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UniConverter- Best WAV to MP3 Converter

How to convert WAV to MP3 Free:

  • Drag and drop the WAV file.
  • Choose your output format as MP3.
  • Click "Convert" and "Download" to get your MP3 file.
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How to Convert WAV to MP3 in VLC

by Christine Smith • 2025-12-03 21:24:38 • Proven solutions

The need for converting from WAV to MP3 format arises when you have a huge collection of audio files that you want to save without facing any storage issues. VLC though being a popular video player, also supports audio conversion, including WAV to MP3. Learn more about how VLC convert WAV to MP3 and other conversion tools in the following parts.

Part 1. How to Convert WAV to MP3 Using VLC

Free and open-source, VLC is a popular video player that is compatible with almost all formats. Besides video playback, a host of other useful features are also supported by the player like video conversion, audio conversion, and more. So, if VLC is already installed on your system, you can use it for converting your WAV audio files to MP3 format. This free WAV to MP3 converter also allows you to edit the file parameters like codec, bit rate, channels, and sample rate.

Steps to convert WAV to MP3 VLC:

Step 1: Open the installed VLC player on your Mac. From the main menu, go to Media > Convert/Save.

Slect convert function in VLC

Step 2: Click on the Add button from the dialog window to browse and add the WAV files to be converted.

Add .wav file to VLC

Step 3: When files are added, click on the Convert/Save button on the bottom. A new pop-up Settings window will open. Here, under the Profile section, select MP3 as the desired target format. Clicking on the Settings icon will let you change the file parameters.

Step 4: Choose the system location to save the converted files under the Destination tab. Next, select a file name and then click on the Save button. Click on the Start button to start the conversion process.

Add .wav file to VLC

Part 2. Best VLC Alternative to Convert WAV to MP3 Easily

VLC is a basic tool for audio file conversion without any support for advanced and additional features. To convert your files in a professional and hassle-free manner, Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) works as the best solution. This versatile tool supports all key formats for the conversion so that no matter whatever file type is required, you can easily convert them in lossless quality. Multiple files can be converted at a time to save time and effort. You can edit the file parameters using the built-in editor of the program.It also offers an online free WAV to MP3 converter tool for you to easily make WAV to MP3 conversion.

Wondershare UniConverter logo Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate)

Your Complete Video Toolbox for Windows/Mac

video converter ultimate
  • Support Conversion of audio and video files in over 1000 formats.
  • Support converting audio and video files in batch processing without quality loss.
  • Download videos in high quality from more than 10,000 sites.
  • Compress and reduce your file size using customized settings.
  • Burn DVD in high quality.
  • Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7, macOS 11 Big Sur, 10.15, 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6.

Steps to convert WAV to MP3 VLC alternative:

Step 1 Add WAV files to Wondershare UniConverter.

Launch the Wondershare UniConverter software on your system and choose the Converter option from the left-hand side panel. Click on the + sign or the add files icon to import the local WAV files to be converted. Alternatively, you can also drag and drop the files.

Add .wav files to VLC alternative

Step 2 Choose MP3 as the target format.

Expand the options at the Output Format and select MP3 from the Audio list. You can also select the file quality from the options listed.

Choose MP3 as the output format in VLC Alternative

Step 3 Convert WAV to MP3.

Your choice of system location to save the converted files can be selected from the File Location. Finally, hitting on the Start All button will start the process of conversion. On the interface, the processed files can be checked from the Finished tab.

Convert WAV to MP3 in VLC alternative

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Part 3. 5 Other Useful Alternatives to VLC to Convert WAV to MP3

Look for more useful tools that work as alternatives to VLC for converting WAV to MP3. A round-up of the popular ones is given below.

1. Audacity

Audacity is a widely used free and open-source audio recording and editing tool that also facilitates audio conversion. To enable Audacity to convert WAV to MP3, you need to add the external libraries to extend the format support. Using the tool, files can be converted on different platforms, including Windows, Linux, and Mac.

VLC alternative to convert WAV to MP3 - Audacity

Pros:

  • Free and open-source program.
  • Multi-platform support.

Cons:

  • External libraries need to be added for the format supports.
  • Not very user-friendly.

2. MiniTool Movie Maker

Though the program is majorly used for creating and editing videos quickly and easily, audio conversion in a hassle-free manner can also be done. After the software is installed, you can convert WAV files to MP3 and other popular formats and can also edit the key parameters as required.

VLC alternative to convert WAV to MP3 - MiniTool Movie Maker

Pros:

  • Support to all key formats.
  • User-friendly interface that helps in quick conversion.

Cons:

  • Lack of file customization options.
  • Not apt for professional and advanced processing.

3. Handbrake

With multi-platform support, Handbrake is an open-source transcoder and WAV to MP3 converter that is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. Using the program, multimedia files in almost all formats can be processed, including the ones on the DVD and Blu-Ray sources.

VLC alternative to convert WAV to MP3 - Handbrake

Pros:

  • Support all multimedia files, including the ones on DVD and Blu-ray sources.
  • A free and open-source tool with multi-platform support.

Cons:

  • Output formats are limited.
  • The graphical interface is not user-friendly.

    4. Online Audio Converter

    This is another online free WAV to MP3 converter that works from the browser and allows converting files from your system, URL, Google Drive, and Dropbox. Under the advanced settings option, you can change the file bit rate, sample rate, and the channels. You can even edit the track information and select the file quality.

    VLC alternative to convert WAV to MP3 - Audio Converter

    Pros:

    • Allows adding files from multiple sources.
    • Edit file parameters and information.

    Cons:

    • It has limited output format support.
    • The process only one file at a time.
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    Easy to Use WAV to MP3 Converter

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    Part 4. Comparison and Summary of 2 WAV to MP3 Converters

    The table below compares VLC and Wondershare UniConverter on several parameters that will help you to make a choice between the two tools for converting WAV files to MP3 format.

    Features VLC Wondershare UniConverter

    Platform support

    Windows/Mac

    Windows/Mac/Linux

    Supports formats (input)

    All multimedia files

    Almost all formats

    Supported formats (output)

    All key formats

    Over 1000 formats

    Editing

    Limited features

    Yes, complete built-in editor

    Vide Download and recording

    No

    Yes

    Price

    Free tool

    Paid software

    Basic conversions can be processed using a VLC player, but if you are looking for lossless quality conversion with batch processing, editing, and other additional features, Wondershare UniConverter is the best tool to consider.

    Part 5. Why Convert WAV to MP3 - Use Cases of WAV to MP3 Converter

    1. Dramatically Reduce File Size

    The most immediate benefit of converting WAV to MP3 is file size reduction. A typical WAV file is approximately 10 times larger than its MP3 counterpart. For example:

    • 5-minute WAV file: ~50 MB
    • 5-minute MP3 file (at 320 kbps): ~5 MB

    This reduction translates to faster uploads, downloads, and significant storage savings—critical factors for websites hosting multiple audio files.

    2. Improve Website Loading Speed (Critical for SEO)

    Page speed is a confirmed Google ranking factor. Large WAV files can dramatically slow down your website, increasing bounce rates and negatively impacting:

    • User experience: Visitors abandon slow-loading pages
    • Search rankings: Google prioritizes faster websites
    • Mobile performance: Crucial with increasing mobile traffic

    Converting to MP3 helps maintain optimal site performance, supporting better SEO outcomes.

    3. Enhance User Experience Across Devices

    MP3's universal compatibility ensures your audio plays seamlessly on:

    • Smartphones and tablets
    • Desktop browsers
    • Smart speakers and IoT devices
    • Older devices with limited storage

    Unlike WAV files, which may require specific players or codecs, MP3 works virtually everywhere, reducing support issues and ensuring broader accessibility.

    4. Reduce Bandwidth and Hosting Costs

    For websites hosting audio content, bandwidth consumption directly impacts hosting costs. Converting WAV files to MP3 can reduce your audio-related bandwidth by 80-90%, leading to:

    • Lower monthly hosting bills
    • Ability to host more content within existing plans
    • Better performance during traffic spikes

    5. Optimize for Podcast Platforms

    Most podcast platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts) recommend or require MP3 format because:

    • Standardized quality across episodes
    • Faster processing and distribution
    • Reduced storage requirements on their servers
    • Consistent listening experience for subscribers

    6. Maintain Quality for Most Listeners

    Modern MP3 encoding at higher bitrates (256-320 kbps) provides excellent quality that most listeners can't distinguish from WAV in normal listening environments. The slight quality trade-off is imperceptible through typical headphones, car speakers, or consumer audio systems.

    7. Simplify Content Management

    Managing hundreds of WAV files becomes cumbersome due to their size. MP3 conversion streamlines:

    • Backup processes
    • File transfers between devices
    • Content organization and archiving
    • Collaboration with team members or clients

    Part 6. FAQ

    Q: Why would I convert WAV to MP3?

    A: MP3 files are much smaller, easier to share or stream, and widely supported by players and devices, making them practical for distribution. 

    Q: Will converting WAV to MP3 reduce audio quality?

    A: Yes, MP3 compression discards some audio information, so quality is always reduced compared to the original WAV, although high bitrates can make the difference hard to notice.

    Q: Can Windows Media Player convert WAV files to MP3 from my hard drive?

    A: Current guidance says it can only create MP3 tracks when ripping audio from CDs and cannot batch‑convert existing audio files stored on a drive.

    Q: What bitrate should I use for MP3 when converting WAV to MP3?

    A: For music, 192–320 kbps is commonly recommended; for spoken word like podcasts, lower bitrates such as 96–128 kbps are often sufficient. 

    Q: Why does my audio clip or distort after WAV to MP3 conversion?

    A: Peaks can clip during encoding if levels are already hot, so using limiting or loudness normalization before or during export can help prevent distortion. 

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    Easy to Use WAV to MP3 Converter

    Struggling with huge WAV files that take forever to upload or eat up storage?
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    Christine Smith

    Christine Smith

    chief Editor

    Resource > Audio Solutions > How to Convert WAV to MP3 in VLC
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