1) Upload WMA file to convert
Drop files here, or Click to select
2) Set converting WMA to MP3 options
3) Get converted file
File extension | .WMA |
Category | Audio File |
Description | WMA is a very common and widely spread audio file extension, being only second to MP3. It is regarded as an ultimate competitor for MP3, since it almost pars in sound quality with MP3 at comparable bitrates. WMA Pro is viewed as a professional version of WMA Standard, since it uses an advanced multichannel encoding pattern. Today, WMA Pro is on the way toward getting the status of a standard format for next generation DVD. WMA Lossless was designed for storing and archiving audiodata. WMA Voice is a low-bitrate version of the WMA codec used for storing speech data. |
Associated programs | VLC media player |
Developed by | Microsoft |
MIME type | audio/x-ms-wma |
Useful links | More detailed information on WMA files |
File extension | .MP3 |
Category | Audio File |
Description | MP3 is the most popular audio file type based on MPEG-1 Layer III compression. Its lossy algorithm was developed in 1991. MP3 codes the sound almost with the same quality, as CD (16-bit stereo), providing compression in size 1 to 10 from the original WAF or AIFF tracks. The quality of MP3 seriously depends on the bitrate. It can be 128 - 256 kbps. Higher bitrates are also supported, but they seriously increase the file size. It is supported by all modern hard- and software players. |
Associated programs | RealOne WinAmp Windows Media Player iTunes |
Developed by | Fraunhofer Institute |
MIME type | audio/mpeg audio/MPA audio/mpa-robust |
Useful links | More detailed information on MP3 files |
WMA, developed by Microsoft, was designed primarily for the Windows platform. Its main advantage was its capability to produce high-quality sound at lower bit rates, which meant smaller file sizes without a significant compromise on audio quality. WMA was seen as Microsoft's answer to MP3, a format that had already gained massive popularity due to its use in digital music players and online music distribution.
MP3, on the other hand, became the de facto standard for digital music. Its compatibility across various platforms and devices, combined with its efficient compression techniques, made it a favorite choice for both consumers and artists.
The need to convert WMA to MP3 arises mainly due to compatibility concerns. While WMA offered certain benefits, its limited support outside the Windows ecosystem made MP3 a more universal choice. Many portable music players, software applications, and other devices didn't support WMA files, but almost universally supported MP3.
Today, there are numerous software tools, both free and paid, that facilitate the conversion from WMA to MP3. These tools not only help in transcoding the audio but also allow users to adjust bit rates, sample rates, and other parameters to customize the output quality.
In conclusion, while WMA had its moments of relevance, especially within the Windows platform, MP3's universal appeal and wide-ranging device support have made it the more dominant format. The conversion from WMA to MP3 is a reflection of the broader shift in the digital music arena, emphasizing compatibility and user choice.
Our tool converts an uploaded copy of your original file. The original file stays on your computer and is unaffected by the process. There is no risk of data loss by conversion.
Also, your data is safe with us. We delete all uploads from our servers after one hour. In other words, an hour after you upload your files, those files are purged from our servers forever. You don't need to worry about your content being stored on the server.
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