M3U File Extension

Programs that support M3U files

• Windows ¹²
• Mac OS ²
• Linux ¹
• Android ¹

Windows

• Winamp
• Apple iTunes
• Zune
• KMPlayer
• MediaMonkey
• Playlist Manager
• Windows Media
• Helium Music Manager
• VLC media player
• Cue Splitter
• VUPlayer
• ALLPlayer

Mac OS

• VLC media player
• iTunes

Linux

• VLC media player

Android

• VLC media player

How to open a M3U file?

If you can’t open a M3U file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.

Winamp, Apple iTunes and VLC media player stand out as the preferred programs to manage M3U files effectively. To get the latest version of Winamp, open the Radionomy website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.

When you finish installing Winamp, the system will automatically launch M3U files with it.

Set Winamp to open M3U by default

Change default apps on Mac

1. Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired M3U file to access the file’s context menu;
2. Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
3. At the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu. It is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
4. Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then search for Winamp. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.

Set default programs for Windows

1. Take the first step by right-clicking on your M3U file. Next, select "Open With" and then choose "Choose another app" from the available options;
2. Find the Winamp application in the pop-up window and select it as your preferred program;
3. Select the "Always use this application" check box and click "OK" to save your selection as the default application for opening M3U files.

Convert files to and from M3U

If a M3U file is difficult to handle, you might try converting it to formats such as PLS, XSPF, M3U8, B4S, WP or similar, which may be easier to work with.

Be aware that converting a M3U file may reduce some features, but you can usually revert it to the original format.

Convert M3U to other file formats

• M3U to B4S
• M3U to M3U8
• M3U to PLS
• M3U to WP
• M3U to XSPF

Converting Files to M3U Format

• WPL to M3U
• XSPF to M3U
• PLS to M3U
• ZPL to M3U
• M3U8 to M3U

Easy M3U Troubleshooting

When facing challenges with M3U files, simple adjustments in your software can often solve the problem. Find helpful troubleshooting guidance below.

How to edit a M3U file?

To make changes to M3U files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the settings files. Online M3U editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for Media Playlist Format.

Best M3U Editor Software in 2026

After analyzing the criteria, we have created a list of M3U editors available for use.