WAV files from recorders, DAWs and voice apps are huge: about 10 MB per minute. As an MP3 the same recording is a fraction of that and plays everywhere.
WAV to MP3 at a glance
| Price | Free, no sign-up, no watermark, no daily limit |
|---|---|
| Accepts | WAV |
| Largest file | 1 GB per file, several files at once |
| Where it runs | In your browser: files are never uploaded |
| Works on | Any modern browser on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux |
| Send the result | Download it, or send it free with a link or by email (up to 20 GB) |
How to convert WAV to MP3
- Choose one or more WAV files.
- Pick the quality: 256 kbps for music, 128 kbps for speech.
- Press Convert WAV to MP3.
- Listen on the page and download the MP3s.
How much smaller
CD-quality WAV (16-bit, 44.1 kHz, stereo) is 1,411 kbps, so one minute takes about 10.6 MB. At 256 kbps an MP3 is about 5.5 times smaller; at 128 kbps about 11 times smaller. 24-bit or 48 kHz recordings shrink even more.
| Length | WAV (CD quality) | MP3 256 kbps | MP3 128 kbps |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 minute | 10.6 MB | 1.9 MB | 0.96 MB |
| 1 hour | 635 MB | 115 MB | 58 MB |
Before you convert
Keep the WAV if you will still edit or master the recording: every MP3 encode removes a little detail, so edit first and convert last. For sending a mix for review, 256 or 320 kbps MP3 is standard. Need the untouched WAV files delivered instead? Send them with a link, free up to 20 GB.
Encoded with LAME, on your device
The MP3s are made with LAME, the long-standing reference MP3 encoder, compiled to run in your browser. Your recordings are not uploaded, which matters for unreleased music and private voice notes.
How this compares
| This tool | Online converters (e.g. Online Audio Converter, Clideo or CloudConvert) | Desktop apps (e.g. Audacity) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your file is uploaded | No | Yes, to their servers | No |
| Install or account | None | Account for some features | Install needed |
| Watermark or daily limits | None | Common on free plans | Depends on the app |
Plans of other services change; check their sites. More audio tools.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I use for WAV to MP3?
256 or 320 kbps for music, 128 kbps for speech. The page shows the estimated size before converting.
Can I convert 24-bit WAV files?
Yes. 16, 24 and 32-bit WAV files work; MP3 itself has no bit depth.
Can I convert many WAV files at once?
Yes. Add them all and download the MP3s as a ZIP.
Are my recordings uploaded?
No. They are converted in your browser.
Need to send a big file?
Send files up to 20 GB with a download link or by email. Free, no account needed, original quality.
Send large files free