How to Convert MP3 to WAV Free on Any Mac or PC

Kawhi Dumingz
6 min readJul 22, 2024

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As we know, MP3 is a widely-used compressed audio format that reduces file size by removing certain audio meta data. So it is ideal for storage and streaming. On the other hand, WAV is an uncompressed format that retains all the audio data with higher sound quality. And this is suitable for professional audio editing and processing.

This tutorial will guide you through the steps to convert MP3 to WAV on Mac. Don’t worry, all the suggested methods also work on Windows 11, Windows 10 and Windows 7.

Method 1: Free Convert MP3 to WAV on Mac Using FFMPEG

FFmpeg is a very popular and free MP3 to WAV Converter used for a wide variety of audio and video processing tasks. It includes a suite of libraries and tools for transcoding, streaming, and playing multimedia files.

One of the standout features of FFmpeg is its command-line interface, which allows users to perform complex conversions and processing tasks with simple commands. For Mac users looking to convert MP3 files to WAV format, FFmpeg provides a robust and efficient solution. This guide will introduce you to FFmpeg and demonstrate how to use it to convert MP3 files to WAV on a Mac with high-quality audio output.

Step 1: Install Homebrew package manager on your Mac. After that, install FFmpeg with the following command:

brew install ffmpeg

Step 2: Create a new folder (e.g. tmp) and move all the MP3 files into the Desktop. Now, use the cd command to get into this folder:

cd ~/Desktop/tmp

Step 3: Now, type the following command to convert MP3 to WAV on your Mac. Replace input.mp3 with the name of your MP3 file and output.wav with your desired output file name.

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 output.wav

Step 4: After the conversion is complete, you can verify the output by playing the WAV file using any compatible media player or by checking the file properties.

Pros

  • Support a wide range of audio and video formats for various conversion needs.
  • Offer numerous options for fine-tuning the conversion process, including bitrate, sample rate, and audio channels.
  • Available at no cost and regularly updated by a large community of developers.
  • Available on Mac, Windows and Linux.

Cons

  • No graphical user interface and this is the biggest drawback for users who prefer visual interaction.
  • Steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with command-line operations and multimedia processing.
  • Resource-intensive and slow down the computer dramatically during complex conversions.

Method 2: Bulk Convert MP3 to WAV on Mac Using AudioKies

AudioKies is a dedicated audio processing tool designed to simplify a wide range of audio-related tasks. With AudioKies, users can convert, merge, extract, and compress audio files effortlessly.

Unlike FFMPEG, it is a super easy task to convert MP3 to WAV on any Mac or Windows PC. The users can import dozens of MP3 files into the program and convert them to WAV in bulk. Most importantly, there is no data loss after the conversion.

Step 1: Visit the AudioKies website and download the latest version of the software for Mac or Windows 11/10/7 PC.

https://www.audiokies.com/downloads.html

Step 2: Open the AudioKies application on your computer. Click on the “Add File” button to open a file dialog. Select the MP3 files you want to convert. You can select multiple files by holding down the Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) key while clicking the files.

Step 3: Go to the “Output Format” dropdown menu and choose “WAV” as the output format. Also specify the directory where you want the converted files to be saved by clicking the “Browse” button.

Step 4: Click on the “Convert” button to begin the bulk conversion process. AudioKies will process each MP3 file and convert MP3 files to WAV. The progress bar goes to 100% when AudioKies MP3 to WAV Converter finishes the task.

Pros

  • Intuitive user interface accessible for users of all skill levels.
  • Efficiently handles the conversion of multiple files at once.
  • Support a wide range of audio processing tasks beyond conversion, including merging, extracting, compressing, and separating vocals from music.
  • Ensure high-quality audio output, maintaining the integrity of the original files.
  • Compatible with the latest macOS Sequoia and Windows 11.

Cons

  • Require downloading and installing the software.
  • Some features might be restricted or limited in the free version, requiring a purchase for full access.

Method 3: Free Convert MP3 to WAV on Mac Using Online CloudConvert

If you don’t like the above two suggestions, then it is a good idea to try some online MP3 to WAV converter like CloudConvert.

CloudConvert is one of the best online file conversion services that supports a wide range of file types, including documents, images, videos, and audio files. It is known for its ease of use, high-quality conversions, and robust performance. CloudConvert allows users to convert mp3 to wav online from their web browser. CloudConvert is a reliable tool for various conversion needs.

Step 1: Open your web browser and go to the MP3 to WAV Converter page from CloudConvert website.

https://cloudconvert.com/mp3-to-wav

Step 2: Click on the “Select File” button. Choose the MP3 files you want to convert from your computer.

Step 3: Once the files are uploaded, adjust additional settings as needed, such as audio bitrate, sample rate, or Audio Codec.

Step 4: Click the “Convert” button to begin the bulk conversion process. CloudConvert will process each MP3 file and convert MP3 to WAV format.

Step 5: Once the conversion is complete, you will receive download links for each converted file.

Pros

  • Operate entirely online and no installation required.
  • Simple and easy-to-navigate interface.
  • Preserve the quality of the original audio files during conversion.
  • Capable of converting over 200 different file formats.
  • Can be accessed from any device (PC, Mac or mobile device) with an internet connection.

Cons

  • Require a stable and fast internet connection for uploading, converting, and downloading files.
  • Free account has restrictions on the size and number of files that can be converted at one time.
  • Uploading files to an online service will raise privacy and security issues, especially for sensitive data.
  • Conversion speed can vary depending on internet speed and server load.

The Bottom Line

Converting MP3 files to WAV format is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using various tools and software. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can easily transform your compressed MP3 files into high-quality WAV files, suitable for professional use or further audio editing.

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Kawhi Dumingz

Tech content writer & blogger who’s passionate about computer software and hardware.