Convert M4A to ALAC
Convert M4A files to ALAC format online for free. Fast, secure, and easy-to-use M4A to ALAC converter with no software installation required.
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Max file size: 50 MBMax duration: 30 min
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Why Choose Scriptivox M4A to ALAC Converter?
Fast Conversion
Our powerful servers process your files quickly, delivering converted files in seconds.
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Convert your files completely free with no hidden costs or subscription fees.
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Your files are encrypted and automatically deleted after conversion. We never store or share your data.
No Installation
Works directly in your web browser. No software download or installation required.
How to Use M4A → ALAC
Upload File
Drag and drop your M4A file or click to browse. Supports files up to 1GB.
Convert
Select ALAC as your output format and click convert. Our servers will process your file instantly.
Download
Download your converted file instantly. The download link expires in 1 hour for security.
M4A vs ALAC: format comparison
How the two formats differ on the things that change your result.
| Specification | M4A (source) | ALAC (result) |
|---|---|---|
| Container | MPEG-4 Part 14 | MPEG-4 (.m4a) |
| Developed by | Apple / MPEG | Apple |
| Introduced | 2003 | 2004 |
| Audio codecs | AAC-LC, HE-AAC, ALAC | ALAC |
| Compression | Depends on codec | Lossless (compressed) |
| Max sample rate | 96 kHz | 192 kHz |
| Max channels | 8 | 8 |
| Gapless playback | Yes | Yes |
| Metadata / tags | MPEG-4 iTunes-style atoms | MPEG-4 iTunes-style atoms |
| Approx. file size | 0.72–1.92 MB per minute | 5–7 MB per minute |
| Licensing | Patent-licensed | Royalty-free |
| Plays natively on | Native: Web browsers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs | Native: macOS, iOS · Needs a player: Windows, Android, Web browsers, Smart TVs |
| Best for | the Apple ecosystem, music libraries, audiobooks | long-term archiving, the Apple ecosystem, audiophile listening |
What changes when you convert M4A to ALAC
Note that MPEG-4 Part 14 does not imply one specific codec. It can wrap AAC-LC, HE-AAC, ALAC, so the compression behaviour of the result depends on the codec chosen rather than on the extension alone.
This direction reduces compatibility rather than improving it, with 4 platforms losing native support. It is the right choice for a specific workflow, not for sharing widely.
This conversion moves the file toward a different purpose: M4A suits the Apple ecosystem, music libraries, audiobooks, whereas ALAC is chosen for long-term archiving, the Apple ecosystem, audiophile listening.
About M4A to ALAC Conversion
Converting M4A to ALAC means moving audio out of the MPEG-4 Part 14 container, introduced in 2003, and into MPEG-4 (.m4a), which arrived in 2004. The two were designed with different priorities, and that is what determines whether this conversion costs you quality, storage, or compatibility.
Developed by Apple / MPEG in 2003, M4A stores audio using AAC-LC, HE-AAC, ALAC. That codec choice sets the upper bound on what any conversion can preserve.
ALAC, from Apple and dating to 2004, uses ALAC and plays natively on 2 of the six platform categories we track. That combination is usually why people convert into it.
After converting your file, you can use Scriptivox transcription services to convert your audio to text. Perfect for meetings, interviews, podcasts, and more.
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