Sometimes you only need the sound from a lecture video or a recorded meeting. Video files are large to carry around, and if you want to listen in an audio player or edit it like a podcast, it's easier to extract the audio and save it as MP3 or WAV. Everything below runs in your browser, so your file isn't uploaded.
When you'd want this
- You downloaded an online course video and just want to listen on the go (and save data).
- You want to keep only the conversation from a Zoom, Teams or Google Meet recording (MP4).
- You want the background music or narration from a video for reference.
- You want to clean up the audio (noise removal, trimming) before editing the video.
Only extract audio from videos you made or have the right to use. Extracting and sharing someone else's video or music without permission can violate copyright law.
How to extract the audio
- Open the Audio Converter.
- Drag in your MP4, MOV or WebM video. Your browser decodes just the audio track.
- Choose MP3 (for listening, 128 to 320 kbps) or WAV (lossless, for editing).
- If you want a smaller file, lower the sample rate (16,000 to 22,050 Hz is plenty for speech) or switch to mono.
- Press Save to download the audio file.
Which format to choose
| Purpose | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Listening and sharing | MP3 192 kbps | Small files that play on almost any device or app |
| More editing | WAV | Uncompressed and lossless, so no quality loss while editing |
| Mostly speech (meetings, lectures) | MP3 128 kbps, 16,000 to 22,050 Hz, mono | Much smaller than music settings |
If the extracted audio is noisy, clean it with Noise Remover and cut what you don't need with the MP3 Cutter. To get a written record of a meeting, continue with Audio to Text.
Working with long videos
Videos that are hundreds of MB or more can take a while. Keep the tab open while it works. Because everything happens in your browser and nothing is uploaded, bigger files depend more on your computer's speed.
Common problems
- The file won't open: some videos use older codecs your browser can't decode. Convert them to a standard MP4 (H.264/AAC) with another program first, then try again.
- The audio is too quiet: boost it afterwards with Increase Volume or normalize it.
- There's a picture but no audio comes out: the video has no audio track (it's silent), so there is nothing to extract.
- The browser slows down: large files use a lot of memory. Close other tabs and try again.
Compared with video editing software
Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve can also export audio, but they need installing and learning. FreeSoundTools works in any browser with no install, so for simply pulling out the sound it's faster and lighter. For precise editing of video and audio together, a full editor is still the better choice.
Sources and date checked
Checked: October 6, 2026
- Wikipedia, MP3 — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MP3
- Wikipedia, WAV — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WAV
This article is general information. Devices and services can change over time.
Frequently asked questions
Does this affect the video quality?
No. Only the audio is read, so the original video file is untouched. A new audio file is created and the original stays as it is.
Are all video formats supported?
Most formats your browser can play, such as MP4, WebM and MOV, are supported. Videos with unusual codecs may not open.
Does it work with long videos (over an hour)?
Yes, but it takes longer and uses more memory. If you can, cut out just the part you need first.
Is the extracted file stored on a server?
No. Everything happens in your browser and nothing is sent to a server.
Do I need video editing software?
No. FreeSoundTools runs in your browser, so you can extract audio right away without installing anything.