Forum Discussion
How do I convert video to mp3 audio on my pc?
Hi folks,
I got a bunch of videos (mostly MP4s and MKVs) and I just want to rip the audio out as MP3s, ideally without killing the quality. I'd rather not use riksy online video to mp3 converters because some of the files are big and I don't feel like uploading them to random servers.
Looking for something fast, easy, and hopefully with batch support that let me convert video to mp3 audio on my pc. Could be desktop software, command line, whatever works best in 2025. What are you all using lately?
Appreciate any suggestions!
8 Replies
- calvertleonardCopper Contributor
Hi everyone, I’ve had the same issue before when I just wanted the audio from a video on my PC and what worked really well for me was Soft aken Audio Video Converter Software. It is simple—install it, open your video, pick MP3 as the output and hit convert. The best thing is that it supports all common formats like MP4, AVI, MKV, etc. so you don’t have to worry about compatibility. It even does batch conversions which saved me a lot of time when I had a bunch of files. Super easy to use.
- UasomeIron Contributor
Desktop app is more recommended for converting video to mp3 as it is more safe and fast.
- JulieMoonflowerIron Contributor
For me, one of the main cons of FFC_mpeg is its command-line interface, which can be intimidating for users who are not familiar with using terminals or writing commands. Unlike graphical applications with buttons and menus, it requires users to type specific commands to perform tasks such as converting video to MP3.
Another drawback is that it is not a standalone video to mp3 application with a graphical user interface (GUI) by default; it is a command-line tool that needs to be installed and run manually. While there are third-party GUIs available for the GUI wrappers, they are not officially part of the core software and may vary in quality, features, and compatibility.
Additionally, users must ensure it is properly installed and accessible from the system’s command line, which can involve extra setup steps on some operating systems, especially for those who are not tech-savvy.
- SideronkiroIron Contributor
Using HandBrakeCLI to convert video to MP3 on a Windows computer has some disadvantages, including:
1. Limited Audio Format Support: HandBrake is primarily designed for video encoding and supports only certain audio formats. It doesn't natively support exporting audio directly to MP3; it mainly outputs to formats like AAC or MP4 containers. To get MP3, you'd need additional tools or steps, which can complicate the process.
2. Complex Command Line Usage: HandBrakeCLI is a command-line tool, which can be challenging for users unfamiliar with terminal commands. It requires knowledge of syntax and parameters, increasing the risk of errors.
3. No Advanced Audio Editing Features: HandBrake focuses on video transcoding and basic audio extraction. It doesn't provide advanced audio editing options like trimming, normalization, or applying filters.
4. Potential Quality Loss: If not configured properly, converting audio can lead to quality degradation, especially when converting to lossy formats like MP3 with low bitrates.
5. Additional Software Needed for MP3: Since HandBrakeCLI doesn't directly export MP3, you'd need to use other tools (e.g., ffmppeg) to convert audio to MP3 format, adding complexity and potential compatibility issues.
6. Processing Time and Resource Usage: Transcoding can be CPU-intensive and time-consuming, especially with large files or high-quality settings.
7. Potential Licensing or Compatibility Issues: Depending on your use case, licensing restrictions on codecs or formats might affect your ability to use certain features legally or effectively. - DominicHelsingIron Contributor
When you are planning to use an online video to mp3 audio converter tool, please do take a full read of its pros and cons. Don't wast time on it if this does not work for you.
✅ Pros
- No installation required – works entirely in your web browser.
- Supports many formats – not just audio/video, but also documents, images, etc.
- User-friendly interface – simple and intuitive for beginners.
- Fast conversions for small to medium files.
- Multiple file upload support (you can convert several files at once).
⚠️ Cons
- File size limit for video to mp3 conversion.
- Free users are limited to 100 MB per file.
- Larger files require a premium (paid) plan.
- Internet required – since it's web-based.
- Privacy considerations:
Your files are uploaded to their servers, so avoid using it for highly sensitive data unless you use the "Local conversion" feature (if available).
Files are usually deleted automatically after 24 hours, but always check their privacy policy if you have concerns.
- PubomenIron Contributor
Converting video to MP3 on Windows computer can be useful, but there are several disadvantages and limitations you should be aware of:
- You only get the audio, so any visual information (e.g., music videos, tutorials, speeches) is lost.
- Depending on the conversion settings and the original video's quality, the resulting MP3 may have reduced audio quality, especially if compressed heavily.
- Converting copyrighted videos without permission can infringe on intellectual property rights, leading to legal issues.
- The MP3 file may lose important metadata like artist, album, or cover art unless properly preserved during conversion.
- Some free or pirated conversion tools can contain malware, adware, or unwanted software. Always use reputable, trusted software.
- In rare cases, especially with poorly encoded videos, the audio may become out of sync or have glitches after conversion.
- Converting video to MP3 is usually a one-way process; editing or extracting specific parts can be complicated without additional tools.
- MP3s are compressed formats, which may not be suitable if you need high-fidelity audio or lossless quality (consider formats like FLAC).
- Some MP3 files may have compatibility issues with certain players if metadata or encoding is not standardized.
- ManduoIron Contributor
What about the HandBrakeCLI? HandBrakeCLI is the command-line version of the popular HandBrake video converter. It supports converting videos to MP3 (via the audio extraction feature), along with many other formats.
1. Download HandBrakeCLI
- Scroll down to "Command Line Tools" and download the version suitable for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux).
2. Install and Set Up
- Download the ZIP file.
- Extract it to a folder, e.g., C:\HandBrakeCLI.
3. Convert Video to MP3
- HandBrakeCLI primarily converts video formats, but to extract audio as MP3:
Note: HandBrake itself doesn't natively export MP3; it outputs audio in formats like AAC or MP3 via specific settings, but often it defaults to MP4 with AAC. For straightforward audio extraction, tools like MedieHuman Audio Converter or VLLC are better suited, but they are GUI-based.
- WyndhamIron Contributor
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Freemaka Video Converter to convert avideo to MP3 on your Windows computer:
How to Convert Video to MP3 Using Freemaka Video Converter
1. Download the Freemaka Video Converter. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
2. Launch Freemaka Video Converter
3. Click the + Video button or drag and drop your video file into the program window.
4. After your video is loaded, click on the to MP3 icon at the bottom (it appears as a music note or labeled as MP3).
5. You can choose the output folder where the MP3 file will be saved. You can also adjust audio quality settings if needed.
6. Click the Convert button. The program will process the video and extract the audio as an MP3 file.
7. Once the conversion is complete, navigate to the output folder you selected. Your MP3 file is ready to play!Freemaka's free version may add a watermark or have limitations; consider their paid version if you need to remove restrictions. Always download from the official site to avoid unwanted bundled software.