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7-Zip

Free, open-source file archiver for Windows – opens RAR, ZIP, 7z, ISO and more

by Igor Pavlov

PRICEFree · open source

RUNS ONWindows

ALTERNATIVE TOWinRAR

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About 7-Zip

7-Zip is the best-known free file archiver for Windows, and it is open source. It creates archives in its own 7z format, which often compresses better than ZIP and RAR, and in ZIP, TAR, GZip, BZip2 and XZ.

It also opens almost every other format, including RAR and RAR5 (also password-protected and multi-part archives), ISO, CAB, DMG and many more. Strong AES-256 encryption protects your 7z and ZIP files with a password.

7-Zip is completely free for personal and commercial use, with no trial and no reminders. It runs on Windows; command-line versions are also available for Linux and Mac.

Key features

7z formatHigh compression, often better than ZIP and RAR

Opens RARIncluding RAR5, passwords and multi-part archives

Many formatsZIP, TAR, GZip, ISO, CAB, DMG and more

AES-256 encryptionPassword-protect 7z and ZIP archives

Self-extracting archivesCreate .exe archives

Explorer menuCompress and extract with a right-click

License and price

License type: Free · open source

System requirements

Operating system: Windows

Good and keep in mind

Good

Completely free, also for business use
Excellent compression with 7z
Opens RAR files without WinRAR

Keep in mind

Can open RAR files but cannot create them
The interface looks plain and old-fashioned
No graphical version for Mac

Frequently asked questions

Is 7-Zip really free?

Yes. 7-Zip is free and open source, for personal and commercial use, with no trial period or reminders.

Can 7-Zip open RAR files?

Yes, 7-Zip extracts RAR and RAR5 files, including password-protected and multi-part archives. It cannot create new RAR archives.

Does 7-Zip compress better than WinRAR?

Often yes: the 7z format usually compresses better than ZIP and RAR.

Other free alternatives to WinRAR

PeaZipA modern interface on Windows, Linux and Mac · Windows, macOS, LinuxFree · open source KekaOpening RAR files on a Mac · macOSFree from the website

GUIDEBest Free Alternatives to WinRAR7-Zip, PeaZip and Keka compared: the best free alternatives to WinRAR to open RAR files and create 7z and ZIP archives on Windows, Mac and Linux.