Updated on 2025-02-21
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5min read
The Advanced Audio Codec (AAC) is the gold standard for delivering superior sound quality, even at a lower bitrate. When you want to convert Spotify music to unprotected AAC files, the method you choose is matter. The wrong approach will compromise the very fidelity that AAC promises.
We’ll explore the most reliable solution in converting Spotify music to AAC files on the desktop. Mobile-only solution is also featured. Each method is explained step by step, ensuring clarity. Besides, you’ll uncover insights to deepen your understanding of AAC from this post.
Does Spotify Support AAC Streaming Format?
Yes, Spotify relies on AAC for its web player. The choice isn’t arbitrary. As browsers speak AAC fluently and almost all modern browsers can decode it with ease, so Spotify sticks with AAC.
For free users, the Spotify music arrives at 128 kbps on its web player while it’s 256 kbps for Premium users. Remember, on the Spotify web version, you can’t touch the quality settings, meaning the bitrate is fixed by the account type you have.
How to Convert Spotify Music to AAC Files on Windows/Mac with Spotify AAC Downloader
Even though you can stream Spotify in AAC format on its web player, Spotify itself doesn’t let you download Spotify songs as AAC for offline listening on your computer. Don’t worry, here is a way to help you out, which is by using StreamFox for Music, the Eassiy All-in-one Music Converter. This software can convert Spotify music to local AAC files in 320kbps, which is higher than the quality of the Spotify web player.It embeds the Spotify web player into its interface, simplify the conversion process. The inbuilt Spotify web player will also ensure the sound quality of the music downloads, as the songs are downloaded directly from Spotify.
Moreover, each download will retain the original Spotify metadata, including song titles, artist names, album info, and more. This means you won’t need to manually tag your music files later. Besides, you can transfer the AAC song downloads to another device like portable music players with ease.
Eassiy All-in-one Music Converter
Download music from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and three other music services as local MP3 in 320kbps with ID3 tags retained.
Key Features
- Deliver music downloads at 50x the usual speed, making even the largest playlists feel manageable.
- Also convert songs from Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music into AAC effortlessly.
- Convert Spotify to AAC at the highest bitrate with Free or Premium Spotify accounts.
- Automatically organize your downloads neatly by turning songs into folders.
Steps to Convert Spotify Music to AAC Files with StreamFox
Step 1. Download and install StreamFox for Music on your computer using the provided installer. Open the program and select the Spotify icon from the main interface.
Step 2. Log in to your Spotify account. Both premium or free works seamlessly with StreamFox.
Step 3. You can add the songs or playlists you want to convert by dragging them to the plus icon at the top-right corner of the interface.
Step 4. Open the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines). From the drop-down, select Preferences.
Step 5. Switch to the Advanced tab. From here, choose AAC as the output format. Here, you can also adjust the sample rate and bitrate according to your preference. Make sure to click Save.
Step 6. Return to the converting tab by tapping the Spotify icon in the top pane. Click Convert All to start the conversion.
When the downloads are complete, select View Output File via the Finished tab to find the converted AAC files on your computer.
How to Convert Spotify Music to AAC Files Online on iPhone/Android
On mobile devices, there’s no streamlined way to convert Spotify music into AAC files. You need to download Spotify music as MP3 files first and then convert the MP3 files to AAC ones.You need to download songs one by one and the quality won’t match higher-end tools like StreamFox. Also, the way of downloading Spotify as local AAC on phone doesn’t support batch downloading and doesn’t ensure the accurate metadata.
Download Spotify Music as MP3 with SpotifyDown.com
One tool for this is SpotifyDown.com. It’s ad-heavy, so patience is required. Plus, the metadata of song download will need fixing, given they come watermarked. Still, it’s a functional workaround for mobile users.
Step 1. Open the playlist you want to convert on Spotify. Tap the three-dot icon under the title, select Share, and copy the playlist link.
Step 2. Open SpotifyDown.com in your browser. Use Chrome on Android or iPhone. Paste the copied link into the download bar. Click the Download button. The tool will fetch your playlist. Tap the download icon to convert the songs as MP3s.
Step 3. Save the MP3 files. On Android, the files are saved automatically. On iPhone, you’ll have to choose the download location manually.
Convert Spotify MP3 to AAC with CloudConvert
Once you have the MP3 files, converting them to AAC is straightforward. An online tool like CloudConvert simplifies the process and supports multiple file conversions at once.
However, note that CloudConvert doesn’t allow you to adjust the bitrate manually. The default conversion bitrate is 256 kbps. You can use a dedicated app to get more options.
Here are the steps to convert Spotify MP3 songs using CloudConvert:
Step 1. Open CloudConvertMP3.com in your phone browser. Navigate to the MP3-to-AAC conversion page.
Step 2. Click Add File to upload your MP3 files. You can add multiple songs. Start the conversion by clicking the Convert button.
Step 3. Wait as the tool processes your files. Download the converted AAC files.
What Programs Can Play AAC Files?
Most popular media players support AAC files. VLC Media Player, iTunes, Windows Media Player, and QuickTime Player on macOS can all play AAC without issues. In general, Apple devices have a built-in native support for AAC files. For Windows, Android, and even streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast, AAC will work right out of the box.
Keep in mind that unprotected AAC files, such as those converted with tools like StreamFox, are universally compatible with modern devices and apps. However, protected AAC files with DRM will require specific players like iTunes or Apple Music.
Is Unprotected AAC Better than Spotify Ogg Vorbis?
Comparing unprotected AAC with Spotify OGG Vorbis is less about fairness and more about perspective. Unprotected AAC is a format for everyone: open, portable, and playable on almost any device. Spotify’s OGG Vorbis is different: it exists to power Spotify’s ecosystem, tightly bound to its app.
Still, for those who care about details, the distinction lies in the number and the sound. Here’s how the two compare across critical features:
Feature | Unprotected AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) | Spotify OGG Vorbis |
---|---|---|
Typical Bitrates | 128, 192, 256, 320 kbps | 24 (low), 96 (normal), 160 (high), 320 kbps |
Quality | Superior compression efficiency, transparent at 256 kbps+ | Optimized for streaming, good at lower bitrates but slightly less efficient |
File Size (for 1 minute) | 128 kbps: ~960 KB 192 kbps: ~1.44 MB 256 kbps: ~1.92 MB 320 kbps: ~2.4 MB |
96 kbps: ~720 KB 160 kbps: ~1.2 MB 320 kbps: ~2.4 MB |
Streaming Efficiency | Highly efficient, consistent quality across platforms | Slightly less efficient, tailored for Spotify’s infrastructure |
Compatibility | Universal (used in Apple Music, iTunes, etc.) | Limited outside Spotify (requires OGG decoders) |
Low-Bitrate Performance | HE-AAC performs very well at 64 kbps or lower | Audible artifacts at very low bitrates (96 kbps or below) |
DRM (Digital Rights Management) | DRM-free | DRM-protected |
Customizability | Bitrate and profile can be finely tuned | Fixed quality settings by Spotify |
Conclusion
The best way to convert Spotify music to unprotected AAC files is through StreamFox for Music. Unlike online converters that often compromise quality, StreamFox retrieves songs directly from the original stream.
This means no loss in bitrate or fidelity: every track retains its original richness that AAC is known for. Don’t forget that StreamFox works without requiring a premium account.