FREE
7-Zip
Free, open-source file archiver for Windows – opens RAR, ZIP, 7z, ISO and more
by Igor Pavlov
PRICEFree
RUNS ONWindows
ALTERNATIVE TOWinRAR
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
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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.