Q: How do I convert Audible to MP3 for free? I want to sync Audible books to my MP3 player so I can listen to Audible offline when I'm outside. But the books downloaded from Audible.com are not recognized by my MP3 device. I always get the "unsupported file format" error. So, I'm looking for a way to fix this issue.
It is noted that Audible files are protected in AA/AAX format, which can be played inside Audible on a few Audible-compatible devices. To play Audible audiobooks on more devices, you should have to use an Audible to MP3 converter to make it possible, which helps you fully control your Audible files. So, in this article, we will share 7 tools, including free and online ones to help you enjoy Audible audiobooks in MP3 format on any device without any limitations. Let's check them out now.
Part 1. How to Convert Audible to MP3 Free
Many Audible listeners are seeking a free method to export Audible books to MP3. So, in the first part, we'd like to walk you through two freeware available on computers below to convert Audible files to MP3 free. To start, please download Audible audiobooks to your PC or Mac computer in advance.
No.1 Free AAX Audio Converter (For Windows)
AAX Audio Converter is an open-source Audible book to MP3 converter free, which can be installed from GitHub. With an intuitive user interface, it specializes in converting Audible AA/AAX audiobooks to MP3/M4A. It supports splitting your audiobooks into chapters or short tracks. But it's important to note that this free software is only available for Windows 7 and higher versions, not for Mac users.
✨ How to Use Free AAX Audio Converter
Step 1. Install and open AAX Audio Converter for Windows on your desktop. Then tap the 'Add...' button to upload audiobooks from Audible.
Step 2. Customize the output format of Audible audiobooks as MP3 and then choose the mode to apply the conversion.
Step 3. Fire up the conversion process by hitting on the 'Convert' icon to convert Audible audio to MP3 for free.
🏷 Price: Free
👍🏻 Pros:
- Easy and free to use.
- Convert Audible AA/AAX to MP3/M4A.
- Support customizing output audio quality.
- Allow to split audiobook by chapters.
👎🏻 Cons:
- Only compatible with Windows 7 and later, without macOS.
- Insecure to use.
No.2 inAudible Free Audible Converter (For Windows and Mac)
inAudible is a free open-source program developed by GitHub. It can remove format restrictions from Audible's .aa and .aax files and convert them to MP3, AAC, WAV, and M4B. All metadata information including ID3 tags can be kept after the conversion. Plus, it allows you to change the sample rate, bitrate, and more output parameters and split audiobooks into smaller clips by chapters.
This audiobook converter, available on both Windows and Mac, can be installed from GitHub, or some torrent sites. It doesn't provide an official website and links for installing software, which means, it is not completely safe to use. Another drawback of this Audible to MP3 converter is its complicated user interface, which is unfriendly for beginners.
✨ How to Use inAudible Free Audible Converter
Step 1. Download and install inAudible from GitHub on your computer. Once installed, then open it from your computer.
Step 2. From the top navigation on inAudible, click on the 'File' tab and pick 'Open' > 'Audible/M4B' from the dropdown list. Then you can go to choose and add your Audible books to this converter.
Step 3. On the new screen, you can choose a new location by clicking the '...' icon next to the 'Output File' column. Then select 'MP3' under the 'Output Type' tab.
Note: On Mac, to upload Audible AA/AAX files and change output location on inAudible, please click on the '...' icon next to the top 'Input' and 'Output' columns directly.
Step 4. If you tend to split your local Audible audiobooks, please hit the 'Adjust Chapters' button under the 'Chapter Options' section.
Step 5. Once all settings are ready, please click on the bottom 'Begin Conversion' button.
🏷 Price: Free
👍🏻 Pros:
- Free to use, available on Windows/Mac.
- Enable to edit ID3 tags (author, title, cover, etc.) and output audio quality.
- Convert Audible AA/AAX files to MP3/AAC/WAV/M4B.
- Split Audible files into segments by chapters.
👎🏻 Cons:
- It is installed from GitHub, which is unsafe to download and use.
- The complicated interface design is unfriendly for newbies.
Free AAX Audio Converter | inAudible | |
---|---|---|
Compatible OS | Windows 7 and Later | Mac, Windows |
Input Format | Audible AA/AAX files | Audible AA/AAX files |
Output Format | MP3, M4A | MP3, AAC, WAV, M4B |
Conversion Speed | 1X | 1X |
Split Audible into Chapters | ✔ | ✔ |
Keep and Edit ID3 Tags | ❌ | ✔ |
Customize Output Quality | ❌ | ✔ |
Keep Lossless Quality | ❌ | ❌ |
Safe to Use | ✔ | ❌ |
Easy to Use | ✔ | ❌ |
Recommends | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Tips: These two free Audible to MP3 converters lack some features like keeping ID3 tags, adjusting output quality and so on. Besides, some of them are not safe and easy to use. In this case, you can skip to Part 4 to try the professional and secure tool named AudFree Audible Audiobook Converter.
Part 2. How to Convert Audible to MP3 Online Free
For users who don't want to install any additional software on their computers, an Audible to MP3 converter online can be useful. There are many sites on the market claiming to be able to convert Audible files to MP3 online. But most of them contain a lot of ads and some even hide viruses and malware. Therefore, in this section, we have handpicked two top 100% working and safe Audible to MP3 converters online to meet your needs.
No.1 Online Audio Converter
Online Audio Converter is an online freeware that easily converts Audible file format to MP3. The converter supports all Audible formats and quickly turns Audible books into MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, OGG, etc. in batches. What's more, you are allowed to configure the ID3 tags and output quality parameters like the bit rate, sample rate, and number of channels.
The key feature of this online Audible converter is that it is very secure. That's because the uploaded Audible files are automatically deleted from the server a few hours after you finish your work. No one can access them except yourself. But, it takes a long time to complete the conversion process and limits the size of Audible files to 10 MB.
✨ How to Use Online Audio Converter
Step 1. Navigate to the website of Online Audio Converter.
Step 2. There are 4 channels to load Audible books to this online tool: You can select audiobooks from your computer, Dropbox, Google Drive, or using a URL.
Step 3. According to your needs, start to upload Audible files. Please remember that audiobooks can't exceed 10 MB. Then choose the output format as MP3.
Step 4. Then you can customize advanced settings (including the bitrate, sample rate, and channels) and edit track info.
Step 5. Press the bottom 'Convert' icon of this Audible converter online to start the conversion process.
Step 6. Finally, remember to click the Download button and you will get the converted Audible MP3 file on your computer.
🏷 Price: Free
👍🏻 Pros:
- Easy and free to use without any extra apps installed.
- Support to edit track information and audio quality.
- Delete your uploaded files after converting automatically, which protects your private information.
- Support converting all kinds of audio files.
👎🏻 Cons:
- Files size is limited to 10 MB.
- Low success rate for conversion.
- Cannot split audiobooks.
No.2 Convertio Audible to MP3 Converter
Convertio is another online option to extract and save Audible books to MP3. This browser-based tool doesn't require you to download anything to your device. It helps you convert your favorite Audible files to various formats such as MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA, etc. It also enables you to cut audiobooks into segments and edit the output settings like bitrate, channels, and frequency, among others.
Privacy is even less of a concern, as it deletes input files immediately after editing and output files after 24 hours. The simple and intuitive interface without any technical requirements is also one of its major advantages. However, it requires you to subscribe to its highest tier to remove the file size limit.
✨ How to Use Convertio File Converter
Step 1. First, head to the Convertio File Converter's webpage on your computer's browser.
Step 2. Click the 'Choose Files' or 'From Computer' button and select any Audible audiobook files you want to convert directly from your computer.
Step 3. On the new page, click on the '...' icon near the added audiobook and choose 'MP3' from the popup.
Step 4. Proceed to click the right cog icon to open the Settings window, in which you can split audiobooks and customize the quality. Once done, click 'OK' to save the changes.
Step 5. Finally, just click the 'Convert' button. And Convertio will automatically start to convert AAX to MP3 online and save these Audible MP3 files to your computer.
🏷 Price: Free version & full version (Light plan: $9.99/mo; Basic plan: $14.99/mo; Unlimited plan: $25.99/mo)
👍🏻 Pros:
- Without technical requirements.
- Can personalize audio quality and cut audiobooks by time.
- Won't leak your information: Delete your added files after converting after 24 hours.
- Support lots of input formats and output formats.
👎🏻 Cons:
- Need to subscribe to it to unblock unlimited file size.
- Not support cutting audiobooks by chapters and editing ID3 tags.
Online Audio Converter | Convertio | |
---|---|---|
Compatible OS | Online | Online |
Input Format | Audible AA/AAX files | Audible AA/AAX files |
Output Format | MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, OGG | MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA, etc. |
Conversion Speed | 1X | 1X |
Split Audible into Chapters | ❌ | ✔ |
Keep and Edit ID3 Tags | ✔ | ❌ |
Customize Output Settings | ✔ | ✔ |
Keep Lossless Quality | ✔ | ✔ |
Safe to Use | ✔ | ❌ |
Easy to Use | ✔ | ❌ |
Recommends | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Tips: Though Audible audiobook to MP3 converter online doesn't require any program to be installed on your device to complete the task, it is unstable and lacks some functions. In this case, you can go to Part 4 to get an all-around tool called AudFree Audible Converter to convert Audible audio book to MP3.
Part 3. How to Rip Audible to MP3 on Windows/Mac/Linux
What's surprising is that you can also record Audible to MP3 format using an audio recording tool. In the following section, you will get a professional tool well-designed to complete Audible audiobooks to MP3 conversion. Come and check it out together.
When it comes to free Audible to MP3 converters, Audacity will appear at the top of the list. It is a free and open-source multitrack audio editor and recorder for Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems. With this powerful Audible recorder, you can rip Audible to MP3, WAV, and AIFF at no cost. You can even use this software to edit Audible audio files and mix multiple audiobooks for audio creation.
It is a lightweight program, it runs only in the background and does not slow down your computer, which is very pleasant. It also features a wide variety of plug-ins to improve more extraordinary features. But it could be a little difficult for novices to get started. If it's easy for you to use, Audacity deserves to be your first choice of free Audible converter.
✨How to Use Audacity
Step 1. Download and launch Audacity, click the Edit icon to go to the Preferences page. Click on Devices > Host > Windows WASAPI option, and select Recording.
Step 2. Click the Transfer Options button, then uncheck the Software playthrough of input option.
Step 3. After setting the Software Playback switch, then click the Record button in Audacity to start recording Audible to MP3.
Step 4. Finally, click the Stop button to end the recording and tap the Save button, the Audible MP3 file will be saved to a local folder on your computer.
🏷 Price: Free
👍🏻 Pros:
- Record Audible books to MP3, AIFF, and more files.
- Empower to cut files into segments.
- Compatible with multiple devices including Windows, macOS, and GNU/Linux.
👎🏻 Cons:
- Difficult to use.
- The audio quality is lossy.
Audacity | |
---|---|
Compatible OS | Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux, etc. |
Input Format | Any audio playing on devices |
Output Format | MP3, AIFF, etc. |
Conversion Speed | Real-time |
Split Audible into Chapters | ✔ |
Keep and Edit ID3 Tags | ❌ |
Customize Output Settings | ✔ |
Keep Lossless Quality | ❌ |
Safe to Use | ✔ |
Easy to Use | ❌ |
Recommends | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Part 4. How to Convert Audible Books to MP3 on Mac/PC Losslessly with Chapters
The best way to get MP3 from Audible files is to use a smart and professional Audible book converter. Fortunately, there are many such tools on the market that can help. AudFree Audible to MP3 Converter, and OpenAudible are undoubtedly the top two best among them. Unlike other common converters, they are able to convert Audible audio to MP3 with chapters.
No.1 AudFree Audible to MP3 Converter
By using special decryption technology, it can run at a 30X faster speed. As an all-in-one Audible audiobook converter, it can download Audible books to MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, M4A, and M4B.
What's more, it has an exclusive option of "Keep lossless quality(AA, AAX)" for Audible only. It empowers you to customize the audio quality before converting and keep the lossless sound quality after converting. The ID3 tags and metadata information will be retained in the output Audible MP3 files.
It also has an "Edit" icon and an "Effect" icon. The former option allows users to split Audible books by chapter, average segment, and hours. The latter enables users to customize Audible audiobook playback, including volume, speed, and pitch. Therefore, it's a well-deserved helper for saving Audible books as MP3.
View also: How to Change Audible Playback Speed
AudFree Audible Converter for Mac/Windows
- Losslessly convert Audible audio to MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, M4A, M4B, etc.
- Work at 30X faster speed to download Audible audiobooks to MP3 on Mac and Windows PC
- Split Audible books into several small segments by chapters
- Play Audible audiobooks offline on any device and player
✨ How to Use AudFree Audible to MP3 Converter
This software is available for Mac and Windows operating systems. Here, we will take the Mac version as an example to show you how to convert Audible to MP3 on Mac step by step. Please first download the AudFree software by tapping the "Download" button above.
Step 1. Sync Downloaded Audible Audiobooks to iTunes Library
Please open the iTunes store and navigate to the 'My Audiobooks' menu. To add Audible audiobooks to the iTunes library, click the 'File' icon at the upper-left corner of the iTunes menu bar. And then touch the 'Add Files to Library' to load them. Please remember to authorize your Audible account in advance.
Step 2. Import Audible Books to AudFree Auditior
To load Audible books into this Audible Converter for Windows/Mac to MP3, you can click the first 'Add' button at the bottom left to choose Audible audiobooks from the iTunes library.
Note: AudFree Audible Converter supports batch conversion of Audible files to MP3. You can add all audiobooks at once for conversion. This tool is also available to convert iTunes audiobooks to MP3 files as well as other local files. To do that, please click the second 'Add' button to import them to this smart audiobook converter.
Step 3. Set Audible Output Format as MP3
In general, MP3 is set as the output format by default. If you need to change the output format or customize audio quality, please click the 'Audio' icon at the lower right. In this step, hover over the added item and tap the 'Edit' icon to open the editing window. Then you can customize ID3 tags like year, title, album, artist, cover, and more. Once you set the 'Split by chapters', it will convert Audible files to MP3 with chapters.
Step 4. Convert Audible Books to MP3 on Mac
Once all settings are ready, just touch the 'Convert' button at the bottom-right corner of the main interface. When the converting process is finished, this tool will save Audible audiobooks to MP3 files in the destination folder. Then you can transfer Audible audiobooks to any MP3 player for offline playback.
🏷 Price: Free trial with conversion length limitations; $14.95/month; $29.95/quarter; $69.95/lifetime
👍🏻 Pros:
- Convert Audible books/Apple Music/iTunes audiobooks/common audio files to MP3/FLAC/AAC/WAV/M4A/M4B.
- Support splitting audiobooks by chapters and editing ID3 tags.
- Compatible with both Windows and Mac.
- Keep all original audio quality and metadata info.
- Support changing the volume/speed/pitch for audio files.
- Enable to customize output format and quality.
- Easy and safe to use at 30X faster speed.
- Support batch conversion with a high success rate.
👎🏻 Cons:
- The free version has conversion length limitations.
No.2 OpenAudible
OpenAudible serves as not only an audiobook converter but also an audiobook manager optimized for Audible members. It facilitates converting Audible files to M4B, M4A, and MP3 audio formats and exporting your audiobook lists to HTML, JSON, or spreadsheet. To help you organize your audiobook library, it automatically updates your library after purchasing Audible books and splitting and joining books by chapter at a super fast speed.
✨ How to Use OpenAudible
Step 1. Fire up OpenAudible on your Mac, Windows, or Linux computer. Then click the top-right gear icon to check the mark before 'MP3' under the 'Audio Output Format' section to define MP3 as the output format.
Step 2. On the home screen, tap the top 'Controls' > 'Connect to Audible' button to sign in to your Audible account and authorize it to OpenAudible. It will pop up a window asking you to confirm the "Full Audible Library Sync' operation. Click "Yes", and OpenAudible will automatically load all Audible books.
Step 3. The number of audiobooks available for download will be displayed. Please click "Yes" to begin these tasks. The real conversion process will be shown on the main interface.
🏷 Price: $18.95 to purchase one license
👍🏻 Pros:
- Convert Audible books to MP3 and M4B.
- Professional Audible books manager that syncs audiobooks once you buy them from Audible.
- Export book list to HTML, JSON, or spreadsheet.
- Retain original ID3 tags and simple to use.
- Split Audible files and configure ID3 tags.
👎🏻 Cons:
- Lossy quality: The audio quality is up to 160kbps.
- Need to access your Audible account.
- Need to buy its full version to download the entire Audible audiobook to MP3.
AudFree Audible Books Converter | OpenAudible | |
---|---|---|
Compatible OS | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac, Linux |
Input Format | Audible AA/AAX files, Apple Music M4P files, iTunes M4A files, All common audio files |
Audible AA/AAX files |
Output Format | MP3, M4A, M4B, AAC, WAV, FLAC | MP3, M4A |
Conversion Speed | 30X | 1X |
Split Audible into Chapters | ✔ | ❌ |
Keep and Edit ID3 Tags | ✔ | ❌ (Cannot Edit) |
Customize Output Quality | ✔ | ✔ |
Keep Lossless Quality | ✔ | ❌ (up to 160kbps) |
Safe to Use | ✔ | ✔ |
Easy to Use | ✔ | ❌ |
Recommends | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ |
Part 5. FAQs about Audible to MP3
Q1: Is It Legal to Convert Audible to MP3?
A: As long as you are converting Audible books to MP3 format for your personal needs to enjoy them better, then it is reasonable. However, distributing Audible MP3 books for commercial purposes is prohibited.
Q2: Why Do You Need to Download Audible Books to MP3?
A: Although Audible files are compatible with a range of different devices, such as Android and iOS devices and SanDisk MP3 players, there are still many devices that cannot play Audible books directly. Therefore, converting Audible files to MP3 is a necessary step to get better playback.
Q3: How Do I Convert Audible Files to MP3 on Android?
A: You can use AudFree Auditior to turn Audible books into MP3 on your computer first. Then just sync them to your Android device to enjoy Audible MP3 books to your heart's content. Or you can use Convertio via a web browser on your Android devices to do this.
Q4: Can You Download Audible Books to MP3 Directly?
A: Nope. To download audiobooks from Audible, you are required to buy the titles you want from Audible first. The downloaded Audible books are encrypted in AA or AAX format only. Suppose you tend to get MP3 audiobooks, you can draw help from the above tools to extract and save Audible books to MP3.
Q5: How to Convert Audible to MP3 on Android or iPhone?
A: It is a pity that there is no specific Audible Converter for mobile phones. If you prefer to listen to audiobooks on your phone, you can convert Audible files to MP3 via the above tools and then transfer those MP3 audiobooks to your Android or iPhone using a USB cable.
Q6: Which Is the Best Audible to MP3 Converter?
A: From the above, you learned 7 tools to convert Audible books to MP3. But which one is better? You can check the comparison table below and select from them.
AudFree Audible Books Converter | OpenAudible | Free AAX Audio Converter | inAudible | Online Audio Converter | Convertio | Audacity | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compatible OS | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows 7 and Later | Mac, Windows | Online | Online | Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux, etc. |
Input Format | Audible AA/AAX files, Apple Music, iTunes music, plain audio files |
Audible AA/AAX files | Audible AA/AAX files | Audible AA/AAX files | Audible AA/AAX files | Audible AA/AAX files | Any audio playing on devices |
Output Format | MP3, M4A, M4B, AAC, WAV, FLAC | MP3, M4A | MP3, M4A | MP3, AAC, WAV, M4B | MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, OGG | MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA, etc. | MP3, AIFF, etc. |
Conversion Speed | 30X | 1X | 1X | 1X | 1X | 1X | Real-time |
Split Audible into Chapters | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ |
Keep and Edit ID3 Tags | ✔ | ❌ (Can't Edit) | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
Customize Output Quality | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Keep Lossless Quality | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ |
Safe to Use | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ |
Easy to Use | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ✔ | ❌ | ❌ |
Recommends | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Part 6. Final Thoughts
This article covers the top 7 best Audible converters, both free and paid to convert Audible to MP3 on all devices. However, the first choice must be AudFree Audible to MP3 Converter as you can see from the table above. That's because it can provide 30X conversion speed and ensure lossless audio quality. Besides, it allows you to play these converted Audible books on any device you like.
If you want an online and free tool, you can choose Online Audio Converter, Audacity or other tools introduced in this post. If there is any other issue, please feel free to write it down in the comment area to let us know.
Research Process:
- It took us 10 hours researching and writing this post. It concludes with in-depth information on the best Audible to MP3 converters. Hope you can quickly find the most suitable way to get MP3 files from Audible.
- Total Converters researched - 20
- Total Converters shortlisted - 7
Ivan Scott
Staff Editor