How to Convert FLAC to MP3 for Free While Keeping Good Quality
FLAC is a lossless format: it keeps the sound identical to the source, but the files are relatively large and not every device or app can play them. That is why many people convert FLAC to MP3 to play on a phone or in the car, or to send files more easily.
When should you convert FLAC to MP3?
- Your device, car or player does not read FLAC.
- Your phone storage is limited.
- You want to send or upload files where size is capped.
- The app or site you use does not accept FLAC.
How much smaller does it get?
One minute of CD-quality audio (stereo, 44.1 kHz, 16-bit):
| Format | Approximate size per minute |
|---|---|
| WAV (uncompressed) | 10.6 MB |
| FLAC | Often between half and two thirds of that, depending on the music |
| MP3 at 320 kbps | 2.4 MB |
| MP3 at 192 kbps | 1.44 MB |
| MP3 at 128 kbps | 0.96 MB |
Example: a 48-minute album takes only about 69 MB as MP3 at 192 kbps.
Steps with the Sayvoi converter
- Open convert.sayvoi.com.
- Drag your FLAC files into the box. You can pick a whole album at once.
- Set the output format to MP3.
- Choose a bitrate: 192 for music in most cases, 256 to 320 if you want more headroom, or 96 to 128 for speech.
- Leave the sample rate on "Original".
- Press Convert all, then download the files or use Download all (ZIP).
Important tips
- Keep your original FLAC files. Converting to MP3 removes detail that cannot come back, and you can always make a new MP3 from the original.
- Do not convert MP3 to FLAC to improve quality. The file only gets bigger. Read lossless vs lossy audio.
- Check the file details afterwards: the track name and album art may not carry over automatically, so verify them, and add them with a tag editor if they are missing.
- For more on picking a bitrate, read CBR vs VBR.
Frequently asked questions
Does quality suffer?
Yes, because MP3 is a lossy format. But at 192 kbps and above, many listeners find it hard to tell the difference in everyday listening. Try it by ear on a track you know before converting the whole collection.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. Conversion happens inside your browser, so your files stay on your device.
How many files can I convert for free?
Up to 15 files a day with no account. Files under 100 MB each are recommended.
Further reading (external)
Convert your audio files for free in your browser, without uploading them to any server.
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