Compression is one of the most used features of PC, being used for both personal and business use. We need to compress or decompress files to decrease size or to email the files. The two most popular tools for this purpose are WinZip and WinRAR, being used by millions. Unfortunately, these are paid tools and most users prefer free tools. However, as almost everything is available free on the internet, compressions tools are not an exception. There are many alternative free third-party tools available on the internet that will let you compress files or decompress different formats for no cost. Most of these tools can provide same features as WinZip or WinRAR, but there are some tools that can arguably provide even better features.
1. 7-Zip
Download (Windows 10, 8.1, 8 and 7)
3. ExtractNow
This is a completely free tool with a very simple interface. However, it can only unpack files. What makes this a good pick is its ability to extract multiple files easily. You can just drag and drop compressed files in the interface of the tool, and click on “Extract” to extract all of them at once.
You won’t get many customization options, all you can do is pack or unpack files with ease. It is free, but it does adds ask toolbar as adware while installation. So make sure you uncheck these options while installing if you don’t need it.
Download (Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and XP)
7. Bandizip
Zip Extractor is a free Google Chrome Extension that will let you extract compressed files from your PC or Google Drive to Google Drive. It is a good solution if you don’t want to download apps to your PC and instead do everything in your browser.
Additionally, Ashampoo ZIP Free can also encrypt all archives (256 bit AES), so I can confidently recommend this tool as a fast and reliable WinZip or WinRAR substitute. Ashampoo ZIP Free is a free tool, and the activation for the full version of the tool will be sent to your registered email address before the installation. It’s one of my personal favorites, so be sure to check it out.
Download (Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP)
If you would like to use a compression and decompression tools on the go, then you can also get some WinZip and WinRAR alternatives on your Android and iPhone.
12. Solid Explorer
Solid Explorer is not necessarily an alternative to compression apps, but it’s a feature-packed file explorer that lets you both compress and decompress files on the go. It supports multiple formats like Zip, RAR, TAR, BZ2, GZ, and ARJ. Plus, since it is a file explorer, I am guessing you already know how to use it.
