How to Convert FLAC to MP3 on Mac, Windows and Web

The FLAC file format is a great way to capture the sonic breadth and power of your extensive CD collection. If you want your digital tracks to be as immersive as on the album, FLAC allows tracks to be transcoded to a lossless format. But not all devices are compatible with FLAC format. Fortunately, you will be able to convert most FLAC files to other audio formats, including MP3.

Keep in mind that FLAC files contain a lot more digital information than MP3s, so you will experience some quality loss. If you don’t mind, here’s a guide on how to break down your FLAC archive into a library of MP3 tracks.

Convert FLAC to MP3 with an online audio converter

Step 1: Online Audio Converter is the fastest and easiest way to convert your FLAC files to MP3. It is a free web-based converter and so you don’t need to purchase a subscription or download and install anything. Everything you need to convert your FLAC files can be found right on the main page of this website.

The only problem is that batch conversions take a little longer with Online Audio Converter than with some of our other picks. The site was clearly designed with smaller conversions in mind.

2nd step: Select the big, blue Open files button – if you want to select your files from local storage – or simply click on one of these three download options to select your files: Google Drive, Drop boxOr URL.

Step 3: In the second section of the online audio converter, select the desired format and quality level. The converter automatically switches to Standard level (128 kbps) when converting files to MP3. If you press the Advanced settings button, you can adjust things like bitrate, sample rate, channels, and other features. This section also provides the ability to edit the track information of your file with its Edit track information button.

Step 4: In the last section of the converter, marked with the number 3select the Convert button to finish converting your file. Once the conversion is complete, Online Audio Converter offers three ways to save your new file: Download (to save your file to your local storage), Save to Google DriveOr Drop box.

Alternative methods

Fre:ac (Windows)

Fre:ac doesn’t have the prettiest interface or even the most user-friendly. But it is a free audio converter for Windows PC that can quickly convert your FLAC files to MP3 because it is designed to use multi-core processors to optimize conversion speeds. What’s more, you can easily download it from Microsoft Store and convert directly as soon as it is installed. In addition to an audio converter, Fre:ac also includes features such as a built-in CD ripper, a user interface that can be displayed in 43 languages, and Unicode support for tags and file names, for n to name just a few.

Free MP3 Converter (macOS)

One of the most popular audio converters in the Mac Store is the aptly titled To MP3 Converter Free, an easy-to-use utility for converting any of over 200 audio and video formats to MP3. The software supports FLAC files and the conversion process couldn’t be simpler. The software also allows you to change the output from constant bitrate to variable bitrate and transfer tags from the source file.

A $7 annual subscription will help you batch convert folders and files. You’ll also be able to change the sound using fades in and out, and cut silence before and after songs.

Cloud Converter (Google Chrome extension/online option)

CloudConvert is a web application that only needs an Internet connection to work, so you can reserve more memory space for other applications or better performance. For those using Google Chrome or a Chromebook, you can use it as a Chrome add-on.

CloudConvert can convert a wide variety of files, so you’re not limited to audio. Its list of services includes documents, videos, images and e-books. Additionally, it can handle FLAC and MP3 files seamlessly. You’ll find it especially beneficial if you use online storage options like Chromebook or Google Drive, since the app is web-based.

Compared to other options on our list, CloudConvert has fewer advanced features because it is a web service. You can manipulate some basic controls like bit rate, but deeper controls are mostly absent. On the bright side, you’ll experience fewer complications with a more simplistic system and thus benefit from a more streamlined operation when converting files.

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