The Ultimate Guide to Compressing MP3 Files on Mac
MP3 is one of the most versatile audio formats and can be played by virtually any media player. It's used to store everything from music to voice recordings to podcasts. While it can be played on any device, the format may present size issues to users. You may find an MP3 file too large to upload or send via email. Sometimes, the sheer number of MP3 files on your device can gobble up all storage space, even though device manufacturers keep expanding their storage. Perhaps its size prevents you from burning an MP3 file to a disc. The context may vary, but the problem is the same-a file too big to use. This guide helps you compress MP3 files on Mac to manageable sizes so that you can use them conveniently.
Part 1: Best Way to Compress MP3 File on Mac
HitPaw Univd (HitPaw Video Converter) is an excellent tool for compressing MP3 files on Mac. It's powerful, fast, and lightweight. Anyone can use its user-friendly interface to compress MP3 files quickly. As a full-fledged media editor, Univd can be used to edit, compress, and convert various media files, including MP3. Compress it or convert it to any other format of your choice with Univd.

HitPaw Univd - All-in-one Video Solutions for Win & Mac
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- Batch Compression: Compress up to 5,000 MP3 files in a single batch
- Lossy Compression: Univd compresses MP3 files without a noticeable drop in quality
- 1,000+ Formats Supported: Convert MP3 to any other format for superior compression
- 120X Faster: Convert thousands of MP3 files at lightning speed with Univd
- Built-in AI Editor : Edit MP3 files while compressing with powerful AI tools
- Full Quality Control: Set everything from compression levels to bit rates
Secure Verified. 254,145 people have downloaded it.
Guide on How to Use MP3 Compressor on Mac
- Step 1: Import MP3 Files to Univd
- Step 2: Choose Output Format
- Step 3: Edit Output Quality
- Step 4: Compress MP3 File on Mac
Launch HitPaw Univd for Mac >> Go to the 'Converter' tab >> Use the 'Add Files' dropdown button to select and import MP3 files to the tool.

Use the dropdown button towards the right of each imported MP3 file to select the output format, which is MP3 in this case.

Click on the 'Edit' button (pen icon) to choose output quality settings like bit rate, sample rate, and others.

Click 'Convert' or 'Convert All' to complete the MP3 audio compression.

Part 2: How to Compress MP3 File Online on Mac
Compressing MP3 files on Mac is essential to save storage space, reduce upload/download times, and share audio files more efficiently. HitPaw Online Audio Compressor is a perfect solution for Mac users, offering a fast, easy, and reliable way to compress MP3 files without losing quality. With its simple steps and advanced compression technology, you can optimize your audio files in just a few clicks!
- Step 1: Upload MP3 to HitPaw Online Audio Compressor
- Step 2: Choose Compression Settings
- Step 3: Download Compressed MP3 File
Go to HitPaw Online Audio Compressor >> Drag and drop MP3 files into the upload box. You can also use the 'Choose File' button to browse, select, and upload MP3 files into the tool.

Set output quality of the MP3 file to match your compression requirements >> Choose Output format as MP3 >> Click 'Compress'.

After the compression is complete, check the compressed file size and download if it satisfies your requirements. If the file is bigger than your requirement, you can go back and reduce the quality settings some more and repeat the process.

Part 3: 5 Additional Tools for Compressing MP3 on Mac
1. Audacity
Audacity is a full-fledged audio editing tool for professionals. So, it might seem a bit overkill for something as simple as MP3 compression, but it's highly reliable and works like a charm. So, it's on the top of our list. Audacity offers an extensive range of editing tools for users to tinker and learn audio editing skills besides recording and production. Also, it gives users complete control over the compression level and quality of their output.

Pros
- Free and open-source
- Excellent support
- High customizability
Cons
- Complicated, especially for beginners
2. VLC Media Player
The trusty VLC Media Player is not only an excellent media player but also a great media editor for basic purposes. You can compress your MP3 files easily with VLC and even convert them to other formats. While it's not the most user-friendly tool for the purpose, it can be used to compress MP3 files on multiple device platforms.

Pros
- Cross-platform tool
- Free and open-source
Cons
- Limited advanced features
- Not so easy to use for compression
3. iTunes
Apple users have another reason to love iTunes. Not only can you manage your MP3 music on iTunes, but also compress them to smaller sizes. While iTunes is native to Apple ecosystem, you can also use the tool on Windows. It's a simple, no-nonsense tool for Apple desktop users everywhere.

Pros
- Free
- Native to Apple ecosystem
- Cross-platform app
- User-friendly
Cons
- Limited advanced features for audio editing
4. FFmpeg
FFmpeg is an advanced command-line tool for media editing. This free, open-source tool can be used to compress various audio formats, including MP3. FFmpeg offers an extensive range of customizations for compressing MP3 files, which has made it a favorite among advanced users. However, its command-line interface doesn't win much approval from beginners.

Pros
- Free
- Powerful
- Efficient
- Extensive advanced features
Cons
- Steep learning curve
5. XLD (X Lossless Decoder)
XLD is another popular audio compressing tool for Mac. It's free and open-source. With a strong emphasis on user-friendly UI, XLD lets users compress various audio file formats, including MP3 files. The output from XLD is high in quality, and the conversion process is fast.

Pros
- Free
- High-quality output
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Limited advanced features
FAQs about MP3 Compressor Mac
Q1. Can I compress MP3 files without losing quality on Mac?
A1. When compressing MP3 files, some degree of quality loss is unavoidable. However, you can minimize the quality loss with HitPaw Univd. Univd compresses audio files by up to 80% without a noticeable loss in quality.
Q2. Is there a limit to how much I can compress an MP3 file?
A2. Yes. Compressing MP3 files typically means reducing their quality. For instance, their bitrate can be reduced to 32kpbs, not lower. At that point, the quality loss would be severe. For good results, keeping the bitrate above 128 kbps is important.
Q3. What MP3 compression settings should I use for the best balance of quality and size?
A3. For best results, bitrate of 128 kbps to 192 kbps, sample rate of 44.1 kHz, two channels for stereo, and one channel for mono generally achieve the best balance between quality and size.
Conclusion
Compressing MP3 files on your Mac is a practical solution to manage storage space, share files easily, and improve device performance. By following this guide, you can efficiently reduce the size of your MP3 files without compromising quality. HitPaw Univd, in particular, lets you compress thousands of MP3 files per batch at incredible speeds without compromising their quality. It's the perfect solution for Mac users. Try it today.
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Daniel Walker
Editor-in-Chief
My passion lies in bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and everyday creativity. With years of hands-on experience, I create content that not only informs but inspires our audience to embrace digital tools confidently.
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