAXtoMP3 is a free, open-source script that runs in the command line. It works as a simple front-end for FFMPEG. Its main job is to handle Audible's AAX and AA files and unlock these files using your activation code, which can be obtained by using some tools like audible-activator or audible-cli. After that, it converts your audiobooks into common formats, such as MP3, M4A, M4B, FLAC, and OGG formats. This tool is designed to help you make backup copies of the audiobooks you've bought, not the Audible titles you have not purchased.
- Supported Input Formats: Audible AAX and AAXC files
- Supported Output Formats: MP3, M4A, M4B, FLAC, OGG
- Download Site: https://github.com/KrumpetPirate/AAXtoMP3
How to Use AAXtoMP3 to Convert Audible Audiobooks
Download your Audible AAX files from Audible.com to your computer.
Clone or download the AAXtoMP3 script from GitHub.
Install the required tools: FFMPEG, bash, libmp3lame, and basic system utilities like grep, sed, find, and jq.
Open your terminal and go to the folder where the script is stored.
Get your Audible activation bytes. You can retrieve it with tools like audible-activator or audible-cli.
Once you have the authcode, run the conversion command. Command Example (chaptered FLAC):
- Pros
- Free and open-source
- Supports high-quality and lossless output
- Works on macOS and Linux
- Offers chapter splitting and flexible naming options
- Cons
- Requires comfort with the command line
- No GUI
- You must retrieve the Audible activation code yourself
- Needs a separate FFmpeg installation
- No built-in player or library management
Tool 5. AAX Audio Converter
Best for: Windows users who want a free, customizable way to convert their Audible .aax files to MP3 or M4B while keeping metadata and chapters.
AAX Audio Converter is a free, open-source Windows application designed to convert Audible AAX or AA files while preserving chapter markers and metadata. It supports input from AAX files and output to MP3, M4A, or M4B formats. The application features a user-friendly graphical interface, multiple workflows for handling DRM keys (including using an activation code or the FFmpeg audio library.), metadata editing, and fast conversion speeds.
- Supported Input Formats: Audible proprietary AAX and older AA files
- Supported Output Formats: MP3, M4A, M4B
- Download Site: https://github.com/audiamus/AaxAudioConverter
How to Use AAX Audio Converter to Convert Audible Audiobooks
Download and install the latest version from the AAX Audio Converter GitHub releases page.
Open the program. Click Add… and select your downloaded AAX file from Audible.
If this is your first time using the app, it may ask for your activation code.
- If you downloaded the book with Book Lib Connect, the activation is usually handled automatically.
- If the program cannot find your key, you may need to use a third-party tool or the old Audible Manager to extract your personal activation code. Enter it manually when prompted.
Under Format, choose MP3 or M4A.
Under Mode, choose how you want to split the audiobook.
Click Save to… and choose the folder for your converted files.
Click Convert. The app will use FFmpeg and multiple CPU cores to decrypt and convert your book.
Once finished, your converted files will appear in the output folder you selected.
- Pros
- Free and open-source
- Fast conversion
- Simple interface
- Retains chapter data and metadata
- Cons
- Windows only
- Requires an Audible activation code
- Limited output formats
- No built-in player or library tools
- Needs FFmpeg installed
- You must download the AAX files yourself first
Best Free Audible Audiobook Converter Alternative
After looking at these five Audible converters, you'll notice that free apps often have drawbacks. Interfaces can be outdated. Functionality may be inconsistent. They can be hard to learn. And output formats are usually limited.
If you have a large Audible library and want faster, more flexible conversions, freeware may not be enough. In that case, ViWizard Audible Audiobook Converter is worth trying. It saves time and gives better results.
- Supported Input Formats: Your full Audible library, including purchased titles, free titles, and Plus Catalog books.
- Supported Output Formats: MP3, M4A, M4B, FLAC, WAV, AIFF
- Download Site: https://www.viwizard.com/audible-converter/
Other Features You'll Love:
- Built-in Audible web player
- Split Audible books by chapters, parts, or equal segments
- Converts audiobooks in lossless quality
- Keeps all metadata like title, cover art, author, narrator, chapter titles, duration, and more
- Edit ID3 tags of your audiobooks
- Converts books up to 100× faster
Convert any protected Audible audiobook to lossless audio, MP3, FLAC, M4A, M4B, WAV, and AIFF formats with full ID3 tags.
How to Use ViWizard Audible Converter to Convert Audible Audiobooks
Step 1Launch ViWizard and Sign in to Audible
Make sure you've downloaded the latest version of ViWizard Audible Converter. Open the software, which will automatically launch the Audible web player. Log in to your Audible account to access your audiobooks in your library.
Step 2Set Output Format and Preferences
Click the menu icon (☰) in the top-right corner and go to Preferences. Choose your desired output format (MP3, M4A, M4B, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, or Lossless). You can also adjust sample rate, bitrate, channels, output folder, and file naming rules. Click OK to save your settings.
Step 3Select Audible Audiobooks
Browse your Audible library using the built-in web player. Click the Plus (+) icon to select titles. ViWizard will detect your audiobooks and show a pop-up where you can choose specific titles or your entire library. Click Add to List to add them to the conversion list.
Step 4Convert and Download Your Audible Books
Click the Convert button to start the process. ViWizard will convert the selected audiobooks according to your output settings and save them to the designated folder. Once finished, your Audible books are ready to play on any device without the Audible app and internet connection.
- Pros
- Wide format support
- Removes Audible DRM
- Up to 100× conversion speed
- Keeps lossless audio quality
- Free customer support and updates
- Provides a built-in player
- Allows splitting audiobooks by chapters
- Cons
- Requires a monthly, yearly, or lifetime payment after the trial
- Desktop only (Windows and Mac)
Conclusion
Choosing the right Audible converter ultimately depends on your technical comfort, budget, and preferred operating system. Here's how to pick the best audiobook converter for your needs:
- If you want the easiest and fastest using experience, go with ViWizard Audible Converter (paid). It offers the most output formats and is the only converter that lets you download titles from the Audible Plus Catalog. With a smooth graphical user interface (GUI) for both Windows and Mac, it handles the entire process with minimal effort and delivers incredibly fast 100x conversion speeds.
- If you are on a budget and use Windows, AAX Audio Converter is an excellent free option. It has a clean GUI and preserves chapter information in M4B files, making it perfect for high-quality audiobook conversions.
- If you need a free, all-in-one manager for Windows, Mac, or Linux, Libation is a clear choice. It handles both library syncing and conversion without requiring manual activation codes. It works as a reliable Audible audio extractor and audiobook converter for everyday use.
- If you are comfortable with technical tools or command-line workflows, AAXtoMP3 (Mac/Linux) or manual methods using inAudible or FFmpeg give you maximum control. These options are ideal for automation and scripting, as long as you don't mind working without a graphical interface.
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Nick Orin, a software developer at ViWizard, focuses on providing solutions for software-related challenges, including reviews, troubleshooting, and optimization tips.
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