You have a large collection of MP3 files ripped from audiobook CDs and want to listen to them on media players like iTunes. The problem is that MP3s don't support chapters or bookmarks, making it difficult to keep track of your place. Is there a way to convert these MP3 files into a format like M4B or M4A so you can listen to your audiobooks more easily?
As audiobooks have become more popular, many audiobook converters have been developed, including those that convert MP3s to audiobook formats. In this guide, we'll cover ten effective ways to convert MP3 files to audiobooks (M4B or M4A) for free on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android.
Part 1. How to Create Audiobook from MP3 in iTunes/Apple Music App
When it comes to converting MP3 files to audiobooks, iTunes/Apple Music app should be taken priority. As a media player, media library, Internet radio broadcaster, and file manager, iTunes/Apple Music app has a wide range of fantastic features. For example, it enables you to burn audiobooks to CDs, sync media files, and convert audio files.
In brief, iTunes or Apple Music app can be regarded as a free MP3 to audiobook converter. It can directly convert MP3 to Apple audiobook format M4B or M4A ( (M4A & M4B use the AAC codec). Here, we walk you through the detailed steps to change MP3 into audiobooks with the assistance of iTunes/Apple Music app on Windows/Mac.
Section 1. How to Make Audiobook from MP3 in iTunes/Apple Music App
Step 1. On iTunes/Apple Music app on your computer, click on 'File' > 'Add File to Library' to upload your MP3 files to iTunes. Then you can find them in the 'Music' > 'Recently Added' catalog.
Step 2. Choose an MP3 audio file and right-click on it.
Step 3. From the popup, select 'Get Info' to get detailed information about the MP3 file. Under 'Options', enable the 'Remember playback position' and 'Skip when shuffling' playback options.
Step 4. On the 'Options' section, change 'Music' to 'Audiobook' from 'Media kind'.
Step 5. Your audio files will be displayed in the 'Books' > 'Audiobooks' section under the navigation bar of iTunes/Apple Music app.
Tips: Using this method, your audio file will still be in MP3 format, which is only available for iTunes or Apple Music app. If you want to play your MP3 as an audiobook on other players, you will need to follow the steps below to convert MP3 to M4B audiobooks.
Section 2. How to Turn MP3 into Audiobook as M4A/M4B via iTunes/Apple Music App
Step 1. First, add MP3 files to the iTunes or Apple Music library.
Step 2. Click on 'Music' under the navigation bar and select 'Recently Added' to locate all imported MP3 files.
Step 3. Hit the 'Edit' from the top menu navigation bar and choose 'Preferences' from the dropdown list.
Step 4. Switch to the 'General Preferences' and hit the bottom 'Import Settings' button to open a new window.
Step 5. From the 'Import Using' window, select the 'AAC Encoder' option. Then click 'OK' to confirm it.
Step 6. Select an added MP3 file from the left sidebar. Then click on 'File' > 'Convert' > 'Create AAC Version' to export MP3 to AAC files, which are encoded in M4A format.
Step 7. Right-click the M4A files and choose 'Show in Windows Explorer'. Then you can locate the destination folder that stores files on your computer. There, you can modify the M4A to M4B files manually.
Step 8. Now, all MP3 audiobooks are converted to M4B audiobooks with chapters. You can import them to iTunes or other players to play with chapters. Besides, all added files will display in the 'Audiobook' section automatically now.
Afterward, you can transfer the created iTunes audiobooks on iPhone and other Apple devices. If you want to play them on Android, you can refer to: How to Play iTunes Audiobooks on Android.
Part 2. How to Convert MP3 to Audiobook (M4B) Free
If you are looking for the best free MP3 to M4B converters, you can't go wrong with the three tools presented in this section. They make it simple to convert MP3 to audiobook format and even support features like chapters, metadata, and batch conversion. Plus, we'll also introduce MortPlayer Audio Book, one of the best free MP3 audiobook players to play your audiobooks directly without conversion. Read on to find out more.
1. AudioBookConverter 6.5.2 (Windows)
AudioBookConverter 6.5.2 is a Windows-based MP3 to audiobook converter free that allows you to quickly turn your MP3 files into M4B audiobooks. It supports batch processing, letting you 'combine multiple MP3 to M4B' with chapters and bookmarks. You can also edit metadata like title, author, and genre to organize your audiobook library easily. If you are looking for a lightweight yet effective way to convert MP3 to M4B with chapters, this tool is worth trying.
How to Convert MP3 to M4B for Free on Windows via AudioBookConverter
Step 1. Download and install AudioBookConverter 6.5.2 on your Windows PC.
Step 2. Launch the software and click 'Add Files' to import the MP3 files you want to convert.
Step 3. Choose output format as M4B and adjust settings such as bitrate, sample rate, or chapters.
Step 4. Click the 'Start' button to start the process. The converted M4B audiobooks will be saved to your chosen folder and can be synced to iTunes.
👍 Pros: Free, supports chapters, batch conversion, easy metadata editing.
👎 Cons: Windows only, outdated interface, limited advanced editing features.
2. Audiobook Binder (iPhone/Mac)
Audiobook Binder is a free tool compatible with iOS and Mac devices to convert MP3 to audiobook (M4B) format. It allows you to change cover artwork, as well as adjust encoding properties such as mono/stereo and sample rate. Once encoded, it automatically adds the M4B audiobook file to your iTunes (or Apple Books) library. With this app, you can easily combine multiple MP3 files into one audiobook with chapters for seamless playback.
How to Convert MP3 to M4B for Free on iPhone/Mac via Audiobook Binder
Step 1. Download and install Audiobook Binder on your Mac or iPhone.
Step 2. Run the app and select the 'Files' tab.
Step 3. Click the '+' icon or drag-and-drop MP3 files into the app.
Step 4. Customize metadata like title and cover, then press 'Bind' to start conversion. The new M4B audiobook will be saved to iTunes or Apple Books automatically.
👍 Pros: Free, Mac & iPhone supported, supports chapters and metadata, simple interface.
👎 Cons: Not available for Windows, fewer advanced customization options.
3. M4B Converter - MP3 to M4B (Windows)
M4B Converter - MP3 to M4B (Windows) is a modern MP3 to audiobook converter for Windows that makes it easy to 'convert MP3 to audiobook format' with chapters. It is available from the Microsoft Store and features a clean interface with support for batch conversion. Users can combine MP3 to M4B into a single audiobook and adjust metadata before exporting. If you want a straightforward and reliable MP3 to M4B converter free for Windows, this app is a solid option.
How to Convert MP3 to Audiobook for Free on Windows via M4B Converter
Step 1. Download and install M4B Converter - MP3 to M4B from Microsoft Store.
Step 2. Launch the app and click 'Add Files' to import your MP3 tracks.
Step 3. Edit audiobook details such as title, author, or cover, and enable chapters if needed.
Step 4. Hit 'Convert' to start. The tool will convert MP3 to M4B with chapters and save them locally for iTunes or any audiobook player.
👍 Pros: Modern interface, batch conversion, easy metadata support.
👎 Cons: Windows only, not free ($4.99), fewer advanced audio customization features.
Bonus Tip: MortPlayer Audio Book (For Android/iPhone)
MortPlayer Audio Book is a dedicated audiobook player available on Android, iPhone, and other platforms. It supports MP3, Ogg Vorbis, M4A, 3GP, MIDI, and Wave formats. With MortPlayer, you don't need to convert MP3 to M4B at all - you can listen to MP3 audiobooks on Android or iPhone directly' with chapter navigation, sleep timer, and bookmarking features.
👍 Pros: Free audiobook player, supports multiple audio formats, bookmarks and chapters supported.
👎 Cons: Only a player (not a converter), interface feels outdated compared to modern apps.
Part 3. MP3 to Audiobook Converter Online [Top 4]
If you don't want to install extra software on your device, you can try the following MP3 to M4B converter online free tools. These web-based services let you convert MP3 to audiobook format online and even play those audiobooks on MP3 players or any other device without limitations. Most of them are simple, fast, and user-friendly, but each comes with its own restrictions such as file size or daily limits.
Top 1. Media.io MP3 to M4B Audiobook Converter Online
Media.io serves as a free audiobook converter online. It allows users to convert various audio and video files into a variety of formats. Plus, it is dedicated to other services such as compressing files, editing videos, and more. With a lot of input and output formats, this online gadget is a convenient tool to modify or optimize media files.
However, Media.io will take a lot of time to complete the converting process with the limitations on file size and number of conversions per day. Also, if you want to download the converted files, it requires you to register and log in on its website, which may leak your privacy.
How to Convert MP3 to M4B Audiobook Online Using Media.io
Step 1. First, from the 'Convert' section, select the former format as MP3 and the later format as M4B. Alternatively, drag and drop the MP3 files to the online tool's interface directly.
Step 2. Click on the 'Choose Files' button to choose and add the MP3 files you want to change to M4B. The added files will load and display automatically on the website.
Step 3. Hit the bottom 'CONVERT' button to convert MP3 to M4B free.
Step 4. Once converted successfully, you can opt to convert more files. Or, hit the 'Download' button to get the M4B files for offline listening.
👍 Pros: Supports many formats, includes editing/compression features, no installation needed.
👎 Cons: File size and daily limit restrictions, slower speed, login required for downloads.
Top 2. Read-To-Me M4B Converter
Read-To-Me M4B Converter is a specialized online MP3 to audiobook converter that focuses on creating M4B files with chapter support. Unlike general media converters, it is designed specifically for audiobook lovers. It also provides options to merge multiple MP3 files into one continuous M4B audiobook with metadata editing like title and author. This makes it very handy if you want to combine MP3 to M4B online quickly without downloading extra software.
How to Convert MP3 to Audiobook M4B Online via Read-To-Me M4B Converter
Step 1. Visit the official Read-To-Me M4B Converter website.
Step 2. Upload your MP3 files by clicking 'Select Files' or using drag-and-drop.
Step 3. Edit metadata such as audiobook title, author, or cover image if needed.
Step 4. Click 'Convert' to generate your M4B file, then download it to your device.
👍 Pros: Designed for audiobooks, supports metadata editing, allows merging multiple MP3 files.
👎 Cons: Limited free usage, slower with large files (at least 60 mins), requires stable internet connection.
Top 3. Vertopal MP3 to M4B Converter Online
Vertopal MP3 Audios to M4B Converter is another online platform that supports free MP3 to M4B audiobook conversion. The service is known for its simple three-step process and a wide range of supported formats. With Vertopal, you can easily convert MP3 to audiobook M4B online without installing any software. It's lightweight and works well for quick conversions, though advanced audiobook features like chapters are limited.
How to Convert MP3 to Audiobook Online via Vertopal
Step 1. Open the Vertopal MP3 to M4B Converter page.
Step 2. Click 'Choose File' to upload your MP3 file.
Step 3. Select output format as M4B, then press 'Continue'.
Step 4. Wait for the conversion and click 'Download' to save your M4B audiobook.
👍 Pros: Easy to use, supports many formats, no installation required.
👎 Cons: No chapter support, limited customization and file size (50M), slower speed for larger files.
Top 4. SafeAudioConverter
SafeAudioConverter is another MP3 to M4B audiobook converter online we'd like to introduce. Resemble Media.io, it also boasts an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. This online audio converter also supports uploading multiple formats and converting them to local files in various formats. Better than Media.io, SafeAudioConverter allows you to customize the audio quality for your files, including changing the bitrate, sample rate, and audio channels. But its downside is the audio quality is limited up to 256kbps.
How to Convert MP3 to Audiobook Using SafeAudioConverter
Step 1. On the online converter's website, hit the 'Upload Your Audio' button.
Step 2. Drag & drop your MP3 audio files to the designated area. Or, tap the 'Browse on your device' button to add your files.
Step 3. Adjust the bitrate, sample rate, or audio channel for your added files.
Step 4. Once completed, hit the lower 'Convert' button to kick off the conversion.
Step 5. Then click on the 'Download' button to keep MP3 to M4B audiobooks offline forever.
👍 Pros: Customizable audio quality, clean interface, supports multiple formats.
👎 Cons: Free version limited to 256kbps, no chapter support, requires internet access.
Part 4. How to Convert MP3 to Audiobook with Chapters for Windows/Mac
If the free and online tools don't quite meet your needs, or if you're looking for a more professional solution that supports chapters and preserves quality, you might want to try a dedicated desktop application. This part will introduce a powerful tool that offers more control and advanced features.
AudFree Audio Capture is a powerful solution to convert MP3 files into M4B audiobooks. With its advanced capturing technology, it records audio directly from your computer's sound card without any quality loss. This makes it possible to re-encode your MP3 audiobooks into M4B format while preserving chapters, metadata, and ID3 tags. More importantly, you can trim, split, or merge multiple MP3 recordings before exporting them as a single M4B audiobook file.
It supports over 16 output formats including MP3, M4B, M4A, WAV, AAC, FLAC, OGG, and more, giving you full flexibility to play your audiobooks on iTunes, iPhone, iPad, Android, or any audiobook player. Whether you want to keep long MP3 lectures in M4B with chapter markers or simply enjoy audiobooks with resume-playback support, this tool can handle it efficiently.
How to Convert MP3 Audios to M4B Audiobook via AudFree Audio Capture
- Step 1Download and launch AudFree Audio Capture
- Download and launch AudFree Audio Capture on your Mac or Windows computer. On the home screen, click the 'Select/Add an App' button to choose the player (such as iTunes, Windows Media Player, QuickTime, etc.) from which you will play your MP3 audiobook files.
- Step 2 Customize output settings to M4B
- Click on the 'Format' button at the bottom-left corner. Choose M4B as the output format. Here, you can also set parameters such as audio codec, channel, sample rate, and bitrate. Once done, confirm your choices with 'OK'.
- Step 3 Play MP3 files and start capturing
- Return to the main interface and hit the target app you added. Now, play your MP3 audiobook files, and AudFree will automatically begin recording them in real time. To finish, simply click the 'Stop' button in the AudFree interface.
- Step 4 Edit and save MP3 as M4B audiobooks
- Once the recording is complete, you can trim unwanted sections, merge clips, or edit ID3 tags (like title, author, or cover art). Finally, click 'Save' to export your audiobook in M4B format for seamless playback on iTunes or any audiobook app.
Bonus Tip: How to Convert Audible Audiobooks to M4A/M4B with Chapters
If you'd like to convert encrypted audiobook formats such as Audible AA or AAX files directly into M4A or M4B, the most efficient solution is AudFree Audible Converter. Unlike basic MP3 to M4B converters, this tool comes with advanced decryption technology that removes protection from Audible audiobooks and exports them into popular formats including M4B, M4A, MP3, FLAC, AIFF, and WAV. Even better, it preserves 100% original sound quality, keeps all ID3 tags, and supports splitting audiobooks by chapters for easier navigation.
Using AudFree Audible Converter, you can adjust output settings such as bitrate, sample rate, and audio channels, or customize ID3 tags before conversion. The process is simple: just import your Audible books into the program, choose M4A or M4B as the output format, and click 'Convert'. Within minutes, you'll have DRM-free audiobooks that can be played smoothly on iTunes, iPhone, Android devices, or any standard audiobook player - without worrying about subscription or compatibility issues.
View also: How to Convert Audible to MP3
Part 5. FAQs about Converting MP3 to Audiobook
Q1: Will the audio quality be preserved when converting MP3 to M4B?
A: Not perfectly. Converting MP3 to M4B usually means re-encoding MP3 (lossy) to AAC/M4B (also lossy), which can introduce slight generation loss. To minimize it, choose a higher bitrate (e.g., 128-192 kbps AAC) and avoid multiple conversions. If the source is Audible AA/AAX, a purpose-built tool (e.g., AudFree Audible Converter) can export to M4A/M4B while keeping original quality as much as possible.
View also: How to Change Audible Playback Speed
Q2: Can I add chapter markers when converting MP3 to M4B?
A: Yes, use tools that support chapters. Audiobook Binder (Mac/iPhone), AudioBookConverter (Windows) and some dedicated MP3 to M4B converters let you create chapter markers (by file, time, or cues). Many online MP3 to M4B converters don't add chapters, so check features first.
Q3: Will bookmarks and tags be retained when converting MP3 to Audiobook, M4A or M4B?
A: Tags/metadata (title, author, cover) can be copied or edited during conversion with apps like Audiobook Binder or AudioBookConverter. Bookmarks/playback position are saved by the player (Apple Books, Smart Audiobook Player, etc.), not the file; after conversion, players will remember progress for the new M4B audiobook but old MP3 bookmarks don't transfer.
Q4: How much larger will M4B files be compared to MP3 files?
A: File size depends on bitrate × duration, not the container. At the same bitrate, MP3 vs M4B (AAC) will be roughly the same; AAC can even be slightly smaller at similar perceived quality. Chapters/metadata add only a tiny overhead (usually well under 1%).
Q5: Which devices can play MP3 converted to M4B audiobooks?
A: Within the Apple ecosystem, M4B works seamlessly on Apple Books for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, as well as iTunes on Windows. On Android, you can use popular audiobook players like Smart Audiobook Player, MortPlayer Audio Book, or VLC. For desktop users, Apple Books/iTunes and VLC remain reliable options. If you prefer not to convert, MP3 audiobooks can still be enjoyed with dedicated apps such as MortPlayer.
View also: Best Devices for Audible Audiobooks
Q6: Can I use Audacity to convert MP3 to M4B with chapters?
A: Yes, but partly. Audacity can export AAC/M4A (with the right libraries) but doesn't natively export M4B with chapters. For a true MP3 to M4B converter with chapters, use Audiobook Binder (Mac/iPhone) or a Windows M4B converter instead.
Q7: Can I convert MP3 to audiobook with chapters?
A: Yes. Use Audiobook Binder to convert MP3 to M4B with chapters on Mac/iPhone or AudioBookConverter to change MP3 to M4B on Windows. You can also combine multiple MP3s to M4B into a single book and auto-create chapters per track.
Q8: How to convert MP3 to Audiobook M4B free?
A: Windows users can rely on tools like M4B Converter - MP3 to M4B or AudioBookConverter by importing MP3 files, selecting M4B as the output, and then starting the conversion. On Mac and iPhone, Audiobook Binder offers a simple process: add your audio files, edit details such as title, author, and cover, and bind them into an M4B file with chapter support. For quick online solutions, services like Media.io, Read-To-Me, Vertopal, or SafeAudioConverter allow direct MP3-to-M4B conversion in the browser, though most online tools have size limitations and do not support chapter markers.
Q9: Can I combine multiple MP3 files into one M4B audiobook?
A: Absolutely. Combine MP3 to M4B audiobook in one go with Audiobook Binder (Mac/iPhone) or Windows tools like AudioBookConverter/M4B Converter+.
In Conclusion
In summary, converting your MP3 files into a dedicated audiobook format like M4B is a great way to add features like chapter support and bookmarks, making it easier to listen on devices like iPhones, Macs, and Androids.
There are many effective ways to do this, ranging from using built-in apps like iTunes or the Apple Music app to free, dedicated desktop programs like Audiobook Binder and AudioBookConverter. If you prefer not to install any software, several online converters can get the job done, though they often have limitations on file size or features. For a more professional solution that offers advanced features like lossless re-encoding and batch processing, tools like AudFree Audio Capture are excellent choices.
No matter which method you choose, you'll be able to transform your MP3 collection into organized, easy-to-use audiobooks.
Ivan Scott
Staff Editor
