How to convert WAV to MP3 on Mac

WAV and MP3 format audio conversion: The best solution for Mac

Choosing high-quality audio from WAV or the convenience of MP3 is often tangled. But once you understand when sound quality is crucial and when it's wiser to use compressed audio, the WAV to MP3 conversion is no longer a compromise. This article will explore the difference between WAV and MP3 file formats and explain various methods of WAV to MP3 conversion on your Mac, helping you better manage disk space, easily transfer files and ensure excellent sound quality.

question	Solution
Non-technicians, simple solutions are needed	Install and open Permute. Drag and drop the WAV file to the application window > select MP3 > click the play button.
Want to use macOS tools	Go to Music > Settings > File > Import Settings > Select MP3 Encoder > Add WAV Files. Go to File > Convert > Create MP3 version.
Don't want to pay to buy a conversion app	Download VLC for WAV to MP3 conversion.
Mac cannot play converted MP3 files	Install Elmedia Player to play over 70 audio and video formats, including WAV and MP3.
Need to improve audio quality	Install Boom 3D to enhance your Mac audio for superior sound quality, volume and virtual surround sound.

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WAV and MP3: What is the difference between them?

WAV and MP3 are both popular audio recording and storage file formats.

WAV (pronounced "wave") was developed by IBM and Microsoft in the 1990s and remains the preferred format for professional audio engineering today. It stores uncompressed original audio with the closest sound to the original sound. The disadvantage is that WAV files are usually large and can take up to 4GB of space.

The MP3 format solves this problem by compressing data, resulting in a more reasonable file size. While some quality is lost in the process, it is almost impossible for the human ear to detect (the most obvious disadvantage of MP3 music is the weakened bass response), and the file size may be 95% less than the original file.

This gives us a look at the key difference between MP3 and WAV:

• Audio Quality: The WAV file records original sound as is, with very high sampling rate and bit depth, always the best choice for the highest quality audio. MP3 compresses digitized sound by removing all data outside the hearing range of the human ear.
• File size: Uncompressed WAV files are very large and are not suitable for sharing, streaming, or storing music on your iPhone or Mac. MP3 audio is usually only one tenth of the size of the WAV file.
• Purpose: The WAV format is the standard for audio recording, ensuring you capture the most data and providing more options for future editing. The MP3 format is more suitable for fast streaming, swapping and storing files.

The best way to convert WAV to MP3 on Mac

The most straightforward way to convert .wav to .mp3 without wasting any time is to use a professional media file converter. We recommend Permute, which is one of the most versatile and easy to use audio, image or video file converters on macOS.

Permute converts WAV to MP3 with just two clicks. Even if you want to convert multiple files to MP3 format at once.

To use Permute as a WAV to MP3 converter:

1. Open the application
2. Drag and drop your WAV file into the application window
3. Select MP3 from the drop-down menu in the upper left corner
4. Click the play button to convert WAV to MP3 immediately

The new MP3 file will be automatically saved to the same directory as its original WAV file.

How to convert WAV to MP3 using music (iTunes)

If you want to try converting WAV to MP3 using native macOS tools, you can use iTunes or Music (for macOS Catalina or later). This process takes a little longer than using Permute, but it allows you to use applications you already have on your Mac.

Follow these steps to convert WAV to MP3 using music or iTunes:

1. Open the Music app
2. Go to Music ➙ Preferences in the menu bar at the top of the app (If you are using iTunes, go to Edit ➙ Preferences in the menu bar at the top)
3. Open the File tab (in iTunes - select the General tab), and click Import Settings
4. Next to "Use Import" select "MP3 Encoder" ➙ "OK"
5. Add the WAV file (or file) you want to convert to music or iTunes library
6. Find and select all files to convert
7. Go to the file in the menu at the top ➙Convert ➙Create MP3 version

How to convert WAV to MP3 on Mac using VLC

Another free application that can be used as a WAV to MP3 converter is VLC, a popular video player that also supports the conversion of audio files.

To convert .wav to .mp3 using VLC:

1. Open VLC
2. Go to the File menu at the top of the screen ➙ Convert/Stream
3. Drag and drop your WAV file to the top part of the dialog window that appears (or click "Open Media" and browse to add your file)
4. In the "Select Profile" section, select "Audio - MP3" ➙ "Save As File" ➙ "Browse"
5. Name the file (make sure to manually add the .mp3 extension to the name to make sure the conversion works properly), and where you want to save it ➙ "Save"

How to play WAV and MP3 files on Mac

As we have already discussed, iTunes/Music and VLC players are good choices for free WAV to MP3 converters. You can also use any of them to play WAV and MP3 files.

If you are interested in learning about other advanced features of the Media Player that can help you improve your viewing and hearing experience, we recommend Elmedia Player.

Elmedia Player is one of the most versatile options on Mac, and can play audio and video files in more than 70 formats, including WAV, MP3, SWF, MP4, AVI, MOV, DAT, etc. Just drag and drop your file into the application window, or paste the web link of the video into the application's browser to enjoy:

• Stream wirelessly to and from Mac, using a larger screen or speaker
• Excellent image and sound quality as hardware accelerated decoding reduces the load on your Mac processor, integrated video tuner and audio equalizer
• Full-screen movies, picture-in-picture mode, or pinning playback to the top of other active applications for multitasking
• Subtitles, screenshots and bookmark support
• Easy to make out-of-sync audio adjustments and more

How to improve the sound of your Mac

Don't want to miss the surround sound experience with a larger acoustic settings while playing files on your Mac? Try using the Boom 3D Audio Enhancer.

Boom 3D can enhance the quality and volume of audio, redefine your listening experience on your Mac, and make the most of your audio hardware performance:

• Enjoy sound enhancements enhanced by innovative virtual surround sound capabilities and a wide range of advanced type equalizer presets
• Use audio enhancement to increase audio volume above system defaults without sacrificing audio quality
• Set custom volume levels for different applications in the system
• Use Boom Remote for iOS to access Boom 3D, iTunes, VLC, QuickTime, and Spotify sound controls via iPhone or iPad
• Watch compatible Netflix content with surround sound and 1080p video settings using Boom 3D Netflix browser extension

What would you say if you knew that not only can handle the quality of the sound, but also can easily create a unique and personalized sound environment on your Mac? Experience the AI-generated soundscape from GetSound.

What is a soundscape? It is an ambient sound stream that helps you stay focused and efficient, or to stay calm and relaxed according to your goals. In GetSound, soundscape layered creation:

1. Main track: Music generated for you in real time based on your current or preferred geographical location, time of day, or even outside temperature when you open the app
2. Environment: Add extra sound layers to add nuance to the work – choose from ocean, train trip, cafe, forest, rocky coast, tranquil garden or other presets
3. Weather Sync: This feature allows you to add real-time weather conditions such as raindrops or gusts to your soundscape to match the mood of your location

Creative creation and customizing your own sound mixing is easy with GetSound, you can adjust the volume of the main melody, weather sound and ambient layers separately and balance your sound mixing perfectly. Or, if for some reason you don’t like your location and conditions, it takes only a few seconds to teleport yourself to a different location and mood.

Become a WAV to MP3 conversion master

The good news is that you have multiple options when looking for ways to convert .wav to .mp3. The easiest way is to use Permute Media File Converter: It converts all types of video, audio and image files for you (not just WAV to MP3), and just drag and drop the file into the application window, select the format you want, and click Play. You can also find WAV to MP3 converters for free on your Mac – both music (iTunes) and VLC players can convert WAVE files to MP3.

After converting files, don't forget to use powerful tools to make the most of your sound quality on your Mac:

• Use hardware accelerated decoding, integrated video tuner and audio equalizer to play files using Elmedia Player
• Using Surround Sound Simulation and Advanced Type Equalizer Presets in Boom 3D
• Or use GetSound to create your own ambient sound mix

To try out all these powerful options on your Mac, don't miss the opportunity to test Permute, Elmedia Player, Boom 3D and GetSound for free with Setapp's seven-day trial, a top-notch iOS and macOS productivity app platform. Learn how to change WAV to MP3 and see over 240 other options to improve your productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which app can convert WAV to MP3 on Mac?

The easiest way to convert WAV to MP3 is to use a professional media file converter like Permute. But you can also use music (iTunes) or VLC player on your Mac for WAV to MP3 conversion.

Does Apple use WAV or MP3?

You can play WAV and MP3 files on your Mac. But Apple Music's default format is AAC (using a more complex compression algorithm than MP3 to provide higher quality at very similar file sizes).

Can iTunes convert WAV or MP3?

Yes, you can convert WAV to MP3 using iTunes. Simply set the import preferences to MP3 encoder and change the WAV to MP3 after adding the file to the iTunes library.

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