Convert M4A to FLAC online
Free, no sign-up, no limits. Drop your M4A files, get FLAC files back in seconds.
1 files converted so far
Drop your M4A files here
or · multiple files accepted
Local conversion: your files never leave your device.
Why convert M4A to FLAC?
Heads up: going from M4A (compressed) to FLAC (lossless) does not restore the quality that was lost. It is useful for importing the file into editing or transcription software or a sampler that requires FLAC, not for "improving" the sound.
How to do it, step by step
- Drop your M4A fileinto the area at the top of the page (or several files at once). On mobile, tap the area and pick the file from your apps.
- Check the output format: FLAC is already selected. FLAC is a lossless format: there is no quality setting, the sound is reproduced identically. The file will be noticeably larger than a compressed format.
- Start the conversion.The FFmpeg engine loads once (≈ 10 MB), then each file is processed in a few seconds without leaving your device.
- Download your FLAC, directly or as a .zip if you converted several files. The name and metadata (title, artist, cover art) are preserved.
The M4A format (MPEG-4 Audio)
M4A is Apple's audio container, used by iTunes, Apple Music, iPhone voice memos and Mac recordings. It usually holds AAC audio, sometimes ALAC (lossless). Very good quality at a small size, but poorly supported by some car stereos, MP3 players, Windows software and websites.
- Excellent quality at the same bitrate
- Native Apple format (iPhone, Mac, iTunes)
- Can hold lossless audio (ALAC)
- Limited compatibility outside the Apple ecosystem
- Rejected by many car stereos and older devices
- Less universal than MP3
The FLAC format (Free Lossless Audio Codec)
FLAC compresses audio with zero loss: the file is 40 to 60% the size of the original WAV but reproduces exactly the same sound. It is the format of choice for audiophiles and music archives. It is free, open, and supports metadata and cover art.
- Quality identical to the original
- Free and open format
- Supports tags and cover art
- Files 5 to 10 times larger than an MP3
- Not played by Apple devices without a third-party app
M4A vs FLAC comparison
| M4A | FLAC | |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Lossy | Lossless |
| Typical size (1 min, music) | ≈ 1.2 MB (160k) | ≈ 5 MB |
| Common use | iPhone voice memos, iTunes purchases, GarageBand recordings, Mac Voice Memos | CD archiving, audiophiles, Bandcamp, Qobuz |
| Metadata (title, cover art) | Yes | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Does converting M4A to FLAC lose quality?
No: FLAC is a lossless format. The sound of the converted file is strictly identical to that of the original M4A, but the quality already lost during M4A compression is not recovered.
Is the M4A to FLAC converter free?
Yes, with no limit on the number of files, no sign-up and no watermark. Each file can be up to 200 MB.
Are my M4A files uploaded to the internet?
No. The M4A to FLAC conversion is performed by FFmpeg directly in your browser (WebAssembly). Your files never leave your computer or phone.
How do I convert M4A to FLAC on iPhone or Android?
Open this page in Safari or Chrome, tap the drop area, select your M4A file (from Files, Voice Memos, Downloads or WhatsApp), then tap "Convert". The FLAC downloads to your files.
Can I convert several M4A files at once?
Yes, add all your files in one go. They are converted one after another and a button lets you download everything as a .zip archive.