The 4 Best MP3 to M4R Converters in 2021

M4R is the ringtone format widely used on Apple devices. This means that if you want to make a custom ringtone from a song, it needs to be in M4R format. However, most of the songs we download from websites are in MP3 format. This is where you'll need a converter to change the MP3 files into M4R. If you're unsure where to find such a tool, this guide will introduce you to some of the best options out there.

1. iRingg

First off, we have iRingg – a nifty and easy-to-use iPhone ringtone maker. It has an mp3 to m4r converter built-in, which lets you effortlessly turn your mp3 files into m4r ones. After the conversion, you can save the resulting file on your computer or export it straight to your iPhone's Ringtones library.

Aside from that, the app comes with a couple of handy tools, such as an audio trimmer and audio downloader. With these, you can cut audio files to any length you want or extract the audio track from a YouTube video, and download ringtones from SoundCloud.

Sounds great, doesn't it? If you're interested, you can download it to your computer and follow its instructions for a tour.

Best MP3 to M4R Converter - iRingg

Second place: Zamzar

In addition to desktop applications, you can also use online converters like Zamzar to get the job done. These websites are usually user-friendly, convenient, and free. However, they may have file size limits and require a stable internet connection. If you decide to go with an online MP3 to M4R converter, follow these steps:

Step 1: Choose the MP3 file you want to convert.

Step 2. Choose M4R as the format you want to convert your MP3 file to.

Step 3. Click “Convert” to start converting your MP3 files.

Note: Zamar is just an example of an online MP3 to M4R converter. There are many other similar websites on the Internet that can do the same job, such as Convertio, Online-Converter, and M4R Online, among others. Exercise caution when using these sites, as some may have misleading download buttons that could expose you to viruses.

Top 3: iTunes

iTunes is another way to convert MP3 files into M4R files. Like the ringtone makers we mentioned above, iTunes also allows you to trim your MP3 file before converting it. The process can be a little convoluted, so handle each step with care.

Step 1: Add the MP3 files to iTunes

First, you need to import the MP3 files you want to convert into iTunes. You can do this by simply dragging and dropping them into the iTunes library or by clicking on the "File" button in the top left corner of iTunes, selecting "Add File to Library," finding your MP3 file, selecting it, and clicking "Open."

TIP: If you want to trim an mp3 song, you'll need to take an extra step. Right-click on the mp3 file that you imported into your iTunes library and select "Get Info." Here, you can set the start and end times for the audio clip you want to use.

Step 2. Convert the mp3 files to AAC format

Import the MP3 into your iTunes library, select it, and then choose File > Convert > Create AAC Version from the menu in the upper-left corner of iTunes.

Step 3: Change the extension of the AAC file from .m4a to .m4r

Right-click the AAC file in your iTunes library and select “Show in Windows Explorer.” Find the AAC file in Windows Explorer, right-click it, and choose “Rename.” Change the file extension from .m4a to .m4r.

Note: If you cannot rename the file extension, it means that you have hidden file extensions enabled. To fix this, click "View" and check the box next to "File name extensions."

Top four: GarageBand

Technically, GarageBand isn't a converter, but if you want to make a ringtone out of an MP3 file, this app is definitely worth considering. You won't need a computer or any third-party software – the entire process can be done on your device. Here's how to use GarageBand.

Step 1: Download and open the GarageBand app on your iPhone > Swipe right to find 'Audio Recorder' > Tap on 'Sound'.

Step 2: Tap the View icon (it looks like a brick wall) to enter edit mode.

Step 3: Click on the “Loop” icon. You will then see three subheadings: Apple Loops, Files, and Music. Choose the option where your mp3 is located. If your ringtone is saved in “Files,” for example, select that.

Step 4. Click the “File” icon > Choose “Apply with Preview” > Drag the song you want to make a ringtone into the editing area.

Step 5: Drag the longer vertical bar to customize your ringtone.

Step 6. When you're done, double-click the song and select “Split” > drag the scissor icon down to split the song > double-click the unwanted parts of the song and choose “Delete.”

Step 7: Next, tap on the downward arrow icon in the top-left corner > select 'My Music'.

Step 8: Tap and hold the song you created, then choose Share > Ringtone > Next > Export.

When you're done, tap Use as… Sound to set it as a ringtone.

Bottom line

That concludes our recommendations for the best MP3 to M4R converters. With any of these programs, you can convert MP3 files to M4R. Out of all these options, we recommend iRingg the most due to its simplicity and versatility. However, if you don't want to install any third-party software on your computer, you can use an online audio converter, iTunes, or GarageBand instead.