This guide shows you how to convert MP3 to AAC format in 4 proper ways, including the best converter software, iTunes/Music, online tools, and command line tool.
Please note that AAC encoded audio can have various file extensions such as ".aac" and ".m4a". The file type are the same even with different file containers.
Cisdem Video Converter is a powerful audio and video converter program that supports almost all video/audio formats. It allows you to convert MP3 to AAC and vice versa, while preserving as much quality as possible. It best suits users who desire to convert a large number of MP3s quickly.
Key features:
Free Download macOS 10.13 or later 
Free Download Windows 11/10/8/7
Download this converter on your operating system (Mac or Windows) now and follow the steps below to convert MP3 to AAC!
Launch Cisdem Video Converter and stay at the default tab for conversion. Drag and drop your MP3 files to the interface. Or, you can click the + button at lower left corner.
Click the ‘Convert all tasks to’ box to open the format selection panel, choose Audio tab > AAC, and select a quality level. You can also select ‘M4A’ if you prefer an .m4a file extension.
If you need to adjust advanced format settings, click the gear icon to see more options.
Click the Edit 
icon to trim the audio, adjust volume, set fade-in/out effect and add chapter markers if needed.
Click the ‘Start’ button to start converting all MP3 files to AAC at once. Check the Merge option if you want to join them into one file.
Once the conversion is complete, click Checkmark icon to locate it in folder. Click the ‘Save to’ field at the bottom to change the storage location.
If you’re converting a few files, it’s easy to do so using the Apple Music app on your Mac, or iTunes on Windows. They also support conversion to and from AIFF, WAV and Apple Lossless. However, the source file and converted AAC will be added to your music catalogue automatically, which can make your library cumbersome if you simply need a quick conversion.
Web-based converters usually limit the upload file size and number of conversions that can be made for free every day. The advantage is that you don’t need to install any software. If you only need to convert several files, try the following online converters.
Process to convert MP3 to AAC online:
FFmpeg is a free and open-source tool that powers many free media converters. It’s a command-line tool and thus can be complex for regular users.
The output aac file will be placed in the same folder of the source file if not specified.
To change the audio quality, add the ‘-b:a’ option, for example, ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -b:a 256k output.aac
If you need AAC output in .m4a file container, run ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -c:a aac output.m4a.
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) has become one of the most ubiquitous audio formats now, second only to MP3. As a newer format, AAC offers more efficient coding strategy and has become the primary format of many platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Converting MP3 files to AAC can help you reduce file size, and improve compatibility for streaming and modern devices/apps.
It may cause a light quality loss. MP3 and AAC are both lossy audio formats. Converting from MP3 to AAC will compress the audio again with a lossy standard. Even if you choose a higher bitrate than the MP3 source file, the audio quality won’t be any better. But don’t worry, it’s usually hard to notice the difference.
Yes, with an additional library. Audacity does not support AAC by default. You have to install the FFmpeg for Audacity to help it to import and export AAC format without problems.
Yes. In the convert window, click the wrench button to customize the audio codec to MPEG-4 (AAC). But VLC can only output AAC wrapped in m4v or mp4 containers, If you need .aac or .m4a files, VLC won't help directly.
With various MP3 to AAC converters provided above, you may choose the one that suits your use case and tech savviness. If you concern efficiency, security and privacy, Cisdem Video Converter is a go-to option. If you don’t want to install extra software, the Music app and online tools are convenient choices. FFmpeg is the safe and free way if you know how to use it.
Emily is a girl who loves to review various multimedia software. She enjoys exploring cutting edge technology and writing how-to guides. Hopefully her articles will help you solve your audio, video, DVD and Blu-ray issues.
