How to Convert FLAC to MP3

If you've ever tried playing a FLAC file on your iPhone or car stereo, you've likely faced the dreaded "format not supported" error. While audiophiles love FLAC for its lossless audio quality, its large file size (10x bigger than MP3!) and limited compatibility make it impractical for daily use.

This is where converting FLAC to MP3 shines:

Free up storage space on phones/tablets
Play music on ANY device (even older MP3 players)
Share files faster via email or messaging apps

In this guide, we'll show you how to convert FLAC format to MP3 with different tools.

Part 1. What is FLAC and MP3?

What is FLAC?

FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) is an audio compression format that retains the original sound quality without losing any data. It's popular among audiophiles for its high-quality sound and efficient compression. FLAC files are typically larger than MP3 but offer superior sound quality.

What is MP3?

MP3 (MPEG Audio Layer III) is one of the most widely used audio formats. It uses lossy compression, meaning it reduces file size by discarding some audio data. While MP3 files are much smaller than FLAC, they still provide good sound quality for everyday listening.

Key Differences Between FLAC and MP3

Feature	FLAC	MP3
Compression	Lossless	Lossy
File Size	Larger	Smaller
Sound Quality	Superior, no loss of detail	Good, but compressed
Compatibility	Supported by fewer devices	Universally supported

Part 2. The Best Way to Convert FLAC to MP3 on Windows and Mac

HitPaw Univd is a powerful, user-friendly tool that allows you to convert FLAC files to MP3 without quality loss. It supports a variety of formats, making it an excellent all-in-one audio and video converter. With HitPaw Univd, you can achieve high-quality MP3 outputs while saving space.

Key Features:

Fast Conversion: Converts FLAC to MP3 quickly, without compromising on quality.
Batch Conversion: Convert multiple FLAC files to MP3 at once, saving time and effort.
Easy-to-Use Interface: Simple drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for users of all experience levels.
High-Quality Output: Supports high-bitrate MP3 files for the best sound quality.

Step 1. Download and Install HitPaw Univ

Download HitPaw Univd according to your system and install it to your Windows or Mac computer.

Step 2. Import FLAC Files

Open HitPaw Univd and go to the Converter menu. Click on "Add Files > Add Audio" to import your FLAC files. Or, you can drag & drop FLAC audio to the conversion panel directly.

Step 3. Choose MP3 as Output Format

Click Convert all to in the lower left corner to open the output format list. In the Audio tab, find MP3, you can choose Smart Fit or 320kbps to keep high quality.

You can customize the bitrate or sample rate for the MP3 file.

Step 4. Start FLAC to MP3 Conversion

Click "Convert All" to start processing FLAC to MP3 conversion. This program utilizes full GPU acceleration to batch conversion audio files with 120x faster speed.

Step 5. Access MP3 Files

After conversion, you can access to the MP3 audio files by switching to the Converted tab. Here you can play the converted files using the built-in player, or click Open Folder to open MP3 files.

Pros:

Fast and easy to use
Supports batch conversion
High-quality output
Compatible with both Windows and Mac

Cons:

Requires a paid version for full functionality (free trial available)

Part 3. How to Convert FLAC to MP3 Free

1. Audacity

Audacity is one of the most popular free audio editing and recording tools. It's open-source and supports converting various audio formats, including FLAC to MP3. It offers a wide range of audio editing features but does require a few extra steps to set up the MP3 conversion.

How to Convert FLAC to MP3 with Audacity:

1. Download and Install Audacity:Visit the Audacity website and download the software for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
2. Install the LAME MP3 Encoder:For Audacity to export MP3 files, you'll need to install the LAME MP3 encoder. Follow the instructions provided on the website to complete this step.
3. Import Your FLAC File:Open Audacity and click on "File" > "Open" to import your FLAC file.
4. Edit the Audio (Optional):If desired, you can edit the audio before converting it, such as trimming, adjusting volume, or applying effects.
5. Export as MP3:Once your FLAC file is ready, click "File" > "Export" > "Export as MP3". Choose the output quality (bitrate) and save your MP3 file.

Pros:

Free and open-source
Offers detailed editing features
Supports a wide range of audio formats

Cons:

Requires additional setup for MP3 conversion (needs LAME MP3 encoder)
The interface can be confusing for beginners

2. FLAC to MP3 Converter Online

Online Audio Converter is a browser-based tool that allows you to convert FLAC to MP3 without downloading any software. It's quick and easy to use, especially for users who need to convert files on the go.

How to Convert FLAC to MP3 with Online Audio Converter:

1. Visit the Website:Go to Online Audio Converter.
2. Upload Your FLAC File:Click "Open files" and select the FLAC file you want to convert from your computer.
3. Choose MP3 Format:In the output format dropdown, select MP3 as the desired conversion format.
4. Adjust MP3 Settings (Optional):You can choose the desired bitrate (e.g., 192 kbps, 256 kbps, or 320 kbps) or leave it at the default setting.
5. Convert and Download:Click "Convert" to start the process. Once done, click "Download" to save the MP3 file to your device.

Pros:

No installation required
Supports various audio formats
Free to use

Cons:

Limited to smaller file sizes
Requires an internet connection

Part 4. FAQs About Converting FLAC to MP3

Q1. Does Converting FLAC to MP3 Lose Quality?

A1. Yes, converting FLAC to MP3 does result in some loss of audio quality due to MP3's lossy compression. However, if you choose a high bitrate for your MP3, the loss may be minimal to most listeners.

Q2. Can I Convert FLAC to MP3 on Mac?

A2. Yes, HitPaw Unid for Mac and other tools like Audacity and Online Audio Converter work on Mac devices.

Q3. What Bitrate Should I Choose for MP3?

A3. For the best balance between file size and audio quality, 192 kbps or 256 kbps is recommended. Higher bitrates like 320 kbps will offer better quality but result in larger files.

Final Words

Converting FLAC to MP3 is a great way to save space while still enjoying high-quality audio. There are several solutions available, if you're looking for the fastest and easiest method, HitPaw Univd is highly recommended for its simple interface and excellent performance.

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