15 Best Zip File Extractors For Windows and Mac PC [Free/Paid]

It’s common knowledge that compressed zip files are easy to share and help to free space on your disk. However, if you want to extract data from your zipped files, you need a zip file extractor. A tool that can decompress your data quickly and make it easily accessible for you. 

Usually, a zip tool can compress and decompress files for you. But some tools only have one feature — either they can zip or unzip files. So to help you find the best zip extract software, we did a little market research and came up with the top ten tools. Just scroll down to learn about our recommended unzip tools. 

15 Best Zip File Extractors For Windows & Mac PC – Quick Unzipping Programs 

While selecting the zip extractors for our readers, we considered three main points — ease to use, affordability, and compatibility. And on these three parameters, the following ten stood proudly:

1. WinZip 

Software Rating: 4.8/5

Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android 

Unpacking Formats: BZ2, LHA, LZH, RAR, ZIP, Zipx, 7Z, and more

Free Trial: 20 days 

Price: $7.99/year 

No zip software list is complete without WinZip. It is the most popular zip file extractor software since 1991. With 30 years of glory, this zip software can help you create zip archives, unzip files in numerous formats, and seamlessly integrate with all the leading operating systems. In addition, the software offers a banking-level encryption facility and seamless connectivity with cloud storage like Google Drive, OneDrive, and many more. To securely decompress your important files, you won’t get any better tool than WinZip. 

Unzipping Features 

• Extract files in convenient formats and systematically store them on your computer. 
• It can configure Microsoft Windows Shell files. 
• Directly writable to CDs or DVDs. 
• Decode files in formats like B64, HQX, UUS, ARC, or ARJ files.  
• Supports email archives, FTP uploads, and even automatically backup your data. 

Pros 

• Easy to zip and unzip files. 
• Attractive graphical user interface. 
• Supports multiple platforms. 

Cons 

• Need improvement in the area to create the smallest file sizes. 
• No new features or updates in a long time.  

2. File Manager

Software Rating: 4.6/5

Compatible Platforms: iOS

Unpacking Formats: RAR, ZIP, 7zip, Tar, Gzip and more

Free Trial: Yes 

Price: Free, offers in-app purchases File Manager extractor yearly $24.99

File Manager works as a finder of iOS. It helps you find and preview files, manage documents, PDFs, books, and more. You can use File Manager to extract and archive files effortlessly. Working as a password manager, File Manager helps you protect and store your passwords. It works well with photos, videos, and text documents. You can import documents from files, import multiple photos, download, manage, and open files in a few clicks.

Unzipping features

• Supports extracting all major file formats
• Easy cloud integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.
• Easy import of files & documents
• Works as a file manager and text editor
• Offers dark mode and other important features

Pros

• Easy buy for budget users
• Easy extracting and archiving of files
• Simple & interactive interface

Cons

• Works only with iOS 12.0 or later
• No 24/7 support
  

3. 7-Zip 

Software Rating: 4.7/5

Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD, ReactOS

Unpacking Formats: ZIP, gzip, bzip2, xz, tar, APM, ar, ARJ, CHM, cpio, deb, FLV, JAR, LHA/LZH, LZMA, MSLZ, and more

Free Trial: Yes

Price: Free 

Are you looking for a 100% free zip extractor? You won’t find a better option than 7-Zip. It is an open-source file archiver that can zip and unzip files in practically all the leading formats. Plus, 7-Zip uses its own 7z archive format. This program can be used from a command-line interface too, which makes it suitable for Linux systems. However, developers are restricted from using codes against RAR compression algorithms. Rest, it is a worth trying tool. 

Unzipping Features 

• 7-Zip supports a 256-bit AES cipher that lets you decompress files with passwords. 
• Allow creating a backup on removable devices like CDs or DVDs. 
• It has a File Manager toolbar to quickly create archives, extract files, test an archive, and more. 
• Available in over 87 languages. 
• Supports LZMA (Lempel Ziv Markov Chain Algorithm) and LZMA2 frameworks. 

Pros 

• Easy to use. 
• 100% free to decompress files. 
• Supports 7z format. 

Cons 

• Don’t offer archive repair tools. 
• Cluttered interface. 

4. WinRAR 

Software Rating: 4.7/5

Compatible Platforms: Windows, Android, Linux, FreeBSD, macOS 

Unpacking Formats: ARJ, BZIP2, CAB, GZ, ISO, JAR, LHA, RAR, TAR, UUE, XZ, Z, ZIP, ZIPX, 7z, and more

Free Trial: 40 days 

Price: $29/lifetime 

WinRAR is yet another popular file compression and decompression tool. It can compress files in ZIP or RAR formats while it can decompress files in numerous formats. The software also offers easy encryption, file extraction, and multi-part features. WinRAR is a Windows program, but compatible programs are available for other operating platforms such as RAR or UNRAR for Android, macOS, Linux, and others. 

Unzipping Features 

• Integrity verification for various file formats, including ARJ, BZIP2, CAB, GZ, BZIP2, RAR, XZ, ZIP, and 7z. 
• Multiple threaded CPU decompression. 
• Potential to decompress archives with 1 GiB dictionary. 
• Provides encryption using a 256-bit key AES. 
• Option to create self-extracting files for a smooth workflow. 
• Support for advanced NTFS file systems, including NTFS hard and symbolic links. 

Pros 

• High-tech data security. 
• Recover corrupted files. 
• Very easy to use. 

Cons 

• Scan virus feature is a bit clunky. 
• Unsystematic file display. 
• Need archiving repair. 

5. Zipware 

Software Rating: 4.6/5

Compatible Platforms: Windows 

Unpacking Formats: ZIP, ZIPX, 7Z, RAR, RAR5, ISO, VHD, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR, and more

Free Trial: Yes 

Price: Free 

Zipware is the perfect zip file extraction tool for people who want a simple and free solution. It is a dedicated Windows program that can extract files in various common and uncommon formats like new RAR. Zipware is designed to speed up and stabilize the large and small files extraction process. It also supports many Linux formats and is totally free for personal as well as commercial use. 

Unzipping Features 

• Allows creating password-protected files using AES-256 encryption. 
• Easy to use with Windows Explorer. 
• By integrating the Zipware context menu with Windows Explorer, users can perform 50+ antivirus scans. 
• Inbuilt Password Manager for storing your confidential passwords. 
• It is stamped by Verisign/Symantec digital certificate to prevent data tampering. 
• Simple file listicle menu based on sizes for easy organization. 

Pros 

• Easy to use. 
• Interact user interface. 
• Excellent virus scans. 
• Highly secure tool. 
• Fully free to use for personal and commercial purposes. 

Cons 

• Only available for Windows. 

6. PeaZip

Software Rating: 4.5/5

Compatible Platforms: Windows, Linux, BSD 

Unpacking Formats: ZIP, ZIPX, 7Z, RAR, RAR5, ISO, VHD, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR, and more

Free Trial: Yes 

Price: Free 

PeaZip is a free zip files extraction tool that can support over 150 different file formats. This open-source software has all the essential features to extract files along with some supporting features like two-factor authentication, encrypted password manager, duplicate file management, and much more. On top of all, PeaZip is available under the GNU Lesser General Public License, so you can easily customize it to meet your needs. 

Unzipping Features 

• PeaZip lets users extract files automatically using the command line option. 
• The program can split and join archiving files. 
• It can detect duplicate files and free up space on your disk. 
• You can password protect your files with this software.
• PeaZip even allows you to edit archived files. 
• The software supports a native PEA format. 

Pros 

• Free file extractor. 
• Encrypt files with a high compression ratio. 
• Very easy to use. 

Cons 

• Too many ads. 

7. The Unarchiver

Software Rating: 4.4/5

Compatible Platforms: Windows, Linux, macOS 

Unpacking Formats: Stufflt, Stufflt X, AmigaOS, LZH, LZX

Free Trial: Yes

Price: Free 

The Unarchiver is yet another great freeware zip file extractor. This is a dedicated decompressor, as the name suggests. Therefore, it is an active unpacker software supporting numerous file formats. Using the command-line utilities, you can run this program on Windows, Linux, and macOS. One of the best things about The Unarchiver is that it can handle obscure file formats like Stufflt and AmigaOS. 

Unzipping Features 

• You can quickly and easily install and run this software on your computer. 
• The Unarchiver can become your default file unarchiver and ease your workload. 
• The software can read non-Latin characters too. 

Pros 

• 100% free tool for personal and commercial uses. 
• Command-line interface. 
• Handle old and obscure file formats. 

Cons 

• Can’t compress files. 

8. Ashampoo ZIP Free

Software Rating: 4.3/5

Compatible Platforms: Windows 10, 8, 7

Unpacking Formats: ZIP, 7ZIP, CAB, TAR, LHA, and more

Free Trial: Yes 

Price: Free 

Ashampoo ZIP Free is a powerful utility tool with over 20 million users worldwide. You can download it on your Windows gadgets and nearly decompress your files in every available format. In Ashampoo’s free bundle, you will receive various security, reading, writing, and many other features. You will also get features like a jump list and daily progress display with this unpacking tool. 

Unzipping Features 

• Smooth integration with Windows Explorer Shell. 
• It can extract files from over 30 different formats. 
• It offers 256-bit AES encryption to secure your files. 
• Integrated preview that helps you view file content without extracting. 
• SFX Wizard supports robust self-extraction. 
• Easily split existing zip files into different segments. 

Pros 

• Stunning graphical interface. 
• Intuitive design. 
• Easy to use. 
• Excellent integration with Windows Explorer. 

Cons 

• Only available for Windows devices. 
• It supports fewer file extracting formats compared to its counterparts. 

9. Hamster Zip Archiver

Software Rating: 4.2/5 

Compatible Platforms: Windows 

Unpacking Formats: ZIP, RAR, TAR, 7Z, and more

Free Trial: Yes 

Price: Free 

Hamster Zip Archiver is the next-gen modern file compression and decompression software. It might be a free tool, but it is loaded with many latest features such as cloud technologies, sharing files with friends, high compression ratio, and more. In addition, you can effortlessly extract files with Hamster Zip Archiver using a simple drag and drop menu. Importantly, all these amazing features are fully free for personal as well commercial use.

Unzipping Features 

• Dynamic integration with cloud services like Google Drive, Yandex Disk, and Dropbox. 
• It has a high compression ratio that fully utilizes your computer resources to deliver optimal results. 
• You can generate a direct link to the archives and share it with your friends. 
• Hamster Zip Archiver makes the zip file extraction and management process super easy. 

Pros 

• Great drag and drop menu. 
• A high compression ratio delivers more speed. 
• Cloud integration. 
•  Generates shareable zip file links. 

Cons 

• Poor tech support. 

10. Bandizip

Software Rating: 4.1/5

Compatible Platforms: Windows 

Unpacking Formats: 7Z, ACE, AES, ALZ, ARJ, BH, BIN, BR, BZ, BZ2, CAB, and more 

Free Trial: Yes 

Price: $30/year 

Bandizip is also an exclusive Windows zip file extractor. It is a very high speed and powerful tool with many advanced features. Bandizip has both free and paid versions that you can download at your convenience. Additionally, Bandizip supports decompression in over 30 file formats; that’s a very useful feature. However, the free version has some limited features, but you can solve this issue by getting the paid version anytime. 

Unzipping Features 

• It can unpack zip files in almost all the leading file formats. 
• You can preview archives before extracting files. 
• You can extract one or multiple files from a zip folder with an easy drag and drop menu. 
• Users can make comments on ZIP and RAR files. 
• Offer one-click extraction for TGZ/TBZ formats. 
• Supports 256-bit AES integration, code-page change, Explorer shell integration, and many other features. 

Pros 

• Password protect files. 
• Use mult-compression and decompression. 
• Easy to use. 
• Intuitive interface. 

Cons 

• Free version has limited features. 
• The interface has a few glitches. 

11. jZip

Software Rating: 4/5

Compatible Platforms: Windows 

Unpacking Formats: ZIP, RAR, GZip, TAR, 7Z, and more.

Free Trial: Yes 

Price: Free 

jZip is the last but highly competent decompression tool on this list. This tool can preview files, free up space, and password-protect archived files, along with compressing or decompressing your files. Additionally, it is integrated with Windows Explorer that offers some of the advanced decompress features without downloading the tool. 

Unzipping Features 

• Can unzip files in nearly all the common file formats. 
• Decompression speed is quite remarkable. 
• Allow you to extract data from ISO and RAR file formats. 
• Supports old Windows like Windows 2000 and 2003. 

Pros 

• Totally free. 
• High compression ratio. 
• Fast and efficient tool. 

Cons 

• Only compatible with Windows. 

12. Keka

Software Rating: 4.9/5

Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS.

Unpacking Formats: 7z, Zip, Tar, Gzip, Bzip2, RAR, 7z, Lzma, Zip, Tar, Gzip and more.

Free Trial: Yes.

Price: $4.99.

Official Website: https://www.keka.io/en/

Here comes the next pick on our list of Best Zip extractor for Windows PC and macOS. Keka offers a comprehensive file archiving solution that’s incredibly user-friendly. You can effortlessly compress numerous files using various formats. The process of dividing files and adding password protection has been simplified to the point where it’s as easy as child’s play. All you need to do is drag and drop the files you wish to compress onto either the Keka icon in the Dock or the main window.

Moreover, Keka excels at extracting a wide range of compressed files, from ZIP and 7Z to RAR archives, including multipart archives. You can either double-click on the files for Keka to automatically extract them, or simply drag and drop them onto the Keka icon in the Dock or the main window.

Unzipping Features:

• User-friendly file archiver.
• Supports multiple compression formats.
• Password protection for files.
• Easy drag-and-drop functionality.
• Extraction of various compressed file types.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface.
• Diverse compression format support.
• Effortless password protection.
• Seamless drag-and-drop usage.

Cons:

• Limited advanced features.
• Some uncommon formats may not be supported.

13. ExpressZIP

Software Rating: 3.5/5

Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS.

Unpacking Formats: RAR, 7Z, TAR, CAB & more.

Free Trial: Yes.

Price: $14.99/year

Official Website: https://www.nchsoftware.com/zip/index.html

Express Zip sets itself apart as an exceptionally reliable and user-friendly solution for handling file archiving and compression needs. With its comprehensive array of features, users can effortlessly create, manage, and extract zipped files and folders. The tool becomes particularly invaluable when dealing with large files that need to be shared with various recipients, such as family members, friends, coworkers, and clients.

The core advantage of Express Zip lies in its ability to significantly reduce the space occupied by these large files through efficient compression techniques. By zipping files before sending them, you not only expedite the transfer process but also optimize storage usage for both the sender and the recipient. This becomes especially relevant in scenarios where bandwidth might be limited or where storage space is a concern.

Unzipping Features:

• Reliable file archiving and compression.
• Create, manage, and extract zipped files.
• Efficient space reduction through compression.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface.
• Stable performance.
• Versatile file management.

Cons:

• The software might have limited integration with cloud storage services or third-party applications.
• May lack some advanced compression algorithms.

14. Yemu ZIP

Software Rating: 4.2/5

Compatible Platforms: macOS.

Unpacking Formats: ZIP, RAR, and more.

Free Trial: Yes.

Price: $4.99/year.

Official Website: https://www.yellowmug.com/yemuzip/

YemuZip offers a simple solution for creating zip files effortlessly. Just drag and drop your files, give your zip file a name, and the process is complete. While Mac OS X’s native compression includes Mac-specific data that appears as gibberish on PCs, YemuZip provides a choice between PC-friendly and Mac formats. The Mac format retains all Mac-specific metadata, ensuring compatibility.

YemuZip zip file extractor for macOS conveniently recalls your recently used destination folders. This allows for quick output to platforms like iCloud Drive or Dropbox. Moreover, YemuZip can directly attach the resulting zip file to an email.

Unzipping Features:

• Easy zip file creation through drag and drop.
• Offers a choice between PC-friendly and Mac formats.
• Convenient recall of recent destination folders.

Pros:

• User-friendly operation.
• Format options for cross-platform compatibility.
• Time-saving destination folder recall.

Cons:

• Mac-exclusive software.
• Potential lack of features compared to more robust tools.

15. Stuffit

Software Rating: 2.7/5

Compatible Platforms: Windows, macOS, and iOS.

Unpacking Formats: SITX, ZIP, ZIPX, SIT5, BZIP, GZIP, TAR, RAR and more.

Free Trial: Yes.

Price: Free.

Official Website: https://stuffit.com/

Stuffit Expander is a free decompression tool that could still prove valuable to certain users, particularly when dealing with older Stuffit archives like .sit or .sitz formats.

While the Mac OS Archive Utility effectively handles common formats like .zip and various .tar archives, unconventional types such as .rar, .kgb, .7z, and .arc might require specialized tools like Stuffit Expander. This utility facilitates decompression through drag and drop or the file menu, supporting over 30 file formats.

Unzipping Features:

• Free decompression utility.
• Supports older Stuffit archives (.sit, .sitz).
• Handles over 30 file formats.

Pros:

• Handy for legacy Stuffit archives.
• Wide format support, including unusual types.
• Simple drag-and-drop or menu decompression.

Cons:

• Limited relevance due to built-in Mac utilities.
• Might lack advanced features.
• No frequent updates.

Let’s Unzip It: Conclusion

There you go, peeps! Now you can unzip as many files as you want with ease. Just pick a tool from this list and download the right zip extractor on your computer today. 

Once you have extracted your vital files using our recommended tools, don’t forget to share your experience with us. Further, if you have any doubts, you can ask that too. 

If you find this post helpful, please share it with your pals.  

FAQs:

Does Windows 10 have a Zip file extractor?

Absolutely! Windows 10 comes with its own Zip file extractor called “File Explorer.” You can unzip files by right-clicking on them, choosing “Extract All,” and picking where you want the unzipped files to go.

How do you extract a Zip file on a PC?

Extracting a Zip file on your PC is a breeze. Simply right-click the Zip file, select “Extract All,” decide where you want the files to be extracted and hit “Extract.” Or, you can open the Zip file, grab the files inside, and drop them where you want.

How do I extract multiple zip files into one folder?

No worries! First, make a new folder where you want all the extracted stuff. Then, go ahead and extract each Zip file one by one into that new folder. All the goodies from different Zip files will cozy up together in one happy folder.

How do you extract a Zip file on a PC?

Easy peasy! Right-click the Zip file, choose “Extract All,” point out where you want the unzipped goods to go, and click “Extract.” If you’re feeling hands-on, open the Zip file, snatch the contents, and drop ’em where you fancy.