7 Best Methods to Convert MP4 to M4A | 2026 Updated

Many people convert MP4 to M4A to create ringtones, or simply want to upload audio to Apple Music. M4A supports efficient AAC, delivering better sound quality than MP3 at similar bitrates. If you only need the audio track, extracting MP4’s audio stream and converting it to M4A creates a more portable file. In this post, we will cover the best tools for Windows, Mac, and online use. We will also provide quick guides to see how each tool converts files differently.

Method 1: The Best Way to Convert MP4 to M4A Without Quality Loss

AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate is a professional video-to-video converter that supports audio extraction. It allows you to convert and extract M4A from MP4 files as easily as ABC. With it, you can batch-encode multiple MP4 files with AAC and convert them simultaneously. It uses the most advanced hardware-accelerated media processing to achieve a 120× conversion speed. Better yet, all conversions and extraction are processed locally, ensuring 100% privacy.

1. Download AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate and complete the installation. Right after the setup, click +Add Files to upload the MP4 sources.

2. Navigate to Output Format, click the Audio category, and select M4A. To match the original audio bitrate, we recommend using the Same as Source quality preset.

3. Turn on the Hardware Acceleration to speed up the conversion. Set the destination folder, then click Convert All to convert MP4 to M4A.

In our hands-on test, we use 10 MP4 files, totaling 1.2 GB. It took only 32 seconds to extract the audio and convert it to M4A. During our audit, we used the built-in M4A player to assess the output quality. Based on our evaluation, it retained 100% of the audio data (320 kbps/48 kHz).

Method 2: How to Convert MP4 to M4A on Mac via Apple Music App

The Apple Music app isn’t just for managing music and streaming millions of ad-free songs. It has a secret AAC encoder feature that can decode lossless MP4 to M4A audio files. Just be sure your MP4 videos contain a compatible AAC audio stream.

1. Open the Apple Music app, click Music, and select Settings. Go to Files and select the AAC Encoder in the Import Settings.

2. Import the MP4s into your Apple Music library, then highlight them to select. Navigate to File, click Convert, and select Create AAC Version.

Top 5 Online Ways to Convert MP4 to M4A

AnyMP4 Free Media Converter Online

AnyMP4 Free Video Converter Online is a small, single-file online video converter with a 320kbps M4A extractor. With it, you can import an MP4 video, extract the audio, and save it as an M4A file. Before conversion, you can change the default encoder, channel, sample rate, and bitrate to your preferred settings. While you need to upload files to the server, it ensures 100% data privacy and security by automatically deleting them after conversion.

To convert: On the AnyMP4 Free Video Converter Online homepage, click Upload File to import the MP4 source. Go to the Audio tab and select M4A in the Format picker. Click Save to begin the conversion, and download it right after.

FreeConvert

FreeConvert is a free online conversion tool that can batch-convert MP4 to M4A on Windows 11/10, Mac, or even on mobile phones. It also includes a built-in music editor to boost the sound, add fade effects, reverse the audio, or trim it.

To convert: Click Choose Files to add your MP4 videos. Ensure the output format is set to M4A, then click Convert to start the conversion.

CloudConvert

CloudConvert is a media and file converter that supports 212 formats from different categories. You can use it as an MP4-to-M4A converter to extract the audio stream from the MP4 file. Compared to FreeConvert, this tool has a daily cap of 25 conversions.

To convert: Head to CloudConvert and click Select File to add the MP4 source. Make sure the selected format is M4A, then click Convert to initiate the conversion.

Online-Convert

Online-Convert is a conversion service that lets you convert media and files into various formats. It is popular for MP4-to-MP3 conversion, but it can also export to other formats, including M4A. See the quick guide below to learn how to change MP4 to M4A without software.

To convert: Select Convert to M4A in the Audio Converter category. Then, click Choose File to upload the MP4 videos. After they have been uploaded, click Start to convert them.

123Apps

123Apps is a collection of web-based tools online that includes an online audio converter. With it, you can convert video to M4A, MP3, WAV, FLAC, OGG, iPhone ringtone, MP2, and AMR. You can also adjust the audio bitrate from 64 kbps up to 256 kbps.

To convert: Import an MP4 file from the cloud or click Open Files. Then, select m4a as your target output format in the 2nd section. Next, click Convert to begin the transcoding.

Professional Tips for MP4 to M4A Conversion

Why M4A Is Better Than MP3 for Apple Users?

If you primarily use an iDevice, M4A is a better audio format than MP3. It is because M4A delivers better sound quality at the same bitrate. It uses AAC codec, which is more efficient than the older MP3 codec. For example, a 256 kbps M4A (AAC) file sounds comparable to, or even better than, a 320 kbps MP3. Check more details about M4A VS MP3.

How to Batch Process 100+ MP4 Files Safely

• • Always keep your source until you've confirmed every converted M4A file plays correctly.
• • Use desktop software instead of online converters because they process files locally.
• • Use consistent output settings for every file to ensure uniform quality.
• • Before converting all 100+ videos, process two or three sample files.