NoteBurner Spotify Music Converter is a popular tool for downloading and converting Spotify music, but how well does it really perform?
I tested NoteBurner on different devices and with both Premium and free accounts, evaluating its conversion speed, format options, and the quality of the converted music in formats like MP3, FLAC, and ALAC. I also explored key features like batch conversion, DRM removal, and playlist handling.
While NoteBurner provides solid results for casual users looking to convert music for offline listening, it's not without its flaws and could use some improvements. The software is easy to use and efficient at converting tracks, but it can occasionally feel sluggish or overwhelmed with larger tasks and there are a few areas where it could improve sin terms of speed and interface polish. For users seeking a more refined experience, competitors like ViWizard may offer a stronger alternative.
If you're considering NoteBurner, here's a breakdown of how it works and whether it's the right fit for your music needs.
Part 1. What Is NoteBurner Spotify Music Converter?
NoteBurner Spotify Music Converter is a straightforward tool for Spotify users who want to download and convert their favorite tracks into MP3, AAC, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, and WAV formats. It works with both Premium and free accounts, directly integrating with the Spotify Web Player and desktop app for Windows and Mac. Whether you're looking to store offline music or transfer tracks to unsupported devices, NoteBurner delivers a reliable solution.
In my testing, NoteBurner impressed with its efficiency and ease of use. The interface is intuitive, with an option to switch between dark and light modes - small details that enhance the user experience. However, the software can feel a bit sluggish when converting large numbers of tracks, and the installation process could be quicker. It took over 10 minutes for me to get everything up and running, which felt slow compared to competitors like ViWizard, which installs in under three minutes. NoteBurner's installation process includes advanced features like the AA/AAX Converter, AI Audio Splitter, Audio Editor, Format Converter, Burn CD, and Tag Editor, but these extras do require a bit more patience during setup.
- Price: Starts at $14.95/month, $59.95/year, or $129 for a lifetime license. (Free trial available with limited functionality.)
- Latest Tests: Fast conversion speeds and smooth playback for most tracks and playlists.
- Platforms: Works with Spotify Premium and free accounts; supports Web Player and desktop apps (Windows and Mac).
- Formats: Converts to MP3, AAC, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, and WAV.
- Installation: Installation may take longer due to additional features.
- User Experience: Intuitive interface, but responsiveness can lag with large batches of tracks.
Part 2. Key Features of NoteBurner Spotify Music Converter
Pros
- ✔️Removes DRM protection from Spotify music
- ✔️Converts music to various formats
- ✔️Supports batch conversion
- ✔️Retains metadata like artist names and album covers
- ✔️User-friendly interface (with some learning curve)
Cons
- ❌Requires manual adjustments (default MP3 format, etc.)
- ❌Potential risk of account suspension for unauthorized use
- ❌Can be cumbersome for beginners
- ❌Slower conversion speeds compared to alternatives
- ❌Limited customer support
- ❌No automatic updates to new Spotify changes
- ❌Inconsistent conversion results at times
- ❌No native support for mobile devices
Speed:
Conversion speed is an important factor when selecting a converter. NoteBurner performs well under normal conditions, typically completing most track conversions in a reasonable amount of time. However, the speed can vary depending on the output format. MP3 conversions are fast - usually under a minute - while choosing lossless formats like FLAC can take 3-4 minutes for longer tracks. These delays are minor but can add up for large playlists.
For most users, the speed difference won't be a dealbreaker. MP3 conversions are quick and efficient, but if you prefer converted music in lossless formats, expect some delays.
Usability:
The user interface is intuitive, but it could benefit from a more streamlined design. The multiple tabs ("Music," "Tools," "Converter") are useful but may feel cluttered for first-time users. A built-in tutorial helps guide beginners through the conversion process, which is especially helpful for setting preferences or using the Web Player. While NoteBurner works well overall, a minimalist design would improve the user experience. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for beginners, but advanced users looking for features beyond basic conversion - like audio editing and splitting - may find it a great option. For simplicity, I'd recommend ViWizard in a heartbeat for a quick try.
A brilliant Spotify music downloader designed to download and convert all Spotify music songs, playlists, albums, artists, and podcasts to MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, M4A, M4B losslessly, offering you a great experience to enjoy Spotify music offline on any player and device.
- After downloading and installing NoteBurner, open the app and go to the "Settings" section.
- Customize metadata retention options, such as artist names, album covers, and more.
- For advanced tools, click on the "Tools" section to access features like AA/AAX Converter, AI Audio Splitter, Audio Editor, Format Converter, Burn CD, and Tag Editor.
- Try advanced features, such as splitting tracks or setting a speed limit for smoother conversions.
Cost:
NoteBurner offers competitive subscription plans: $14.95/month, $59.95/year, and a lifetime plan for $129, though savings of up to 40% can occasionally be found through discounts. These discounts fluctuate and may not always be available. For many, the yearly plan offers the best value, while the monthly option works well for short-term use and is the most popular choice. The lifetime plan provides long-term value, but users should research, experiment with the software, and review the renewal terms before committing. In my experience, NoteBurner is slightly more expensive than its alternatives, given the advanced tools it offers.
Conversion:
NoteBurner supports various formats, from MP3 to lossless FLAC and ALAC, providing flexibility for different audio quality preferences. The converter interface is easy to navigate, allowing precise output settings. However, batch conversions can slow down if too many files are added at once. The "Music Filters" feature is useful but may cause confusion if it doesn't update automatically with new files. To avoid slowdowns, it's best to select fewer tracks at a time. If simplicity and reliability are important to you, ViWizard is a great alternative to make things easy and worth trying.
Read More: How to Keep Spotify Music Library Forever without Premium
- Install NoteBurner Spotify Music Converter on your computer.
- Open the app and choose how you want to access your music library. Click options in the top-right like "Switch to App" or "Load Web Player."
- Click "Add" to select the music tracks you want to convert.
- Choose the output format (MP3, FLAC, WAV, etc.) and adjust settings if needed.
- Click "Convert" to begin. Your music will be downloaded and converted to the selected format.
Final Verdict: Great Value, but Could Use Refinements
NoteBurner is a reliable tool for converting Spotify music to downloadable files. Its user-friendly interface, solid performance, and flexible format options make it a top choice. However, the interface could be simplified for a cleaner experience, and longer conversions with lossless formats may lead to some delays. Overall, NoteBurner excels at one thing: providing an efficient, no-frills solution for converting and downloading Spotify music. It's a solid choice for users but could benefit from improvements in speed and interface design. Just ensure you understand the renewal terms and choose the plan that best fits your needs.
Part 3. User Reviews of NoteBurner Spotify Music Converter
Positive Feedback: DRM Removal Works Well
NoteBurner Spotify Music Converter is praised for its ability to bypass DRM protection and convert Spotify music into various high-quality audio formats, all while retaining essential metadata like artist names and album covers. Users appreciate how it allows them to download and store Spotify albums in different formats. As one user noted, "It essentially bypasses DRM protection and keeps the original data intact."
Negative Feedback: Complex and Redundant Settings, and Potential Risks
However, some drawbacks have been reported. A common issue is the software defaulting to the MP4 format, which requires manual adjustments for users who prefer other audio formats. One user mentioned, "It works well, but it defaults to MP4, and I had to adjust the settings."
There have also been concerns about NoteBurner's legitimacy and potential security risks. Some users questioned whether it truly produces FLAC files, a lossless audio format, while others reported having their Spotify accounts suspended for "unauthorized use" after using the tool. This suggests that while NoteBurner delivers on its promise, it may violate Spotify's terms of service, creating potential legal risks.
Overall Summary and Alternatives Recommendation
NoteBurner offers a reliable way to download and convert Spotify music, but it requires manual adjustments and carries potential risks, including account suspension. While it successfully removes DRM and converts music to various formats, the default MP3 format and the need for frequent setting changes make it less user-friendly, particularly for beginners.
At first glance, NoteBurner's Spotify Music Converter might seem like a solid option, but compared to other tools on the market, its limitations become more apparent. While it offers DRM removal and conversion to various formats, the software can be cumbersome to use, especially for beginners.
The default MP3 format and the need for manual adjustments are major drawbacks, and the potential risks of account suspension make it less appealing for users who want a hassle-free experience.
In comparison, ViWizard Spotify Music Converter stands out as a superior alternative. It offers a smoother interface, faster conversion, and more consistent results without the constant need for adjustments. ViWizard also carries fewer risks of account detection, making it a more secure choice for long-term use. If you're looking for a hassle-free, reliable, and safer option, ViWizard is the clear winner.
Feature | NoteBurner Spotify Music Converter | ViWizard Spotify Music Converter |
---|---|---|
Supported Operating Systems | Windows, MacOS | Windows, MacOS |
Supported Output Formats | MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, M4B | MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, M4B |
Batch Conversion | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Conversion Speed | Moderate | Fast |
User-Friendly Interface | ❌ | ✔️ |
DRM Removal | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Metadata Preservation | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Customizable Output Settings | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Support for Audiobooks & Podcasts | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Support for Spotify Web Player | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Additional Features | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Free Trials | ✔️ | ✔️ |
License Price | $129.9 (Lifetime License) | $89.95 (Lifetime License) |
Free Trial Available | ✔️ (Limited Conversion) | ✔️ (Limited Conversion) |
Part 4. Top Alternatives to NoteBurner Spotify Music Converter
ViWizard Spotify Music Converter is an excellent alternative to NoteBurner, offering a smoother, more user-friendly experience. While NoteBurner does the job, ViWizard shines with its intuitive interface and reliable performance.
The software's simple design makes it ideal for both beginners and experienced users. ViWizard simplifies the conversion process, allowing you to easily download music while preserving its original audio. Whether on Windows or Mac computer, ViWizard delivers fast, consistent results without wasting time on complicated settings.
A standout feature of ViWizard is its ability to convert Spotify's encrypted files. The software works in the background, making Spotify think you're just streaming music normally. However, like all similar tools, there's a slight chance Spotify may detect the activity. To avoid issues, it's best to start with smaller batches - perhaps one track at a time - and gradually increase as you get more comfortable. Just take care to proceed cautiously to ensure a seamless experience.
Key Features of ViWizard Spotify Music Converter
Free Trial Free Trial* Security verified. 5, 481,347 people have downloaded it.
- Download Spotify songs, albums, playlists, podcasts, audiobooks
- Convert Spotify music to lossless MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, M4A, M4B
- Support playing offline Spotify music on any device at any time
- Compatible with Windows and macOS, as well as, the latest Spotify
Step 1Launch ViWizard and Add Your Music
Start by opening ViWizard Spotify Music Converter on your computer. After logging into your Spotify account, you can access the Spotify Web Player directly within the software - no matter your subscription type. Now, it's easy to add your desired content: simply drag and drop songs, albums, or playlists into ViWizard, or paste the URL of your chosen music into the search bar.
Step 2Adjust Output Settings
Next, customize the output settings to suit your preferences. Click the Menu icon in the top-right corner, then select Preferences. Under the Convert tab, you can choose from various formats like MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, or M4B. Adjust the bitrate and sample rate to enhance the audio quality. If you'd like, you can also check the Save lyrics box to download lyrics along with your music files. Once you're happy with your settings, click OK to save them.
Step 3Choose Your Music for Conversion
Now, head back to the conversion list and make sure everything you want is selected. You can choose individual songs, entire albums, or full playlists. ViWizard even lets you convert audiobooks and podcasts, depending on your subscription. To make things easier, you can sort your list by title, artist, or album. Once you're ready, click Convert to start the process.
Step 4Access and Enjoy Your Converted Music
Once the conversion is finished, go to the History section in ViWizard to find all your downloaded tracks. Simply click the Open Folder icon to find the output folder with your converted files. Now that the files are free of restrictions, you can transfer them to any device for offline listening or enjoy them right within ViWizard's built-in media player.
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