Winzip is the most popular file compression software is also the one topping this list. But there are other alternatives to WinZip that make your work easier. It’s a very useful utility for Windows, thanks to all the features it packs in this software. With WinZip, you can easily compress and decompress your files in seconds. Additionally, it allows protecting your files by adding top-level encryption.
This extra layer of security makes the software so popular among users who wish to share files securely as an attachment over the internet. There is also an option to connect all your cloud storage accounts, allowing you to access all your files at ease. The supported formats include tar, zip, rar, cab, 7z, ISO, VMDK, etc.
Zip is software used to open and create any sort of compressed files. It is the most secure as the user has to unzip it first to access the data on the folder. Zip is ideal for windows computers as it supports nearly all formats. This is a must for everyone who uses windows.
List of Free Alternatives to Winzip
However, there are times when one is looking for alternatives to WinZip. As we all know that it’s a trial software, so, today we are going to share a list of free Winzip alternatives that work with Windows 10 and older versions.
Quick Overivew
7-Zip
7z is a free and open-source file compression software, which is considered one of the best file archivers.
An open-source file compression software that can help you make archive files with one of the highest compression ratios.
The installer itself is very minimal in size at around 1 MB. 7z also boasts to create archives with one of the highest compression ratios. This means that if you wish to keep a very small file size after compressing, 7z can help you do just that. It is also very popular among users due to the fact that it has an integrated file manager with Windows Shell integrations.
Since 7z is essentially open-source, while it is free to use, the UI is quite bland. However, if you prefer functionality over visual aesthetics, you can blindly trust 7z. Moreover, because of the high compression ratio and the variety of the file formats supported, 7z is preferred in the commercial sector as well.
The supported formats include 7z, xz, bzip2, tar, zip, NTFS, MSI, UEFI, VHD, VMDK, MBR, DMG, EXT, FAT, etc.
Key features
- It is loaded with a user-friendly interface. Anyone can use it with ease.
- Sometimes one wants a good filing system and this behaves like a powerful file manager. It manages your files with ease.
- All files are stored in an archive. With 7-zip one learns about the file location on the archive.
- This is also secure as it comes with a password. One can set a password to open sensitive documents.
- It also gives the option of dragging and dropping in the main window.
- Everything is in volumes on any folder and 7 zip allows you to split volumes.
- It has emerged as the most efficient compression ratio with LZMA and LZMA 2 compression.
- When you use 7 zip you are gaining Windows shell integration. This improves the efficiency of the 7 zip.
- Statistically, its compression ratio is 2-10% better than zip.
Interesting fact
It comes pre-loaded with 87 language localizations.
System support: Windows 10 and older versions
Price: Free
Download link: https://www.7-zip.org
File Size: 1 MB
Peazip
If you are looking for the best of both the worlds, consider checking out PeaZip. It is a free file compression software for Windows and Mac with support for over 150 file formats.
PeaZip is one of the best file compression software available on the internet. It has many advanced features that can help users while compressing and archiving files. These include two-factor authentication, duplicate file deletion, archive splitting, archive scheduling, and a built-in password manager.PeaZip is really great if you have limited resources and want to handle a wide variety of file formats.
The supported file formats include 7z, zip, apk, bz, tbz, gzip, tpz, tar, zip, xpi, dmg, OpenOffice and Microsoft Office formats, swf, flv, etc.
Key features
- Its packages can be downloaded securely without harming the system.
- When you have to use one has to only extract and use the application.
- It can open and extract up to 180 archive formats like ARC, ARJ, CAB, ZIP, WIM and much more. This makes it essential for every windows PC.
- With Peazip you can gain fast and high compression multi ratio for ARC, PEA, and TAR.
- It can also open most files in any format. This makes it good for the windows system.
- This also allows you to do the editing, viewing, browsing, and search of archive folders.
- Peazip makes your folder very secure as it has the optimum data security features like an encrypted password manager, two-factor authentication and secure delete provision.
- It can also heal any damaged archives and add context menu options instantly.
Interesting fact
This makes it a very good alternative for any windows computer.
System support: Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP
Price: Free
Download link: https://www.peazip.org
File Size: 8.72 MB
Zipware
It is an optimum simple and free zip software. It works very well with Windows computers. It is made especially for Microsoft windows. Its design makes it simple, fast and stable and efficient in handling small and large archive files.
Key features
- Sometimes one wants to convert formats in an archive for the latest use. This can be converted into zip, 7z or an exe file.
- Zipware also makes zip,7-zip and exe files seamless. This is best to make any file and folder in one place.
- It is also possible to use windows explorer and it uses a drag and drops support feature with windows explorer.
- A file can become infected with a virus and Zipware can scan almost any file with virus total.com.
- Its password manager is highly efficient in storing the password and confidential information. This makes it secure for corporate as well as personal use.
- Last but not the least, it performs all archiving features from windows explorer itself through zipware’s integrated context menu.
- There is no concern about tampering as its program files are signed with the Verisign digital certificate.
Interesting fact
It is best for personal as well as commercial use.
System support: It supports Windows 10, Windows 8, 7, Windows XP and Vista.
Price: Freeware
Download link: https://www.zipware.org
File Size: 3.08MB
WinRAR
It is another zip alternative that works really well on the windows. As the name suggests it is made only for windows. This is the most potent archive manager so far. Once you have this you won’t need any other software.
Key features
- We all need a good system to back up data. As it can easily get lost. And WinRAR is good at making data backup.
- This is also good in making the new archive formats in both RAR and ZIP file mode. It makes it good for you as you get work on two different folders in a single place.
- It also lowers the volume of your overall email attachments. This makes it easy to send.
- It is the ultimate windows data compression tool which helps in saving the space on any windows operating pc.
- When you install WinRAR you can work with many formats like RAR, ZIP, and cab.
Interesting fact
It is a very popular zip alternative. It is available in various international languages like English, French, German, Russian and many more. Don’t forget to check WinRAR similar software here.
System support: Windows 10 and older versions
Price: Free
Download link: https://www.winrar.com
File Size: 3.1 MB
Hamster zip archiver
It is the latest but potent zip alternative for windows. This is the most simple and convenient archiver ever. It makes your archive management task simpler.
Key features
- It makes your zip and 7z files with ease.
- This is the most modern program where one can compress and open files from all archives.
- Sometimes one wants to share a piece of work with the colleagues to meet the deadline. On the hamster, it is possible to share a project between colleagues.
- Cloud technology is beneficial in making copies of important files.
- It also enables the sending of vacation photos.
- You can upload the archive on cloud services like Dropbox, google drive and one drive.
- One can also manage the files with ease and make direct links with archives.
- Most importantly with hamster one can compress and open a file of any format. This makes it popular amongst corporate users.
- A file needs good compression and the hamster has the optimum compression ratio.
- This gives the optimum results making it a potent versatile archiver.
Interesting fact
This is available in English language only.
System download: It works with Windows 7,8 and 10.
Price: It is available for free download.
Download link: https://zipware.hamster.com
File Size: 9.5 MB
Izarc
This is yet another zip alternative variant working well with the Microsoft Windows system. It is mainly a utility device that works on RAR and ZIP. It is a good option for windows and can be used without any worries.
Key features
- Like all zip alternatives, this too can zip and unzip files and folders. This makes it good if you are looking for a tool that works on all files.
- It gives password protection to all files making it secure for business organizations.
- One can also drag and drop files here with ease.
- Most importantly it comes inbuilt with its own anti-virus scanner. This is the cutting-edge technology giving the ultimate protection to your files.
- It is also good at supporting 7 ZIP, RAR and other variants of archives.
- Any work can be done in windows like the creation and extraction of an archived file.
- It also makes multi-volume sets that ease the load on the system.
- Sometimes archives can be broken due to error or computer damages. With Izarc one can heal such broken ZIP archives.
- It seamlessly converts one archive to another with finesse and precision.
Interesting fact
This works well with windows. It comes with inbuilt multilanguage support. Almost anyone can use it.
System support: Works well with Windows 7, 8 and 10.
Price: It is a freeware that can be downloaded by any windows user.
Download link: https://izarc.org
File Size: 5.26 MB
Secure ZIP Express
It is a good alternative to a zip alternative. This is customized according to one’s needs and is special for every windows computer. Every organization needs optimum data protection and secure zip express gives you that and much more.
Key features
- It is good at supporting a passphrase and digital-based encryption system. This makes it essential for every organization.
- It is loaded with flexible security which makes it ideal for data protection.
- This also has a very persistent file encryption system. It makes encrypted zip folders. This can only be opened with a password.
- It gives you a tailor-made solution for meeting your compliance goals.
Also, check free Lastpass alternatives.
Interesting facts.
Secure-zip express has emerged as the most trusted name in this industry. Alternatively, it is always innovating technology.
System support: Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista
Price: Freeware
Download link: https://securezip.en.softonic.com
File Size: 19.11 MB
Tugzip
This is yet another zip alternative like made only for windows computers. It is good in windows explorer integration.
Key features.
- It is good at supporting many compressed encoded and disc image files.
- There is also the support for your external plugins.
- One can extract multiple archives by using multiple extracts.
- Its best part is that it can encrypt archives in 6 different algorithms like Blowfish (128 bit), DES (56 bit) and more.
- Sometimes zip gets corrupted and data on it gets destroyed. With Tugzip it is possible to corrupt and SQX archives.
- It also gets automatically updated with “Web update” functions.
- It has good script support through which one can make automated backups.
- Tugzip also has basic features like add, extract, rename, run, view, checkout, install, test and much more.
Interesting facts.
It is the best archiving utility.
System support: Windows 10, 8, 7
Price: Free
Download link: https://tugzip.com
File Size: 3.91 MB
Conclusion
It is nice to know that now one can choose from these options. It gives you the possibility of exploring other zip alternatives. These are the best if not the ultimate alternatives for you. Now technology has evolved beyond the zip.
For the explorer in you, it is a chance to explore more and opt for it. Sometimes a person may want a new alternative just to experience a change. When you change your tool you are embracing the change and becoming a part of the innovation.
This is good and anyone who wants free and safe alternatives to WinZip should definitely go for it.
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