Convert ALAC to M4A — Free Online Converter

ALAC files are already stored in M4A containers — the M4A format supports both ALAC (lossless) and AAC (lossy) codecs. Converting ALAC to M4A typically means re-encoding the lossless ALAC audio to lossy AAC while remaining in the same M4A container. This produces dramatically smaller files for portable listening.

This is the standard workflow within the Apple ecosystem for creating compact distribution copies from lossless masters. Since both source and output share the M4A container, all metadata (album art, lyrics, chapters, iTunes tags) transfers perfectly with zero compatibility issues.

ALAC files occupy roughly 5-6 MB per minute at CD quality, while AAC in M4A at 256 kbps requires only about 2 MB per minute. For iPhones with limited storage, Apple Watch music sync, and AirPods streaming, the smaller AAC files are more practical while maintaining virtually transparent quality.

Apple Music's offline downloads can be ALAC or AAC. If you maintain a large ALAC library and need to sync a compact subset to mobile devices, converting to AAC/M4A creates space-efficient copies without leaving the Apple ecosystem.