"The audiobooks I downloaded from the Audible mobile app appear to be encoded as AAXC files. And they can be playable in Audible media player only. What's going on? Is it possible to convert AAXC to MP3 on Android and iOS devices so that I can listen to Audible audiobooks via any media player on the go?" - Question from Reddit
Indeed, many people have encountered the same situation. To answer your confusion, here in this post, we'll explain what Audible AAXC is and discuss why Audible adopts this format. Of course, we will describe two 100% effective ways to help you convert AAXC files to MP3 on Mac, and Windows, online free via AAXC converters. In this case, you can transfer all Audible audiobooks to Android, iPhone and other devices for better playback.
Part 1. Know More about AAXC File
What Is Audible AAXC File?
The AAXC format is the new file format introduced in the Audible app for Android and iOS on June 20, 2019. It is an enhanced format of AAX or AA and it is still protected by Digital Rights Management which prevents users from sharing audiobooks among different devices. All audiobook files downloaded from the Audible mobile app are now transferred to AAXC instead of the AA/AAX format. All AAXC files are only compatible with Android or iOS devices that support the Audible app.
Why Does Audible Use AAXC Format?
It is beneficial for Audible to protect audiobooks with this new AAXC format. It provides extra address protection, making it increasingly difficult to convert AAXC to MP3 and other file formats. Put another way, it will be a daunting task to download and transfer Audible AAXC files to more devices, not to mention those that do not support the Audible app. Even if you change the extended file format, AAXC file will still prevent you from playing them in non-Audible media players.
View also: How to Remove DRM from Audible Audiobooks
How to Convert AAXC to AAX Officially?
From the above, we know that it is impossible to change the original Audible AAXC file type. Fortunately, the AAXC format is only present in downloaded audiobooks from the mobile Audible app. The Audible audiobooks obtained from the desktop app are still saved in the AA/AAX format. So, instead of using an AAXC to AAX converter, you can directly download Audible audiobooks of the same title in AAX format from the desktop app.
Part 2. How to Convert AAXC to MP3 on Mac/PC
When it comes to converting AAXC to MP3, you will find that it's not an easy task because almost all top Audible converters in the market are not compatible with AAXC. The best workaround is to download AAX files and convert them to MP3 instead of AAXC files. You can download AA/AAX audiobooks of the same title from the Audible website on your computer. Then it is simple to perform format conversion using any Audible to MP3 converter.
AudFree Audible Converter is undoubtedly the first choice as an Audible AAXC to MP3 converter. It is well-designed to unlock the protection of Audible AA/AAX. Also, it can convert Audible to MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, etc. with 100% high quality and full ID3 tags.
Adopting the latest technology, it can run at a 30X faster speed during the conversion process. Meanwhile, there are various built-in functions for you to edit your downloaded Audible MP3 files. For example, you can manually adjust the volume, speed and pitch of the audio. For your listening convenience, you can split large Audible audiobooks into chapters. After that, you can get local Audible audiobooks on computer and transfer them to other devices for playing without connecting to the internet.
AudFree Audible Converter
- Losslessly convert AAX to MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, M4A, and M4B
- Release protection from Audible, iTunes audiobooks, Apple Music, etc.
- Split Audible audiobooks into several small segments
- Listen to Audible MP3 audiobooks on any device and player
How to Download Audible Books to Computer
Before you can use AudFree Audible Converter, you need to download Audible AA or AAX audiobooks to your computer instead of AAXC files. Let's take a look at the following steps.
Step 1. Go to www.audible.com on your computer and log in to your Amazon account.
Step 2. Click on the "Library" option and then select the "Title" button to view all previously purchased Audible audiobooks.
Step 3. Click on the "Download" tab to download AAX books from Audible to your PC.
How to Convert AAXC File to MP3
Now, follow the tutorial below to convert AAX files to MP3 step by step with the help of AudFree Audible Converter.
- Step 1Add Audible Audiobooks to iTunes
- Download and install AudFree Audible Converter on your computer desktop. Open your iTunes library and input the downloaded Audible books into the "My Audiobooks" section. Then please move your mouse and click on "File > Library > Import Playlist". Please remember to authorize your Audible account on iTunes.
- View also: How to Add Audiobooks to iTunes
- Step 2Import Audible Audiobooks to AudFree Auditior
- Open AudFree Audible AAXC to MP3 converter and iTunes will automatically reopen. Then you can go to import Audible audiobooks for conversion. Just add the target audio files by clicking the first "Add" icon in the bottom-left corner of the main interface.
- Step 3Redefine Audible Output Format as MP3
- Please click the "audio" icon on the right side near the large "Convert" button, then a new setting window will appear. Here, you can customize the Audible output format as MP3. If necessary, you can also choose AAC, M4A, WAV, or other formats shown on the screen as a target one. Furthermore, the audio quality can be reset by changing the codec, channel, sample rate, or bit rate. You can also click the 'Effect' or 'Edit' icon to do more personalized settings.
- Step 4Convert Audible AAXC to MP3 on Windows/Mac
- Just press the huge "Convert" button in the lower-right corner, and the program will start converting the open-source Audible AAXC to MP3. The conversion will not last long because this AAXC converter runs at 30X faster speed in ideal conditions. Once converted, then go back to the main page and click the "Converted" icon to get your Audible MP3 files.
How to Transfer Audible MP3 Files to Android/iPhone
If you'd like to play Audible AAXC audiobooks via different music players, you can now transfer converted AAXC to MP3 files to your desired devices. Here we will show you how to do that via iPhone or Android device. Please connect your Android or iOS device to your computer via a USB cable.
For Android: You can choose the 'File Transfer' mode on your Android devices, and copy and paste Audible files from your computer to the Audiobook folder on your Android.
View also: How to Play Audible Audiobooks on Android
For iPhone: You can use iTunes to sync Audible audiobooks to your iPhone. Open the iTunes, click the device icon, and select 'Music' from the left sidebar. You can click the 'Sync Music' > 'Apply' button to start the syncing process.
Part 3. How to Convert AAXC to MP3 Online Free
It's a little complicated to download the same audiobooks on different devices to convert AAXC files to MP3. So, we tested lots of audiobook converters to check whether there is a converter that supports AAXC files directly. Fortunately, we found an AAXC converter online for free. It can easily and directly convert AAXC to other audio formats online without installing additional applications and paying any dime.
Aconvert.com is such an AAXC to MP3 converter online as you need. It supports converting all types of audiobooks, eBooks, videos, files, etc. to many output audio formats like MP3, FLAC, and WAV. But it also has some restrictions, such as low audiobook quality, and limited file size (Max file size: up to 40MB). If your Audible AAXC audiobooks are over this size, it will fail to convert them.
If your file size meets this condition, you can refer to the following tutorial to get an MP3 file from AAXC audiobooks on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac via Aconvert Online Converter.
Notes: To get rid of the shortcomings of online AAXC file converters and get more editing features to manage your audiobook library, you can take the help of AudFree Audible Converter.
How to Convert AAXC to MP3 Free Online via Aconvert.com
Step 1. Launch the web browser on your mobile or desktop device to visit the official Aconvert.com website, then select the Audio section from the left sidebar.
Step 2. Click the "Choose Files" button to add local Audible audio files from your device. Alternatively, it can select the target file from Google Drive, URL, or Dropbox.
Step 3. Select "MP3" as the target format for the Audible file. After that, set the audio bit rate and sample rate as needed.
Step 4. Now, press the 'Convert Now' button to start the conversion process. When finished, tap the 'Download' icon to save the Audible AAXC to MP3 file to your computer or mobile device.
Part 4. FAQs about Converting AAXC to MP3
Q1: Which Is AAXC Player?
A: The official AAXC player to play AAXC files is Audible app for iOS and Android. But you can also convert .aaxc file to MP3 tracks with a third-party converter like AudFree Audio Converter and play them in any media player.
View also: Best MP3 Players for Audiobooks
Q2: Why Convert Audible AAXC to MP3?
A: Audible AAXC books are protected by Digital Rights Management and cannot be played on other players or devices. While MP3 is compatible with most players. Besides, MP3 has a small size and can be shared on other platforms. If you want to listen to Audible AAXC books on any device, it is the best choice to do format conversion.
Q3: Can I Convert AAXC to MP3 in VLC?
A: No. Now, VLC media player can't support to convert AAXC files.
Q4: What Is the Difference Between AAX and AAXC Files?
A: AAX and AAXC are both file extensions used for Audible audiobooks. But they differ in terms of the technology of digital rights management protection. The biggest difference between AAX and AAXC is that AAXC has a newer and better DRM system. It provides better security and controls over the distribution of audiobooks.
Q5: How Can I Convert AAXC Files to MP3 on Linux?
A: On Linux, you can use the AAXtoMP3 tool from GitHub to convert Audible AAXC file to MP3 audio format. You can get it by visiting https://github.com/KrumpetPirate/AAXtoMP3.
Q6: Which Is the Best Way to Convert AAXC to MP3 File?
A: This post shows you two tools to convert Audible AAXC files to MP3. But which one you should choose? Here you can check the comparison table below to learn more and choose the one that suits you.
AudFree Audio Converter | AConvert | |
---|---|---|
Compatible OS | Mac/Windows | Online |
Supported Input Format |
Audible AA/AAX files, plain audio files | audio, image, document, etc. |
Supported Output Format | MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, M4A, M4B | WAV, WMA, MP3, M4A, MKA, OGG, AAC, AU, FLAC, AIFF, OPUS or RA |
Audio Channel | Mono, Stereo | ❌ |
Bit Rate | 8 - 320kbps | 32 - 320kbps |
Sample Rate | 8000 - 48000Hz | 11025 - 48000Hz |
Conversion Speed | 30X | 1X |
Customize Output Quality | ✔ | ✔ |
Audio Split Function | ✔ | ❌ |
Batch Conversion | ✔ | ❌ |
Keep ID3 Tags | ✔ | ✔ |
Success Rate | 100% | Medium |
Ratings | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Part 5. In Conclusion
Now, you can successfully download and convert AAXC to MP3 through the best AAXC converters online and for free for better playback. Further, it is convenient to convert Audible MP3 files to Android and iOS devices or other portable players for offline enjoyment via AudFree Audio Converter. Do you have other ways to convert Audible AAXC files to MP3? If yes, please feel free to share with us in this comment section.
View also: How to Listen to Audible Audiobooks Offline
Ivan Scott
Staff Editor