Published on May 2, 2025 4 min read

How to Extract Audio from MP4 Using FFmpeg, Audacity, and Aiseesoft

Extracting audio from video files can be challenging for beginners unfamiliar with the right tools. Fortunately, several user-friendly tools are available for users of all skill levels. This blog examines three popular tools: FFmpeg, Audacity, and Aiseesoft, which make it easy to extract audio from video files.

Tool 1: FFmpeg

FFmpeg is a powerful, open-source command-line tool for managing multimedia files. While its interface might seem daunting at first, FFmpeg offers unmatched capabilities, especially for professional or tech-savvy users.

Why Use FFmpeg?

• Command-Line Precision: Perfect for batch processing and advanced editing tasks.
• Lightweight and Efficient: Requires no extra software installations or graphical interfaces.
• Supports Virtually All File Types: From MP4 to MKV, FFmpeg handles it all.

How to Extract Audio with FFmpeg

1. Download and Install: First, download FFmpeg from their official site and follow the installation instructions for your operating system.
2. Use the Command Line: Open your command-line interface, such as Terminal on macOS/Linux or Command Prompt on Windows.
3. Run the Command: Use the following command to extract the audio from a video file: ffmpeg -i inputfile.mp4 -vn -acodec copy outputfile.mp3
   • Replace inputfile.mp4 with your video's file name.
   • Replace outputfile.mp3 with your desired audio file name and extension.
4. Verify the Output: Check your output folder for the extracted .mp3 file.

FFmpeg is ideal for users needing advanced control over file formats or processing multiple files efficiently.

Tool 2: Audacity

Audacity is a free, open-source audio editing software that simplifies audio extraction for both beginners and advanced users. Its intuitive interface provides an excellent experience for users who prefer a visual workflow.

Why Use Audacity?

• Beginner-Friendly: Its drag-and-drop interface makes editing easy.
• Audio Customization: Enhance, filter, or remix audio during or after extraction.
• Cross-Platform: Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

How to Extract Audio with Audacity

1. Download and Install: Download Audacity from the official website.
2. Import Your Video File: Open Audacity, click File > Import > Audio, and select your video file. Audacity will automatically separate the audio track from the video.
3. Edit and Export: Once your audio appears in the timeline, you can edit it as needed. When you're ready to export, go to File > Export, choose your desired file format (e.g., MP3, WAV), and save.

Audacity is perfect for users seeking a straightforward process with options to tweak and edit their audio. It's ideal for podcasts, voiceovers, or adjusting sound levels.

Tool 3: Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate

Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate is a professional-grade video conversion and editing tool that also includes audio extraction functionality. Unlike FFmpeg or Audacity, this tool features a user-friendly GUI and extras like batch processing and predefined settings for different outputs.

Why Use Aiseesoft?

• User Interface: Clean and intuitive, great for non-technical users.
• High-Quality Output: Maintains the original quality of the extracted audio.
• All-In-One Solution: Offers video editing, conversion, and audio extraction all in one platform.

How to Extract Audio with Aiseesoft

1. Download and Install: Start by downloading Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate from their official website.
2. Add the Video File: Launch the program and drag your video file into the main window.
3. Choose Audio Format: Select the output profile as "Audio" to choose your desired format (e.g., MP3, WAV, AAC).
4. Extract the Audio: Click Convert to begin the extraction process. Within moments, your audio file will be ready to use.

If you want a hassle-free, polished experience with high-quality results and additional editing capabilities, Aiseesoft is for you.

FFmpeg vs. Audacity vs. Aiseesoft: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing the right tool depends on your specific needs and technical expertise.

• FFmpeg: Best for professionals or users comfortable with command-line tools who need flexibility.
• Audacity: Strikes a balance between ease of use and functionality, making it perfect for beginners and those looking to edit their audio files.
• Aiseesoft: Ideal for users who want an all-in-one visual solution for extracting and editing audio without any technical complexities.

Benefits of Extracting Audio from Video

Extracting audio from video files can serve a variety of purposes, making it a valuable skill to have. Some of the benefits include:

• Improving sound quality: Extract and edit audio separately to enhance quality, reducing background noise and other distortions.
• Repurposing content: Use extracted audio for podcasts, presentations, or audiobooks, allowing content to be shared across different formats.
• Accessibility: Make content more accessible by offering audio versions, beneficial for those with visual impairments.
• Saving storage space: Audio files take up less storage space than video files, helping manage storage efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're creating a podcast, editing voiceovers, or saving your favorite speech from a video, the right tool can make all the difference. FFmpeg ensures precision for tech-savvy users, Audacity offers accessible power for detailed editing, and Aiseesoft provides a seamless and high-quality experience. Not sure where to start? Download one of these tools and give it a try today. Experiment with different features and find the best fit for your audio extraction needs.