Free software for compressing and extracting files

Open ZIP, RAR or 7Z files and create your own without paying for WinRAR or WinZip. The alternatives are lightweight, never expire and some compress even better than the paid programs. Here are free alternatives to 2 paid programs: WinRAR and WinZip.

Updated: · How we choose the alternatives

2 paid programs and their free alternatives

Every free alternative for compressing and extracting files at a glance

Free alternatives for compressing and extracting files and the paid programs they replace
AlternativePricePlatformsReplaces
7-ZipOpen Source
WindowsmacOSLinux
WinRAR, WinZip
NanaZipOpen Source
Windows
WinRAR, WinZip
PeaZipOpen Source
WindowsLinux
WinRAR, WinZip
The Unarchiver100% Free
macOS
WinRAR, WinZip
BandizipFreemium
WindowsmacOS
WinRAR, WinZip

Frequently asked questions: free software for compressing and extracting files

What is the best free software for compressing and extracting files?

It depends on the paid program you want to replace: instead of WinRAR, 7-Zip; instead of WinZip, 7-Zip.

Is there open source software for compressing and extracting files?

Yes: 7-Zip, NanaZip and PeaZip are open source and free.

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