FLAC is a popular audio format for music lovers. It keeps the sound perfect, just like the original. But FLAC files are big, which makes them hard to store or share. That's where MP3 comes in. MP3 is not perfect, the sound is lower quality than FLAC. But it works on almost any device and the files are much smaller. So it's easier to store and play on devices.
The good news is you don't have to choose. This guide will show you how to convert FLAC to MP3 while keeping the sound as good as possible. That way, you can enjoy your music library anywhere you go.
Don't know where to get FLAC music files? Refer to this guide, which provides you with 11 free/paid websites to download music and audio in FLAC format.
Explore 11 free and paid FLAC downloaders to get music in true lossless quality on Windows, Mac, and mobile.
Part 1. Why Convert FLAC to MP3?
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is great for keeping every detail of your music. But it is not always practical for everyday use. Converting FLAC to MP3 is often a smart choice for a balance between quality and convenience. Why? There are some reasons why you should convert FLAC to MP3:
1. MP3 saves space on your device
MP3 files are smaller than FLAC files. They remove audio you can barely hear, which makes the file much lighter. A high-quality MP3 (320kbps) is usually 3 to 5 times smaller than a FLAC file. For example, a library of 10,000 songs could take 300GB in FLAC but only 60GB in MP3. If you listen on your phone or a regular MP3 player, MP3 is a better choice because it saves space.
2. MP3 works on more devices
MP3 can play almost anywhere. FLAC only works on some high-end audio players and certain software. Older car stereos, old MP3 players, game consoles, and some apps may not read FLAC. MP3 makes sure you can play your music on any device.
3. MP3 is easier for sharing and streaming
Because MP3 files are smaller, they are easier to send over the internet. Uploading music to the cloud or moving files between devices is faster, and it uses less data.
Part 2. How to Convert FLAC to MP3 Online
For most people, using a free FLAC to MP3 online converter is the fastest way. You don't need to install any software, and it works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices. This method is best for converting single songs.
Not sure which free online converters to use? Here are some good options. All of them are free and work in your browser. They may have slightly different features, but they all let you turn FLAC to MP3 for free.
- Option 1. CloudConvert: CloudConvert is known for its clean interface and advanced settings. It supports many formats beyond FLAC to MP3. You also get a good number of free conversions each day.
- Option 2. Zamzar: Zamzar is simple and reliable. Just upload your file, choose the format, and they send you a download link by email.
- Option 3. Online Audio Converter: This is very user-friendly. You can upload files from your device, Google Drive, Dropbox, or even via URL. Before converting, you can adjust audio quality and edit track information.
Since most online converters work in a similar way, we'll use Online Audio Converter as an example to show how to turn FLAC files into MP3.
How to Turn FLAC to MP3 Using a Free Online Tool
Open your web browser and go to the Online Audio Converter website.
Click Open files and select the FLAC file from your computer. (You can also upload from Google Drive, Dropbox, or a URL.)
Choose MP3 as the output format.
Move the quality slider to the kbps you want.
Click Advanced settings to adjust bitrate, sample rate, or audio channels if needed.
Click Edit track info to change metadata like title, artist, or album.
Click Convert to start turning your FLAC file into MP3.
When the conversion finishes, click Download to save the MP3 to your device. You can also save it directly to Google Drive or Dropbox.
Part 3. How to Convert FLAC to MP3 Using Freeware
While online converters are great for single songs, desktop software is better when you want to work offline, convert many files at once, or control your output settings. If you need to convert an album or a large music library, a desktop tool is the best choice.
3.1 Convert FLAC to MP3 with Audacity
Audacity is a free and open-source audio editor. It can edit audio, but it also works well for converting FLAC to MP3 on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Before you start, download the latest version from Audacity website. You also need the FFmpeg library, which you can install from this page.
Here's how to convert FLAC to MP3 in Audacity:
Open Audacity.
Go to File > Import > Audio and select your FLAC file.
Go to File > Export Audio.
In the pop-up window, enter a file name and choose where to save it.
Open the Format menu and choose MP3. You can change the bitrate or quality to 320kbps if you want.
Click Export. Audacity will convert the FLAC file to MP3.
When it's done, open the folder you chose, and you'll see your new MP3 file.
3.2 Convert FLAC to MP3 with VLC Media Player
Many people use VLC to watch videos, but it can also convert audio files. If you don't want to install Audacity, VLC is a good choice for turning FLAC into MP3.
Here's how to do it:
Open VLC Media Player.
Go to Media > Convert / Save in the top menu.
In the new window, click + Add, find your FLAC file, select it, and then click Convert / Save.
In the next window, look for the Profile menu and choose Audio – MP3.
Click Browse to pick where you want to save the MP3 file. Enter a name and make sure to add .mp3 to the end.
Click Start. VLC will convert the FLAC file to MP3.
Part 4. Get MP3 Music Directly without FLAC Conversion
If your goal is to get a song in MP3 format, you don't always need to convert anything. You can download the song as an MP3 file from the start by using a tool like ViWizard Streaming Music Converter.
ViWizard is an all-in-one music downloader that works with nine major music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, Deezer, SoundCloud, Qobuz, Line Music, and Pandora. If the song you want exists on any of these platforms, you can download it directly as an MP3 file. There's no need to deal with FLAC files or conversion steps at all.
And if you ever want FLAC instead of MP3, you can simply change the output format in the settings. ViWizard lets you choose the format you want before downloading.
What else can ViWizard do for you?
- Download music in MP3, FLAC, M4A, M4B, WAV, and AIFF
- Keep all song metadata, while letting you edit it if needed
- Save song lyrics
- Download albums, playlists, or your whole library in batches
- Use the built-in music web player to listen without opening a browser or desktop app
Download songs, playlists, albums, and your music libraries from SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, Amazon Music, Pandroa, and Line Music as MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, and M4B foramts with original audio quality and full metadata information.
How to Get MP3 Files Directly with ViWizard
Step 1Set MP3 as the Output Format
To start, install ViWizard Streaming Audio Converter on your Windows or Mac computer. Open the menu in the top-right corner and go to Preferences > Conversion. Here, set MP3 as the output format, and adjust the channel, sample rate, or bit depth if needed. Choose an output folder, then click OK to save your settings.
Step 2Choose a Music Source
Return to the main interface and pick a music source from the nine supported platforms. We'll use SoundCloud as an example. The program will load the built-in SoundCloud player, and you'll need to log in so the software can access your library. Your login information isn't stored, it's only used to load the music in SoundCloud.
Step 3Choose the Songs to Download
Next, browse or search for the songs, playlists, albums, or podcasts you want to download as MP3 files. When you find what you need, click the plus (+) button. Select the tracks you want, then click Add to List to move them to the conversion queue.
Step 4Convert and Download the Songs in MP3
When everything is ready, open the conversion list and click Convert. ViWizard will download and convert all selected tracks to MP3, saving them to the output folder you set earlier. After conversion, you can preview the songs using ViWizard's built-in player or click the folder icon beside each track to locate the MP3 file on your computer.
Part 5. FAQs about FLAC to MP3 Conversion
Can I convert FLAC to MP3 on Android?
Yes. You can convert FLAC to MP3 on Android using apps from the Google Play Store. A common choice is All Audio Converter, which lets you load your FLAC files and turn them into MP3. If you prefer not to download an app, you can use an online tool, such as the Online Audio Converter mentioned in Part 2, directly from your mobile browser.
Can I convert FLAC to MP3 using iTunes?
No. iTunes and the Apple Music app do not support FLAC files, so you can't import or convert them. You'll need to convert your FLAC files to MP3 first before adding them to iTunes.
Does converting FLAC to MP3 reduce audio quality?
Yes. FLAC is lossless and MP3 is lossy, so converting from FLAC to MP3 will always reduce audio quality. The difference depends on the bitrate you choose, but some loss is unavoidable.
Will converting to MP3 cause me to lose album art and metadata?
Usually not. Most modern converters, whether online tools like CloudConvert or desktop apps like VLC, can read the metadata from your FLAC file and write it into the MP3 file. In most cases, details like album art, title, artist, and track number are preserved.
Conclusion
The choice between FLAC and MP3 doesn't have to feel like an either/or decision. With the methods in this guide, you can convert FLAC to MP3 whenever you need a smaller, more compatible file. Online converters work well for quick jobs, while desktop tools handle larger libraries with more control.
If your goal is to get MP3 files without dealing with format changes at all, ViWizard Streaming Music Converter gives you a direct path. It lets you download music from major streaming platforms and save it straight as MP3 or FLAC so you get the format you want from the start. No extra steps, no juggling between apps.
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Dave Henry, a multimedia technologist at ViWizard, focuses on delivering the best solutions for digital media challenges, including audio and video conversion, media optimization, and troubleshooting.
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