Learn how to convert video to MP3 for free on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. Follow easy step-by-step guides for VLC and Veed.io, plus tips to fix audio.
Key Takeaways
If you have a video file and want to extract the audio from it, whether it contains music, a speech, or audio you want to process further, converting it to an MP3 is easier than you might think.
In this guide, you will learn two completely free and easy methods to convert any video into an MP3 file. These methods work across all platforms, including Windows, Mac, phones, and tablets.
Method 1: Convert Video to MP3 Using VLC Media Player
VLC Media Player is a widely used, free application that can play almost any media file, but it also has a built-in feature to convert video to audio. The steps are slightly different depending on your operating system.
Which free video to MP3 converter provides the best audio quality?
Based on the two methods provided, the Veed.io Video Converter delivers the highest audio quality. It outputs at a 320 kb/s bitrate, whereas VLC Media Player defaults to a 128 kb/s bitrate. Both tools maintain stereo audio (2 channels) at a 44.1 kHz sample rate.
In the top menu, click on Media, then select Convert/Save.
In the file chooser dialog, click Add and select the video file you want to convert.
Click the Convert/Save button at the bottom of the window.
Under the settings, choose the profile Audio - MP3.
Click Browse to choose a destination and enter your desired MP3 file name.
Click Start. After a moment, your new MP3 will be saved and ready to use.
For Mac Users
Open VLC Media Player.
In the top menu, choose File, then select Convert/Stream.
Drop your video file directly into the designated area, or click Open Media to select your file.
Under the profile settings, choose Audio - MP3.
Select Save As File, then click Browse.
Enter your file name, making sure it ends with the .mp3 extension (e.g., output.mp3).
Click Save.
Tip: Because VLC is a versatile media player, you can immediately open and preview your newly converted MP3 right inside the application.
Method 2: Convert Video to MP3 Using Veed.io (No Installation)
If you need to convert a video on your phone or tablet, prefer not to install any software, or want a different output format like .WAV, a web-based converter is your best option.
Click the Upload a File button and select your video.
Once the video is uploaded, click the format drop-down menu and choose Audio - MP3 (or another file type like WAV).
Click Convert.
After the conversion is successful, click Download File to save the MP3 directly to your device.
Audio Quality Comparison
Depending on the method you choose, the resulting audio quality of your MP3 will vary. Here is a breakdown of the audio specifications for both tools:
Converter Method
Bitrate
Channels
Sample Rate
VLC Media Player
128 kb/s
2
44.1 kHz
Veed.io Converter
320 kb/s
2
44.1 kHz
If high-fidelity audio is your priority, the Veed.io web converter outputs a significantly higher bitrate at 320 kb/s compared to VLC's default 128 kb/s output.
Bonus Tip: Enhancing Bad Quality Audio
Sometimes, extracting audio from a video reveals that the original speech quality is poor, muffled, or filled with background noise. If your extracted speech sounds less than ideal, you don't have to settle for bad audio. You can use speech enhancement tools to process the MP3, significantly improving the clarity and making it sound professionally recorded.
Helpful Tools & Resources
If you are looking to upgrade your content creation setup or need high-quality assets, check out these recommended resources:
Digital Assets: Download all the templates, graphics, and music you need from Envato.
Studio Equipment: Curious about budget-friendly studio gear? Check out this complete budget studio gear spreadsheet to see recommended equipment.
Can I extract audio from a video on my phone or tablet without installing an app?
Yes! If you prefer not to download any applications on your mobile device, you can use a browser-based tool like the Veed.io Video Converter. Simply upload your video through your mobile browser and save the resulting MP3 directly to your iOS or Android device.
Is it possible to convert a video to uncompressed audio formats like WAV?
Absolutely. While MP3 is the most common format for general use, web-based converters like Veed.io feature a format drop-down menu that allows you to select alternative high-fidelity audio files, such as .WAV, during the conversion process.
How do I fix bad audio quality after converting my video to an MP3?
If the extracted audio reveals muffled speech or distracting background noise, you do not have to settle for poor quality. You can run your newly converted MP3 through AI speech enhancement tools to filter out background noise, drastically improving vocal clarity to make it sound professionally recorded.
Do I need an active internet connection to extract audio from my video file?
It depends on the method you choose. If you use desktop software like VLC Media Player for Windows or Mac, the entire conversion process happens offline on your computer. However, web-based converters do require an active internet connection to upload the video and download the finished MP3 file.
