Best Zip & Unzip Tools — 2026

5 tools tested/How we rank →
#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
Visit Site
#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
Visit Site
#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
Visit Site
#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
Visit Site

Feature Comparison

Feature WinRAR7-ZipWinZipPeaZip
Price $29.00 (License) Free $29.95/yr Free
Formats Supported ZIP, RAR, 7Z+15+20+ZIP, RAR & more
Encryption AES-256AES-256AES-256AES-256
Context Menu ✓✓✓✓
Speed Rating ⚡ Fastest⚡ Fast⚡ Fastest🐌 Average
Modern UI ✓✗✗✓
Privacy 100% Local100% Local100% LocalOptional Cloud