There are many great software programs that can open zip files. However, you need to make sure they can open your specific files and if they can handle the new method of encryption used by zip systems; otherwise, it won’t work. Here I review and compare some of the best software for zip files, including: WinZip, PKZip, and 7-zip.
In this article, you will get to know about the best software for zip files and how they can be used for your data backup and data recovery needs.
WinZip – Best Zip Program
WinZip needs no introduction as it is one of the most popular file compression software used by several people. You can compress, protect, share and decompress your files efficiently. The software deploys banking-grade encryption and also provides a feature to connect multiple cloud storage accounts such as Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox. One of the highlight features of WinZip is ZipSend that allows you to zip large files and send them as an attachment in a mail. However, one of the cons of WinZip is that it is compatible only with the Windows platform.
Given its features and ease of usage, WinZip is one of the best file compression software that you can use.
Supported Formats: zip, tar, gzip, cab, rar, 7z, IMG, ISO, XZ, VHD, VMDK, lha/lzh
Price: 45-days free trial, $35.34 for Standard WinZip
WinRAR – Best Rar File Extractor
WinRAR is another utility tool used by several people. It is recommended for compressing multimedia files as it automatically selects the best compression method. While other compression tools can only extract RAR files, WinRAR creates RAR files. You can compress batch files using WinRAR with its ‘solid archive box’ feature. In addition to its 256-bit AES encryption, WinRAR also offers the feature to split archives into separate volumes, damaged archive repair, and long file name support.
On the downside, WinRAR’s interface is a hassle especially for those who are new to the whole file compression saga. On top of that, if you prefer to use the free trial of the software, you will be constantly bugged with pop-ups to purchase the paid version.
Supported Formats: RAR, CAB, ZIP, UUE, Z, ACE, ARJ, 7-ZIP, and TAR.
Price: 40-days free trial, $29 for a single user
Zipware – Worth trying zip program for Windows
Zipware is another excellent file compression program for Windows platform. It supports almost all major archive formats and can easily handle small as well as large archive files. With Zipware, you can create password-protected archive files, perform archiving functions right from the Windows Explorer and can convert popular archive formats to 7z and Zip. The software also gives you the option to split archives into different volumes as per your requirement.
Additionally, Zipware also comes with a password manager to store and manage your passwords.
Supported formats: ZIP,ZIPX,7Z,RAR,RAR5,ISO,VHD,MSI,GZIP,BZIP2,TAR,CPIO,DEB,DMG,LZH,LZMA,LZMA2,PPMd, NSIS,RPM,UDF,WIM,XAR,XPI,CBR,CBZ,XZ,Z
Price: Free
Express Zip File Compression – Efficient file compression software
Express Zip File Compression software by NCH Software is an intuitive and efficient software for file compression. Its free version is intended for home and basic users to carry out day-to-day file compression related tasks like zipping, unzipping files, compressing files for email transmission, opening files compressed with data archive formats like RAR, TAR, 7Z, and CAB. You can use this software to compress and reduce the size of files that you intend to share with your family and friends.
Supported formats: .zip,.zipx,.rar,.tar,.tgz,.tar.gz,.gz,.gzip,.7z,.cab,.iso,.img,.dmg,.arj,.jar,.bz2,.tar.bz2,.tar.xz,.wim,.xz,.z,.bkz,.nco,.apk,.lzh,.pkpass,Multidisk (.zip.00x), and Multidisk (.7z.001)
Price: Free
7-Zip
The best free file compression software
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The first free option in this roundup, 7-Zip is another program with an excellent reputation. It can handle pretty much any compressed file format you care to throw at it.
A real stalwart of the compression world, 7-Zip boasts its own compressed file format, 7z. This not only lets you compress truly gigantic files (up to 16 billion gigabytes, according to its developers), but also has an incredibly high compression rate. However, this does mean making speed sacrifices; 7z can use ‘solid compression’ to achieve tiny file sizes, but it can be very, very slow.
7-Zip’s interface is far from attractive, and the number of context menu entries the program creates can be a little unnerving. Thankfully, if you venture into Options within the program, you’ll find that it’s easy enough to get rid of the options you don’t need.
The look of this file compression software won’t be to everyone’s taste, but if you can get past this, you have a rock-steady and reliable utility on your hands.
PeaZip
Best free file compression tool for Linux
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Another free compression program, PeaZip (for Windows and Linux) is simple looking but surprisingly powerful, and offers plenty of security options
In addition to regular compression and decompression options, you can also use PeaZip to convert archives between formats. For the security conscious, this file compression software also offers AES256-based encryption and two-factor authentication, as well as a password manager.
As with the other compression tools in this roundup, you can make use of the main program interface, or fall back in love with the right mouse button and use the context menu.
PeaZip is one compression tool that can, sort of, create – as well as extract – RAR files. If you have WinRAR installed (be it the full version or the trial) PeaZip can make use of the software to gain full RAR support. Although no warning message will be displayed, you’re not really supposed to use WinRAR after the end of the trial period, either on its own or through PeaZip.
Ashampoo Zip Free
Ashampoo ZIP Free is easy to use ZIP compression tool. This software supports creating and extracting with 7-ZIP, LHA, TAR, CAB, and many other formats. It has an integrated preview facility to effortlessly view files.
Feature:
- It provides a user-friendly graphical interface.
- Offers integration with Windows Explorer.
- It allows you to create the unlimited size of the archive.
- You can repair broken zip files.
- The tool helps you to create SFX (Special Effects) archive.
- You can integrate with the Windows operating system and windows server.
- Support for RAR format.
Conclusion
Do you need to zip up or unzip a file? Zip is the standard format for archiving and compressing files, and can be used to compress files before sending them. The standard archive format uses 7-Zip for what it does best: enhancing the compression ratio, thus creating smaller download packages. Read this blog post to learn more about the Best Software for zip files.