Q: When making full use of AAX files from Audible, I always received an error message saying 'file format not supported'. I failed to open AAX files on VLC Media Player, burn AAX audiobooks to CDs, play AAX files on my MP3 player, etc. Why do I meet such a restriction? - Question from Reddit
In fact, AAX or AA format is the encoding format in Audible audiobooks on the desktop platform which is protected by Digital Rights Management. We all know that Audible is the most popular online audiobook store. It offers easy access for us to listen to and download kinds of audiobooks for offline playing. But, unlike other digital audiobook providers, Audible has implied some restrictions on the audiobooks sold in the store.
As a result, Audible users can only play AAX books on selected devices with an authorized Audible account. To take full control of the Audible books, it's necessary to convert AAX to MP3. But how? Now, follow this post and get 10 effective AAX to MP3 converters online/free to convert AAX file to MP3 on Mac, Linux, and Windows computers.
Part 1. How to Convert AAX to MP3 on Mac/Linux/Windows
How do I convert AAX files to MP3? The best way to do that on a computer is by using a professional Audible converter. Better still, there are many AAX converters on the market. Here, we can meet the three best software to convert .aax to MP3 on Mac, Windows, and Linux computers.
No.1 AudFree Audible Converter (Mac & Windows)
AudFree Audible Converter could be the top-rated one. It can help you convert AAX to MP3 on Windows 10, Windows 11 and Mac at a 30X faster speed while keeping the original ID3 tags. Besides, it allows you to customize ID3 tags of Audible audiobooks manually based on personal tastes. The built-in splitting feature enables you to split large AAX files into chapters. That's to say, you can use it to convert AAX file to MP3 with chapters.
With the help of the best AAX to MP3 converter for Mac and Windows, you are also able to control the Audible audiobook playback by changing the volume, speed, and pitch. After the conversion, you can play any Audible AAX/AA file on the most popular devices, burn Audible AAX audiobooks to discs, etc. without any limit.
AudFree Audible Converter
- The best Audible .aax to MP3 converter for Mac and Windows users
- Convert Audible AAX files to MP3, AAC, WAV, M4A, FLAC, and M4B at 30X speed
- Keep original ID3 tags and chapters in the output audio
- Split large audiobook files into small segments via chapters
- Convert iTunes audiobooks, Apple Music, and other audio files
How to Convert AAX to MP3 with Chapters on Mac/Windows 10/Windows 11 at 30X Speed
Now, simply install the free trial version of AudFree Audible Converter on your computer running macOS or Windows operating system. Then you can follow the steps below to begin converting Audible AAX format to MP3 with chapters in a few clicks. Once done, you can keep Audible books even though you cancel the Audible subscription.
- Step 1Import Audible AA/AAX to iTunes library
- Firstly, go to iTunes and sync Audible books to the iTunes library under the 'My Audiobooks' section. To do so, simply click 'File' -> 'Library' -> 'Import Playlist'. Then remember to authorize iTunes with your Audible account. By doing this, your AA/AAX audiobooks could play well on iTunes. Otherwise, unexpected problems may occur during conversion with AudFree Audible Converter.
- View also: How to Add Audiobooks to iTunes
- Step 2Load Audible audiobooks to AudFree Auditior
- Here, we will take the Mac version of this Audible converter as a sample to show you how to convert AAX to MP3 on Mac. First, open the installed AudFree program from your Mac. To add Audible audiobooks to AudFree Software, you can click the first 'Add' button at the bottom-left corner of AudFree Auditior.
- Step 3Set Audible AAX output format as MP3
- Once the audiobooks are imported to AudFree Auditior, click the 'audio' icon next to the 'Convert' button. It will pop up the setting window so that you can select the output format as MP3. For any format, you are allowed to change the audio parameters according to your own needs. It includes the audio codec, channel, bit rate, sample rate, and more. Before changing the audiobook format, you can also customize ID3 tags and split them into small clips.
- View also: How to Split Audible Audiobooks into Chapters
- Step 4Start to convert Audible AAX to MP3
- Now, click the 'Convert' button to initiate the conversion process. AudFree Audible Converter will begin to remove restrictions from Audible audiobooks. At the same time, it will convert protected AAX/AA to MP3 at 30X conversion speed. Once converted, you can click the 'History' icon next to the 'Convert' button. Then you are able to locate the MP3 audiobooks on your computer and transfer them to any other device for offline listening.
Pros and Cons of AudFree Audible Audiobook Converter
Pros |
✔ Convert Audible audiobooks to MP3, FLAC, etc. ✔ Keep Audible AAX files with chapters and original quality ✔ Support to edit ID3 tags and output quality for Audible audiobooks ✔ Break restrictions from Audible audiobooks ✔ Support to listen to Audible files on any device and platforms offline ✔ Support to split Audible audiobooks by chapters |
Cons | ❌ Not free ❌ Only works on Windows and Mac computers |
No.2 OpenAudible (Linux/Mac/Windows)
OpenAudible is a cross-platform AAX to MP3 converter and manager. It's compatible with not only Mac and Windows computers but also Linux computers. Although it's an open-source tool on GitHub, it costs $21.95/year to get the full functions. Besides, to use it to convert Audible to MP3, or split large audiobooks by chapters, you need to authorize your Audible account. By the way, it supports MP3, M4B, and M4A output audio formats.
How to Convert AAX to MP3 Linux/Windows/Mac via OpenAudible on GitHub
Step 1. Install and open your OpenAudible on your computer. Then please update your preferences by clicking the 'Setting' icon in the upper-right corner. Please check the mark before the MP3 option under the 'Audio Output Format' section.
Step 2. Choose the 'Controls' > 'Connect to Audible' option. You will need to log in to your Audible name and password.
Step 3. It will pop up a new window to ask whether you'd like to start a 'Full Audible Library Sync' to get a list of your books. Please click the 'Yes' button to load Audible AAX files to OpenAudible. It will start to automatically download and convert AAX to MP3 on Linux, Windows, or macOS computer. To find Audible MP3 files, please right-click the 'Show MP3' option.
Pros and Cons of OpenAudible
Pros |
✔ Works on Linux, Windows and Mac ✔ Support to split and merge books by chapters ✔ Support to output AAX to MP3, M4B and M4A ✔ Break ✔ Suppo ✔ Support |
Cons | ❌ Need to log in to your Audible and iTunes account to process the conversion ❌ Fewer output audio formats ❌ Not free |
No.3 Audials One 2024 (Windows Only)
In reality, Audials One 2024 is using audio recording technology to help you record and convert protected streaming music and audiobooks. In turn, you can download and convert aax. file to MP3 with freedom for use anywhere.
This all-in-one AAX converter records the protected audiobook streams from Audible and saves the recordings as MP3 files with all ID3 tags without commercials. Once the recording is complete, you are able to enjoy all Audible MP3 books on popular MP3 players with no limit.
Aside from recording Audible AAX audiobooks and other audio, Audials One 2024 can also be used to record video streams online like iTunes, YouTube, etc. in high quality. Moreover, it has an attractive interface and good configuration options that make using the program very convenient.
How to Convert AAX to MP3 Windows 10/Windows 11 via Audials One 2024
Step 1. Install Audials One 2024 on your computer running Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system. Click the 'Convert' option from the left toolbar. Then choose the 'Audiobook' option to import Audible AAX and AA files from local computer or iTunes library.
Step 2. Now, please hit the 'Output Format' option to define MP3 as the target one so that it will save Audible files as MP3. If MP3 is the default format, you can skip this step.
Step 3. The last step you have to do is to simply press the green 'Start' button. Later, your aax. audiobooks will be converted to MP3 quickly.
Pros and Cons of Audials One 2024
Pros |
✔ Support files from Audible, iTunes, etc. ✔ Keep audio files with full ID3 tags |
Cons | ❌ Works on Windows only ❌ Only supports MP3 output audio format |
Comparison Table of AAX to MP3 Converter PC/Mac/Linux
Here you can take a look at the detailed comparison of these three professional AAX to MP3 converters on Windows, Mac and Linux computers.
Features | AudFree Audible Converter | OpenAudible | Audials One 2024 |
---|---|---|---|
Supported System | Windows and Mac | Linux, Windows and Mac | Windows |
Easy to Use | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
Authorize Audible Account | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Output Quality | Lossless | Low | High |
Output Format | MP3, FLAC, M4A, M4B, WAV, AAC | MP3, M4A, M4B | MP3 |
Conversion Speed | 30X | Fast | Middle |
Highlight Features | 30X speed at the best quality; Customize ID3 tags; Splitting function; Multiple output formats, etc. |
Support Linux operating system | Support many streaming music services |
Price | $89.95 for lifetime | $21.95/year | $39.90/year |
Part 2. How to Convert AAX to MP3 Online
Apart from the above converters, there are still many other online freeware that can do it. If you don't want to download and install extra apps on your desktop, you can choose an AAX to MP3 converter online free to get MP3 files from audiobooks.
No.1 Convertio
Convertio, an AAX to MP3 online converter free is different from the above software. It can convert AAX file to MP3 online free. That's to say, you don't need to install an extra tool on your computer but still can gain MP3 from Audible files. Just upload AAX audiobooks, and then you can convert them to MP3 online.
How to Convert an AAX File to MP3 Online Free via Convertio
Step 1. Open any web browser and navigate to Convertio official website.
Step 2. Hit the folder icon and add AAX files from your computer. Choose the input format as AAX and the output format as MP3.
Step 3. Press the 'Convert' icon to start the format conversion. This software will convert .aax to MP3 online in batch. Find all MP3 audiobooks by clicking the 'Download' icon.
Pros and Cons of Convertio
Pros |
✔ Convert audio files online for free ✔ No need to install an extra program on your device ✔ Easy to use for any user |
Cons | ❌ Lossy output audio quality ❌ Only outputs MP3 audio format |
No.2 Online Audio Converter
Online Audio Converter is not only an AAX converter online but also an all-around audio converter. It can convert all kinds of audio files to MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, OGG, and more popular audio formats. It empowers users to configure the output quality of AAX audiobooks by changing the bit rate, sample rate, audio channels, and so on. Besides, it enables you to convert large AAX to MP3 online simultaneously in a batch.
How to Convert AAX File to MP3 Online Free
Step 1. Navigate to the Online Audio Recorder official website. Then please set the output format as MP3 and customize the output quality of MP3 tracks. The best quality is 320kbps.
Step 2. Click the "Open files" button to upload Audible AAX files to this best free AAX to MP3 converter online. Next, you can tap the 'Convert' button to download and convert .aax to MP3 online to your local computer.
Pros and Cons of Online Audio Converter
Pros |
✔ Support lots of output audio formats like MP3, FLAC, OGG, etc. ✔ Support to reset output audio quality like bit rate, etc. ✔ Support to convert audio files in a batch |
Cons | ❌ Output quality may be lossy ❌ Only supports DRM-free audio files |
No.3 Online AAX to MP3 Converter
Online AAX to MP3 Converter is a new-released tool provided by audibleconvert.com website. It is designed to help audiobook users convert AAX to MP3 free online. With two buttons on its online website, the operating process is very easy and simple. As a web-based app, you can finish the conversion online without spending a cent. However, this software is composed of simple programming languages, which will lead to frequent conversion failure.
How to Use AAX to MP3 Converter Online Free
Step 1. Open your most-used web browser and visit Audible.com first. Authorize your Audible account and download favorite audiobooks.
Step 2. Enter audibleconvert.com and click the 'Choose file' button to load downloaded Audible AAX audiobooks.
Step 3. When the file displays on the webpage, you can click the 'Convert' button to convert aax. file to MP3. It will take a few minutes to finish the conversion process. It will generate a new click. You need to tap it to download MP3 files on your computer.
Pros and Cons of Online AAX to MP3 Converter
Pros | ✔ Clean and simple user interface ✔ Easy to use |
Cons | ❌ Sometimes it won't work ❌ Output lossy audio quality ❌ Low conversion speed ❌ No more output audio settings ❌ Need to buy a password to use it |
Comparison Table of Converting AAX File to MP3 Online
Now, check the comparison table here to learn more about the online AAX to MP3 converters in detail.
Features | Convertio | Online Audio Converter | Online AAX to MP3 Converter |
---|---|---|---|
Supported System | Online | Online | Online |
Easy to Use | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Authorize Audible Account | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Output Quality | Low | High | Low |
Output Format | MP3 | MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, Ogg, etc. | MP3 |
Conversion Speed | Middle | Middle | Low |
Highlight Features | Convert a wide variety of audio and video files | Support converting .aa to MP3 as well; Multiple output formats; Set audiobooks as iPhone ringtone; Customize output quality |
Very easy to use |
Part 3. How to Convert AAX to MP3 Free
If you are seeking a free way to convert AAX files to MP3, then you can check this part. Here we will introduce four third-party AAX to MP3 converters free so that you can enjoy a better user experience at no cost.
No.1 Audacity
Audacity is an open-source tool to convert Audible AAX/AA files to MP3 for free on Mac, Windows, and Linux computers. Besides, it is actually an audio editor and recorder. With the traditional recording technology, it can record AAX audiobooks playing on a computer and save them as MP3. Now, follow the user guide on how to convert AAX to MP3 for free with Audacity.
How to Use Audacity AAX to MP3 Converter Free
Step 1. Fire up Audacity from your computer. Then please select the 'Windows WASAPI' option under the "Audio Host" section.
Step 2. There is a list of the recording devices, please choose your computer's speaker as the target one. Sometimes, you might need to click the 'Loopback' icon.
Step 3. Create a new track to record AAX files. After that, please play AAX audiobooks. Then it will start to record.
Step 4. After recording, tap the 'File' > 'Export' > 'Export as MP3' option to save AAX files to MP3 for free.
Pros and Cons of Audacity
Pros |
✔ It is free ✔ Support Linux, Windows and Mac computers ✔ Support several output audio formats ✔ Record any sound from the computer |
Cons | ❌ Can't split audiobook into chapters ❌ Can't keep ID3 tags ❌ Can't support batch conversion |
No.2 Open-Source Free AAX Converter on SourceForge
This Audible AAX to MP3 free converter was brought by aaxman on SourceForge website. I have tried this tool and the conversion speed is fast. In general, it depends on computer power. No need to install the iTunes app, you can effectively get MP3 files for free with SourceForge converter.
How to Convert AAX to MP3 Free on SourceForge
Step 1. Download and install the Audible Manager from SourceForge website on your computer. Then select an audiobook to open.
Step 2. Log in to your Audible account in the Audible Manager app. Then launch the free AAXToMP3 converter from your computer desktop.
Step 3. Choose AAX audiobooks that you'd like to convert to MP3. After that, please click the 'Convert' button to convert AAX files to MP3 for free. All MP3 files can be located in the same folder as the AAX file.
Pros and Cons of Open-Source Free AAX Converter on SourceForge
Pros |
✔ Quite easy to use ✔ Output high-quality audio files ✔ Convert audio files at a fast speed ✔ No need to work with iTunes app |
Cons | ❌ Only German user interface ❌ Conversion is not stable ❌ Need to install Audible Manager to use it |
No.3 InAudible
InAudible is also a smart third-party best free AAX to MP3 converter. It not only can convert AAX files to MP3 free but also convert Audible files to AAC, M4B, and WAV tracks. All ID3 tags, such as cover, title, etc. can be preserved well in MP3 downloads. It also has the splitting feature to separate Audible audiobooks in desired ways, such as silence deletion.
Since it doesn't have an official website, there is no direct download link to install it. You need to search for it on Google and find a possible website to do that, like GitHub.
How to Convert AAX Files into MP3 Free via InAudible
Step 1. Find the InAudible for Mac or Windows on Google. Then install and launch it from your computer desktop without paying a penny.
Step 2. Click the 'Input' icon on Mac or 'File' > 'Open > Audible/M4B' on Windows to load AAX files.
Step 3. Choose the output destination folder, output format, and other audio settings. Then, please click the 'Begin Conversion' button to start the AAX file to MP3 conversion process without paying a dime.
Pros and Cons of InAudible
Pros |
✔ Retain full and original ID3 tags ✔ Allow to customize output audio parameters ✔ Support to convert audio files in batches ✔ Support to split audio files |
Cons | ❌ Not easy to use ❌ Not support macOS Catalina or above ❌ Sometimes it won't work |
No.4 AAXAudioConverter
AAXAudioConverter is a free and open-source tool that you can find and install on GitHub. It is compatible with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11. To use this software, you should draw support from Book Lib Connect, Audible Manager, or a personal activation code to download audiobooks from Audible in advance.
You are bound to rely on this free AAX converter to convert Audible .aax and aa. files to MP3, M4A, and M4B. The audio conversion, including DRM handling, is carried out by FFmpeg. It's also given the option to output audiobooks into multiple chapters or split them into shorter tracks of roughly equal length.
How to Convert AAX to MP3 for Free by AAXAudioConverter on GitHub
Step 1. Download and open this AAXAudioConverter on your Windows computer. Then click the 'Add' button to open and select AAX audiobooks.
Step 2. Choose MP3 as the output format to export Audible files. If you'd like to divide audiobooks, simply hit on the 'More' section to customize it.
Step 3. You can also choose a favorite output folder. Then, tap the 'Convert' button to start the conversion.
Pros and Cons of AAXAudioConverter
Pros |
✔ Convert AAX to MP3, M4B and M4A for free ✔ Save ID3 tags of audio files ✔ Allow to split audio files into small chapters |
Cons | ❌ Not work on Mac computer ❌ Can't reset output audio quality ❌ Need to install Framework to use it |
Comparison Table of Free AAX to MP3 Converter
Check the table below to see the differences between these tools to convert AAX to MP3 for free.
Features | AAX to MP3 on SourceForge | InAudible | Audacity | AAXAudioConverter |
---|---|---|---|---|
Supported System | Windows | Windows | Linux, Windows and Mac | Windows |
Easy to Use | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
Authorize Audible Account | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Output Quality | High | High | Low | High |
Output Format | MP3 | MP3, M4B, AAC, WAV |
WAV, AIFF, MP3, M4A, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, MP2 | MP3, M4A, M4B |
Conversion Speed | Fast | Low | Real time | Middle |
Highlight Features | Require no iTunes; Fast conversion speed |
Keep ID3 tags; Splitting feature |
Support Mac and Linux operating systems; Many output formats; Recording audio from computer |
Divide audiobooks by chapter; Adjust inaccurate chapter marks; Keep or rename ID3 tags |
Part 4. FAQs about Converting AAX to MP3
Q1: What Is an Audible AA/AAX Files?
A: Both AA and AAX are protected file formats for Audible audiobooks. That's because of the special codec, each AA/AAX file can only be used on up to four computers and three smartphones at a time. AAX, also called Enhanced sound, is an encrypted M4B file in variable quality AAC format. It's better for spoken works compared to the older Audible format AA.
Q2: Can VLC Convert AAX to MP3?
A: Yes! Please open your VLC media player and hit on the 'Media' > 'Convert/Save' option. Then you can start to select your Audible AAX files and hit on the 'Convert/Save' button. To convert aax. to MP3 via VLC player, please don't forget to set the output format as MP3. All MP3 tracks can be saved in the destination folder.
Q3: Can You Convert AAX/AA to MP3 with iTunes?
A: No! To use iTunes to convert AAX/AA file to MP3, the first thing you need to do is to remove the protection of Audible audiobooks. You can make it via a third-party audio converter, like AudFree Auditior.
Q4: Why Converting AAX File to MP3?
A: As we all know, Audible AAX files are only licensed for playback on official devices, which is a major inconvenience. However, MP3 is one of the most common file types available today. It can be used on many devices or players and even shared across different devices and platforms. Besides, MP3 files are smaller in size than AAX files, which is easy to back up and manage. If you want to enjoy Audible audiobooks offline freely, converting AAX to MP3 is definitely the best option.
Q5: How to Convert AAX to MP3 on Android?
A: There is no AAX to MP3 converter Android for you to convert AAX files to MP3 directly. But if you have used one of the above tools to save Audible MP3 files, it is easy to transfer and play Audible AAX books to Android devices via a USB cable or WiFi connection.
Part 5. In Conclusion
There are 10 tools above to convert AAX to MP3 online, and free on Mac, Windows, and Linux computers. You can use an online or free tool to get audio files to MP3 for playback. By the way, the most cost-effective method among the best AAX to MP3 converters could be using AudFree Audible Converter. It comes with high-quality output files, acceptable conversion speed, audio splitting and editing functions. With it, you can convert and play AAX files on portable players and any other devices without any limit. What's more, it's able to convert not only Audible files but also Apple Music, iTunes audiobooks, and common audio tracks to different audio formats. You can enjoy all protected audiobooks offline anywhere.
View also:
Ivan Scott
Staff Editor