Switch
Switch is the fastest audio converter software we tested. To test the speed of each converter software,
we timed how long it took to convert a 625MB WAV file to a 26MB MP3 file.
This converter took just 40 seconds to compress that file, which is 23 seconds faster than the secondfastest time we clocked. Speed of conversion may not be important if you need to convert only a couple
of files, but if you want to convert your entire music library, a fast converter could save you hours.
Switch has a batch-converter feature that allows you to put thousands of files in a queue and let the
software do its job without monitoring. This converter software, which can be purchased for Windows
and Mac computers, is compatible with 40 audio formats that can be converted to 26 output formats.
Not only can this software convert audio from larger lossless formats to smaller formats to save space, it
can extract the audio from DVD and other popular video formats like AVI, MOV and MPEG. Switch has a
feature that allows you to record audio from popular streaming services like Spotify and Pandora. The
Audio Stream Wizard can convert a radio playlist to MP3 so you can upload it on your phone and listen
whenever you want without using cellular data or Wi-Fi.
PROS
Fast conversion
Impressive import and export format list
It can record audio from streaming services
CONS
More expensive than the average converter software
The user interface looks outdated
It can’t record streaming video
Some users have reported that the program stops letting you convert files after 14 days. I haven't
experienced this but keep it in mind, and use a different tool from this list if you run into that.
If that happens to you, something you might try is starting the uninstall process and seeing if Switch asks
you to revert to the free, non-trial version (instead of removing the program).
Some users have also reported that their antivirus software identifies Switch as a malicious program, but
I haven't seen any messages like that myself.
If you're having troubles with Switch, I highly recommend using a different program from this list. The
only reason it remains here is because it works perfectly fine for some people.
FileZigZag
FileZigZag is an online audio converter service that will convert most common audio formats, so long as
they don't exceed 180 MB.
All you do is upload the original audio file, choose the desired output format, and then wait for an email
with a link to the converted file.
You can upload remote audio files via their direct URL as well as files stored in your Google Drive
account.
Input Formats: 3GA, AAC, AC3, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AMR, AU, CAF, FLAC, M4A, M4R, M4P, MID, MIDI, MMF,
MP2, MP3, MPGA, OGA, OGG, OMA, OPUS, QCP, RA, RAM, WAV, and WMA
Output Formats: AAC, AC3, AIF, AIFC, AIFF, AU, FLAC, M4A, M4R, MP3, MMF, OPUS, OGG, RA, WAV, and
WMA
FileZigZag Review and Link
The worst thing about FileZigZag is the time it takes to upload the audio file and receive the link in your
email. However, most audio files, even long music tracks, come in a pretty small size, so it's not usually a
problem.
FileZigZag should work with all operating systems that support a web browser, like macOS, Windows,
and Linux.
FileZigZag is a decent free file converter. It's better than a few other online file converters but certainly
not as robust as a dedicated file converter program.
The FileZigZag file converter is very easy to use, supports a good number of file formats (especially
images), and is faster than some other online file converter services I've tried.
If you like the thought of skipping the download-and-install routine and getting your file conversion
done online, give FileZigZag a try.
Visit Their Website
Pros
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Free file conversions
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No programs to install - service is 100% web based
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Very simple to use
•
Converts a variety of files from one format to another
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Supports files up to 180 MB in size (if you make a free account)
Cons
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Conversion time was slow but faster than some other online file converters
More Information About FileZigZag
•
FileZigZag converts between many document, image, audio, video, and archive formats. All of
the supported formats are listed here.
•
File conversions with FileZigZag are completed in three easy steps, and download links are valid
for three full days.
•
You can upload files to FileZigZag from your computer, your Google Drive account, or
a URL using the Advanced Converter.
My Thoughts on FileZigZag
FileZigZag is one of the better online file conversion services. All online file converters are incredibly
similar to FileZigZag but in several tests, FileZigZag proved to be the faster tool.
It couldn't get much easier to use FileZigZag. Just visit their website (link below), upload the file you
want to convert from, choose the format you want to convert your file to, and hit the Convert button.
Finally, just wait for your email from FileZigZag with a link to your converted file.
FileZigZag is a pretty good choice if you're after an image converter or a document converter.
However, due to the time it takes to both upload and convert a file, FileZigZag isn't my first choice as a
video converter or audio converter. Try one of the other programs in those lists instead. Zamzar is
another online audio converter service that supports most common music and audio formats.
MediaHuman Audio Converter
If you're looking for a simple program that works without the advanced options and confusing
interfaces that some of these audio converter tools have, you'll definitely like MediaHuman
Audio Converter.
Just drag and drop the audio files you need converted directly into the program, choose
an output format, and then start the conversion.
Input Formats: AAC, AC3, AIF, AIFF, ALAW, AMR, APE, AU, CAF, DSF, DTS, FLAC,
M4A, M4B, M4R, MP2, MP3, MPC, OGG, OPUS, RA, SHN, TTA, WAV, WMA, and WV
Output Formats: AAC, AC3, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, M4R, MP3, OGG, WAV, and WMA
Download MediaHuman Audio Converter for Free
Main Features
Batch conversion: Add all files you want, select the output format and click Start – the
program takes care of the rest.
Support for lossless formats: You can directly convert one lossless format to another,
without intermediate conversion. For example, you can turn FLAC to Apple Lossless
supported by most Apple devices.
Automatic CUE splitting: The program locates .CUE files in the folder and suggests
splitting the image to individual tracks if some are found.
Search for disk covers: If a file contains ID3 tags but lacks the cover art, the program
tries to retrieve one using several Internet services.
iTunes support: Apple fans will admire the option to add converted files directly to
iTunes multimedia library. You can also choose a specific playlist.
Automatic CUE splitting: The program locates .CUE files in the folder and suggests
splitting the image to individual tracks if some are found.
Retain folder structure: Command the program to keep the structure of your folders
when running conversion. A must have option for those who store music in Artist/Album
folders.
If you do want more advanced options, MediaHuman Audio Converter does let you
customize things like the default output folder, whether you want to automatically add
the converted songs to iTunes, and if you want to search online for cover art, among
other options.
Fortunately, these settings are hidden away and are completely unobtrusive unless
you want to use them.
The following operating systems are supported: Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7,
Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and macOS 10.5 and newer.
Upload the file from your computer or enter a URL to an online file that you need converted.
Input Formats: 3GA, AAC, AC3, AIFC, AIFF, AMR, APE, CAF, FLAC, M4A, M4P, M4R, MIDI, MP3, OGA,
OGG, RA, RAM, WAV, and WMA
Output Formats: AAC, AC3, FLAC, M4A, M4R, MP3, MP4, OGG, WAV, and WMA
Zamzar Review and Link
The biggest disadvantage with Zamzar is their 50 MB limit for source files. While many audio files are
smaller than this, some low compression formats can exceed this small limit.
I also found Zamzar's conversion time slow when compared to other online audio converter services.
Zamzar can be used with pretty much any modern web browser on any OS, such as Windows, Mac, and
Linux
Zamzar is a good free file converter that supports lots of file formats. It's really easy to use and lets you
convert files online without having to download any software. It's not the first service or software I'd try,
but it works for what it does.
I found Zamzar to be slower than most other online file converters, but if you're disappointed with some
other file converters or really need to complete your file conversion online, give Zamzar a try.
Visit Their Website
Pros & Cons
Given that Zamzar is an online file converter, it immediately has unique drawbacks not seen in
traditional converter software, but that doesn't mean that it should be avoided altogether.
Pros
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Free file conversions (up to 50 MB)
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Nothing to install
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Converts a large variety of files from one format to another
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Simple enough for anyone to use
Cons
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Conversion time is sometimes pretty slow
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50 MB file size limit makes it very difficult to use for video and audio conversions
•
If the website is experiencing high traffic, your conversion could be delayed for up to an hour
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Download links are only valid for 24 hours, You have to save the conversion within one day of it
being ready for download
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Only five files can be converted simultaneously in the same session
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Free accounts are limited to 50 conversions within a 24-hour period
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You have to wait for an email to download your converted file
More Information About Zamzar
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Works on any operating system since it just requires a browser to run (i.e. Zamzar works with
Windows, Linux, Mac, etc.)
•
You can upload a file from your computer or enter a URL to an online file
•
Converts between many document, image, video, archive, audio, and CAD formats. You can see
a full list of file formats you can use with Zamzar from their Conversion Types page
•
Zamzar converts TXT files to MP3 format, providing a high-quality, online text-to-speech service
•
Entire file conversion with Zamzar is completed in four steps: no download required
•
Zamzar can be used to convert files through email, too (up to 1 MB for free)
•
Regular, non-email conversion is free for any file up to 50 MB, but you can upgrade to a
payment plan if you want to use it with much larger files. Upgrading has other perks also, like
online storage of your files, high-speed downloads, no ads, higher conversion priorities, and
faster support time
My Thoughts on Zamzar
Zamzar is very easy to use. Just visit their website, upload your original file, choose the format you want
to convert your file to, and then hit Convert. After that, wait for an email from Zamzar with a link to your
converted file. That's it!
Another, somewhat secret feature supported by Zamzar is their email attachment conversions. With the
file attached (or multiples as long as each is under 1 MB), send the message to the email address that
corresponds to the format you want the file to be converted to, in the syntax @zamzar.com. For
example, to convert your PNG file to JPG, send the PNG file to jpg@zamzar.com. If you're on a phone
and would like a DOCX file to be in the PDF format, send it to pdf@zamzar.com.
Zamzar supports a variety of file formats. Some notable problem formats that Zamzar supports include
WPD (Wordperfect Document), RA (RealMedia Streaming Media), FLV, and DOCX. Zamzar makes
working with these and many other formats as easy as a few mouse clicks.
Zamzar is a decent choice if you need an image converter or document converter, but the 50 MB file size
limit makes it nearly impossible to use as a video converter or sometimes even as an audio converter. As
the files get larger and larger, it takes longer and longer to upload, convert, and then download again.
Plus, most lengthy videos surpass 50 MB.
I should also note that Zamzar has an optional, tiered premium service—Basic, Pro, and Business—with
increasing maximum file sizes, online storage space, speed of conversion, and so on. I only tested the
free service, so some of my experiences with Zamzar may or may not have improved if I had used one of
the premium tiers.
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