Convert AMR Format Free
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Supported Formats
Convert between all major file formats with high quality
Common Formats
MPEG-1 Audio Layer III - the most universal audio format worldwide, using lossy compression to reduce file sizes by 90% while maintaining excellent perceived quality. Perfect for music libraries, podcasts, portable devices, and any scenario requiring broad compatibility. Supports bitrates from 32-320kbps. Standard for digital music since 1993, playable on virtually every device and platform.
Waveform Audio File Format - uncompressed PCM audio providing perfect quality preservation. Standard Windows audio format with universal compatibility. Large file sizes (10MB per minute of stereo CD-quality). Perfect for audio production, professional recording, mastering, and situations requiring zero quality loss. Supports various bit depths (16, 24, 32-bit) and sample rates. Industry standard for professional audio work.
Ogg Vorbis - open-source lossy audio codec offering quality comparable to MP3/AAC at similar bitrates. Free from patents and licensing restrictions. Smaller file sizes than MP3 at equivalent quality. Used in gaming, open-source software, and streaming. Supports variable bitrate (VBR) for optimal quality. Perfect for applications requiring free codecs and good quality. Growing support in media players and platforms.
Advanced Audio Coding - successor to MP3 offering better quality at same bitrate (or same quality at lower bitrate). Standard audio codec for Apple devices, YouTube, and many streaming services. Supports up to 48 channels and 96kHz sample rate. Improved frequency response and handling of complex audio. Perfect for iTunes, iOS devices, video streaming, and modern audio applications. Part of MPEG-4 standard widely supported across platforms.
Free Lossless Audio Codec - compresses audio 40-60% without any quality loss. Perfect bit-for-bit preservation of original audio. Open-source format with no patents or licensing fees. Supports high-resolution audio (192kHz/24-bit). Perfect for archiving music collections, audiophile listening, and scenarios where quality is paramount. Widely supported by media players and streaming services. Ideal balance between quality and file size.
MPEG-4 Audio - AAC or ALAC audio in MP4 container. Standard audio format for Apple ecosystem (iTunes, iPhone, iPad). Supports both lossy (AAC) and lossless (ALAC) compression. Better quality than MP3 at same file size. Includes metadata support for artwork, lyrics, and rich tags. Perfect for iTunes library, iOS devices, and Apple software. Widely compatible across platforms despite Apple association. Common format for purchased music and audiobooks.
Windows Media Audio - Microsoft's proprietary audio codec with good compression and quality. Standard Windows audio format with native OS support. Supports DRM for protected content. Various profiles (WMA Standard, WMA Pro, WMA Lossless). Comparable quality to AAC at similar bitrates. Perfect for Windows ecosystem and legacy Windows Media Player. Being superseded by AAC and other formats. Still encountered in Windows-centric environments and older audio collections.
Lossless Formats
Apple Lossless Audio Codec - Apple's lossless compression reducing file size 40-60% with zero quality loss. Perfect preservation of original audio like FLAC but in Apple ecosystem. Standard lossless format for iTunes and iOS. Supports high-resolution audio up to 384kHz/32-bit. Smaller than uncompressed but larger than lossy formats. Perfect for iTunes library, audiophile iOS listening, and maintaining perfect quality in Apple ecosystem. Comparable to FLAC but with better Apple integration.
Monkey's Audio - high-efficiency lossless compression achieving better ratios than FLAC (typically 55-60% of original). Perfect quality preservation with zero loss. Free format with open specification. Slower compression/decompression than FLAC. Popular in audiophile communities. Limited player support compared to FLAC. Perfect for archiving when maximum space savings desired while maintaining perfect quality. Best for scenarios where storage space is critical and processing speed is not.
WavPack - hybrid lossless/lossy audio codec with unique correction file feature. Can create lossy file with separate correction file for lossless reconstruction. Excellent compression efficiency. Perfect for flexible audio archiving. Less common than FLAC. Supports high-resolution audio and DSD. Convert to FLAC for universal compatibility.
True Audio - lossless audio compression with fast encoding/decoding. Similar compression to FLAC with simpler algorithm. Open-source and free format. Perfect quality preservation. Less common than FLAC with limited player support. Perfect for audio archiving when FLAC compatibility not required. Convert to FLAC for broader compatibility.
Audio Interchange File Format - Apple's uncompressed audio format, equivalent to WAV but for Mac. Stores PCM audio with perfect quality. Standard audio format for macOS and professional Mac audio applications. Supports metadata tags better than WAV. Large file sizes like WAV (10MB per minute). Perfect for Mac-based audio production, professional recording, and scenarios requiring uncompressed audio on Apple platforms. Interchangeable with WAV for most purposes.
Modern Formats
Opus Audio Codec - modern open-source codec (2012) offering best quality at all bitrates from 6kbps to 510kbps. Excels at both speech and music. Lowest latency of modern codecs making it perfect for VoIP and real-time communication. Superior to MP3, AAC, and Vorbis at equivalent bitrates. Used by WhatsApp, Discord, and WebRTC. Ideal for streaming, voice calls, podcasts, and music. Becoming the universal audio codec for internet audio.
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Matroska Audio - audio-only Matroska container supporting any audio codec. Flexible format with metadata support. Can contain multiple audio tracks. Perfect for audio albums with chapters and metadata. Part of Matroska multimedia framework. Used for audiobooks and multi-track audio. Convert to FLAC or MP3 for universal compatibility.
Legacy Formats
MPEG-1 Audio Layer II - predecessor to MP3 used in broadcasting and DVDs. Better quality than MP3 at high bitrates. Standard audio codec for DVB (digital TV) and DVD-Video. Lower compression efficiency than MP3. Perfect for broadcast applications and DVD authoring. Legacy format being replaced by AAC in modern broadcasting. Still encountered in digital TV and video production workflows.
Dolby Digital (AC-3) - surround sound audio codec for DVD, Blu-ray, and digital broadcasting. Supports up to 5.1 channels. Standard audio format for DVDs and HDTV. Good compression with multichannel support. Perfect for home theater and video production. Used in cinema and broadcast. Requires Dolby license for encoding.
Adaptive Multi-Rate - speech codec optimized for mobile voice calls. Excellent voice quality at very low bitrates (4.75-12.2 kbps). Standard for GSM and 3G phone calls. Designed specifically for speech, not music. Perfect for voice recordings, voicemail, and speech applications. Used in WhatsApp voice messages and mobile voice recording. Efficient for voice but inadequate for music.
Sun/NeXT Audio - simple audio format from Sun Microsystems and NeXT Computer. Uncompressed or μ-law/A-law compressed audio. Common on Unix systems. Simple header with audio data. Perfect for Unix audio applications and legacy system compatibility. Found in system sounds and Unix audio files. Convert to WAV or MP3 for modern use.
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RealAudio - legacy streaming audio format from RealNetworks (1990s-2000s). Pioneered internet audio streaming with low-bitrate compression. Obsolete format replaced by modern streaming technologies. Poor quality by today's standards. Convert to MP3 or AAC for modern use. Historical importance in early internet audio streaming.
Specialized Formats
DTS Coherent Acoustics - surround sound codec competing with Dolby Digital. Higher bitrates than AC-3 with potentially better quality. Used in DVD, Blu-ray, and cinema. Supports up to 7.1 channels and object-based audio. Perfect for high-quality home theater. Premium audio format for video distribution. Convert to AC-3 or AAC for broader compatibility.
Core Audio Format - Apple's container for audio data on iOS and macOS. Supports any audio codec and unlimited file sizes. Modern replacement for AIFF on Apple platforms. Perfect for iOS app development and professional Mac audio. No size limitations (unlike WAV). Can store multiple audio streams. Convert to M4A or MP3 for broader compatibility outside Apple ecosystem.
VOC (Creative Voice File) - audio format from Creative Labs Sound Blaster cards. Popular in DOS era (1989-1995) for games and multimedia. Supports multiple compression formats and blocks. Legacy PC audio format. Common in retro gaming. Convert to WAV or MP3 for modern use. Important for DOS game audio preservation.
Speex - open-source speech codec designed for VoIP and internet audio streaming. Variable bitrate from 2-44 kbps. Optimized for speech with low latency. Better than MP3 for voice at low bitrates. Being superseded by Opus. Perfect for voice chat, VoIP, and speech podcasts. Legacy format replaced by Opus in modern applications.
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How to Convert Files
Upload your files, select output format, and download converted files instantly. Our converter supports batch conversion and maintains high quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AMR and why do I have AMR files on my phone?
AMR (Adaptive Multi-Rate) is a voice compression format designed specifically for speech, not music. It's optimized for phone calls and voice recordings - mobile phones use AMR to record voice memos and store voicemail because it creates tiny files perfect for speech. AMR was developed by Ericsson in 1990s for GSM cellular networks.
Why AMR files appear: Your phone's voice recorder app probably saves recordings as AMR by default (especially Android). WhatsApp, WeChat, and messaging apps use AMR for voice messages because files are super small (good for mobile data). Call recording apps often use AMR. Old voicemail systems saved messages as AMR.
Should I convert AMR to MP3 or WAV?
Convert AMR for these reasons:
Better Compatibility
MP3/WAV work on all devices. AMR support is limited - computers, MP3 players, car stereos often don't play AMR. Converting enables playback everywhere.
Sharing with Others
Sending AMR files confuses people. MP3 is universally understood format. Convert before sharing to avoid 'I can't open this' messages.
Editing Capability
Most audio editors don't support AMR. Convert to WAV to edit in Audacity, Adobe Audition, etc. Edit then export to desired format.
Archival and Organization
Managing AMR libraries is pain. Convert to MP3 for better music player integration, tagging, playlist support, search functionality.
Convert to MP3 for compatibility and sharing. Convert to WAV if you need to edit. AMR quality is low (speech-only), so you're not losing much converting to lossy MP3.
Why does AMR audio sound so bad?
AMR quality limitations explained:
8kHz Sample Rate
AMR uses telephone-quality 8kHz sampling (vs 44.1kHz CD quality). This cuts all frequencies above 4kHz. No high-frequency content = muffled sound.
Extreme Compression
AMR at 12.2kbps (highest quality mode) vs MP3 at 128kbps. AMR compresses 10x more aggressively. More compression = more artifacts.
Speech Optimization
AMR codec is optimized for human voice frequencies. Music, ambient sounds, singing sound terrible. It's specialized tool, not general audio format.
Mono Only
AMR is always mono (single channel). No stereo. Sounds flat and narrow compared to stereo recordings.
Bitrate Adaptation
AMR adjusts quality based on content (hence 'adaptive'). Quiet or simple audio gets lower bitrate. Can sound inconsistent.
Not Designed for Music
AMR is for speech, period. Trying to record music in AMR is like using phone camera for professional photography. Wrong tool for the job.
Low Bitrate Modes
AMR supports 4.75-12.2kbps. Even highest mode (12.2kbps) is lower than worst MP3 (32kbps). Extreme compression degrades everything.
AMR sounds bad by design - it trades quality for tiny file sizes. Perfect for voice memos, terrible for anything else. Accept limitations or use better format.
Can I improve AMR audio quality by converting?
No! Converting AMR to higher-quality formats (MP3, WAV, FLAC) doesn't improve audio quality at all. AMR already discarded audio data permanently - converting to 'better' format just makes larger files with same poor quality. You can't un-ring a bell or restore data that was never captured.
What conversion does: It decodes AMR's 8kHz mono speech to PCM audio, then encodes in new format. But decoded audio still has all AMR's limitations - 8kHz sampling, mono, compression artifacts. New format can't add frequencies or detail that didn't exist in AMR source.
When to convert anyway: For compatibility (MP3 plays everywhere), for editing (need WAV in audio software), for archival organization (easier to manage MP3 libraries). Convert for practical reasons, not quality improvement. Quality is fixed at recording time - choose better format initially if quality matters.
What's the difference between AMR and AMR-WB?
AMR (narrowband) is original format: 8kHz sample rate, 4.75-12.2kbps bitrates, telephone quality, used in 2G/3G calls. AMR-WB (wideband) is improved version: 16kHz sample rate, 6.6-23.85kbps bitrates, noticeably better quality, used in HD Voice calls (3G/4G).
Audible difference: AMR sounds like phone call from 1990s (muffled, tinny). AMR-WB sounds like modern HD Voice call (clearer, fuller, more natural). Both are still speech-optimized formats terrible for music, but AMR-WB is significant upgrade for voice recordings.
File extensions: Both use .amr extension usually, though some systems use .awb for wideband. You can't tell from filename alone. Use media info tool (MediaInfo, ffprobe) to check if file is narrowband or wideband AMR. Modern phones prefer AMR-WB when available.
Why can't I play AMR files on my computer?
AMR is mobile-specific format with limited desktop support. Windows Media Player doesn't support AMR natively. QuickTime on Mac doesn't either. iTunes doesn't. AMR was designed for mobile phones and telecommunication systems, not consumer playback on PCs.
Solutions: Install VLC media player (free, plays AMR on Windows/Mac/Linux). Use online players or converters. Install codec packs (K-Lite, LAV Filters) to add AMR support to Windows. Convert AMR to MP3/WAV using our converter or FFmpeg.
Long-term fix: Convert AMR files to MP3 for your archive. Trying to maintain AMR playback capability is ongoing headache. One-time conversion to universally-compatible format solves problem forever. Don't fight format incompatibility - eliminate it.
How do I convert WhatsApp voice messages (AMR) to MP3?
WhatsApp stores voice messages as AMR files (or Opus on newer versions). On Android: find files in /WhatsApp/Media/WhatsApp Voice Notes/ folder. Copy to computer. Use our converter, FFmpeg, or Audacity to convert to MP3. Simple batch conversion if you have many files.
iPhone process: WhatsApp on iOS stores voice messages in app sandbox. Use iTunes file sharing or third-party apps to extract audio files. Or forward voice message to yourself via email (converts to playable format automatically). iPhone makes file access harder than Android.
Bulk conversion: Use FFmpeg script or foobar2000 (Windows) for batch converting many WhatsApp voice messages. Set output to MP3 128kbps (plenty for voice quality). Organize into dated folders. Good for archiving important voice messages from conversations.
What are AMR technical specifications?
AMR format specifications:
AMR Narrowband (AMR-NB)
8kHz sample rate, mono, 8 bitrate modes (4.75, 5.15, 5.9, 6.7, 7.4, 7.95, 10.2, 12.2 kbps). Speech codec based on ACELP.
AMR Wideband (AMR-WB)
16kHz sample rate, mono, 9 bitrate modes (6.6, 8.85, 12.65, 14.25, 15.85, 18.25, 19.85, 23.05, 23.85 kbps). Better quality.
Codec Design
Algebraic Code Excited Linear Prediction (ACELP). Specifically optimized for human speech. Terrible for music/non-speech audio.
Adaptive Mode
Bitrate adjusts based on audio content and complexity. Simple speech uses lower bitrates. Complex audio uses higher bitrates (up to max).
File Container
Simple file format: magic number, frame headers, encoded audio frames. No support for metadata, album art, chapters.
AMR is specialized format designed for mobile telephony. Specifications reflect mobile constraints (bandwidth, battery) and speech-only use case.
Is AMR still used in 2025?
Sort of. Legacy Android phones and basic feature phones still use AMR for voice recordings. Some telecom systems use AMR for voicemail storage. Older messaging apps might still default to AMR. But modern systems are moving away - newer Android phones use AAC or Opus, WhatsApp switched to Opus, iOS never used AMR much.
Replacement formats: Opus (superior voice quality at same bitrates, used by Discord, WhatsApp, Zoom). AAC-LC (better music quality, wider support, used by modern Android). Even MP3 at low bitrates is more compatible than AMR. AMR is legacy format kept for backward compatibility.
Future outlook: AMR will fade away as 2G/3G networks shut down and old devices are retired. New projects shouldn't use AMR - use Opus (best voice quality), AAC (compatibility), or MP3 (universal support). If you're recording voice in 2025, choose modern format.
What bitrate should I use converting AMR to MP3?
AMR to MP3 bitrate recommendations:
For Voice Content: 64-96kbps
AMR is speech. 64-96kbps MP3 is plenty for voice recordings. Higher bitrates waste space without quality benefit.
For Mixed Content: 128kbps
If AMR recording might contain music or ambient sounds, use 128kbps MP3. Safe middle ground for uncertain content.
Maximum Quality: 192kbps
Beyond 192kbps is pointless for AMR source. You're encoding from 8kHz/12kbps source - high bitrates don't add quality.
File Size Consideration
AMR = 10-20KB/minute. MP3 128kbps = 960KB/minute. Your files will get ~50x larger. Use lower bitrates if storage matters.
Recommended: CBR 96kbps
Good balance for voice. Files stay reasonable size. Quality is adequate for speech content. Easy for players to handle.
Avoid Lossless
Converting AMR to WAV/FLAC is pointless. You're creating huge files with 8kHz/mono content. Waste of storage.
Batch Conversion Efficiency
Lower bitrates = faster conversion. If converting hundreds of AMR files, 64-96kbps speeds up process significantly.
Compatibility Sweet Spot
96-128kbps MP3 works on everything (ancient MP3 players, modern phones, cars). Safe choice.
VBR Option
Use VBR V4-V6 for variable quality. Saves space for simple speech, uses more bits for complex audio. Efficient.
Quality Reality Check
AMR quality is so low that MP3 bitrate barely matters. 64kbps vs 128kbps won't sound different from AMR source. Don't overthink it.
Can I use AMR for music recordings?
Absolutely not! AMR is designed exclusively for speech. Music recorded in AMR sounds awful - tinny, muffled, distorted, no stereo, no bass, no high frequencies. It's like trying to paint a masterpiece with a crayon. Wrong tool for the job.
Why it sounds terrible: 8kHz sample rate cuts all frequencies above 4kHz (goodbye cymbals, guitars, vocals clarity). Mono recording loses stereo width and depth. Speech-optimized codec mangles musical instruments. 12kbps bitrate (even at maximum) destroys detail and dynamics.
What to use instead: MP3 at 192-320kbps (universal), AAC at 256kbps (excellent quality), or FLAC/WAV (lossless). Even Opus at 96kbps sounds far better than AMR for music. Your phone's camera app records better audio than voice recorder with AMR. Use proper formats for music.
How do I batch convert many AMR files?
FFmpeg (command line): Best for large batches. Script like `for f in *.amr; do ffmpeg -i "$f" -codec:a libmp3lame -b:a 96k "${f%.amr}.mp3"; done` converts all AMR in folder to 96kbps MP3. Fast, reliable, scriptable.
foobar2000 (Windows GUI): Add folder of AMR files, select all, right-click > Convert, choose MP3 output, set bitrate, click Convert. Handles hundreds of files easily. Preserves folder structure if desired.
Online converters: Our converter supports batch uploads. Good for occasional conversions or non-technical users. Limited by upload size and internet speed. For thousands of files, local software (FFmpeg, foobar2000) is faster.
Why are my converted AMR files still mono?
Because AMR is always mono (single channel) format! When you convert AMR to MP3/WAV, converter can create stereo file technically, but audio content is still mono - identical audio in left and right channels. You can't create stereo from mono source. Information that was never captured can't be manufactured.
Fake stereo: Some converters offer 'mono to stereo' conversion that duplicates mono channel to both left and right. File becomes stereo format but doesn't actually have stereo content. File size doubles with zero audio improvement. Pointless feature.
Accept mono: Voice recordings in mono are normal and appropriate. Podcasts, audiobooks, voice memos don't need stereo. Save storage and keep converted files as mono MP3. Unless you have specific reason for stereo file format, stick with mono for mono content.
What's better for voice: AMR, MP3, or Opus?
Opus wins decisively for voice! Opus was specifically designed for speech and audio communication - better quality than AMR at same bitrates, faster encoding, lower latency, open-source. At 24kbps, Opus sounds excellent for voice. At 12kbps (AMR's max), Opus still sounds better. Modern apps (WhatsApp, Discord, Zoom) use Opus for good reasons.
MP3 is okay but inefficient: MP3 at 96kbps sounds fine for voice but uses 8x more data than Opus at 12kbps with similar quality. MP3 wasn't designed for low-bitrate voice - it's general-purpose audio codec. Works but isn't optimal choice for voice recordings.
AMR is obsolete: Only advantages are tiny file sizes (legacy benefit when storage/bandwidth were expensive) and wide mobile network support (2G/3G infrastructure). For new voice recordings in 2025: use Opus (best quality/efficiency), AAC (wide compatibility), or MP3 (universal playback). Don't use AMR unless required by legacy system.
Should I keep voice recordings as AMR or convert?
Convert to MP3 for practical use! AMR's file size advantage (10-20KB/min) doesn't matter with modern storage. A 10-minute voice memo is 100KB as AMR vs 1MB as MP3 - trivial difference on gigabytes of phone storage. Meanwhile MP3 works everywhere, AMR requires special players.
When to convert: Archiving important voice messages (interviews, personal notes, family recordings). Sharing recordings with others. Moving recordings to computer for storage. Organizing voice memos in music library. Editing voice recordings in audio software.
Recommended workflow: Let phone record as AMR (if that's default). Periodically batch-convert important recordings to 96kbps MP3. Store converted files in organized folders. Delete phone AMR originals after backup. This gives you compatible archives without worrying about AMR playback years from now.