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Max

Free#15 of 36 in Audio Converter SoftwareAudio CD Ripping Software

Max: A capable free Mac converter for format changes, CD ripping, and library cleanup. Ranked #15 of 36 in Audio Converter Software by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free Mac conversion and CD workflows.

7.9/10Editor score
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Max7.9 Visit Max

At a glance

  • Editor score
    7.9 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    Free Mac conversion and CD workflows
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    Free
  • Facts checked
    21 Sep 2026

  • Where it wins

    • Supports more than 20 compressed and uncompressed audio formats
    • CD ripping includes comparison and error-correction options
    • Offers metadata lookup, cue splitting, and encoder controls

  • Where it doesn't

    • Runs on macOS only
    • Does not provide cloud conversion
    • iTunes playlist export is optional rather than central

Our verdict on Max

Max is a free, open-source macOS application for converting audio files and extracting audio from compact discs. It suits Mac users managing a mixed-format music library, archiving CDs, or preparing files for different playback and storage needs. Supported formats include MP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, Ogg FLAC, AAC, Apple Lossless, Monkey’s Audio, WavPack, Speex, AIFF, and WAVE, with support extending beyond those listed formats. The GNU General Public License and availability as a binary or source build also make it relevant to users who value open-source software.

Its strongest area is control over conversion and disc workflows. Max provides encoder parameter and thread controls, configurable output locations and filenames, and conversion between compressed and uncompressed formats. CD ripping includes comparison and error-correction options for pristine or damaged discs. Cue-sheet splitting can turn a cue-based source into multiple tracks, while metadata transfer and MusicBrainz lookup help organize converted or ripped files. Optional iTunes playlist export adds a practical route into an existing Apple music library. These features give Max more scope than a basic file-format converter, particularly for users who care about preserving quality and structure.

The main trade-off is platform coverage: Max runs on macOS only, so it is not a fit for Windows or Linux workflows. It also operates as a local application rather than a cloud conversion service, which suits users who want desktop processing but not those seeking browser-based conversion. Choose Max for free Mac-based conversion, CD extraction, metadata handling, and detailed encoder controls. Consider an alternative if cross-platform availability or cloud conversion is central to the workflow.

Your product? Our editors can test Max in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $99/mo →

Max pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on sbooth.org

Max fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromFree
Batch conversionNot verified
Supported formatsMP3, Ogg Vorbis, FLAC, Ogg FLAC, AAC, Apple Lossless, Monkey's Audio, WavPack, Speex, AIFF, WAVE
Quality controlsYes
Metadata editingYes
CD rippingYes
Cloud conversionNo
DeploymentDesktop
PlatformsmacOS
SupportCommunity
Built forSolo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Integrations2 integrations: MusicBrainz, iTunes
PricingFree plan
Websitesbooth.org
Facts checked21 Sep 2026

Max integrations

Max lists 2 integrations on its own site.

  • MusicBrainz
  • iTunes

Alternatives to Max

See all Max alternatives →

Also Ranked In

Max is ranked in 2 of our directories.

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — Max 7.9/10

Max is listed in our Audio Converter Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Guides on audio converter software

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

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