Compressed files have been part of our computer for quite some time. This is an excellent option for reducing heavy file space or grouping multiple files into one file. To carry out this task, the most popular tool is WinRAR , although it is not the only one, so today we are going to see what are your best alternatives.
WinRAR, the most popular file compressor
It is a popular and powerful RAR compressor that will allow us to create, manage and control archive files, being available for both Windows, Linux and Mac OS. This tool allows the use of RAR and ZIP files, as well as the handling of other compression files such as 7Z, ARJ, BZ2, CAB, GZ, ISO, JAR, LZ, LZH, TAR, UUE, XZ, Z, 001 and various ZIPX types.
In addition, it allows the creation of multivolume and self-extracting files, by using predetermined self-extracting modules. Also, it allows the recovery of damaged files and volumes, as well as performing encoding, file commenting and error logging functions.
This great file compressor has a fully functional trial version for 40 days. Once that time has elapsed, it will inform us that we must buy the license that costs 36.24 euros.
Top alternatives to WinRAR
If you are looking for a different application, today we are going to tell you what are the best alternatives to WinRAR that we can find to compress and decompress our files.
WinZip
It is a tremendously well-known and pioneering tool for compressing files in Windows, since it began its activity back in 1990. This application will be able to compress and decompress files, as well as protect , manage and share them in a simple and comfortable way. This program allows to compress files in ZIP format by default, although it is also capable of opening files in other popular compression formats such as ZIP, ZIPX, RAR, 7Z, TAR, GZIP, VHD, XZ and POSIX TAR.
WinZip has a 45-day trial function that we can download from its official website . Your license has a cost of 36.24 euros.
BandiZIP
It is a program to compress and decompress files in a comfortable and tremendously fast way. It will allow us to create files in Zip, ZipX, TAR, TGZ, 7Z and EXE formats , and it is compatible to decompress more than 30 different formats , including RAR or ISO. The application is integrated into the context menu of Windows Explorer so that we can run it without having to open the application. It allows to compress files with password and multi-volume, supporting the AES256 encryption algorithm, as well as compression of files over 4 GB in size.
BandiZIP has a free version that we can download from its website , available to use anywhere, whether for domestic or commercial use. It also has a Professional version that costs $ 30.
Ashampoo ZIP
We are before a file compressor that is located as a great alternative to WinRAR for Windows, given its ease of handling the most common formats to compress and decompress files such as ZIP or RAR, among others. This program allows extraction in more than 30 different formats and uses 256-bit AES encryption for added protection. It has an integrated preview for image, video and text, among others. It also has the Repair ZIP Tool function, which will allow us to repair damaged ZIP files.
Ashampoo ZIP has a free version that includes the basic functions of compressing, decompressing and repairing files. In addition, it has a premium paid version, which has additional functions such as mounting ISO files on virtual drives or encrypting and decrypting files and folders of various formats in one go.
AZip
It is a free, open source, portable Zip file compression and decompression program, with which we can add, extract and delete all types of files. We will also have the possibility of recompressing files , obtaining even smaller ZIP files. It has a super fast search function with which we can search for content within a compressed file without having to extract it and without using any file explorer. AZip runs under the Windows operating system and is compatible with other ZIP compressors, regardless of operating system.
B1 Free Archiver
It is a cross-platform file manager, so it can be used on Windows, Linux and Mac OS, being a great alternative to WinRAR. Supports the most popular compression formats like B1, ZIP, JAR, XPI, RAR, 7Z, ARJ, BZ2, CAB, DEB, GZIP, TGZ, ISO, LZH, LHA, LZMA, RPM, tAR, XAR, DMG and others. Also, it works with split files and password protected. It also has AES 256 bit encryption to protect our files securely, so that nobody can read or extract the original files without a password.
You can download B1 Free Archiver completely free from its website , and can be used on any computer without having to register or pay anything.
7-ZIP
It is a free, open source , high compression ratio file archiver. It compresses in 7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, ZIP and WIM formats, and it decompresses in ARJ, CAB, CHM, RAR and others, being compatible with AES 256 encryption in 7z and WinZip formats. In addition, it has a file division tool in equal parts, the possibility of creating self-extracting files for 7z format, and a complete integration in Windows File Explorer.
You can download 7-ZIP for free on any computer for either domestic or commercial use without paying anything.
IZArc
It is a powerful and free file compressor for Windows, characterized by supporting a large number of formats, such as the most popular ZIP, RAR, 7-ZIP, BIN, ISO, among others, making it a great alternative to WinRAR . It is available in Spanish along with 50 other languages, which makes it possible to have a simple and easy-to-use interface, which will allow us to configure numerous program parameters. It has full integration with Windows file explorer through the context menu. In this way, it allows you to create a compressed ZIP file in just three clicks. With this tool we will be able to encrypt files safely thanks to the use of the AES algorithm with a key of up to 256 bits .
IZArc can be downloaded for free from its website .
PeaZIP
It is a cross-platform application designed to compress and decompress files for free, based on open source technologies, making it a great alternative to WinRAR. It is capable of opening and extracting more than 180 file formats, including: 001, 7Z, ARC, ARJ, BR, BZ2, CAB, DMG, GZ, ISO, LHA, PAQ, PEA, RAR, TAR, UDF, WIM , XZ, ZIP, ZIPX, ZST, among others. This program has a high security protection of our data, since it has secure encryption (AES, Twofish, Serpent), encrypted password manager , optional two-factor authentication (encryption with password and key file) and secure deletion.
PeaZIP can be downloaded from its website completely free of charge and is compatible with Windows, Mac OS and Linux computers.
Zipware
It is a free program to compress and decompress files, since it supports all the main file formats, including the new RAR5 format. It is a simple, fast and very stable application capable of handling all types of files, from the smallest to the heaviest. It is capable of extracting files in ZIP, ZIPX, 7Z, RAR, RAR5, ISO, VHD, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR, CPIO, XZ, DEB, DMG, RPM, XPI formats, among others. You can also create ZIP, 7-ZIP and EXE files. It is compatible with the AES 256 encryption protection system and is fully integrated into the context menu of Windows file explorer for our convenience.
Zipware is compatible with the Windows operating system and we can download it completely free of charge from its website .
