When dealing with file management, there may be instances where you need to compress files to reduce their size. In situations like this, software like WinZip and free WinZip alternatives are invaluable. Using such software, you can compress files and reduce their overall size thus allowing for their easy transportation and storage. WinZip is one of the top programs available for this task, but there is a host of free zip software too.

Why use a free WinZip alternative?

It is universally considered the best free unzip program because it is quite efficient with ZIP and RAR archives and has plenty of features. The automated mechanisms select the most appropriate compression method and can provide you with precise size estimations before the process is launched. Winzip best alternative free for mac, windows 10 7, reddit, android, linux, pc, iphone, ios, mobile similar apps, apk, software. Download WinZIP for Free Trial Now Best WinRAR for Mac Alternative - WinZIP Features. Decompress content from all regular compressed file types like RAR, Zip, Zipx, LHA, 7Z, JAR, WAR, etc. Fully compatible with divided RAR files. Decompress all content by double-clicking on any part. If missing a part, alert you to find it first.

WinZip is the go-to archiver program – it is the benchmark software and arguably the most popular and recognized available. Since its creation in 1991, this zip extractor has remained popular and millions of people have used the trialware to compress and unzip files.

That being said, WinZip is only available for free as a trial version – if you want to use this program permanently and benefit from its features, you must purchase a full license. We understand that not everyone can afford to purchase new software. This is why many people look for free WinZip alternatives. If you are one of those people then you are in luck! Below, we have listed 7 top freeware archiver and free zip programs for your benefit.

1. WinRar – most popular free WinZip alternative

Free Winzip Alternative For Mac

WinRar is arguably as popular as WinZip itself – it is a longstanding WinZip alternative with an extensive set of features. Furthermore, it can support a huge variety of file formats. If you want advanced security, WinRar allows you to password protect files, or use other encryption methods. This free zip software supports such formats as 7Z, ARJ, CAB, LZH, TAR, ACE, GZIP, ISO and even more.

In addition to this, WinRar is available on a myriad of platforms including Windows, Linux, and MAC OS. In most instances, users will go to WinRar first as the best WinZip alternative due to its features, ease-of-use, and reliability.

OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10
Licensing: Freemium, Paid version costs 21 USD
Our Rating:10 / 10

ProsCons
  • Provides size estimations for packed files
  • Supports all the archive formats
  • Free zip program
  • Outdated user interface

2. PeaZip – advanced free unzip program

PeaZip is a brilliant free unzip program that comes with its compression file format – PEA. This is a comprehensive archiver that has a myriad of top features. The interface is reminiscent of the Windows Folder Browser and is easy to understand – the main function buttons are visible in the top bar. This WinZip alternative supports such archive formats as 7Z, WRC, PEA, Bz2, BCM, TBZ, GZ, RAR, ACE and some others.

A great option this program has is the option for authentication encryption and integrity checks. This comes standard with the PEA file format and offers users a high level of security and reliability. In addition to this, PeaZip can repair damaged archives too – a feature which some WinZip free alternatives do not have.

OS: Windows, Linux
Licensing: Freeware
Our Rating:10 / 10

ProsCons
  • Advanced security checks
  • Portable version available
  • Restores corrupted archive files
  • Supports only Windows OS

3. 7-Zip – open source WinZip alternative

7-Zip is often touted as the main alternative to WinZip. It has a brilliant set of features and is completely free. Furthermore, this free unzip program supports over 30 different compressed package types (such as 7Z, TAR, ISO, FAT, EXT, ZIP, NFTS, AR and more) which makes it one of the most complete programs available.

The main compression format is 7Z and this offers the fastest process. Using this extractor you can create multi-part files, and share the document with secure AES. In addition to this, the program is available in over 60 different languages, making it a universal tool.

OS: Windows
Licensing: Open source
Our Rating:10 / 10

ProsCons
  • AES encryption for file transfers
  • Impressive list of formats supported
  • Outdated interface

4. Ashampoo ZIP FREE – free zip program for Windows

Ashampoo ZIP FREE is regularly a top-rated WinZip alternative. It supports over 30 different file types such as RAR, ZIPX, 7Z, RPM, ISO, ARJ, ACE, NSIS, DMG and more and is great for use on touchscreen devices. The simple interface is easy to understand, and you can even see a preview of files before they are extracted by this free unzip program.

In addition to this, Ashampoo ZIP FREE allows extraction, repair, archiving, and multi-volume creation of files. It is an extensive zip file opener and completely free if you ignore the links to paid subscription upgrades.

Alternative

OS: Windows
Licensing: Shareware
Our Rating:8 / 10

ProsCons
  • Previews given before files are extracted
  • Intuitive interface
  • Reminds to purchase paid version

5. Zipware – basic free Zip program

Zipware is a simple program that is sometimes overlooked as a free WinZip alternative. If you want a hassle-free program that is straightforward to use, Zipware is an excellent choice. To compress or decompress files the options are easy and you can complete the process in a matter of seconds. Free unzip program supports all the most needed formats such as ZIP, 7Z, RAR, ISO, VHD, TAR, CPIO, XZ, DEB and some others.

One of the best features of this extractor is the built-in virus scanner. VirusTotal allows you to check any file smaller than 32GB for potential threats. If you want to support this free zip software, you can make a donation – but this is entirely optional.

OS: Windows
Licensing: Donationware
Our Rating: 7 / 10

ProsCons
  • Built-in virus scanner for files
  • Built-in password manager
  • Not all the major archive formats are supported

6. Hamster Zip Archiver – easy to use WinZip alternative

Hamster Zip Archiver is a superb alternative to WinZip, specifically if you want to use 7Z, or ZIP files. This ZIP extractor supports variety of formats and features the option to upload the files to cloud storage services.

This program is straightforward and has an interface that anyone can use. You can use a slider to increase decrease the amount of compression applied, for example. Although this free zip program hasn’t a huge array of features, it does exactly what you require – compress and package files effectively.

OS: Windows
Licensing: Freeeware
Our Rating: 7 / 10

ProsCons
  • Simple slider-based interface
  • Uploads files to Google Drive, Dropbox, One Drive, Yandex.Disk
  • Not all the major archive formats are supported

7. Express Zip File Compression – cross-platform WinZip alternative

Finally, we have Express Zip – this is a WinZip alternative that allows users to quickly and efficiently compress and manage their files. It supports a host of common compression file formats such as ZIP, RAR, CAB, TAR, 7Z, ISO, GZIP, and more and also offers encryption for secure files.

Furthermore, the zip file opener is extremely fast and easy to use. Express Zip File Compression also can create multi-part archives, and repair damaged archives.

OS: Windows, Mac
Licensing: Shareware, License starts at 9.99 USD
Our Rating: 7 / 10

ProsCons
  • Simple to use zip extractor
  • Unzip files fast
  • Pricey on comparing to other reviewed free zip programs

Free Winzip Alternative For Mac Windows 10

Free winzip alternative for mac download

Winrar Mac

As you can see, there is a host of useful free WinZip alternatives. Instead of purchasing the full version of WinZip, why not download one of these free zip software instead and benefit from the same functionality with no cost? We would advise checking out the free trial of WinZip, but in the long term, using one of the above extractor programs is the best choice – let us know which software you have tried and had success with! Make sure you have the best antivirus software installed on your computer before you unzip files that were downloaded online to your computer.

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