Q: How do I convert Audible to MP3? 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.
Audible files are protected in AA/AAX format, which can be played 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. This is the easiest solution to fully control your Audible files. So, in this article, we will share 9 ways, including free online ones to help you enjoy Audible audiobooks without any limitations. Let's check them out now.
Part 1. Comparison among Methods to Convert Audible Books to MP3
Before we start learning about each in detail, let's take a look at their key features. So you can quickly decide on choosing the most suitable way to download Audible books to MP3 instead of trying them all.
Professional Ways | Free Ways | Online Ways | Recording Ways | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Compatible OS | Mac and Windows | Mac, Windows, Linux | Online | Mac, Windows, Linux |
Supported Input Format | Audible books, iTunes audiobooks, Apple Music, etc. | Audible audiobooks or any audio | Any audiobook | Any audiobook |
Supported Output Format | MP3, M4A, M4B, AAC, WAV, FLAC | MP3, AAC, M4B | MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A, OGG | MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, M4A, M4B |
Conversion Speed | 30X/100X | 1X | 1X | 1X |
Split Audible with Chapters | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Edit Audiobook Effects | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Keep Lossless Audible Books | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Recommends | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Part 2. How to Convert Audible to MP3 on Mac/PC via Professional Ways
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. AudFree Audible to MP3 Converter and AudKit Audible AAX Converter are undoubtedly the top two best among them. Unlike other common converters, they are able to convert Audible to MP3 with chapters.
No.1 AudFree Audible to MP3 Converter
By using special decryption technology, it can run at 30 times faster speed. As an all-in-one Audible audiobook converter, it can download Audible not only to MP3, a universal audio format, but also to FLAC, WAV, AAC, M4A and M4B.
What's more, it has an exclusive option of "Keep lossless quality" for Audible only. When downloading Audible books, it won't lose any sound quality . 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 the user 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 definitely a well-deserved helper for saving Audible books as MP3.
AudFree Audible Converter for Mac/Windows
✨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 iTunes library, click the 'File' icon at the upper-left corner of the iTunes menu bar. And then touch the 'Library' -> 'Import Playlist option' to load them. Please remember to authorize your Audible account in advance.
Step 2. Import Audible books to AudFree Auditior. There are two ways for you to load Audible books into this Audible Converter to MP3. You can click the first 'Add' button to choose Audible audiobooks from the iTunes library. Or you can directly drag and drop Audible files to the AudFree Auditior conversion window.
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 and common audiobooks to MP3. 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. Generally speaking, MP3 is set as the output format by default. If you need to change the output format, please click the 'audio' icon to do that. In this step, you can also tab the 'Edit' icon at each audiobook to open the editing window. You can customize ID3 tags like year, title, album, artist, cover, and more. Once you set the chapters by clicking 'Edit', it will convert Audible files to MP3 with chapters.
Step 4. Convert Audible books to MP3 on Mac. Once all settings are ready, you can start to download Audible audiobooks to MP3. 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 books to MP3 files on the destination folder. Then you can transfer them to any MP3 player for offline playback.
🏷Price: Free trial with conversion length limitations; $14.95/month; $29.95/quarter; $69.95/lifetime
🧐Verdict: With the intuitive UI and powerful features, AudFree Auditior works perfectly for all Audible users. It makes no compromise on the conversion quality and provides a lossless enjoyment of audiobooks. Also, with it, you can explore Apple Music, iTunes audiobooks, and other tracks anywhere.
No.2 AudKit Audible AAX Converter
AudKit Audible AAX Converter is an exclusive audio converter for Audible audiobooks. Since there is no need to install iTunes and authorize the account, this Audible file converter runs at 100X to download from Audible to MP3, FLAC, AAC, M4A, M4B, OGG, and more. Besides, it also adopts lossless decryption technology to extract Audible files on Mac and Windows computers.
With this built-in audiobook editor, you can split Audible books or edit ID3 tags manually in the desired way. This Audible MP3 converter enables you to preview converted Audible audiobooks before exporting via its built-in audiobook player.
✨How to Use AudKit Audible AAX Converter
Step 1. After you launch the AudKit Audible AAX Converter, please hit on the 'Add Files' button to add audiobooks. This tool will automatically detect your Audible audiobook downloads and show them in the new window.
Step 2. Choose target Audible files. Now, you can tap the 'Format' button to launch the preference window, in which you can customize audiobook output parameters, such as setting Audible format as MP3.
Step 3. Press the 'Convert' button at the bottom-right corner, it will start converting Audible to MP3 at a 100X conversion speed in batch.
🏷Price: Have a free version with conversion length limitations; $14.95/month; $49.95/lifetime
🧐Verdict: AudKit Audible AAX Converter is worth highly recommended due to this lighting fast conversion speed. No complicated operating process, it can save users a lot of time, including no iTunes installment, no account authorization, and batch conversion.
Part 3. How to Convert Audible to MP3 for Free
The above tools stand out from the rest because of its excellent output audio quality and conversion speed. However, it requires users to purchase the full version in order to download the entire Audible audiobook to MP3. Otherwise, only 1/3 of each book is available for download. As a result, here, we will also introduce you to two freeware below to convert Audible files to MP3 free.
No.1 Audacity
When it comes to free Audible to MP3 converters, Audacity will definitely 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 compared two the above tools, 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 Device > Host > Windows WASAPI option, and thus select Recording.
Step 2. Click the Transfer Options button, and then uncheck the Software playthrough option of input in the Transfer Options.
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 then tap the Save button, the Audible MP3 file will be saved to a local file on your computer.
🏷Price: Free
🧐Verdict: Audacity allows you to extract MP3 from not only Audible but also any audio sources playing on your computer. Although the user tutorial is a little tough, it's fully free and features tons of editing features to process your audiobook.
No.2 Free AAX Audio Converter
AAX Audio Converter is the second open-source Audible book to MP3 converter free. With an intuitive user interface, it's specialized in converting Audible AA/AAX audiobooks to other formats. Generally speaking, it supports two common audio formats, respectively MP3 and M4A. 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 PC. And 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 book to MP3.
🏷Price: Free
🧐Verdict: AAX Audio Converter is a versatile audiobook converter optimized for Audible conversion to export Audible books to MP3 on Windows computers without paying a dime.
Part 4. How to Convert Audible to MP3 Online
For users who don't want to install any additional software on computer, an audiobook to MP3 converter online can be useful. There are many sites on the market claiming to be able to convert Audible file 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 converter online to meet your needs.
No.1 Online Audio Converter
Online Audio Converter is online freeware that easily converts Audible file format to MP3. The converter supports all Audible formats and quickly turns Audible files into MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, OGG, etc. What's more, you are allowed to configure the quality, bit rate, frequency and number of channels.
The key feature of this online Audible converter is very secure. 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. It is also good at doing batch conversions to save time for you.
✨How to Use Online Audio Converter
Step 1. There are 4 ways to load Audible books. You can select audiobooks from your computer, Dropbox, Google Drive, or using a URL.
Step 2. According to your needs, start to upload Audible files. Please remember that audiobooks can't exceed 10 MB.
Step 3. Customize output format as MP3, make advanced settings, and edit track info. Now, press the 'Convert' icon of this Audible converter online to start the conversion process.
Step 4. Finally, remember to click the Download button and you will get the converted Audible MP3 file on your computer.
🏷Price: Free
🧐Verdict: Online Audio Converter aims to do format conversion of all kinds of audio files, including Audible audio files. It is a simple and easy-to-use program that allows you to finish the conversion by doing a few clicks without touching the original Audible audiobooks.
No.2 Convertio
Convertio is also another online option for converting Audible to MP3. Convertio is a browser-based tool, which means you don't need to download anything to your device. This online audio converter helps you convert your favorite Audible files to any format such as MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA, etc.
As a cross-platform online website, it can convert Audible to MP3 free online on Android, iPhone, Mac, Windows and Linux. 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 additional operations, is also one of its major advantages.
✨How to Use Convertio
Step 1. First, navigate to Convertio Online Audio Converter on your computer's browser.
Step 2. Click the "Select Files" button and select any Audible audiobook files you want to convert directly from your computer.
Step 3. Select the output format of Audible tracks as MP3, and you can continue to click the "Settings" icon to set other output parameters of Audible.
Step 4. 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
🧐Verdict: Convertio was originally designed to make it easy for anyone to convert audio files because of its simple design. Although it doesn't feature advanced features specific to editing Audible audiobooks, Convertio suffices for users who are looking for an online tool to download Audible books to MP3 free.
Part 5. How to Rip Audible to MP3 by Recorders
What's surprising is that you can also record and rip Audible books to MP3 using an audio recording tool. In the following section, you will get two professional tools well-designed to complete Audible to MP3 conversion. Come and check them out together.
No.1 AudFree Audio Capture
There are many audio recorders and rippers on the market that offer a great option for ripping Audible to MP3. AudFree Audio Capture can be placed at the top of this field. Instead of recording audiobooks from the computer's system sound, it captures the raw data from the application. With this comprehensive software, you are able to record and transfer Audible books to MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC for all devices.
By using advanced audio recording technology, it preserves 100% original quality. In addition to being able to set the output format, it performs all the amazing functions you expect from such converters that specialize in controlling Audible audiobook playback. It supports manually setting the main audio parameters to adjust the quality of the audiobook. If necessary, you are capable of trimming the Audible audiobook recording into smaller segments as you wish.
✨How to Use AudFree Audio Capture
Step 1. In the main interface of AudFree Audio Capture, please click the '+' button to add the Audible for Windows app or web browser you used to access audiobooks.
Step 2. Hit on the 'audio' icon to adjust the output parameters of Audible audiobooks, such as output format, bit rate, sample rate, etc.
Step 3. Open the target app and play Audible books, it will automatically start the recording process and copy Audible book to MP3 along with matching the original Audible quality.
Step 4. To stop the Audible MP3 recording process, you just need to close the Audible track that is playing, or simply exit the entire browser. Finally, touch the "Save" button to store the Audible MP3 file to the destination folder.
🏷Price: Free trial with recording length limitations; $14.95/month; $29.95/quarter; $34.95/lifetime
🧐Verdict: AudFree Audio Capture can't be missed for users who want to perform more editing actions with Audible MP3 books. It offers multiple editing features, such as ID3 tags edition, splitting audiobook length, merging small files, and so on. To fully control the audiobook playback, you deserve it.
No.2 Free Sound Recorder
As its name suggests, Free Sound Recorder is a free sound recording tool that can capture any sound played by your computer. Whether you want to record streaming audio, Internet radio or conversations in conferences and VoIP calls, this is no problem. So, with the aid of Free Sound Recorder, you can also easily record and export Audible to MP3, WMA, WAV or OGG files with near-perfect quality. The drawback of this tool is time-consuming because of no batch conversion.
✨How to Use Free Sound Recorder
Step 1. Run Free Sound Recorder on your computer. Click the Show Mixer Window button and select Card & Stereo Mix as the sound source from the Recording Mixer drop-down list.
Step 2. Click the "Options" button to open a new window. In the "General Settings" area, select MP3 as the output format.
Step 3. Play the Audible audiobook, and click the red "Start recording" icon to start to extract Audible to MP3. You can click the "Stop Recording" button when the recording is finished.
🏷Price: Free
🧐Verdict: Free Sound Recorder works well as an all-around audio recorder to capture any sound from any source. If there are many audio sources to get MP3 tracks from, you can give it a try.
No.3 OpenAudible
OpenAudible serves as not only an audiobook converter but also an audiobook manager optimized for Audible members. It facilitates converting Audible files to MPB, M4A, and MP3 audio formats and exporting your audiobook lists to HTML, JSON, or spreadsheet. To help you organize your audiobook library, it supports automatically updating your library after purchasing Audible books and splitting and joining books by chapter at super fast speed.
✨How to Use OpenAudible
Step 1. Fire up OpenAudible on your Mac, Windows or Linux computer. And then click the "setting" icon to check the mark before "MP3 Encoding Quality" to define MP3 as the output format.
Step 2. Tap the "Controls" > "Connect to Audible" button to sign in to your Audible account and authorized it to OpenAudible. It will pop up a window asking you to confirm the "Full Audible Library Sync' operation. Click "Yes", OpenAudible will automatically load all Audible books.
Step 3. It will display the number of audiobooks available for download. Please click "Yes" to begin these tasks. It will show the real conversion process on the main interface.
🏷Price: $18.95 to purchase one license
🧐Verdict: OpenAudible is a cross-platform and smart audiobook converter and manager. With a user-friendly interface, it enables Audible users to download, play, and manage audiobooks on all popular computers easily. Transferring converted Audible to any device is also available.
Part 6. FAQs about Downloading Audible Books 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 in order 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 firstly. 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.
Part 7. Final Thoughts
This article covers top 9 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. 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.
Research Process:
- It takes us 10 hours researching and writing this post. It concludes 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 – 9
Mar 2, 2023 3:30 PM
Updated by Ivan Scott to Audiobook