Best Ways to Convert AAC to MP3 [Protected & Unprotected]

AAC and MP3 are two of the most widely used audio file formats. AAC can provide better audio quality at a smaller file size compared to MP3. However, AAC may have limited compatibility with some older devices and software. Therefore, many users prefer to convert AAC to MP3 for better compatibility and playback on various devices. There are a variety of software tools and online services you can use to do this. They may use different algorithms and the output quality may vary. Thus, we selected some best tools for you to convert AAC file to MP3.

• Part 1. What Is AAC File & Protected AAC File
• Part 2. How to Convert Protected AAC to MP3
• Part 3. How to Convert AAC to MP3 in iTunes
• Part 4. How to Convert AAC to MP3 Free Online
• Part 5. In Conclusion

Part 1. What Is AAC File & Protected AAC File

AAC stands for Advanced Audio Coding and is a digital audio compression format. Its performance is similar to MP3 files. Even though the AAC file format has the same bitrate as the MP3 format, it still offers better sound quality in comparison. And AAC files are generally smaller than MP3 files of the same quality. Therefore, AAC is widely used for streaming audio and music. It is compatible with most platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad, PlayStation, and more.

However, some AAC files may be protected to prevent unauthorized copying, such as DRM (Digital Rights Management). Apple Music just uses DRM-protected AAC for streaming music. Plus, before 2009, iTunes used AAC audio format for its music. And those music files are under the right protection.

In this case, the protected AAC audio in iTunes/Apple Music can't be used or transferred to other devices unless the device is authorized. So, if you want to play those protected AAC files on your desired device, you may need to transfer AAC to MP3 - a more universal format. But how? Below is a table of the best solutions.

Part 2. How to Convert Protected AAC to MP3

As for protected AAC files, they are encrypted using Apple's FairPlay DRM technology. And common online audio conversion tools only support unprotected AAC audio files. Therefore, to convert protected AAC audio file to MP3, you also need to remove DRM restrictions first.

At this time, we recommend DRmare Apple Music Converter to you. It supports unprotecting iTunes songs, Apple Music, and Audible audiobooks. It works well at converting both protected files and unprotected files, between various audio formats. With just one click, it can batch convert AAC to MP3, FLAC, M4A, M4B and other common formats.

DRmare Apple Music Converter works 30 times faster, saving you time and effort. Additionally, it preserves lossless sound quality and metadata information such as song title, year, etc. With it, you can effortlessly convert AAC file to MP3 and listen to it on any device you want.

DRmare AAC to MP3 Converter

• Support to remove DRM from iTunes, Apple Music, and Audible
• Run at a 30x faster speed with the original audio quality kept
• Transfer audio formats between MP3, AAC, WAV, etc.
• Convert protected iTunes/Apple Music AAC within one click

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How to Convert Protected AAC to MP3 by DRmare Apple Music Converter

Now, let's learn more about how to convert both protected and unprotected AAC audio to MP3 via DRmare Apple Music Converter. Before that, you need to download and install the DRmare Apple Music Converter to your computer.

Step 1Set up DRmare Apple Music Converter

Open the DRmare Apple Music Converter on your PC. It will show its main screen to you. And it will load the iTunes program as well.

Step 2Add protected AAC audio files to DRmare

Before converting protected AAC audio files, please make sure that you had downloaded and authorize the audio to play well in iTunes. Once confirmed, then drag and drop them from iTunes to DRmare main screen. Or you can press on the 'Add Files' button to browse and choose the audio files to import.

Step 3Set output format as MP3 for protected AAC files

Hit on the 'Format' button and it will pop up a setting window. There you can choose MP3 as the output audio format. And you can customize the audio parameters like codec, bit rate, channel, and so on.

Step 4Convert protected AAC to MP3

At last, you can hit the 'Convert' button to start converting protected AAC audio file to MP3 format. After a while, you can get them converted and saved on your computer. You can click on the 'Converted' icon to find your audio files on your computer. These audio files are available for you to listen to, save and use anywhere.

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Part 3. How to Convert AAC to MP3 in iTunes

You can also convert protected AAC audio file to MP3 in iTunes for free. There are two methods, the first is to subscribe to iTunes Match and the other is to burn AAC audio files to CD. Below is how to convert AAC to MP3 free in iTunes.

Method 1. Use iTunes Match Subscription

Step 1. Open iTunes on your computer and subscribe to iTunes Match.

Step 2. Delete the protected AAC files in your iTunes library and then re-download them. Then you will get DRM-free AAC files.

Step 3. Click on 'Preferences' > 'Import Settings' and select as MP3 encoder.

Step 3. Choose the AAC file you'd like to convert.

Step 4. Hit on 'File' > 'Create MP3 Version'.

Yet, sometimes you won't successfully upgrade all protected AAC audio files into DRM-free audio.

Method 2. Burn Protected AAC File to CD

Step 1. Launch iTunes and create a new playlist.

Step 2. Add the protected AAC files to the newly created playlist.

Step 3. Insert a blank CD into your computer and right-click the protected AAC file you like to burn.

Step 4. Once burned, then put the songs back into iTunes from CD via the MP3 encoder.

Then you can rip the audio files from CD to MP3 format in iTunes. But this way is time-consuming and quite complicated.

See also: Burn Protected Apple Music to CD

Part 4. How to Convert AAC to MP3 Free Online

If you have some unprotected AAC files, you can use some free online services to convert them to MP3. It's easy to use and completely free. But be aware that they may cause some audio quality loss. If you want lossless conversion, it is recommended that you use DRmare Apple Music Converter. Here we will show you two AAC to MP3 converter free online tools for you.

1. Convertio AAC to MP3 Converter

Convertio is an online conversion tool that allows you to transfer between many audio formats. In addition to audio, it also supports converting images, video, documents, and more. It offers options for you to change the settings, such as the bitrate, audio channels, and so on. Now let's see how to convert AAC to MP3 online free by Convertio.

Step 1. Open a web browser and go to Convertio's website.

Step 2. Click on 'Choose Files' and you can upload AAC audio files from your computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL, or by dragging.

Step 3. Click 'Convert' to start converting your AAC files.

2. CloudConvert AAC to MP3 Converter

Similar to Convertio, CloudConvert also allows you to convert your audio files online among MP3, AAC, M4A, and more. It also provides advanced settings for you ro adjust, such as the audio codec, audio bitrate, sample rate, volume, and so on.

Step 1. Visit the official website of CloudConvert.

Step 2. Click 'Select File' and you can directly upload the files from your computer.

Step 3. Click 'Convert' to start converting AAC files to MP3.

In Conclusion

Now you know how to convert protected AAC to MP3 with DRmare Apple Music and iTunes. If you have any unprotected AAC files, apart from these two tools, you can also use an online free AAC to MP3 converter to do this. DRmare Apple Music Converter is the most recommended tool as it is easy to use and maintains lossless audio quality. Whether you want to convert common AAC files or protected Apple Music/iTunes AAC files, it can help you easily.