How To Convert iTunes Songs To MP3 For Free (3 Ways)

Written By Robert Fabry Last updated: February 22, 2024

If you want to play downloaded Apple Music or iTunes music files on your device, one factor that you should consider is whether the device supports Apple's audio format, which is AAC. If it does not have any, then think of the compatibility problem that you will face. If you are to transfer the songs to any device, and then you have to convert them to MP3 to be able to stream them. The MP3 output format is very popular because it can be opened on multiple music players. Fortunately, this post is about discussing the best methods to try in doing the procedure on how to convert iTunes songs to MP3 and be able to stream your music favorites without any restrictions to think of.

Contents Guide Method 1. Convert Purchased iTunes Song to MP3 with iTunesMethod 2. Convert DRM-Protected Song to MP3 with Apple Music ConverterMethod 3. Download iTunes Songs to MP3 with Online Music DownloaderFAQsSummary

Method 1. Convert Purchased iTunes Song to MP3 with iTunes

MP3 audio files are more accessible on almost all music devices around. How to convert iTunes songs to MP3 for free? If you purchased music from the iTunes Store in the AAC format after 2009, you can easily do so using iTunes because Apple introduced an entire DRM-free music catalog in the iTunes Store in January 2009. So you can edit your music files easily. Now, let us see the steps below on how to convert purchased music to MP3 on your Mac and Windows computer with the help of iTunes.

Convert iTunes Songs to MP3 Using iTunes

Step 1. Launch the iTunes application on Windows or an older Mac. In case you are using a Windows computer, you can hit the "Edit" button first to see this "Preference" option. If you are a Mac user, hit "iTunes" on top and choose the "Preference" option.

Step 2. Among the set of tabs again, click General and then look for the option of Import Settings, you then have to click the menu next to Import Using. Choose MP3 Encoder for the Import Using option. Once done, tap the OK button located at the bottom part.

MP3 Encoder Using iTunes

Step 3. Lastly, you need to choose songs from your library. Hit the “File” button followed by the “Create New Version” tab. From the list that you will be seeing on your screen, you must choose, “Create MP3 Version”. After a few minutes, the process will be finished and the converted MP3 songs will be available in your music library.

Create MP3 Version

You may be interested: You can also create AAC version for some ringtones using iTunes. See How To Create AAC Version >>>>

If you are using a Mac computer in the Catalina version or later, you can open the Music app to convert iTunes music to MP3 for free. How to convert iTunes songs to MP3 using Apple Music? To do so, you need to complete the three major steps mentioned below.

Convert iTunes Songs to MP3 Using Apple Music

Step 1. Open and launch your Apple Music application. In the top bar that is shown in the upper part of the screen, you need to choose the “Music” option followed by hitting the “Preferences” button.

Step 2. Among the options shown, select the MP3 Encoder option. Once done, hit the OK button.

Using Apple Music Create MP3 Version

Step 3. After completing the steps above, you can now head to the conversion of bought songs to MP3 format. Firstly, choose the “File” button, then the “Convert” button followed by “Create MP3 Version”. Choose the folder and select the iTunes songs to be converted. Upon finishing the conversion process, the converted files will be saved into iTunes library.

Using Apple Music Create MP3

While iTunes' MP3 encoder can convert purchased AAC songs, it cannot be used to convert DRM-protected media content from Apple Music or bought from iTunes Store between 2003-2009. If you own DRM-protected AAC music files on your device, you may need to explore alternative methods for conversion, such as an Apple Music to MP3 converter like AMusicSoft Apple Music Converter.

Method 2. Convert DRM-Protected Song to MP3 with Apple Music Converter

How to convert iTunes songs to MP3 if they are protected by DRM copy-protection? In this part, we have found the best tool for you. To convert Apple Music and iTunes songs to MP3 for free, the most recommended one is the AMusicSoft Apple Music Converter.

AMusicSoft Apple Music Converter is a versatile DRM removal software and music downloader, which is capable of removing DRM from DRM-protected music files at 5X faster speed and converting them to DRM-free MP3, MP4, AAC, M4A, FLAC, WAV, or other mainstream format files with lossless audio quality. With these DRM-free songs, you can back up them on any device and play with any media player you want. In this way, you won’t have the need to access the application ever or connect your device to the internet in order to listen to Apple Music offline. Even if the iTunes songs greyed out suddenly on the library, you can restore them immediately. It is a great way of enjoying audiobooks offline for reading enthusiasts because it can also convert AAX audiobook files provided by Apple Music.

How to convert iTunes songs to MP3 for free with AMusicSoft Apple Music Converter? Follow the step-by-step guide enumerated below.

Step 1. Click the Free Download button below to get DRM-free MP3 songs on your Windows PC or Mac! With AMusicSoft software, your Apple Music listening process will not be limited by DRM anymore!

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Step 2. Then open the application after installation. The main interface will load your music library where you will select the song you want to remove DRM.

Choose the Music Tracks

Step 3. After doing so, proceed with the selection of the output format to use. From the output formats mentioned available a while ago, choose the MP3 format. You are also free to adjust the output settings according to your preferred output quality. You may also select the output folder for the storage of files.

Select the Output Format

Step 4. Once you are already set with everything, click the Convert button and have the conversion process started. After a few minutes, the process will be done and you can already have the songs available on the converted menu.

Convert the Apple Music

Now your songs are DRM free which means that you can play songs on any device you want. As we all know, Apple Music is a subscription-based service, if you cancel Apple Music free trial or subscription, do you keep the songs forever? It is possible as long as using AMusicSoft Apple Music Converter. Plus, all digital content on Apple Music has ID tags that identify them and AMusicSoft program will keep those ID tags after conversion. You will easily recognize the output file from the saved folder.

Method 3. Download iTunes Songs to MP3 with Online Music Downloader

If you want to get your favorite songs from iTunes AAC to MP3 without installing any software, then the online free Apple Music Downloader might be a top pick. For instance, Apple Music MP3 Downloader is another web-based tool to convert music to MP3 free online. Without needing to install any software, you can get Apple Music songs in MP3 format. How to convert iTunes songs to MP3? Without further ado, let’s get started!

Step 1. Open the Apple Music web player or app on your computer. Find the songs you want to download as MP3 files. Copy the link of the songs by clicking the three dots next to the song name.

Step 2. Then paste the copied URL into the search bar on Apple Music MP3 Downloader and select your preferred download option. Finally, click Get Download > Download MP3 to confirm the downloading.

Online Music Downloader

The conversion speed may be a little slow, you need to be patient. Also, you should make sure that the WiFi used is stable and strong because it is a web-based tool. MP3 is the only supported output format of this downloader. Besides, it doesn't support batch downloading. If you need more audio formats and batch downloading, you can use another program, like AMusicSoft Apple Music Converter, as an alternative.

FAQs

The steps of how to convert iTunes songs to MP3 are easy. But sometimes you may still encounter some problems with it. Following are the FAQs which should be helpful for you.

Q1: MP3 vs AAC, which is the better audio format?

AAC and MP3 are both a lossy file format. Whereas MP3 audio can be played on just about any computer or media player, AAC files are associated with Apple operating systems. AAC files have a higher quality than MP3. However, AAC versus MP3 sound capabilities don't vary considerably. To enjoy more high-quality sound, you can try Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC).

You may be interested: Apple Lossless VS AAC: Which One Is Better

Q2: How to check if music is protected AAC file?

How to check if an audio file is FairPlay DRM-protected in iTunes? Just right-click on the song you wish to check, and click “song info” > “File”. If the song is DRM-protected, you will see the “Protected AAC audio file” from the “File” section.

Summary

In the discussion above, there are two methods tackled on how to convert iTunes songs to MP3. You can also download single MP3 song directly using online tools. If you find out that the songs are encrypted with DRM, the best solution that you could do is to use AMusicSoft Apple Music Converter. With the features and services it offers, it can surely help you with DRM removal and with the downloading of songs.

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