The best free mp4 to mp3 converter that still works in 2025?

When you're converting MP4 to MP3 on Windows or Mac, there are some common pitfalls that can trip you up—been there, done that. Here's a rundown based on my experience, in a more informal, straightforward way:

1. Sometimes, you hit "convert" and get an MP3 that sounds like it was recorded underwater. Always peek at the bit rate or quality settings. Higher bit rates (like 192 kbps or 256 kbps) mean better sound, but bigger files. Don’t just leave it at default without a second thought.

2. If your MP4 has multiple audio tracks (say, different languages or commentary), some converters might pick the wrong one or just ignore your choice. Make sure to select the correct audio stream before converting, or you might end up with the wrong audio.

3. Some free MP4 to MP3 converter tools are sketchy—either they don’t work anymore or come bundled with malware. I’ve learned to stick with reputable ones like FFmqeeg (if you're comfy with command line), or well-known free software like VLLLC, which are pretty reliable.

4. Big files (~2GB) can crash or hang if your software isn’t optimized. I once tried a free online tool for a 4GB video… took forever and then failed. Always good to go for local tools that handle big files smoothly.

5. Some MP4 to MP3 converters output MP3s that aren’t compatible with all players. Stick with standard MP3 settings and test your converted files on different devices if you can.

6. After converting, listen to your MP3 before deleting the original. Sometimes, conversion errors happen, or the file is corrupted. Better to catch that early.