WMA (Windows Media Audio) is Microsoft's audio format, created in 1999. It was the standard for Windows Media Player and Windows devices. After smartphones emerged, its popularity dropped sharply.

Why convert WMA to MP3?

WMA is poorly supported by modern devices: doesn't work on iPhone/iPad, many Android players, car stereos without Windows CE. MP3 is a universal format with no compatibility limitations.

Does it work with protected WMA files?

No. DRM-protected WMA (purchased from old Microsoft stores, Napster, Rhapsody) cannot be converted. Only unprotected files are supported. Check — if the file plays in a regular player, it's unprotected.

What bitrate should I choose?

WMA and MP3 are roughly equal in efficiency. Choose MP3 bitrate equal to or slightly higher than source WMA. For 128 kbps WMA, 128-192 kbps MP3 works well.

WMA and MP3 are both lossy formats. Conversion involves transcoding with minimal additional loss. If source WMA was high quality (192+ kbps), choose MP3 256-320 kbps.

Can I convert WMA Lossless?

Yes. WMA Lossless is a lossless format. When converting to MP3, quality is limited by MP3 capabilities (320 kbps max). To preserve lossless quality, convert to FLAC instead.

Will tags and covers be preserved?

Yes. WMA metadata (ASF tags) is transferred to MP3 ID3 tags. Title, artist, album, cover art — everything is preserved.

What is the maximum file size?

The service accepts files up to 100 MB. For WMA that's about 1.5-2 hours of music at standard quality.

What to do with old WMA collection?

Convert the entire collection to MP3 for long-term storage. MP3 is an "eternal" format that will always be supported. WMA is gradually losing support.

Is it safe to upload files?

Yes. All files are processed in an isolated environment and automatically deleted immediately after conversion. We don't store or share your files.

Does it work on Mac and Linux?

Yes. The service works in any browser: Safari on Mac, Firefox on Linux. Conversion happens on the server, operating system doesn't matter.

What's the difference between WMA and WMV?

WMA is audio only. WMV is video with audio track. To extract audio from WMV, use a video converter.

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WMA to MP3

WMA to MP3 Converter

Convert legacy WMA files to universal MP3. WMA was popular in the Windows XP era, but is poorly supported today. MP3 works on all modern devices.

Drag your WMA file here

Maximum size: 100 MB

Everything About WMA to MP3 Conversion

History of WMA format

Microsoft created WMA in 1999 as an MP3 competitor. The format was standard for Windows Media Player, PlaysForSure devices, and Zune. After Zune's failure and iPod/iPhone rise, the format lost relevance.

The DRM protection problem

Many WMA files from old music stores (MSN Music, Napster, Rhapsody) are DRM-protected. These files are tied to an account and won't play on other devices. Converting them is impossible without bypassing protection.

When conversion is necessary

Convert WMA for playback on iPhone/iPad, modern Android devices, car stereos without Microsoft support, smart speakers (Alexa, Google Home). MP3 is guaranteed to work everywhere.

Preserving old collection

If you still have music in WMA from the Windows XP era — it's time to convert. WMA is losing support: new players increasingly omit the decoder. MP3 will always be playable.

Quality recommendations

WMA 128 kbps → MP3 160-192 kbps. WMA 192 kbps → MP3 256 kbps. WMA Lossless → MP3 320 kbps (or better to FLAC). Don't choose bitrate higher than source — quality won't improve.

How to convert WMA to MP3

Upload your WMA file

Drag and drop your file into the upload area or click to select. Supports files up to 100 MB — old collections from Windows XP, voice recorder files.

Choose bitrate

To preserve quality, choose MP3 bitrate no lower than the source WMA. For most files, 192 kbps is sufficient.

Download the result

Click "Convert" and save the MP3 to your device. The file will play everywhere — from smartphone to car stereo.

About File Formats

WMA (Windows Media Audio)

WMA is Microsoft's proprietary audio format. Was standard for Windows ecosystem in the 2000s. Exists in Standard, Pro, Lossless, and Voice versions.

• Built into Windows (until Windows 10)
• DRM protection support
• Lossless version for quality without loss
• Poor compatibility outside Windows

MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3)

MP3 is the world's most widespread audio format. Survived numerous "MP3 killers" and remains the standard. Works everywhere without exception.

• Absolute compatibility with all devices
• Support forever — format won't become obsolete
• Works on all operating systems
• Standard for music industry

WMA vs MP3 Comparison

Feature	WMA	MP3
Developer	Microsoft	Fraunhofer / ISO
Year created	1999	1993
DRM protection	Supported	Not supported
Compatibility	Windows, Xbox	Universal
Apple support	No	Full
Android support	Partial	Full
Current status	Obsolete	Current