Apple Music is one of the most popular streaming platforms in the world, offering over 100 million songs, Lossless audio, and Spatial Audio support. However, despite its premium sound quality and polished ecosystem, Apple Music has one major limitation: you don't truly own the music you stream.
All Apple Music tracks are M4P (protected by DRM), which means downloaded songs can only be played inside the Apple Music app while your subscription is active. You can't freely transfer them to other devices, upload them to cloud storage, or keep them permanently after canceling your plan.
That's why many users search for ways to convert Apple Music to MP3 - a universal, device-friendly format that works everywhere. Whether you want offline playback, long-term backup, DJ use, or simple compatibility, MP3 remains the most practical choice.
In this guide, we'll walk you through 9 proven ways to download Apple Music to MP3, including desktop converters, online tools, free recorders, and official methods for unprotected files. Each method has its own pros and limitations, so you can choose the one that fits your needs best.
Part 1. How to Convert Apple Music to MP3 via Best Apple Music to MP3 Downloader
If you're an iTunes or Apple Music user, you may already know that iTunes-purchased songs can be converted to MP3 directly within the app (if not, you can skip ahead to Part 5). However, this method does not work for Apple Music streaming tracks. That's because Apple Music songs are DRM-protected, while tracks purchased from iTunes are not.
To convert protected Apple Music playlists to MP3, you'll need a dedicated solution. This is where a professional tool like AudFree Apple Music Converter comes in.
AudFree Apple Music Converter is designed specifically to remove Apple Music DRM and convert tracks to MP3 and other widely supported audio formats. It works seamlessly on the latest versions of both Windows and macOS, making the entire process simple - even for beginners.
What truly sets AudFree apart is its performance. The converter supports up to 17× faster conversion speed while preserving the original sound quality. At the same time, it retains complete ID3 tags, including track title, artist, album, artwork, and year, so your music library stays perfectly organized.
You also have full control over the output settings. AudFree Auditior lets you customize parameters such as bitrate, sample rate, and audio format, allowing you to tailor the converted files to your preferred listening experience.
In short, AudFree Apple Music Converter helps you unlock the full value of your Apple Music subscription - giving you permanent, offline MP3 files that you can play on any device, anytime, without app or subscription restrictions.
Why You Should Choose AudFree Apple Music Converter?
✅ It is easy to use and professional.
✅ It can work with the latest version of Windows and Mac computers.
✅ It can break the strict restrictions on Apple Music files and play music offline anywhere.
✅ It can convert Apple Music M4P to FLAC, MP3, AIFF, Lossless, WAV, M4A and M4B audio formats.
✅ It can run at a 17X rate conversion speed.
✅ It can keep the original audio quality and full ID3 tags of audio files.
✅ It allows you to reset bitrate, sample rate, channels, and more.
How to Convert Apple Music to MP3 via AudFree Apple Music Converter in 3 Steps
Before you begin, download and install AudFree Apple Music Converter on your Windows or Mac computer using the button below. Once installed, follow the step-by-step guide to download from Apple Music to MP3 quickly and easily.
- Step 1. Import Apple Music to AudFree Audio Converter
- Since AudFree Apple Music Converter is integrated with the Apple Music web player, log in to your Apple Music account after launching the AudFree program. Then you can view your Apple Music library and start to select and add Apple Music to the best Apple Music converter. Just tap the song > tap the 'Add' icon > 'Add to list' to load the song to the AudFree program.
- Step 2. Define Apple Music Output Format as MP3
- Once all your Apple Music files are loaded well, you can define the output format as MP3. Please click on the "menu" icon > Preferences to open the settings window. Next, choose the Conversion option. Then you can define the output format and other output parameters as needed, including channel, sample rate, and bit rate.
- To keep your music library organized, switch to the Output tab to choose a storage location and enable ID3 tag preservation.
- Step 3. Convert Apple Music to MP3 Losslessly
- Now, please click the "Converting" > "Convert" button to activate the conversion process. AudFree tool will convert your Apple Music tracks to MP3 at up to 17× speed while maintaining original audio quality. Once the conversion is complete, you can find the MP3 files in the selected output folder. Later, you can transfer Apple Music playlists to MP3 player or other devices such as SanDisk MP3 Player for offline playback.
Video Guide: How to Convert Protected Apple Music to MP3 via AudFree Auditior
You can also follow this video demo to learn how to use AudFree Apple Music Converter to convert Apple Music files to MP3 step by step.
Parameters of AudFree Apple Music Converter:
| Feature | AudFree Apple Music Converter |
|---|---|
| Compatible OS | Mac and Windows |
| Supported Input Files/Platforms | Apple Music |
| Supported Output Format | MP3/AIFF/Lossless/WAV/FLAC/M4A/M4B |
| Audio Channel | Mono/Stereo/Surround 5.1 |
| Bit Rate | 64 - 9216kbps |
| Sample Rate | 22050 - 192000Hz |
| Conversion Speed | 17X |
| Customize Output Quality | ✅ |
| Cut / Merge Function | ❌ |
| Batch Conversion | ✅ |
| Keep ID3 Tags | ✅ |
| Ease of Use | ✅ |
| Support Free Trial | ✅ |
| Cost | Individual plan: $14.95/month; $44.95/year; $89.95 for lifetime; Family plan: $19.95/month; $59.95/year |
Part 2. Top Apple Music to MP3 Converters Online (3 Tools)
The way above requires you to install the program on your computer to do the task. If you don't want to install an extra app on your device, then you can look at the online ways. This section will introduce the 3 top Apple Music to MP3 converters online to you. You can use them from your browser online and are often free to use. Without further ado, let's get started.
1. Convert Apple Music Link to MP3 Online for Free via Applemusicmp3
Applemusicmp3, also called Aaplmusicdownloader, is an Apple Music to MP3 downloader free and online. It can convert Apple Music M4P to MP3 without Apple Music subscriptions. Besides, it has an easy-to-use interface and supports converting Apple Music playlist to mp3. So, users can get Apple Music MP3 files effortlessly.
But, it can only export Apple Music playlists to MP3 or M4A. Moreover, it cannot guarantee the security when browsing the website.
Link: https://aaplmusicdownloader.com/
Step 1. Head over to official website of aaplmusicdownloader.com.
Step 2. Copy and paste the URL link of Apple Music songs into the downloader's search box. Then touch "Download" and the track will be recognized automatically.
Step 3. Hit the red button coded with "Generate Download Link".
Step 4. Once generated, please choose 320 kbps or other bitrates you want from the "Select Audio Quality" section.
Step 5. If the download process doesn't kick off, please click on the "Click here if download not started" tab. Then you can convert Apple Music to MP3 free online.
2. Convert Apple Music to MP3 Online for Free via APLMate
APLMate is also an Apple to MP3 converter online to help download music from Apple Music to MP3 for free. You don't need to install extra apps on your device to make it. With it, you can download songs, albums, and playlists from Apple Music online.
Link: https://aplmate.com/
Step 1. Open the Apple Music app or Apple Music Web Player on your mobile or desktop device.
Step 2. Locate the song you want to download and copy its link address.
Step 3. Visit APLMate Apple Music Downloader website.
Step 4. Put the copied link address into the text box and click "Download".
Step 5. Later, choose MP3 quality to start to get Apple Music MP3 files.
3. Free Apple Music Playlist to MP3 Converter Online Apple-Music-Downloader.com
Apple-Music-Downloader.com serves as a free Apple Music to MP3 downloader online. It allows you to download songs, playlists, and albums from Apple Music to local files and convert Apple Music URL to MP3. Whether you are an Apple Music Premium member or not, you can get unprotected Apple Music MP3 downloads and keep them forever on your device. What you need is to copy the Apple Music content's URL link and paste it into the tool.
However, it is a pity that it only supports MP3 output format and it has a low downloading speed. Also, it is not completely safe to use. If you don't mind these limitation, then you can proceed to learn how it works.
Link: https://apple-music-downloader.com/
Step 1. On Apple Music, find the music track you like. Then tap the "three dots" icon > "Share" > "Copy Link" at the right of each track to copy the URL link.
Step 2. Navigate to this Apple Music to MP3 converter online and free by visiting apple-music-downloader.com.
Step 3. Paste the copied URL link into the top search bar on the screen. Next, tap the right "Start" button.
Step 4. Later, the track will appear with a download button. Please hit the "Get Download" button to download Apple Music to MP3 online.
Parameters of Apple Music to MP3 Converters Online:
| Features | Apple-Music-Downloader.com | Applemusicmp3 | APLMate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supported Platforms | Online | Online | Online |
| Supported Input Files | Apple Music songs/albums/playlists | Apple Music songs | Apple Music songs/albums/playlists |
| Supported Output Format | MP3, M4A | MP3 | MP3 |
| Conversion Speed | 1X | 1X | 1X |
| Customize Output Quality | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cut / Merge Function | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Batch Conversion | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Keep ID3 Tags | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ease of Use | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cost | Free | Free | Free |
Part 3. How to Convert Apple Music to MP3 for Free
These online Apple Music to MP3 converters above are easy and convenient to use. However, there are lots of limitations of them and you need to connect to an network connection to use them. So, in this part, there is a free tool for you to convert Apple Music files to MP3 audio format. It is Audacity. Let's start to learn more about it.
Audacity is a free and open-source audio recorder for all streaming music sources. It also contains a lot of advanced features to download MP3 files from Apple Music in an easy and free way.
What is even more surprising is that Audacity is not only compatible with Windows and Mac but also with Linux operating systems. This means that you can download Apple Music to MP3 free on Linux devices, which is very convenient indeed. Now, let's see how it works.
Step 1. Install and fire up Audacity on your computer. Hit on the "Edit" > "Preferences" > "Audio Host Box" > "Windows WASAPI" button.
Step 2. Please set your computer's output device as the output sound card. Please hit "Recording" from the left panel under "Audacity Preferences". Then turn off the "Software playthrough of input" option.
Step 3. Click the "Record" button in Audacity to launch the recording process. At the same time, please play Apple Music songs that you'd like to save as MP3.
Step 4. It will automatically record Apple Music songs for free. To finish the recording process, please press the "Stop" icon.
Step 5. Go to "File" > "Export" > "Export as MP3" to get MP3 files from Apple Music for free on your computer.
Parameters of Audacity:
| Feature | Audacity |
|---|---|
| Compatible OS | Mac/Windows/GNU/Linux and other OS |
| Supported Input Files/Platforms | Any audio from the computer |
| Supported Output Format | MP3, OGG, WAV, etc. |
| Bit Rate | 16 - 32 bit |
| Conversion Speed | Real-time |
| Customize Output Quality | ✅ |
| Cut / Merge Function | ✅ |
| Batch Conversion | ❌ |
| Keep ID3 Tags | ❌ |
| Edit ID3 Tags | ✅ |
| Ease of Use | ❌ |
| Cost | Free |
Part 4. How to Download MP3 from Apple Music by Recording (Windows/Mac)
Here we will show more practical tools to convert protected Apple Music to MP3 on your Windows or Mac computer with ease. They are AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder and AudFree Audio Capture. Let's learn more about it.
No 1. Apple Music Playlist to MP3 Converter: AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder
AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder is a recommended streaming audio recording tool and a professional Apple Music downloader. It supports recording music from Apple Music and other popular music services on Windows and Mac computers. Besides, it can record Apple Music to MP3, FLAC, etc. for offline playback on any device and platform. Also, it will keep all ID3 tags and the original audio quality of music files after the conversion.
Here, let's show you how to capture Apple Music to MP3 via AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder step by step.
Step 1. Download, install, and open AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder on your Windows or Mac computer.
Step 2. Tap the Menu icon on the top-right corner of the AudFree tool. Then choose Preferences > Conversion. Next, you can reset output the audio format and parameters for Apple Music files. After that, click OK.
Step 3. In the main screen, choose the Apple Music icon and then log in to your music account to access your library. Click on the track you want to convert and tap the '+' button at the right. Then tap 'Add to list' to load files.
Step 4. Go to the Converting window and tap Convert to start the conversion. Later, you will get Apple Music to MP3 recording files on your device.
No 2. Apple Music to MP3 Recorder: AudFree Audio Capture
AudFree Audio Capture is designed to record and edit any sound played on your PC. You can use it to record Apple Music, background audio, in-game sounds, and more. In addition, it can save the recorded tracks in MP3, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, WMA, and other popular formats. What's more, it is also able to cut and split unwanted audio parts and merge the clips into one file. Below, we'll show you how to record and convert Apple Music to MP3 via AudFree Audio Capture.
Step 1. Download and launch AudFree Audio Capture on your Windows or Mac computer.
Step 2. Click on the "Format" icon at the bottom to choose the MP3 output format. Then choose the output quality and click 'Edit' to set output bit rate, sample rate, etc.
Step 3. Then hit the 'Select/Add an App' option to add the Apple Music or iTunes program to this best Apple Music ripper.
Step 4. Choose Apple Music/iTunes from the list and touch 'Start' to open the target program. Then you can search for songs and start playing. This Apple Music Playlist to MP3 Converter will automatically capture and download songs from Apple Music to MP3.
Step 5. Touch the "Stop" > "Save" button to store the Apple Music MP3 files in the destination folder on your computer.
Parameters of AudFree Recorders:
| Feature | AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder | AudFree Audio Capture |
|---|---|---|
| Compatible OS | Mac and Windows | Mac and Windows |
| Supported Input Files/Platforms | Songs, playlists, albums, podcasts, etc. from Apple Music, Spotify, etc. | Any audio from the computer |
| Supported Output Format | MP3/AIFF/WAV/FLAC/M4A/M4B/Lossless | MP3/AIFF/AAC/WMA/WAV/FLAC/M4A/M4B, etc. |
| Audio Channel | Mono/Stereo/Surround 5.1 | Mono/Stereo |
| Bit Rate | 64 - 768kbps | 8 - 320kbps |
| Sample Rate | 22050 - 192000Hz | 8000 - 48000Hz |
| Conversion Speed | Rapid | Real-time |
| Customize Output Quality | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cut / Merge Function | ❌ | ✅ |
| Batch Conversion | ✅ | ❌ |
| Keep ID3 Tags | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ease of Use | ✅ | ✅ |
| Support Free Trial | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cost | Individual plan: $29.95/month; $69.95/year; $159.95 for lifetime | Individual plan: $14.95/month; $44.95/year; $89.95 for lifetime; Family plan: $19.95/month; $59.95/year |
Part 5. How to Convert Unprotected Apple Music to MP3 Free
If you have purchased music files from Apple Music and they are unprotected, then you can use iTunes or the Apple Music app to convert them. This is very convenient because you don't need any additional software. But one disadvantage is that this method will reduce the music quality. Now, check the tutorial below to make it.
If you want to convert protected Apple Music songs to MP3 and keep music with the original quality, then you can use AudFree Apple Music to MP3 Converter in Part 1.
No 1. Via Apple Music App
If you are using a Mac computer with mac 10.15 Catalina or other latest versions, then you can use the Apple Music app to get Apple Music convert to MP3.
Step 1. Launch the Apple Music application on your Mac computer. Then click "Apple Music"> "Preferences" in the menu bar.
Step 2. Click the "File" tab and then click "Import Settings".
Step 3. When you click the "General" tab next to "Import Using". Then choose "MP3 Encoder".
Step 4. Click "OK" and then hold down the "Shift" key or the "Option" key on your keyboard.
Step 5. Select the "File" > "Convert" > "Create MP3 Version" option. In turn, you will have songs in the original format and converted songs in your library.
See also: Apple Music Preview App for Windows 11
No 2. Via iTunes
There is also an official way for Windows computer users. Please purchase the Apple Music tunes from iTunes in advance. Then you can convert unprotected Apple Music songs to MP3 with iTunes on your Windows 10/11 PC.
Step 1. Open the iTunes for Windows app on your PC. Then please go to the menu bar to select the "Edit" > "Preferences" option.
Step 2. In the new window, please choose the "General" > "Import Settings..." > "MP3 Encoder" section and click "OK" to confirm it.
Step 3. Select purchased Apple Music songs in your iTunes library. Then click the "File" > "Convert" > "Create MP3 Version" button. It will download music from Apple Music to MP3 automatically.
See also: How to Convert iTunes Library to MP3
Parameters of Apple Music/iTunes App:
| Feature | Apple Music App | iTunes App |
|---|---|---|
| Compatible OS | Mac | Windows |
| Supported Output Format | MP3/AIFF | MP3/AIFF |
| Conversion Speed | 1X | 1X |
| Customize Output Quality | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cut / Merge Function | ❌ | ❌ |
| Batch Conversion | ❌ | ❌ |
| Keep ID3 Tags | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ease of Use | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cost | Free | Free |
Part 6. FAQs about Converting Apple Music to MP3
Why Do We Need to Convert Apple Music to MP3?
Apple Music streams are protected by DRM. This means the downloaded Apple Music files can't be transferred to non-licensed devices for playback. Also, Apple Music users can't keep Apple Music tracks after unsubscribing. So, you need to remove DRM from Apple Music songs and transfer Apple Music songs to MP3 for backup.
MP3 is one of the most popular audio genres that is supported by most devices and platforms. Once you have converted Apple Music from M4P to MP3, you can enjoy Apple Music offline anywhere and anytime without any restrictions. Besides, the MP3 audio format has a small size which takes a little storage space on your device.
Can I Convert Apple Music to MP3 on iPhone or Android Phone?
No. Apple Music tracks cannot be directly converted to MP3 on iPhone or Android due to DRM restrictions and system limitations. Most reliable conversions must be done on a Windows or Mac computer using dedicated software (e.g., AudFree Apple Music Converter). After conversion, you can transfer the MP3 files to your mobile device for offline playback. Or, you can also use an online Apple Music to MP3 downloader on your iPhone or Android phone, but the safety cannot be ensured.
See also:
Will I Lose Spatial Audio Quality after Converting Apple Music to MP3?
Yes. Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos effects will be lost after MP3 conversion. MP3 is a standard stereo format and does not support multi-channel or spatial audio data. Even when converting to lossless formats, Spatial Audio itself cannot be preserved outside Apple Music.
What's the Difference Between an 'Apple Music to MP3 recorder' and an 'Apple Music to MP3 converter'?
An Apple Music to MP3 recorder captures audio in real time while music plays, similar to recording system sound. It is slower and may result in minor quality loss or missing metadata.
An Apple Music to MP3 converter removes DRM and converts tracks directly at high speed, usually preserving original audio quality, full ID3 tags, and album artwork. It's the better choice for batch conversion and long-term use.
What Features of Apple Music to MP3 Converter Should I Focus on?
Various converters on the market can help you download MP3 from Apple Music. When picking them, you should pay attention not only to their basic conversion capabilities but also to some additional features. These include conversion speed, audio output quality, safety, ease of use and so on. It would be nice to have some special features such as CD burning, and versatility in format conversion or file uploading.
What Are the Differences between Apple Music M4P and MP3?
M4P stands for one of the audio file extensions. Encoded with the advanced audio codec (AAC), M4P is a lossy compression and represents protected MPEG 4 (files). Audio files from Apple Music are encoded in M4P format. It is protected by FairPlay DRM technology that prevents Apple Music from being played on any devices or media players.
MP3 is a standard technology and format used to compress a sound sequence into a very small file. It is also considered one of the most popular and common types of audio files. Also, it provides high sound quality and boasts high compatibility with almost all devices and music players.
Why Can't I Add MP3 to Apple Music? How to Fix It?
First, it is noted that you can't add MP3 to Apple Music directly if you are using an iPhone. Besides, check if your files have a suitable format type. Just follow the step-by-step instructions as follows to check it:
Step 1. On QuickTime of Mac, choose 'File' and 'Open File'. Then choose one track you want to add to Apple Music.
Step 2. Play the track and tap 'Window' > 'Show Mobie Inspector'.
Step 3. Under the 'Audio Format' section, if it shows ".mp3 and Audio Format shows AAC", it indicates the file has the wrong format type.
Step 4. Add the correct extension to rename the file, for instance, convert MP3 to M4A.
After that, you can go to the Apple Music app on your Mac computer to add your MP3 files to it.
If it is of no avail, please contact the Apple Customer Service.
See also: How to Add Local Files to Apple Music
Part 7. In Conclusion
In this guide, we've introduced 9 different tools to help you convert Apple Music to MP3, both protected and unprotected. No matter which converters, all of them can help you get Apple Music free forever in your local files. But which one is the best fit for your needs? The comparison table below highlights the key differences to help you decide quickly.
| Ways | Professional Way | Online Way | Free Way | Recording Way | Official Way |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | AudFree Apple Music Converter | Apple Music Downloader/ Applemusicmp3/APLMate |
Audacity | AudFree Audio Capture/AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder |
Apple Music App/ iTunes App |
| Compatible OS | Mac/Windows | Online | Windows/Mac/ Linux |
Windows/Mac | Windows/Mac |
| Supported Input Content |
audio files from Apple Music | Apple Music songs/playlists/albums | Any sound from computer | Any audio from computer/streaming music services | Apple Music songs |
| Supported Output Format |
MP3/AIFF/Lossless/WAV/ FLAC/M4A/M4B |
MP3 | MP3/OGG/etc. | MP3/FLAC/WAV/ M4A/AAC/M4B/AIFF/WMA, etc. |
MP3/AIFF, etc. |
| Conversion Speed | 17X | 1X | 1X | 1X/up to 17X | 1X |
| Customize Output Quality | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cut / Merge Function |
❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅/❌ | ❌ |
| Batch Conversion | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌/✅ | ❌ |
| Keep ID3 Tags | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Safety | 100% | Low | High | 100% | 100% |
| Ratings | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ |
Among all methods, AudFree Apple Music Converter stands out as the most reliable choice. It supports batch conversion, works at up to 17X faster speed, preserves original audio quality and full ID3 metadata, and allows you to customize output settings such as bitrate and sample rate. More importantly, it is easy to use, safe, and consistent - making it ideal for users who want high-quality Apple Music MP3 files for long-term use across multiple devices.
In short, choose based on your priorities - but for the best balance of speed, quality, and control, AudFree Auditior delivers the most complete Apple Music conversion experience.
James Blair
Staff Editor
