It's surprising how often you need to convert audio files into an alternative format. Different MP3 players have different requirements. Some apps only work with specific formats, or perhaps you need to compress the size of recording to make it fit in an email or upload it to a cloud service.

Whatever the reason, the web can help. There are dozens of audio file converters out there, each of which has different features and is designed for different use cases.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to discover the top web-based audio conversion tools you can use for quick format conversions.

1. Zamzar

zamzar audio converter

Zamzar is a multi-purpose file conversion tool that's been around since 2006. It can convert audio files, text files, video files, and image files. In total, more than 1,200 different file formats are supported.

All the common audio formats are offered, including 3GP, AAC, FLAC, IMY, M4A, MID, MP3, MP4, MXMF, OTA, XMF, RTTTL, RTX, and WAV.

It is free to use Zamzar, but there are some restrictions. The maximum file size you can upload is 150MB. However, you can still enjoy an unlimited number of file conversions every day and can convert up to 25 audio files at the same time.

When you convert a file, Zamzar will store it on its own servers for 24 hours. If you do not download it within the period, you'll need to convert it afresh. For free users, the maximum amount of data you can hold on Zamzar's servers is 5GB.

If you need larger uploads and more server space, you could sign up for one of Zamzar's paid plans. They start at $9 per month.

2. Online Audio Converter

online audio converter web app

The Online Audio Converter tool is ideal for people who are working with a music collection. As part of the conversion process, you can change a file's metadata, including the track name, artist, album title, release year, and genre.

From your audio conversion needs, seven file formats are supported.

They are MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, OGG, MP2, and AMR. Online Audio Converter can also convert audio files into iPhone ringtones using the MPEG-4 format.

A few more features help the web app to shine. For example, you can choose from four quality settings (64KBPS, 128KBPS, 192KBPS, and 320KBPS), set the sample rate, and decide whether you want the output file to be in mono or stereo.

There are also some on/off toggles such as Fade in, Fade out, Fast mode, Voice removal, and reverse playback.

You can convert your local audio files, as well as files in Google Drive and Dropbox.

3. Aconvert

aconvert audio converter

Aconvert is more geared towards people who need to edit their audio files. Audio conversion is available for 13 file formats.

The supported files are WAV, WMA, MP3, OGG, AAC, AU, FLAC, M4A, MKA, AIFF, OPUS, and RA), but there's also a tool to cut audio files and to merge audio files.

The app has a greater number of quality options than Online Audio Converter. Nine different KBPS settings are available, ranging from 32KBPS to 320KBPS. Uniquely, you can also enter your own custom KBPS setting---just be aware that the higher the setting, the larger the file size.

Similarly, you can choose from four different sample rates. Again, you can choose a custom setting if you wish.

When the audio conversion has finished, you can either download it onto your desktop or use a QR code to save it to Google Drive or Dropbox. The maximum upload size for each file is 200MB.

4. FileZigZag

filezigzag audio converter

Like Zamzar, FileZigZag is a multi-purpose online file converter. In addition to audio files, you can also use the tool to convert documents, images, videos, and even archive files like 7Z and ZIP.

You can use the tool to convert 29 different audio file formats, thus making FileZigZag one of the audio conversion web apps with the greatest number of supported file types.

The supported formats are 3GA, ACC, AC3, AIF, AIFF, AIFC, AMR, AU, CAF, FLAC, M4A, M4R, M4P, MID, MIDI, MMF, MP2, MP3, MPGA, OGA, OGG, OMA, OPUS, QCP, RA, RAM, WAV, and WMA.

Non-registered users can convert files up to 100MB in size. If you register for a free account, the limit increases to 180MB. For one-off larger files, FileZigZag sells 24-hour plans with a 2GB limit. Free users can only convert 10 audio files per day.

One downside of FileZigZag is its reliance on email. When you convert a file, you cannot click an instant download link. Instead, you need to wait for it to arrive in your inbox. Sometimes, there is a bit of a delay.

5. Wondershare Online Uniconverter

wondershare audio converter

The last online audio converter we recommend is Wondershare Online Uniconverter. The service is unique among the apps on our list; in addition to a free online tool, there's also an accompanying free desktop app for both Windows and Mac.

In this article, however, we're only interested in the web app. It supports a huge number of audio file formats.

The list includes WMA, MP3, WAV, RA, RM, RAM, FLAC, MP4, AU, AIF, AIFC, OGG, WV, 3GA, SHN, VQF, TTA, QCP, DTS, GSM, W64, ACT, OMA, ADX, CAF, SPX, VOC, and RBS.

The service lacks some of the advanced tools that we've seen in other web apps. For example, you cannot set the bitrate or the sample rate. You can, however, convert up to 25 files simultaneously. If you have a large backlog to work through, that's a blessing.

In its literature, Wondershare claims its audio converter is 30 times faster than any other converter app on the web. We tested the app, and it's certainly speedy---but we can't guarantee that the company's "30 times" claims are accurate.

More Ways to Convert Files Online

Although there are plenty of file conversion apps for desktop, you probably don't need them. Unless you're a professional working with different file types all day, a web app will suffice. The five audio converters we've discussed in the piece have enough features and support enough number of file types to meet the needs of most users.

If you'd like to learn more about converting files online, make sure you read our articles on the best online ebook converters and how to convert videos to GIFs.