Free Download
Free Download
86.2K views
7.5 min read
How to Convert Apple Music to MP3: 6 Proven Methods (2026 Guide)
×
Apple Music Converter
Looking to convert all Apple Music to MP3 at once?
Try out TuneFab Apple Music Converter
86.2K views
7.5 min read
Can you convert Apple Music to MP3? It depends on what type of Apple Music tracks you want to convert.
Apple Music downloads are not normal MP3 files. Most tracks from Apple Music subscriptions are protected by Apple's FairPlay DRM, which can only be played inside authorized Apple apps or devices. By contrast, songs purchased from the iTunes Store have generally been sold DRM-free since Apple's iTunes Plus rollout in 2009, while some older purchases may remain protected unless they have been upgraded or re-downloaded as unprotected versions.
To solve this, this guide covers 6 practical ways to convert Apple Music to MP3, including desktop Apple Music to MP3 converters, online tools, official iTunes-based options for purchased songs, and recording methods. If you want the easiest way to convert Apple Music playlists or albums in batch, start with the recommended converter method. If you prefer a free workaround or only need to process purchased music, you can jump to the method that best fits your needs below.
Legal Alert:
This guide is intended for personal use only. Please ensure that converting Apple Music complies with your local copyright laws and Apple's terms of service.
Table of Contents
Method 1: Convert Apple Music to MP3 in Batch with an Apple Music ConverterHOT!
Method 2: Convert Apple Music to MP3 Free via Online Apple Music Downloader
Method 3: Convert Purchased Apple Music to MP3 via the Apple Music App or iTunes
Method 4: Convert Apple Music to MP3 with an iTunes Music Converter
Method 5: Get Apple Music and Save It as MP3 with an Audio Recorder
Method 6: Record Apple Music on Phone and Convert to MP3 with Media Converter
Which is the Best Method to Convert Apple Music to MP3 (Comparison Table)
Best for: Those who want to convert Apple Music streaming songs to MP3 in batch
Supporting OS: Windows and Mac
Output MP3 Bitrate: Up to 320kbps
Although there are various ways to convert Apple Music to MP3, using a dedicated Apple Music converter is usually the most efficient option if you want the fastest results. Compared with free online tools or recording methods, desktop software typically offers faster conversion speed, more stable performance, and better output quality.
One reliable example is TuneFab Apple Music Converter. It allows you to convert Apple Music songs, playlists, and albums to MP3 in high quality while preserving important metadata such as song title, artist, album, and cover art. The program also integrates an Apple Music web player, making it easier to browse your library, bypass the protection of Apple Music, and convert tracks directly within the software.
In addition, TuneFab Apple Music Converter supports batch conversion, so you can download all your Apple Music songs or entire playlists at once. After conversion, the MP3 files can be played freely on devices such as MP3 players, smart TVs, USB drives, or other media players without relying on the Apple Music app.
TuneFab Apple Music Converter
| Main Features | Convert Apple Music singles, playlists, and albums to MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC, and more. It preserves original audio quality and ID3 metadata while delivering up to 35X faster conversion speed. With the built-in Apple Music web player, you can easily browse, select, and convert songs directly inside the program. |
| Supported Language | English, German, Spanish, French, Chinese (Traditional), Italian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish |
| Free Trial Version | Limited free song downloads (complete songs) |
| Paid Version | 1-Month Subscription (1/PC), $25.95 1-Year Subscription (1/PC), $79.95 Lifetime License (1/PC), $99.95 >> Check more plan details |
| Discount | Enjoy Instant 10% Discount on Tunefab – Just Apply Code: TFWELCOME |
| Learn More | TuneFab Apple Music Converter Review: Is It Worth It? |
| Main Features |
| Convert Apple Music to MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC Preserve the original quality after conversion 5X or higher conversion speed available Keep ID3 Tags, metadata info & audiobook chapter Rip Apple Music with simple clicks on embedded web player |
| Supported Language |
| English, French, Japanese, German, Traditional Chinese |
| Free Trial Version |
| 30 days free trial (with usage limits) |
| Paid Version |
| 1-Month Subscription (1/PC), $14.95 1-Year Subscription (1/PC), $49.95 Lifetime License (1/PC), $79.95 >> Check more plan details |
Now, let's learn how to convert songs from Apple Music to MP3 using TuneFab Apple Music Converter:
Download, install and launch TuneFab Apple Music Converter on your Windows PC or Mac.
When you launch the program, click on the Apple Music service on the interface.
Click on the Sign in button and log in to the Apple Music web player with your Apple ID to access the full music library as well as the download service.
Pick the Apple songs, playlists, or albums you want to download, then click "Add to Convert" to send them for conversion.
On the conversion interface, you can choose the output format as MP3, and set Sample Rate or Bitrate as preference.
To further customize other parameters, you can go to "Preference", where you can change the way your downloaded files are named and archive your downloaded songs in folders by default, playlists, artists, albums, etc.
In the final step, click on the "Convert Now" button to start converting all Apple Music to MP3. When converting, you can know the whole conversion progress in real time, and if you don't want to convert this song, you can directly stop converting and start another song.
When the music conversion is done, you can find all songs in the output folder. All ID3 information can be well-preserved including the album cover, song title, album title, and artist, which is easy for later management.
TuneFab Apple Music Converter is extremely easy to operate and works like a charm. In my test on a Windows PC, it takes less than 1.2 minutes to convert a 45-minute album while maintaining the original music quality. But if you wish to convert songs purchased from iTunes, check the tips in the following part.
If you are also using Spotify or other music services, TuneFab All-in-One Music Converter is a better option. This is a new tool launched by TuneFab which helps you convert songs from Spotify, Apple Music, etc. to common audio formats.
Pros and Cons of Converting Apple Music to MP3 via TuneFab Apple Music Converter
Pros
Download Apple Music songs/albums/playlists in batch with 35X faster speed
Convert Apple Music resources to DRM-free MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC
Tweak customizable parameters (bitrate and sample rate) to preserve original quality
Retain ID3 tags (i.e. artist, album, track number, cover art) for easy management
Embedded Apple Music web player available for a smooth converting experience
Cons
The free trial only allows you to convert the first 3-minute of each song
● Best for: Those who want to convert streaming Apple Music singles to MP3 without software
● Supporting OS: Computer or mobile web browser
● Output MP3 Bitrate: 128kbps
If you want to download a few Apple Music songs as MP3 without installing additional software, an online Apple Music Downloader can be a convenient option. These web-based tools allow you to paste an Apple Music song link and download it as an MP3 file directly in your browser. After downloading, you can keep the MP3 files locally, move them to your MP3 players or USB drives, or add them back to your music library for offline playback.
NOTE: Although some tools can parse Apple Music playlist or album links, they usually require you to download songs one by one. This can become time-consuming if you want to convert multiple albums or playlists. If you need to convert entire playlists or albums at once, a desktop converter such as TuneFab Apple Music Converter. may be a more efficient solution.
Step 1.
Launch your Apple Music app or open the Apple Music web player.
Step 2.
Choose the songs you want to download, then click the three-dot icon near the songs.
Step 3.
Tap "Share > Copy Link" to get the link, then paste the copied link into the search bar and click "Start > Download".
Step 4.
Click "Download MP3" to start downloading and exporting Apple Music to MP3 files.
Pros and Cons of Converting Apple Music to MP3 via Online Apple Music Downloader
Pros
Convert Apple music to MP3 within a few clicks
Full ID3 tags can be preserved during the conversion
No software installation required
Free of charge
Cons
Doesn't support batch downloads for playlists or albums
High sound quality can not guaranteed, since it may source Apple Music tracks from other online platforms
Conversion speed might be slow under unstable network connections
Sometimes fail to parse and download Apple Music songs
● Best for: Those who want to convert purchased iTunes M4A to MP3 losslessly
● Supporting OS: Windows and Mac
● Output MP3 Bitrate: Up to 320kbps
Compared with Apple Music streaming tracks, songs purchased from the iTunes Store are generally not protected by FairPlay DRM. These songs are usually encoded in AAC format with the .m4a file extension, which means they can be converted to other formats, such as MP3, using built-in tools like the Apple Music app on Mac or iTunes on Windows.
This method allows you to create MP3 copies of your purchased songs without installing additional software. Once converted, the MP3 files can be stored locally, transferred to MP3 players or USB drives, and played on a wider range of devices.
NOTE
Note: This method only works for DRM-free purchased songs. Most music purchased from the iTunes Store after Apple's iTunes Plus transition in 2009 is DRM-free, but some older purchases may still exist as protected AAC files (.m4p). If a song is still DRM-protected, the Create MP3 Version option will appear grayed out in the final step. In that case, you will need to use a dedicated converter such as the one introduced in Method 1.
Normally, the Music app is installed on Mac computers so you don't need to download other software for MP3 copies. The steps below will help you do that.
Step 1. Adjust Import Settings
Open the Apple Music app. Select Music > Preferences from the menu bar. Then, click the Files tab and click Import Settings.
Step 2. Change Encoding settings
Click the menu next to Import Using, choose MP3 Encoder, and select an output quality from the setting drop-down menu. Don't forget to click OK to confirm.
Step 3. Convert Songs to MP3 with Apple Music App
Select the purchased songs in your library that you want to convert. On your keyboard, hold down the Option key, and choose File > Convert > Create MP3 Version. And then the converted songs will appear in your library next to the original song files as MP3 files.
Tip: To convert songs from a folder or on a disk, just select the folder or disk after you select File > Convert > Convert to [MP3].
iTunes for Windows also includes an MP3 encoder that allows you to convert DRM-free purchased songs to MP3. If you see Create AAC Version instead of Create MP3 Version, you need to adjust the import settings first. Go to "Edit > Preferences > General > Import Settings", then choose "MP3 Encoder" from the "Import Using" menu.
Step 1. Get your songs ready on iTunes.
Import your purchased songs to the iTunes library.
Step 2. Convert songs to MP3 with iTunes.
On your keyboard, hold down the Ctrl key, and choose songs. Then File > Convert > Create MP3 Version. And select songs in your library or the folder or disk that contains songs you want to import and convert. Not long after, the converted songs and the original song files will be shown in your library.
NOTE
All MP3 files created using this method are compressed copies of the original
AAC files. In most cases, the difference in sound quality is minimal, but if you want an uncompressed
format, you can choose AIFF or WAV Encoder instead of MP3 in the
import settings. If you want to learn more about converting iTunes music formats to MP3, check out
the posts below:
• Convert Protected AAC to MP3
• Convert ALAC to MP3
• Convert M4A to MP3
• Convert M4P to MP3
Pros and Cons of Converting Purchased Apple Music to MP3 via Apple Music/iTunes
Pros
Audio quality remains very close to the original AAC file
Export purchased Apple Music in various formats - MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF
Apple Music tracks' metadata can be maintained
Cons
The process is a bit complicated for beginners
Only support purchased content; streaming Apple Music is not available for conversion
● Best for: Those who need to convert protected AAC (.m4p) files or old iTunes content
● Supporting OS: Windows and Mac
● Output MP3 Bitrate: Up to 320kbps
If your iTunes library contains older protected AAC files (.m4p), audiobooks, or mixed iTunes content, an iTunes-based converter may help convert them to standard audio formats such as MP3.
One example is TuneFab iTunes Music Converter, which was designed to convert protected iTunes media files and playlists into common audio formats while preserving basic metadata like song title, artist name, album name, and cover art. After conversion, the MP3 files can be played on a wider range of devices outside the Apple ecosystem.
NOTE
This tool is no longer actively maintained. If you encounter compatibility issues or need a more stable solution for converting Apple Music or large playlists, consider using the updated TuneFab Apple Music Converter introduced before, which offers better performance and ongoing support.
Step 1.
Download iTunes (version 12.4 or higher) on your PC and sign in with your Apple account.
Step 2.
Run TuneFab iTunes Music Converter and iTunes will be automatically launched. When your
library syncs successfully on the converter, select the Apple Music songs you want to
convert to MP3.
Step 3.
Select output parameters such as sample rate and bitrate. Then hit "Convert" at the bottom right.
Pros and Cons of TuneFab iTunes Music Converter
Pros
Convert various audio content such as songs, audiobooks and podcasts from your iTunes library
Supports various output formats and quality
Preserve original music quality and ID3 tags
Cons
No longer updated or maintained
Requires iTunes installation on your computer
● Best for: Those who want an audio clip of an Apple Music song
● Supporting OS: Windows, macOS and Linux
● Output MP3 Bitrate: 320kbps
Audacity is a popular open-source audio recording and editing program that can be used to record Apple Music and export the audio as MP3 files. It allows you to capture sound directly from your computer's system audio while Apple Music is playing, making it a possible workaround for saving tracks as local MP3 files.
In addition to recording, Audacity also provides basic audio editing tools. After recording Apple Music, you can trim the audio, adjust volume levels, or edit the track before exporting it as an MP3 file. This can be useful if you want to create Apple Music as ringtones, background music for videos, or customized audio clips.
NOTE:
Because this method records audio in real time, the process takes roughly the same amount of time as the track itself. It is therefore more suitable for recording a small number of songs rather than large playlists or albums.
Now, here are the steps on how to convert Apple Music to MP3 using Audacity:
Step 1.
Download and install Audacity from their official website. Once installed, open it and go to "Edit > >Preferences >> Devices" to select the appropriate recording device (usually your computer's built-in microphone or stereo mix).
Step 2.
Open the Apple Music app or iTunes on your computer and select the track you want to convert to MP3.
Step 3.
In Audacity, click on the "Record" button and then start playing the selected track in Apple Music. Once the track finishes playing, press the "Stop" button.
Step 4.
Go to "File >> Export Audio", then you can adjust the output settings and export the MP3 file.
Pros and Cons of Downloading Apple Music to MP3 via Audacity
Pros
Featured with powerful editing functions - trimming, cutting, and more
Support diverse output formats - MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, WAV and more
Complete free to use
Cons
The interface is not straightforward enough for beginners
Original sound quality can not be retained due to its recording nature
It's time-consuming to record a whole Apple Music playlist
● Best for: Those who want to save Apple Music audio using only a mobile phone
● Supporting OS: Android (some devices)
● Output MP3 Bitrate: Up to 320kbps (after conversion)
If you do not have a computer nearby, another workaround is to record Apple Music on your phone and then convert the recording to MP3. This method works by capturing the audio while the song is playing and then extracting the sound from the recorded video.
However, it is important to note that Apple Music can detect screen recording on iPhones and automatically mute the audio, which means this approach usually does not work on iOS devices. Some Android phones, on the other hand, allow system audio to be recorded with the built-in screen recorder, making it possible to capture Apple Music playback.
After recording the music as a video file (usually MP4), you can use a mobile format converter app such as Video to MP3 Converter to extract the audio and save it as an MP3 file. Although this method requires a few manual steps and records audio in real time, it can still be a practical option if you only need to save a small number of songs without using a computer.
NOTE:
If you want to explore more ways to record Apple Music, including methods for Windows, Mac, or iPhone devices, you can check this detailed guide: How to Screen Record Apple Music: 3 Methods (Tested).
Step 1.
Open Settings and find the Screen Recorder feature on your Android device.
Step 2.
Start the screen recorder, then open the Apple Music app and play the song you want to save.
Step 3.
The recording will be saved as an MP4 video file in your phone's gallery.
Step 4.
For example, download Video to MP3 Converter (InShot Inc.) from the Google Play Store.
Step 5.
Open the converter app, select "Video to Audio", choose MP3 as the output format, and tap "Convert" to extract the audio.
Pros and Cons of this method
Pros
Free and safe, uses built-in phone features and trusted apps
No annoying ads or malware risks like some online tools
- Compatible with both iOS and Android devices
Cons
Audio quality can be lower than direct conversions
You need to play the full song to record it, which takes time
- The process involves several manual steps, not fully automatic
Up to now, you may have a clearer grasp of these 6 ways to convert Apple Music to MP3, in terms of their features, tutorials, pros, and cons. The table below compares these based on compatibility, sound quality, conversion speed, etc., helping you to make a wiser decision.
| Using TuneFab Apple Music Converter | Using Apple Music/iTunes | Using TuneFab iTunes Music Converter | Using Online Apple Music Downloader | Using Audacity | Using Phone Apps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Supported OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS | Web-based | Windows, macOS, Linux | Android (some devices) |
| Supported Content | Apple Music tracks, albums, playlists | Purchased iTunes content, local files | Apple Music tracks, albums, playlists, podcasts, audiobooks | Apple Music singles | Apple Music being played | Apple Music being played |
| Output Format | MP3, M4A, WAV, and FLAC | MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless | MP3, M4A, AC3, AAC, AIFF, AU, WAV, and FLAC | MP3 | MP3, WMA, OGG, FLAC, WAV and more | MP3, AAC, OGG, FLAC, WAV and more |
| Sound Quality | Original, or near-original | High | Original | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| DRM Removal |  |
 |
|
|
Recording workaround | Recording workaround |
| ID3 Preservation | |
|
|
|
|
|
| Conversion Speed | Up to 35X faster | Depend on system spec and network connection | 5X faster | Depend on network connection | Real-time speed | Real-time speed |
| Ease of Use | Easy | Medium | Medium | Easy | Medium | Medium |
As shown in the comparison above, different methods suit different needs. If you want the most efficient way to convert Apple Music to MP3 in batch, TuneFab Apple Music Converter offers the best balance of speed, audio quality, and ease of use.
If you only need to convert purchased iTunes songs, the built-in Apple Music app or iTunes can be a convenient solution. Meanwhile, recording or online tools can work as alternative options for occasional downloads, though they usually require more manual steps.
Apple Music tracks from a subscription are protected by Apple's FairPlay DRM, which restricts playback to authorized Apple apps and devices. Because of this protection, the Apple Music app does not provide a built-in option to export streaming songs as MP3 files. However, songs purchased from the iTunes Store are usually DRM-free and can be converted to MP3 using the Apple Music app or iTunes. For streaming Apple Music tracks, you typically need a converter, an online downloader, or a recording method.
MP3 is a lossy audio format, so converting Apple Music to MP3 always involves some level of compression. However, if you choose a higher bitrate such as 320kbps, the difference in sound quality is usually very small and difficult to notice in normal listening conditions. If you want to preserve higher audio quality, some converters also allow exporting to formats like FLAC or WAV, which can retain more audio detail.
Yes, there are several free methods to convert Apple Music to MP3. Some online Apple Music downloaders allow you to paste a song link and download the track as an MP3 file, while recording tools like Audacity can capture Apple Music audio in real time. However, these free solutions often have limitations such as slower conversion speed, lower output quality, or the need to process songs one by one. For larger playlists or batch conversion, dedicated desktop converters, like TuneFab Apple Music Converter, are usually more efficient.
The legality of converting Apple Music to MP3 depends on how the converted files are used and the copyright laws in your region. In general, converting music for personal offline listening is commonly acceptable, while redistributing or sharing the converted files publicly may violate copyright regulations. To stay compliant, users should always respect local copyright laws and the terms of their Apple Music subscription.
Yes, but it depends on the type of music file. Apple Music streaming tracks cannot be transferred directly to most MP3 players because they are protected and require the Apple Music app to play. If you convert the songs into standard audio formats such as MP3, you can transfer the files to an MP3 player, USB drive, or other portable device using a USB cable or file transfer software.
Converting Apple Music to MP3 allows you to enjoy your favorite songs on more devices, such as MP3 players, USB drives, or other media players that do not support the Apple Music app. In this guide, we introduced several practical methods, including desktop converters, online tools, official iTunes options for purchased songs, and recording workarounds.
Among these methods, a dedicated Apple Music to MP3 converter, such as TuneFab Apple Music Converter, is usually the most efficient solution if you need to convert Apple Music tracks, albums, or playlists in batch while maintaining high audio quality. Once the music is saved as standard MP3 files, you can store, transfer, and play them freely across different devices for offline listening.
