WinZip alternatives: the best programs at a glance

When it comes to compressing files or reading already compressed files (often referred to as “packed” or “zipped” files), the WinZip program is the go-to solution for many. Whenever several files such as images, documents, music, or videos, are sent as an attachment via e-mail, the files must be zipped or compressed to reduce their size.

The WinZip file archiver creates archives in ZIP format by default, and can open archives of all popular compressed formats: ZIP, ZIPX, RAR, 7Z, TAR, GZIP, VHD, XZ, and POSIX TAR. Additionally, WinZip also offers numerous file management features. If you’ve installed the compressor program on your computer, you can easily find, open, edit, and share your personal files – no matter whether they are on your computer, your cloud, or a network.

WinZip can encrypt all files during compression. This protects sensitive information against unauthorised access, for example, via cloud services, e-mail, social media, or instant messaging. To unpack the received files, the recipient requires a password specified by the sender – no WinZip installation necessary. WinZip has been the leading file archiver for quite some time. And with each new version, its range of functions has been expanded.

After installation, WinZip is free for the next 45 days. However, for those looking to avail of all functions after this point, there is no avoiding paying for the full version. Here are the best WinZip alternatives that serve a similar purpose but are free of cost.

Users of different operating systems, such as Windows (from Windows XP upwards), macOS, or Linux, can of course compress their files in just a few mouse clicks – even without an appropriate program. You can find a step-by-step guide in our article on ZIP files. However, this simple method of compression does not allow tweaks or fine-tuning. If you’d like to take advantage of the full functionality of a free WinZip alternative, have a look at the below options.

Another feature that sets WinRAR apart from the other alternatives to WinZip is the function that allows users to estimate the size of the files to be packed as a zipped archive in advance. This proves to be a very big advantage if, for example, you want to zip a number of large files and drag them onto a USB stick or a CD. With WinRAR, you can choose the encryption method and protect your archives with a password as required.

The popular WinZip alternative can be tested as shareware free of charge for 40 days. Unlike many other test versions, you can use all functions without any restriction.

The WinZip alternative is suitable for Windows (7, 8, 10, Windows Vista, Win XP, Win 2000), Linux, and Mac OS X. Both 32 bit and 64 bit systems are supported. However, since WinRAR 5.40, the penultimate version (as of March 2018), the system requirements have been increased. To use them, you must have at least Windows XP SP 3. RAR5 files can only be opened with WinRAR 5.

WinRar unpack only: 7Z, ARJ, CAB, LZH, TAR, ACE, UUE, GZIP, JA, BZ2, JAR, ISO, XZ, Z

WinRAR pack and unpack: ZIP and RAR archives

7-Zip unpack only: AR, ARJ, CHM, CAB, CRAMFS, CPIO, DMG, EXT, FAT, GPT, HFS, IHEX, ISO, LZMA, LZH, MBR, MSI, NSIS, NTFS, QCOW2, RPM, RAR, SQUASHFS, UEFI, UDF, VMDK, VDI, VHD, WIM, XAR and Z

7-Zip pack and unpack: 7Z, BZIP2, TAR, GZIP, XZ, WIM and ZIP

With 7-Zip, multi part files can be created from the compressed data. The respective archives are divided into individual parts – you determine the amount and size. Once the archives are shared, it is even easier to send the corresponding files by e-mail or back them up to several data carriers such as USB sticks or DVDs.

To ensure that the sent files arrive safely with the recipient, the files can be encrypted using AES (advanced encryption standard) with up to 256 bits. The archives can only be unpacked by entering a defined password. With the file archiver, you can also create simple self-extracting archives. The receiver can open these even if they have not installed a packing program on their computer.

In terms of compression rate and speed, 7-Zip is an efficient and fast WinZip alternative. The ZIP and GZIP archives created with 7-Zip can be up to 10 percent smaller than other WinZip alternatives, depending on the form of encryption. In terms of speed, 7-Zip also performs better than many other similar applications. Only when it comes to in-house file formats (such as RAR files in WinRAR), do competitors have a small lead in terms of speed.

7-Zip can be easily integrated with the Windows Explorer context menu. This allows users to extract or compress their archives with just a right-click of the mouse. The drag-and-drop function makes it easy to drag selected files into the 7-Zip program window during the packing process. While the popular WinZip alternative offers more functions than its competitors, its user interface remains simple and easy-to-use. With the 7-Zip Theme Manager, users can also customise the program to their own taste. For example, you can change the window design or the appearance of the various icons.

There are many free WinZip alternatives – not just free in cost, but also offering free software. This makes it suitable for use both privately and professionally, as well as in a more commercial context. Tech-savvy users and programmers can even download the entire source code of the tool and modify it according to their own wishes.

Aside from the English-language version, 7-Zip is available in 60 different languages (as of January 2018).

The Microsoft pack program offers unlimited usability to all users. However, those working with Mac OS X must install the “7zX” (the unofficial version of the program) in order to use 7-Zip. Linux users can download p7zip, the unofficial Posix-compatible version. The portable version of the packer known as “7-Zip Portable” (from the creator Rare Ideas) can be transferred to a USB stick and used on computers without installation. This can also be used with Wine on Linux.

PeaZip is particularly interesting when there is a lot of value placed on the security of your data: the pack program operates with a two-factor authentication system. Files created with PeaZip are protected not only with a password, but also with a keyfile. The creation of AES256 encrypted passwords is largely facilitated by the integrated password manager. The open source packer also features a function that allows users to securely delete files.

With this WinZip alternative, you can not only pack and unpack files, but also merge and split files, find duplicates, and backup scripts. In terms of design, PeaZip takes the lead compared to its competitors: users can not only choose between different skins, but also determine the color and transparency of the interface. When using all the advanced features, the PeaZip program can be tricky to navigate, especially for novice users.

The interface of the visually appealing pack program is primarily in English but the language settings can easily be changed by navigating to a foreign language file via “Options|Localisations.” PeaZip can be used across all devices with the following operating systems: Windows 7, 8, 10, Windows Vista, Win XP, Win 2000, Linux, and Mac OS X.

PeaZip unpack only: 7Z, Google Android APK, BZ, BZ2, BZIP2, TBZ2, TBZ, GZ, GZIP, TGZ, TPZ, TAR, ZIP, ZIPX, Z01, SMZIP, ARJ, CAB, CHM, CHI, CHQ, CHW, HXS, HXI, HXR, HXQ, HXW, LIT, CPIO, DEB, LZH, LHA, RAR, R01, 00, RPM, Z, TAZ, TZ, ISO, JAVA (JAR, EAR, WAR), PET, PUP, PAK, PK3, PK4, SLP, [CONTENT], XPI, WIM, U3P, LZMA86, LZMA, UDF, XAR, APPLE'S DMG, HFS, PART1, SPLIT, SWM, TPZ, KMZ, XZ, TXZ, VHD, MSLZ, APM, MBR, FAT, NTFS, EXE, DLL, SYS, MSI, MSP, Open Office/Libre Office (ODS, OTS, ODM, OTH, OXT, ODB, ODF, ODG, OTG, ODP, OTP, ODT, OTT), GNM, Microsoft Office (DOC, DOT, XLS, XLT, PPT, PPS, POT, DOCX, DOTX, XLSX, XLTX), Flash (SWF, FLV), QUAD, BALZ, BCM, ZPAQ, PAQ8F, PAQ8JD, PAQ8L, PAQ8O, LPAQ1, LPAQ5, LPAQ8, ARC, WRC, 001, PEA, CBZ, CBR, CBA, CB7, CBT, and more

PeaZip pack and unpack: 7Z, Freearcs ARC/WRC, SFX (7Z AND ARC), BZ2, GZ, PAQ/LPAQ/ZPAQ, PEA, QUAD/BALZ/BCM, SPLIT, TAR, UPX, WIM, ZIP

Bandizip is a fast and efficient program. If the compression of individual files takes too long or causes problems, they can simply be skipped. This prevents the compression process from stalling, saving users time.

Bandizip can be integrated into the Windows context menu. The drag-and-drop function allows users to move their files to the Bandizip interface. Alternatively, select the corresponding source file with the mouse and right-click to select the desired pack function from the context menu. You can then determine which files are to be linked with the program from the configuration menu.

The special feature of the WinZip alternative is its added Unicode support, which allows files with Japanese, Chinese, or Korean characters to be packed or unpacked. By upgrading to version 6.x, users also benefit from certain alterations: for example, Bandizip can open both ZPAQ and LZIP files, and users benefit from an improved algorithm.

The Bandizip freeware is also available in a portable version and can be used with Windows 7, 8, 10, and Windows Vista.

BandiZip unpack only: RAR(PART1.RAR, R01), ACE, AES, ALZ, APK, ARJ, BH, BIN, BZ, BZ2, CAB, EGG, GZ, J2J, JAR, IMG, IPA, ISZ, LHA, LZMA, PMA, TBZ, TBZ2, TGZ, TLZ, TXZ, UDF, WAR, WIM, XPI, ZPAQ, LZ, Z

BandiZip pack and unpack: ZIP(Z01), ZIPX(ZX01), TAR, TGZ, 7Z(7Z.001), LZH, ISO, GX, XZ, EXE(E01)

Those that don’t just use the standard functions, but also want to transfer their archives from the pack program directly to the cloud, should consider updating to the Pro version for a fee. Among other things, ISO images can be connected to virtual drives and users can create ZIP script files.

Ashampoo ZIPFree is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, Windows Vista, Win XP, Linux, and Mac OS X.

Ashampoo ZIP Free unpack only: RAR, ZIPX, ARJ, ARC, ACE, MSI, NSIS, CHM, DMG, RPM, CPIO, VHD, XAR, LZMA, LZH, SQUASHFS, CRAMFS, Z, ZOO, WIM PLUS ISO (ISO9660 and UDF), and more

Ashampoo ZIP Free packs and unpacks: ZIP, 7-ZIP, CAB, TAR (TAR, TAR.GZ, TAR.BZ2, TAR.XZ), and LHA formats

There are a number of file archivers on the market that can easily keep up with the costly WinZip program. Before deciding on one of these WinZip alternatives, make sure you know what exactly you require of a file archiver and what purpose it should serve. For example, an important aspect of the program for you could be that it not only packs and unpacks files, but also that it can repair damaged archives. Or perhaps you attach particular importance to the security of your data and require double encryption. Depending on your requirements, programs with basic functions such as Ashampoo ZIPFree, are completely sufficient and make the purchase of extensive and costly packers unnecessary.