When it comes to getting the most out of your Apple Music library, NoteBurner Apple Music Converter is one of the top choices available. It's a popular option for good reason - while there are other tools like TunePat and Sidify, NoteBurner has managed to stay ahead, even if only by a slim margin. In the world of Apple Music converters, the differences are subtle, but the best one for you really depends on what you prioritize most: ease of use, conversion speed, or a variety of output formats.
If you're looking for an easy way to download and convert Apple Music songs into common audio formats, ViWizard and NoteBurner are two of the best converters right now. NoteBurner is a solid choice, but ViWizard is one of its biggest competitors. NoteBurner offers more advanced features, which can be overwhelming for beginners - unless you're already familiar with how dedicated Apple Music converters work or have experience with AI-driven audio tools. On the other hand, ViWizard has a much simpler, more user-friendly interface, without compromising functionality.
While we'll focus on NoteBurner Apple Music Converter here, we'll also compare it with ViWizard to help you make a more informed decision. The catch? Neither of them is free if you want to unlock all the features. But if you're okay with paying and just want to try out the free trial, you'll get a tool that makes your Apple Music library much more flexible and hassle-free.
Are you still searching for a good Apple Music downloader? Here we've collected the top 5 Apple Music downloaders that can download Apple Music to a plain format without much effort.
Part 1. Overview of NoteBurner Audio Converter
I spent quite a bit of time testing the NoteBurner Apple Music Converter (Mac) or NoteBurner iTunes Audio Converter (Windows) to assess its performance in key areas like ease of use, speed, format options, advanced features, batch downloading, and overall value for backing up an Apple Music collection. In addition to my own experience, I also explored feedback from long-time users on Reddit to better understand how it performs in real-world scenarios.
So, what is NoteBurner Audio Converter (or Apple Music Converter)?
Let's start with the basics. Like other Apple Music converters, NoteBurner is designed to help Apple Music subscribers download and convert their favorite tracks into standard audio formats that Apple Music doesn't officially allow, such as MP3, AAC, FLAC, and WAV. In its latest version on Windows, it works by detecting your iTunes collection or the one accessible through the Apple Music Web Player. This integration is a nice touch for users who prefer the web app, as it makes the process feel seamless and secure.
This was my initial experience before diving deeper into testing. Based on real-world feedback, other users have generally had positive experiences as well. For example, one user mentioned they've been using NoteBurner since 2017 and have been very happy with the results, particularly appreciating how well it integrates with their Apple Music library. Many users still compare NoteBurner with competitors like ViWizard, often seeking honest reviews or doing their own research to determine the best option for their needs.
A full-featured audio converting tool that allows you to convert some special audio files, including Apple Music, iTunes songs and audiobooks, Audible audiobooks, as well as, more than 100 kinds of common audio files to MP3, M4A, AAC, FLAC, WAV, and M4B to listen anywhere.
Breakdown:
- Price: $14.95 per month, $59.95 per year, or $129 for lifetime access (one license per computer). *It's bundled with the All-in-One Streaming Music Converter, which includes other streaming music converters.
- Supported Systems: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11; macOS 10.15-15
ViWizard vs. NoteBurner Apple Music Converter compared:
| Feature | ViWizard Apple Music Converter | NoteBurner iTunes Audio Converter |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free trial; Paid version starting at $14.95/month | Free trial; Paid version starting at $14.95/month |
| Supported Formats | MP3, AIFF, FLAC, WAV, AAC | MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, ALAC |
| Conversion Speed | Fast (varies based on file size) | Moderate (can be slower on larger files) |
| User Interface | Simple and intuitive, perfect for beginners | More complex, with additional sections (e.g., "Tools") |
| DRM Removal | Removes DRM from Apple Music tracks | Removes DRM from Apple Music tracks |
| Audio Preview | Built-in preview for music before conversion | No built-in preview option |
| Supported Devices | Works on Windows and Mac; DRM-free music playable on all devices | Works on Windows and Mac; DRM-free music playable on all devices |
| Free Trial | Converts first 3 minutes of each song | Converts first minute of each song |
Part 2. In-Depth Review of NoteBurner Apple Music Converter
User Interface: Intuitive, but Could Use Simplicity
During my testing, I found the user interface to be fairly intuitive, though it can feel a bit overwhelming due to some unexpected sections, like "Tools," in addition to the usual "Music" and "Converter." It would be great to see a more simplified layout. You might also need to toggle between dark and light modes to adjust the interface (this option can be found later in the "General" settings, where the appearance is customizable).
As mentioned earlier, NoteBurner provides access to both the iTunes (or Music app) and Web Player. The interface also includes a basic tutorial to guide users in navigating the Web Player if you're unfamiliar with how to use it to start conversions. If you're not already signed in, signing in with your Apple ID is essential. The software works with the "Music" note icon, which automatically detects your music tracks.
The Conversion Limitations: A Potential Frustration
I tried setting up NoteBurner right from the start, and things went smoothly. When I clicked the "Add" button in the center of the screen, my iTunes library appeared automatically, without any prompts for sign-in or access, even though iTunes wasn't running initially. I then switched to the Web Player, and the app launched iTunes and loaded the library. From there, I navigate a compact interface to select tracks, audiobooks, or playlists to convert. Once selected, users can click "OK" to add more, delete items, or proceed with conversion.
When I clicked the "Converter" button, it prompted me to continue with the free trial or purchase a license for full access. The free trial lets you convert the first minute of a song, and the conversion itself was satisfying - the files were successfully converted and saved to my output folder in File Explorer.
Read More: How to Download All Songs on Apple Music (One Click!)
This was my first experience. I then went further by exploring the settings it offers. You can select the output format directly from the conversion interface or music settings, along with other options like the output file name (e.g., "05{Track Number} Hard to Love {Title}" in the default setting). The output format options range from the flexible MP3 to lossless formats like ALAC or FLAC. By default, MP3 is selected for auto settings if users haven't adjusted the format tab.
The music filters are handy for long-time subscribers, allowing them to filter out previously converted music and avoid potential duplicates. For the converted list, you can search and sort by categories like "All Converted," "Today," "Recently (7 Days)," and "Last 30 Days," so users can effortlessly navigate their growing music collection. You can also delete or locate files directly from the converted list.
Cost: Subscription Plans that Balance Value
NoteBurner's subscription plans are competitively priced, offering good value for the features provided. Pricing is as follows:
$14.95 per month
$59.95 per year
$129 for lifetime access (one license per computer)
In addition to these options, NoteBurner comes bundled with the All-in-One Streaming Music Converter, which includes converters for other popular music streaming platforms.
Advanced Features: More Than Just Music Conversions
NoteBurner offers several advanced features that go beyond simple audio conversion, making it a versatile tool for both casual users and power users. The additional functionalities include:
Key Features of Developer Mode:
- AA/AAX Converter: Converts Audible audiobooks to a more accessible format.
- AI Audio Splitter: Automatically splits large audio files into smaller, manageable segments.
- Audio Editor: Edit your converted audio files to perfect them to your liking.
- Format Converter: Supports a wide range of audio file formats, ensuring compatibility with most devices and software.
- Burn CD: Easily burn your converted audio to a CD for offline listening.
- Tag Editor: Edit and organize metadata for your audio files to keep your collection in order.
Part 3. Best Alternatives to NoteBurner - ViWizard Apple Music Converter
If NoteBurner doesn't meet your needs, ViWizard Apple Music Converter is a strong alternative. It's perfect for beginners looking for a simple and effective tool to convert Apple Music tracks. Known for its ease of use, ViWizard features an intuitive interface with essential tools and no upfront costs, making the conversion process easy - even for first-time users.
Setting up ViWizard is simple, with little to no technical expertise required. One of its standout features is the support for a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, AIFF, FLAC, and WAV. You can preview the music using the built-in audio player before converting, ensuring that the audio quality meets your expectations. After conversion, your music is ready to be played on virtually any device, from older MP3 players to modern smartphones.
Additionally, the converted files are DRM-free, so they can be played on any compatible device without the restrictions of Apple Music's DRM. This feature is particularly useful for those who want the flexibility of offline listening without needing a Premium subscription. ViWizard is a great low-risk option for beginners who want a seamless balance between streaming and offline music access at any time.
Key Features of ViWizard Audio Converter
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- Convert songs, albums, and playlists from Apple Music to MP3
- Remove DRM protection from Apple Music, iTunes, and Audible
- Save the converted audios with the original quality and ID3 tags
- Support the conversion of up to 100 audio formats to others
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Nick Orin, a software developer at ViWizard, focuses on providing solutions for software-related challenges, including reviews, troubleshooting, and optimization tips.
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