How to use the WMA to MP3 converter
- Pick the WMA files or the top folder of the old collection.
- Choose an MP3 bitrate, usually equal to or a notch above the WMA’s.
- Convert and download the whole set as a ZIP.
Which WMA files work
ffmpeg decodes standard WMA versions 1 and 2, WMA Pro, WMA Lossless and the WMA Voice codec some dictation recorders use. LAME then writes the MP3 at the bitrate you set.
Files sold with Windows Media DRM in the 2000s are locked; no tool can convert them without the licence.
Picking a bitrate
Windows Media Player defaulted to 128 kbps WMA, and WMA edges out MP3 at equal bitrates. A 160 kbps MP3 keeps that sound; for WMA Lossless choose 320 kbps or VBR.
The decoder is part of this page, so the job runs the same on a Mac, a Chromebook or Linux as on Windows.
Moving a whole library
Drop the root folder and every WMA inside is queued. Each MP3 keeps its file name, and the ZIP keeps the batch together for re-importing into a music app or copying to a phone.
A large library takes a while but needs no attention, and you can keep working while the queue runs. Any file that fails, such as a DRM-locked track, is marked in the list while the rest carry on.
Questions
Are track titles kept?
Title, artist and album stored in the WMA header are usually written into the MP3’s ID3 tags.
What about WMV videos?
Video to MP3 takes the sound from a WMV, and WMV to MP4 converts the whole clip.
Can I convert WMA Lossless at full quality?
Pick 320 kbps or VBR. The MP3 is lossy, so keep the lossless WMA if you may want another format later.
Do I need Windows Media Player?
No. The WMA decoder is part of this page and runs in any modern browser.