10 Best Winzip Alternatives for Windows and Mac in 2021
When you want to compress files to free up space on disk or quickly email them, WinZip is the best software to create and extract archive files—but it’s not the only solution. There are much better and powerful WinZip alternatives available that can offer more features than just file compression and decompression. On the top, some of the best WinZip alternatives are completely free—how awesome is that?
Without any ado, let’s check out the ten best WinZip alternatives for Windows and Mac users in 2021.
5 Best WinZip Alternatives for Windows in 2021
WinZip is the perfect compressed file archives creator, but when our tech reviewers explored the market for the best WinZip alternatives, we found numerous paid and free WinZip alternatives for Windows in 2021, such as:
1. 7-Zip
Software Rating – 4/5
Compatible OS – Windows, MacOS, Linux, ReactOS
Supported Formats – 7z, ZIP, gzip, bzip2, xz, tar, WIM, APM, and more.
Price – Free
7-Zip is a free WinZip alternative for Windows and Mac devices that can compress a group of files into containers called ‘archives.’ Igor Pavlov developed the software in 1999. The 7z archive format is a default 7-Zip format, but users can compress files in numerous other formats as well. The program can be used from a command-line interface as most of the 7-Zip source code is under the GNU LGPL license under unRAR restrictions.
Archiving Features
- The program supports a 256-bit AES cipher that enables users to encrypt compressed files with passwords.
- Users can create a backup for removable media like writable CDs and DVDs.
- 7-Zip supports multiple-core CPU threading.
- File Manager toolbar comes with various options such as creating an archive, extracting an archive, testing an archive, and so much more.
- The command-line user interface makes it easy to use the program.
- The tool uses LZMA (Lempel Ziv Markov Chain Algorithm) and LZMA2 for the compression.
Pros
- It can be localized in over 87 languages.
- Needs fewer system resources.
- Completely free to download and use.
- High-compression 7z format.
Cons
- Lack of archive repair tools.
- Sparse interface.
2. Zip Opener
Software Rating – 3.5/5
Compatible OS – Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Supported Formats – ZIP, RAR, TAR, 7z, GZIP2, BZ, and many more.
Price – Free with in-program purchases.
Zip Opener is a free WinZip Alternative for Mac and Windows users to open Zip and RAR files within seconds. It is a simple Zip software without any technical jargon. You can simply compress files in your computer system and free up space on your disk.
Archiving Features
- For non-technical users, it is a one-tap solution to archive files.
- Zip Opener can dramatically reduce file sizes to free up space on your drive.
- The program has no junk, toolbars, or any other technical features.
- The program requires a steady internet connection to operate.
Pros
- Easy and simple to use.
- Free features are quite awesome.
- Good for nontech savvy users.
Cons
- Way too simple.
- Doesn’t offer any additional security features.
3. Bandizip
Software Rating – 3.8/5
Compatible OS – Windows
Supported Formats – RAR, RAR5, 7z, Zip, and 30+ other formats.
Price – Free basic license. Professional license for $30 (single user).
Bandizip is a powerful WinZip alternative in 2021 with ultra processing speed and amazing features. You can download basic features loaded in Bandizip for free, but you can always upgrade to paid editions if you want to try advanced features. This is an all-in-one archive solution that supports compression, decompression, editing, and browsing over multiple file formats.
Archiving Features
- Multi-volume files can be quickly compressed and password protected.
- Password Manager helps to enter frequently used passwords for handling bulk archives.
- Bandizip Repair archive tools can analyze corrupted files and collect uncorrupted data.
- By optimizing brute force search, you can recover your archive passwords.
- Image thumbnails can be previewed with decompression.
- You can run an antivirus scan on archives to detect malware and viruses.
Pros
- It helps in keeping files safe.
- Password recovery.
- Enables multi-core file compress.
Cons
- The full version is expensive.
- Few interface glitches.
4. Zip Extractor Pro
Software Rating – 4/5
Compatible OS – Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
Supported Formats – RAR, 7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, ZIP, and WIM.
Price – $2.99
Zip Extractor Pro is a utility software that allows you to work with archives. The software has scored a position in the best WinZip alternatives list because it can pack and unpack file archives in numerous leading formats, offers automatic packing, password protection, and even a high compression ratio. Moreover, you can run Zip Extractor Pro over multiple devices at your convenience.
Archiving Features
- You can password protect your archived files for extensive protection.
- It is a very fast and easy process to add files to archives.
- Zip Extractor Pro also supports deleted files in the archive.
- You can easily browse, view, and extract archive files.
Pros
- Strong customer care support.
- Easy and fast compression.
- Password protection.
- Multiple format support.
Cons
- Some system glitches.
- Not free.
5. Peazip
Software Rating – 3/5
Compatible OS – Microsoft Windows, ReactOS, Linux
Supported Formats – ZIP, RAR, TAR, 7z, GZIP2, BZ, and many more
Price – Free.
Peazip is a next-generation WinZip alternative to use in 2021 for file compression and decompression. The software supports numerous file formats and can even compress images, documents, PDF, and other folders. It supports its native PEA archive format and other mainstream formats, with special focus on handling open formats. To compress your files to the smallest sizes, Peazip is your tool.
Archiving Features
- It can compress and decompress all types of media files like photos, PDF, word files, and others.
- For privacy, AES-256 password protection is also available.
- Compression and decompression activities can be customized to enhance the user experience.
- The source files can be cleaned in no time.
Pros
- Simple and easy to use.
- Interactive user interface.
- Free software.
Cons
- Advertisements disturb a lot.
5 Best WinZip Alternatives for Mac in 2021
If you are a Mac user, we will suggest the following WinZip alternatives in 2021 to compress and decompress your files:
1. Better Zip
Software Rating – 4.4/5
Compatible OS – MacOSX
Supported Formats – ZIP, 7-ZIP, DMG, XAR, TXZ, and more.
Price – 7 days free trial. Full version for $9.99/month.
To simply compress and decompress files on Mac, you can download the best WinZip alternative in the form of Better Zip. This program can archive numerous file formats for easy access, and password-protect your archives for better privacy. In short, if you are looking for a better and free WinZip alternative, Better Zip got many salient features for you.
Archiving Features
- The program offers AES 256 password encryption features to protect your compressed files from unauthorized access.
- It allows previewing archive content without extracting it.
- Using AppleScript, you can even integrate the tool into your workflow.
- You can effortlessly compress and decompress large files.
Pros
- Simple user interface.
- Easy to use.
- Password protection.
Cons
- Expensive tool.
2. The Unarchiver
Software Rating – 3.5/5
Compatible OS – MacOS and only command line for Windows and Linux
Supported Formats – Ability to handle old file formats like Stufflt, AmigaOS, LZH, LZX, and more.
Price – Free
The Unarchiver is a proprietary freeware utility tool that can support some of the obscured file formats. This free WinZip alternative can handle file names in various character coding and operating system versions. A noteworthy factor is that The Unarchiver is a decompression program only—it doesn’t support compression features.
Archiving Features
- Users can easily archive files named with non-Latin characters.
- Within a few clicks, you can set up a free tool to archive bulk files on your Mac and Windows.
- The corresponding command line utilities unar and lsar run on Windows.
Pros
- Freeware software—always going to be.
- Supports old and obscure file formats.
Cons
- Only decompress files.
3. WinRAR
Software Rating – 4/5
Compatible OS – Windows, Android, macOS (command line only), Linux, FreeBSD.
Supported Formats – RAR, ARJ, BZIP2, CAB, GZ, ISO, JAR, LHA, RAR, TAR, UUE, XZ, Z, ZIP, ZIPX, 7z, and more.
Price – $21 per computer and user.
WinRAR is a trialware file archiver developed by Eugene Roshal. It is a great WinZip alternative because WinRAR can create and view archives in both RAR or ZIP formats, supports encryption, multipart, and self-extracting archives. Further, users can test archives’ integrity with WinRAR as it is embedded with CRC32 or BLAKE2 checksums. However, it is a Windows-only program, but macOS users can use the command line version.
Archiving Features
- The program supports multithreaded CPU compression and decompression.
- It can support a maximum support file size of 16 EiB, about 1.8 × 1019 bytes or 18 million TB.
- Compression dictionary ranges from 1 MiB to GiB.
- AES encryption with 256-bit key in CBC mode available.
- Capability to create multi-volume, self-extracting, and NTFS files.
- Checksum verification for multiple file-formats available—ARJ, BZIP2, CAB, GZ, BZIP2, RAR, XZ, ZIP, and 7z archives.
Pros
- Consumes less system space.
- Quick file compression and decompression.
- Multiple options and file supports.
Cons
- Not available for all operating systems.
- Not free.
4. Entropy
Software Rating – 3.5/5
Compatible OS – MacOS
Supported Formats – ZIP, RAR, TAR, 7z, GZIP2, BZ, and many more.
Price – Free
Entropy is another resilient WinZip alternative to try in 2021 for easily archive files. It is a complete utility tool with a powerful creating and extracting archive files feature. The software can even quickly preview your compressed archives without unzipping the content.
Archiving Features
- Impressive drag and drop functionality allows users to create and extra archive files with ease.
- It also offers AES-256 password-encryption along with an inbuilt password manager.
- With the help of AppleScript, you can automate archiving and unarchiving tasks on Mac.
- You can even preview the files before extracting them using this free unarchiving software.
Pros
- Preview archive files.
- Interactive UI.
Cons
- Not much technical support available.
5. iZip
Software Rating – 3.5/5
Compatible OS – MacOS
Supported Formats – ZIP, RAR, 7ZIP, ZIPX, TAR, and more.
Price – Free
When you want an easy and simple archiving and unarchiving tool with lots of features, iZip is the best WinZip alternative for you. It is software without technical complexities and loads of features like password encryption protection, content preview facility, and multiple file formats support. It is a technically rich yet simple to use program.
Archiving Features
- Almost all the leading file formats are supported by iZip, such as ZIP, RAR, 7ZIP, ZIPX, TAR, etc.
- You can even play a slideshow of photos without extracting them from the file.
- With AES-256 technology, you can keep your compressed private and protected.
Pros
- Initiative user interface.
- Advanced archiving features.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Only for Mac.
- Needs basic improvements.
Let’s Zip It
Once you easily compress your files and folders, you can clear up a huge space on your Mac and Windows devices and even quickly share bulk files via email. When you have too many WinZip alternatives available to download in 2021, you shouldn’t waste any more time to archive your file and efficiently manage your system—just zip it.
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