Compressing tools like winZip & Winrar are one of the most used softwares. Quite frequently we need to compress & decompress files & folders for various purposes like to send them in an email, for data transfer, or for data compression just to save some storage space. However WinZip & Winrar are not free, They are available with 30 day free trial & a hefty premium afer that. There are a lot of Best & Free Winzip alternatives available with better user interface, features, security, compression techniques & formats. This articles lists a collection of the Best Free Winzip alternatives for both individuals as well as enterprise (Business) users.
List of Best Free Winzip Alternatives :
7 zip – Open Source & Best Alternative
Free – Commericial & Individual
Latest version: 19.00
Last update : 2019-02-21
Download size : 1.1 MB
Website : https://www.7-zip.org/download.html
Support formats: 7z,XZ, BZIP2, ZIp, GZIP, RAR, TAR, WIM & more
Available platforms :
Windows 10 / 8 / 7 / Vista / XP / 2016 / 2012 / 2008 / 2003 / 2000 / NT
Linux & UNIX
Keka – Unofficial 7Zip package for – MacOS X
Pros : Completely Free, Small Size, Better Compression
Cons : Can’t repair damaged archives
7 Zip is undoubtedly the best alternative available for Winzip & it tops the list. The software is open source, which means it’s completely free both for commercial purpose & individuals & also this tool comes in a really small size, just 1MB.
It supports packing & unpacking of any compressed file. 7-Zip has it’s own format “7Z” which offers upto 70% compression better than any other tool. 7Z compression format is supported by all other packaging softwares so you don’t need to worry about the compatibility. The tools supports packing & unpacking for formats such as 7z,XZ, BZIP2, ZIp, GZIP, RAR, TAR, WIM.
However the application can’t repair damaged archives.
PeaZip – Free Alternative , Open Source, Much more..
Free – Individual & Commercial
Latest version : 6.8.1 64bit
Last Update : Not available
Download Size : 7.6MB
Website : https://www.peazip.org/
Supported formats: 7z, xz, bz2, zip, rar, tar, gz.
Available platforms :
Windows 10,8.1,8,7,vista, xp, 2K,
has 32bit & 64bit apps
portable version available
Linux & BSD
Pros : Open Source, Cleaner UI, Can repair damanged archives, converts archive formats, tests archives for errors
Cons : No Touch mode & large application size
PeaZip is another open source software that is a good alternative for winzip. It is slightly heavier than 7zip at 10MB & offers a couple of extra features. The application is compatible with all formats & has it’s own zip format “PEA” which priortizes security over compression. It can repair damaged archives which is a leap over 7zip.
The UI is clean & simple, Infact PEAZip is my personal favorite. We can work on multiple files at a time & can also choose individual files to extract. PeaZip has this special ability to convert archive formats & can also test archives for errors.
Ashampoo Zip
Free
Latest version : 18.811
Last Update : Not available
Download Size : 25.9 MB
Website : https://www.ashampoo.com/
Supported formats: 7z, xz, bz2, zip, rar, tar, gz.
Available platforms : windows 10, 8 , 7
Pros : Preview Functionality, Encryption, Optional Touch mode
Cons : Large application size
Ashampoo Zip is not an open source application, But it is still one of the best free winzip alternative. It’s offers all the basic features with clean & clear user interface & Optional touch mode with touch focused buttons & menu. It can encrypt all archives at 256-bit AES.
One interesting feature that makes Ashampoo Zip stand out of the crowd is it’s preview functionality. It comes with ‘preview’ option of files before you extract an archive. It’s automatic and highly useful. Just place cursor over the file you want to extract & you will see a preview of it. If it’s a music file, then be alarmed when it starts playing a preview of the song.
The installation & registration of this application is a bit different. Once you installed this app, It’s official website will be automatically opened in your web browser. You need to give your details like Name, DOB & email so that you will receive the activation code on your email instantly.
ZipWare :
Free – Individual & Commercial
Latest version : 1.6
Last Update : 14th October 2018
Download Size : 3.3 MB
Website : https://www.zipware.org/
Supported formats: ZIP, ZIPX, 7Z, RAR, RAR5, ISO, VHD, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR, CPIO, XZ, DEB,DMG,RPM,XPI
Available platforms : Windows 10,8.1,8,7,vista, xp,
Pros : Simple UI, Encryption, Built-in Virus scan, drag & drop support
Cons : Can’t repair damaged archives
Zipware is a simple & free alternative for winzip but only for windows platform. The tool offers password protection to archives & can encrypt using AES-256 encryption. Can convert archive formats just like PEAzip & also has built-in virus scan protection.The interface is very user friendly with full drag & drop support in windows explorer.
Hamster Zip Archiver
Free
Latest Version : 4.0.0.59
Last updated : NA
Download Size : 13.1 MB
Website : https://ziparchiver.hamstersoft.com/
Supported Formats : 7Z, ZIP, ZIPX, RAR, RAR5, ISO, VHD, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR
Platforms : windows 10, 8, 7
Pros – UI
Cons – Only creates 7zip & Zip
Hamster Zip archiver is just another alternative for winzip. This compressor Claims to be the Fastest & Most convenient archiver but not really a consumer friendly software. The UI of this app is simple & clean. Although it supports unpacking of wide variety of formats, the functionality is highly limited. It can create archives only in 2 formats – 7zip & zip.
jZip
Free
Latest Version : NA
Last updated : NA
Download Size : 1 MB
Website : https://www.jzip.com/
Supported Formats : 7Z, ZIP, ZIPX, RAR, RAR5, ISO, VHD, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR
Platforms : windows 10, 8, 7
Pros – Free for all, Faster compresssion
Cons – Small Size
jZip may be last in the list, but a must mention software. This is one among all the list of best alternatives for winzip & winrar.
The tool is absolutely free for Home & enterprise users. Infact it’s based on 7-zip technology. The application offers fast compression & improved compression ratio. It can create formats like zip, tar, gzip, 7-zip. Can open & extract various formats including rar & iso.
Archiving the files, Compressing & decompressing files & directories to meet various requirements is common in our everyday life. I hope these listed softwares serves as viable replacement for winzip application & helps you stop your search for Best Free Winzip alternatives. The listed compression tools are the best alternatives in terms of features, formats, encryption & interface.
