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