#1
4.1 B+
$29.00 (License) ⚠ Paid license (with nag screen)⚠ Dated user interface
Most compatible

WinRAR

Legacy Archive Tool

  • Decades of industry presence
  • Strong RAR format support
  • Paid license (with nag screen)
  • Dated user interface
  • No modern dark mode
#2
4.6 B
✓ Free ⚠ Dated interface — no dark mode⚠ No built-in context menu on first run
Best for 7Z format

7-Zip

Open Source Archive Tool

  • Open source (LGPL) — fully auditable
  • Excellent 7Z compression ratios
  • Supports ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR, GZ & more
  • Dated interface — no dark mode
  • No built-in context menu on first run
#3
3.4 C+
$29.95/yr ⚠ Full features locked behind paid subscription ($29.95/yr)⚠ Trial period shows persistent nag screens

WinZip

The Original Zip Utility — Now Subscription-Based

  • Industry-recognized name with decades of history
  • Supports ZIP, RAR, 7Z, and other common formats
  • Full features locked behind paid subscription ($29.95/yr)
  • Trial period shows persistent nag screens
  • Cloud features upload files to third-party servers
#4
3.6 B-
✓ Free ⚠ Complex UI for beginners⚠ Slower extraction speeds
Best open source

PeaZip

Open Source Archiver

  • Open source and free
  • Wide format support
  • Complex UI for beginners
  • Slower extraction speeds

Feature Comparison

Feature WinRAR7-ZipWinZipPeaZip
Price Free $29.95/yr Free
Formats Supported 15+20+ZIP, RAR & more
Encryption AES-256AES-256AES-256
Context Menu
Speed Rating ⚡ Fast⚡ Fastest🐌 Average
Modern UI
Privacy 100% Local100% LocalOptional Cloud