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While MKV is a popular video file format used for storing high-quality media like movies and other large files, you need to convert MKV to MP3 if you want to extract the audio only; for example, to save the soundtrack, use a voice clip, or repurpose the audio for a podcast or background music.
MP3 is a widely supported audio format that works on almost any device. By turning your MKV video into an MP3 file, you can listen to the audio anytime, anywhere, without the video. To help you get started, our guide below will cover available methods to convert MKV to MP3.
Part 1. Common Methods to Convert MKV to MP3
There’s more than one way to convert MKV to MP3, and the best method depends on what you need. Some tools are great for quick online conversions, while others give you more control with editing options.
No matter which option you go with, we’ll walk you through each method step by step. But first, take a quick look at the different ways to change MKV to MP3, along with their pros and cons.
| Methods | Pros | Cons | Platform |
| Desktop Software | High-quality output, editing features, and audio enhancement | Requires installation, some features may be paid | Windows, macOS |
| Online Converters | Easy and simple, no installation needed | Limited file size, slower with large files, may lack privacy | Web |
| Open-source software (FFmpeg) | Highly customizable, free to use | Command-line interface not suitable for beginners | Windows, macOS |
| Media Player (VLC) | Free, simple interface, supports many formats | Fewer editing features | Windows, macOS |
Part 2. How to Convert MKV to MP3 Easily on Windows/Mac
The best way to convert an MKV file to MP3 is actually to work on a desktop. This is because you get to ensure you have the best quality since desktop software often offers advanced settings, better speed, and more format support.
One of the easiest tools to use is Wondershare Filmora. While it’s known as a video editor, Filmora also lets you extract audio from any video file, including MKV, with just a few clicks. You don’t need any complicated setup, and it works smoothly on both Windows and Mac.
Key Features of Filmora:
- Extract audio from video with ease: Quickly convert MKV and other video formats to MP3 without complicated steps. Just import, select MP3, and export.
- Built-in video and audio editing tool: Before converting, you can trim unwanted parts, adjust volume levels, or clean up noise directly within the timeline.
- AI Voice Enhancer: Improve the overall audio and voice quality with just one click. Filmora’s Voice Enhancer adjusts sound levels, reduces distortion, and makes your voice clearer.
- AI Denoise: Automatically remove background noise such as wind, static, or hums using AI-powered noise reduction. It helps produce cleaner MP3 files, especially if the original video had distracting audio.
- Support GPU acceleration: Enjoy faster exports and smoother editing, especially with large MKV files, thanks to Filmora’s GPU acceleration feature.
How to convert MKV to MP3 with Filmora
Step1Launch Filmora and Import Your MKV File
Open Filmora and create a new project. Then, click “Import” or drag and drop your MKV video file into the media panel. Add the imported MKV video to the timeline.
Step2Edit the Audio (Optional)
If you want to fine-tune the audio before converting, click the track on the timeline. Then go to the Audio tab in the property panel on the right. Here, you can instantly enhance your sound using Filmora’s AI tools.
Tip: You can also extract the audio from the video first. Right-click the track on the timeline and choose “Detach Audio” to separate it for easier editing.
Step3Start the File Conversion from MKV to MP3
Click on the “Export” button at the top. In the export window, go to the “Local” tab and select MP3 from the list of available formats.
Rename the file, choose the save location, and customize audio settings like bitrate if needed. Then, click “Export” again to begin the conversion. Once it’s done, your MP3 file will be saved to your selected folder.
Part 3. How to Convert MKV to MP3 Free Online
Aside from using software, you can also convert MKV to MP3 directly online. This is a quick and simple option for smaller files or one-time use. Below are some of the best free online MKV to MP3 converters you can try.
1. CloudConvert
CloudConvert is one of the most trusted tools out there when it comes to converting MKV to MP3 online. It supports over 200 formats and gives you advanced control over audio settings, such as bitrate, codec, volume, and trimming.
How to convert MKV to MP3 on CloudConvert
- Go to the CloudConvert website. Set MKV as the input format and MP3 as the output format.
- Click Select File to upload your MKV video. Adjust audio settings like bitrate or volume (optional).
- Click Convert to start the process. Once done, click Download to save your MP3 file.
2. FreeConvert
FreeConvert is a reliable free MKV to MP3 converter that gives you more flexibility, especially when it comes to file size. Unlike CloudConvert, FreeConvert allows up to 1GB per file on the free plan, making it a better choice for handling larger MKV videos.
How to convert MKV to MP3 on FreeConvert
- Visit the FreeConvert website. Click Choose Files to upload your MKV video and set the output format to MP3.
- (Optional) Use the gear icon to adjust settings.
- Click Convert to MP3, then hit Download once the conversion is complete.
3. Convertio
Convertio is another well-known MKV to MP3 converter online that works right in your browser. You don’t need to sign up, and it supports quick, straightforward conversions. You can upload videos from your device or cloud storage, and then adjust audio settings like bitrate and codec.
How to convert MKV to MP3 on Convertio
- Go to the Convertio website and upload your MKV file.
- Choose MP3 as the format you want to convert to.
- Click Convert, then download the file once the process is complete.
Part 4. How to Convert MKV File to MP3 with FFmpeg
If you don’t mind using the command line, FFmpeg can convert MKV to MP3 quickly and efficiently, without needing a full video editor or online tool. It's super lightweight, fast, and gives you full control over the conversion process.
FFmpeg is a free, open-source tool that's widely used for handling video and audio tasks. It’s a great option to change MKV to MP3, especially if:
- You're working with large files that might be too big for free online converters
- You want faster conversion without relying on internet speed
- You need more control over audio quality, bitrate, or codec settings
However, it does require some basic familiarity with command-line tools, so it may not be the best choice if you are a beginner who prefers a visual interface.
How to convert MKV to MP3 with FFmpeg
Step1Install FFmpeg
Visit the FFmpeg website to download this MKV to MP3 converter and follow the installation instructions for your system.
Step2Open the Command Line
Head to the folder where you save your MKV file. On Windows, hold Shift + Right Click in the folder, then choose “Open Command Window Here” or “Open in Terminal.”
Step3Run the FFmpeg Command
Enter one of the following commands based on your file type:
- If the audio is already in MP3 format:
ffmpeg -i path/to/video.mkv -acodec copy path/to/output.mp3
- If the audio needs to be converted to MP3 format:
ffmpeg -i path/to/video.mkv -b:a 192K -vn path/to/output.mp3
Replace path/to/video.mkv with the full path to your MKV file, and path/to/output.mp3 with where you want to save the MP3 file.
Step4Press Enter
Once you run the command, FFmpeg will start the conversion. When it’s done, your MP3 file will be saved in the specified location.
Part 5. Change MKV to MP3 with Media Player (VLC)
Another method you can use to change MKV to MP3 is through a media player like VLC. VLC isn’t just for watching videos. You can also use it for file conversions. If you already have VLC installed on your computer, this is a quick and convenient way to convert your MKV file to MP3 without needing any extra tools.
How to change an MKV file to MP3 with VLC
Step1Open VLC Media Player and head to the Media menu in the top-left corner. From the list, select Convert / Stream.
Step2In the window that appears, click Add and select the MKV file you want to convert. Then, click Convert / Save to proceed.
Step3Under the Profile section, choose MP3 as your output format.
Step4Pick a folder where you want to save the new MP3 file. Once everything is set, click Start to begin the conversion.
FAQs
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Can I convert MKV to MP3 without losing audio quality?
Yes, but it depends on the settings and tools you use. If the audio in the MKV file is already in MP3 format, you can use a tool like FFmpeg to extract it without re-encoding (lossless extraction). Tools like Filmora let you choose higher bitrates and even offer an AI Voice Enhancer tool to help preserve and improve audio quality. -
Do I need to install extra codecs to convert MKV to MP3?
Usually not. Most modern converters like Filmora, VLC, and FFmpeg come with built-in support for MKV and MP3. You don’t need to install additional codec packs unless you're using an outdated tool or system that lacks format support. -
What’s the best audio bitrate to choose when converting to MP3?
The best audio bitrate to choose when converting to MP3 depends on how you want to balance quality and file size. A bitrate of 128 kbps offers standard quality, while 320 kbps is the highest MP3 bitrate available and gives you the best overall sound. In most cases, 256 kbps or 320 kbps is recommended for music and professional recordings. -
Does converting MKV to MP3 reduce file size?
Yes, significantly. MKV files contain video, audio, and possibly subtitles, while MP3 is audio-only. By removing the video and keeping just the sound, the file becomes much smaller.
Conclusion
You have plenty of options to convert MKV to MP3, whether you prefer using a desktop app, an online tool, or even a command-line method like FFmpeg. For the best method, using a desktop solution like Filmora gives you higher output quality, more control over audio settings, and extra features like trimming, AI voice enhancement, and noise removal.
But if you want to keep things simple and fast, free online converters are great for small files or one-time use. No matter which method you choose, MKV to MP3 file conversion is simple once you find the tool that fits your workflow.
