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The best free WinZip alternatives make it easy to create archives of files in any format and give you more ways to manage them. WinZip is the most well-known software for creating and opening compressed file archives, but it’s not the only one.
WinZip is a program made by WinZip computing that lets you archive and compress files. It works on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It puts files into a single archive and reduces the size of that archive so that it can be stored more easily or sent over the internet faster.
Users of WinZip can protect their files with a password, encrypt them, and share them via email or the cloud. It works with many different types of files, such as ZIP, RAR, 7z, TAR, and GZ.
Best Free WinZip Alternatives
7-Zip
7-Zip is open source, which means that anyone can use it for free, even for business purposes. It’s only 1MB and can pack and unpack just about any compressed file archive you can think of.
Its own 7z format is made for high compression and is supported by almost all file archiving tools, both paid and free. This best free WinZip alternatives makes it a great choice for sharing. 7-Zip can also make 7z archives that open themselves.
Features
Pros
- self-extracting archives
- 256 bits
Cons
- No tool to fix broken files
PeaZip
PeaZip isn’t as easy to use as 7-Zip, but it has a lot of powerful security best free WinZip alternatives. The open-source WinZip alternative is a bit bigger than other tools, and when you install it, it automatically links files and adds options to the context menu.
PeaZip works with the vast majority of compressed file formats. Its own format, PEA, puts security first and compression second. Authenticated encryption and integrity checks can also be turned on or off.
Features
Pros
- integrated file viewer
- It has the latest encryption technology.
Cons
Ashampoo
With the help of Ashampoo ZIP, you can reduce the size of your files quickly and easily. The best free WinZip alternatives can compress and uncompress files in a number of formats, including ZIP, TAR, 7zip, and RAR.
Drag and drop lets you drop files right into the software interface. Automatically backs up and restores files to make sure data is always correct. It also has strong encryption and password security, which lets you store and share your information safely.
Features
Pros
- Easy to use
- advanced features
Cons
- 7-Zip has less advanced options.
Bandizip
Bandizip is best free WinZip alternatives for archiving and compressing files that works quickly and well. It was made to skip files that take too long or are broken, so they don’t slow down the compression of the other files.
It can open all of the most common file types, like ZIP, RAR, and ISO. The software doesn’t have any special features, but it can easily do basic things like compress and uncompress files.
Features
Pros
- Drag-and-drop method.
- It works with Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Cons
- makes only 7z and ZIP files
Zip Archiver
Zip Archiver from Hamstersoft is another best free WinZip alternatives that looks as good as many paid programmes. Easy-to-use features like a simple slider to change the level of compression and the ability to upload archives to cloud services make it easy to use.
But this ease of life comes at a cost. Hamster Zip Archiver has a lot less to offer when it comes to making archives. It can open a wide range of compressed file formats, but it can only make ZIP and 7z files.
Features
Pros
- pretty straightforward
- well-designed
Cons
- Some displays are in Russian.
Zipware
Zipware is a simple, free, and best free WinZip alternatives. It can handle both small and large archives with a lot of files. WinZip, on the other hand, is made to work with many different operating systems.
Zipware only works with Windows, but it can work with most formats for storing files. The software also works with Linux archive formats like GZIP and TAR, and it has a built-in virus scanner and an easy-to-use interface.
Features
Pros
- Verisign/Symantec digital certificate
- fully secure
Cons
- No repair tool
WinRAR
WinRAR is a file compressor that is often used best free WinZip alternatives. The software is different from the other options because it is easy to use and has simple steps. The interface is very clear and easy to use, so the basic functions are easy to understand.
WinRAR is a great alternative to both WinZip and the compression tool that comes with Windows. It can be used by both tech experts and people who are just starting out. Download WinRAR from its officially website.
Features
Pros
- open zipped files
- designed is simple and beautiful
Cons
- free of charge for only 40 days
FAQs
Is it possible to get WinZip for free?
Even though the evaluation version of WinZip is free to download, WinZip is not free software. You can try out WinZip with the evaluation version before you buy it. The trial version of WinZip can be downloaded from the WinZip website by anyone.
What is the best free zip file opener?
- 7-Zip.
- PeaZip.
- Zipware.
- CAM UnZip.
- The Unarchiver.
- WinZip.
Is there a way to open zip files for free?
ZIP Extractor is a free app you can use on your computer and Google Drive to make and open ZIP files. Files in the RAR, 7z, and TAR formats can also be opened, even if they have a password. ZIP Extractor is a free app you can use on your computer and Google Drive to make and open ZIP files.