10 Best Free WinZip Alternatives For File Compression [2024]

Imagine that the files on your computer are piling up like clothes and toys in a room. Best WinZip Alternatives functions as both an organizer and a miraculous vacuum cleaner. It compresses those large files into a much smaller size, making them simpler to store or transfer. Similar to how folding your clothing and vacuuming conserves space and facilitates finding items, WinZip organizes your information into neat little bundles known as “ZIP files.”

However, WinZip is a master of all things digital and isn’t just for downsizing clothing. WinZip can handle a wide range of compressed files, including RARs, photos, audio, documents, and more.

Also Read: Exploring The 10 Best VLC Alternatives for Windows PC (2024)

What’s the best thing, then? Do you enjoy playing games with other online pals? With just a click, you can zip up your files and send them soaring to the cloud by connecting them to your cloud storage provider, such as Dropbox or Google Drive.

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Understanding 10 Free Winzip Alternatives For Zip & Unzip Files

#1. WinRAR

#2. BandiZip

#4. ZipGenius

#5. Ashampoo Zip Free

#6. 7 Zip

#7. NX Power Lite Desktop

#8. PeaZip

#9. RAR File Extractor

#10. CAM UnZIP

Conclusion

FAQs:

Is there a free alternative to WinZip?

Is 7-Zip as good as WinZip?

Is there anything better than WinRAR?

How do I unzip files without WinZip?

Is there a free unzip program?

Understanding 10 Free Winzip Alternatives For Zip & Unzip Files

This blog will discuss the 10 alternative of winzip and their well-liked features. Both commercial (charged) and open-source (free) applications are mentioned in the list below to help you compress, store, and transfer files seamlessly across the web.

#1. WinRAR

One of the best and free alternatives to WinZip is WinRAR, which is a trialware file archiver for Windows that was created by WinRAR GmbH’s Eugene Roshal. It can unpack various archive file formats and build and browse archives in RAR or ZIP file formats. WinRAR embeds CRC32 or BLAKE2 checksums for every file in each archive, allowing users to verify the integrity of the archives.

Features:

It makes file compression rapid and simple.
The archive file can be divided into different volumes.
For security, this program employs 256-bit password encryption.
It uses a compression method to facilitate the compression of executable files and multimedia assets.

Pros:

It is a user-friendly program that makes file sharing and compressing easier.
Ability to compress huge files into smaller sizes.
Support a variety of compression formats, including ZIP, TAR, and RAR.

Cons:

Several users have voiced discontent over WinRAR’s high cost in comparison to alternative free file compression.
Some reviews claim that WinRAR’s user interface is outdated and difficult to use.
Absence of advanced functionality

#2. BandiZip

Professional software called Bandizip is used to extract files from archives and compress files into archives. Bandizip is a good software in terms of speed because it offers extremely rapid processing. XZ, Z, ZIP, ZIPX, ZPAQ, ZSTD, and more are among the supported decompression formats.

Features:

This application supports the Windows operating system.
The software is available for free.
Files in over 30 formats can be extracted.
Password-protected multi-volume archives can be compressed.

Pros:

Its interface is relatively basic, and its icons are simple to use.
Bandizip is quite lightweight, with high file extraction speeds.
Its Smart Extract option causes the software to decide how to unzip the file most efficiently.

Cons:

BandZip has restricted format support.
Password security and batch conversion are two features that are absent from the free edition of BandZip.

#3. PowerArchiver

ConeXware Inc. created PowerArchiver, a proprietary file archiver for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. Being one of the best WinZip alternatives, it can create and open various disk image formats in addition to ZIP, 7z, and TAR archives. It also can read (but not generate) ACE and RAR files.

Features:

It uses a secure FTP client validated by FIPS 140-2.
With MS Office XP–2016, this tool automatically encrypts and compresses files.
MSI (Microsoft Installer) installations and password policies make it easy to manage and install.

Pros:

Supports a wide range of archive formats, including numerous uncommon and antiquated kinds.
Easily automates processes like encryption, file backups, and splitting and joining archives.
Provides password security options and robust methods for data encryption.

Cons:

Certain capabilities, such as automation and format support, are unavailable in the free version.
It is exclusive to Windows; neither Linux nor macOS users can access it.
The interface is less intuitive and user-friendly than that of other competitors.

Also Read: 10 Best Free Movie Download Websites For High Resolution (2024)

#4. ZipGenius

The ZipGenius Team created the freeware file archiver ZipGenius for Microsoft Windows. It is a free tool that works with CD-R/RW drives directly and handles around two dozen file types, including all the most popular ones. It can also password-protect archives. There are two versions available: regular and suite.

Features:

It’s easy to browse DVD/CD ISO images.
Use the command line module to complete tasks in batches.
To safeguard your data, it employs the ZIP encryption technique.
For file security, ZipGenius offers the most recent encryption method.

Pros:

Supports the majority of common archive formats, including ZIP, RAR, 7z, and more.
For additional peace of mind, secure your archives with robust encryption algorithms.
It divides huge files into small, easily storable, or transferable segments, then seamlessly reassembles them at a later time.

Cons:

Decompressing and compressing very large archives may take longer.
Basic interface settings provide less customization than those of certain other products.

#5. Ashampoo Zip Free

Ashampoo ZIP is another free Winzip alternative, and it is easy to use the ZIP compression tool. Numerous more formats, including 7-ZIP, LHA, TAR, and CAB, can be created and extracted using this program. It features an integrated preview feature that makes viewing files simple. Ashampoo Zip Free isn’t just for organizing storage. It is also an expert in multiple formats.

Features:

Offers integration with Windows Explorer.
You can construct archives of any size you choose.
Broken zip files can be fixed.
Its graphical user interface is user-friendly. You can create SFX (Special Effects) archives with the tool’s assistance.

Pros:

For increased security, encrypt your compressed data with a powerful algorithm.
Integrated preview to examine zipped files for what’s inside before extracting them.
It restores corrupted data and divides huge files into manageable portions for easy distribution.

Cons:

Not accessible at this time for Linux or macOS users.
Basic interface settings provide less customization than those of certain other products.
Only the paid version can access sophisticated features like encryption and password security.

#6. 7 Zip

Organizing collections of files into compressed “archives” is possible with 7-Zip, a free and open-source file archiver. Igor Pavlov is the developer, and it was initially made available in 1999. 7-Zip can read and write other archive formats besides its own, named 7z. Read our full 7 Zip review here.

Features:

Integration with the Windows shell.
To efficiently manage your files, it contains a file manager.
The command line is where you may use this utility.

Pros:

It provides a high degree of personalization and granular control over archiving choices and compression parameters.
For optimal security, safeguard your archives using AES-256 encryption.
Use a USB disk to launch 7-Zip immediately without installing it.

Cons:

This does not include built-in capabilities to automate processes such as batch processing or scheduled backups.
Not accessible for Linux or macOS users.
The interface may not feel as contemporary and user-friendly to some.

#7. NX Power Lite Desktop

NX Power Lite Desktop is a straightforward application that facilitates rapid and effortless data compression for users. You need not be an expert to use this program. Those who prefer to attach big email files use the software.

Features:

Use the right-click menu option in Windows Explorer to compress any file directly.
You can compile all of the files into one Zip file.
This free unzip program can compress up to 10,000 files and directories at once.

Pros:

Advanced choices like fine-grained control over compression settings.
Connects to Microsoft Office for a smooth workflow, compressing files straight within Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
There is a portable version available.

Cons:

In the absence of repair functionality, corrupted files cannot be fixed.
Possibly slower when dealing with really big files
For novice users, advanced choices can be intimidating.

#8. PeaZip

Giorgio Tani created PeaZip, a free alternative of winzip and open-source file manager and file archiver for Linux, MacOS, Microsoft Windows, ReactOS, BSD, and Linux. With an emphasis on managing open formats, it supports various common formats in addition to its own PEA archive format, which includes compression, encryption, and integrity check techniques. Check out the features listed below or read our full PeaZip review here.

Features:

This utility is easy to use and doesn’t include any malware.
You can use this software to look for duplicate files.
The bundle can be divided into several files using this free Unzip software.

Pros:

Use PeaZip straight off a USB disk; no installation is necessary.
Use scripting to automate processes like encryption, file backups, and splitting and joining archives.
The interface is accessible in multiple languages, serving a wider range of users.

Cons:

Compression rates may be slower, particularly for larger files.
Not accessible at this time for Linux or macOS users.

#9. RAR File Extractor

RAR uses the filename extensions. REV is for the recovery volume set, and RAR is for the data volume set. A “multi-volume archive” was produced by RAR versions that divided huge archives into multiple smaller ones. The smaller files were kept in the correct order by using numbers in their file extensions.

The RAR file can be chosen and extracted to the output folder.
Give users the ability to replace extracted files.
One of the greatest free zip programs, it displays extracted files fast after completion.

Pros:

To maximize efficiency, extract several RAR files at once.
For a smooth workflow, certain programs integrate with file managers or context menus
RAR extractors for freeware provide basic functionality at no cost.

Cons:

Certain shareware may offer fewer privacy or security features than others.
It may be necessary to exercise caution when downloading bundled software during installation.

#10. CAM UnZIP

A ZIP file utility program called CAM UnZip enables users to generate, open, and edit zip files that are present in the folder. This utility can be used to open files made with Winzip and 7-Zip.

Features:

Before extracting, you can view your files in the archive.
It facilitates file addition and removal.
After unzipping, CAM UnZip initiates the setup immediately.
You can use the command line interface to access it.

Pros:

Drag-and-drop functionality for simple extraction. Drag archives directly into CAM Unzip.
Use the context menu option by right-clicking to extract archives straight from the file explorer.
Use CAM Unzip straight from a USB disk; no installation is necessary.

Cons:

There are few possibilities for modification in comparison to certain other tools, and the interface provides less customization.
There is no integrated virus scanner; it needs a different antivirus program to protect files.

Conclusion

Having trouble keeping up with large files on your computer? These top 10 Winzip alternatives can help reduce the size of those files to something reasonable, which facilitates sending, sharing, and storing. But it can be difficult to choose the best solution when there are so many available.

Fear not; this manual is your very own personal armoury! We’ve evaluated the ten WinZip substitutes, outlining their key attributes, advantages, and disadvantages to help you find one that best suits your preferences. So, choose your substitute and escape the chaos of files by embracing compression!

FAQs:

Is there a free alternative to WinZip?

Yes! PeaZip, The Unarchiver, and 7-Zip are excellent free alternatives. They include basic compression/extraction features and support most standard formats.

Is 7-Zip as good as WinZip?

An effective and cost-free substitute for WinZip is 7-Zip. It has robust encryption, good compression ratios, and even support for the 7z format. Despite being user-friendly, WinZip might be more expensive and has limitations in its free edition.

Is there anything better than WinRAR?

Depending on what you require! Advanced repair features, multi-part archives, and password security are areas where WinRAR shines. It is, nevertheless, commercial software with a restricted free edition.

How do I unzip files without WinZip?

Not a problem! Numerous operating systems come with integrated unzippers. Right-click the compressed file on Windows and select “Extract All.” Double-click the file on macOS. Free programs such as 7-Zip or PeaZip are also excellent at extraction.