However, sometimes the Compressed (ZIP) folder is corrupted and shows “Unexpected end of archive” error while opening the ZIP file. Another drawback is that it does not allows you to repair damaged archives. Following is a handpicked list of Top Win Zip alternatives, with their popular features and website links. The list contains both open source (free) and commercial (paid) software.
Best Free WinZip Alternative: File Extractors (Zip & Unzip Programs)
#1) Ashampoo Zip Free
Ashampoo ZIP Free is easy to use the ZIP compression tool. This software supports creating and extracting with 7-ZIP, LHA, TAR, CAB, and many other formats. It has an integrated preview facility to effortlessly view files.
Feature:
It provides a user-friendly graphical interface. Offers integration with Windows Explorer. It allows you to create the unlimited size of the archive. You can repair broken zip files. The tool helps you to create SFX (Special Effects) archive. You can integrate with the Windows operating system and windows server. Support for RAR format.
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#2) WinRAR
WinRAR is a strong competitor of Winzip. It allows you to create ZIP and RAR archives. The tool is available in more than 50 languages. It automatically recognizes and selects the ideal compression method.
Feature:
It enables you to compress files quickly and easily. You can split the archive file into a separate volume. This tool uses 256-bit password encryption for security. It uses a compression algorithm that helps you to compress multimedia files and executable files. WinRAR helps you to save your save disk space and transmission costs. The software has many integrated functions to manage your compress archive.
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#3) 7-zip
7-zip is a popular open-source file compression tool. This software uses strong AES-256 encryption technique for security. It is one of the best free WinZip alternatives that has a self-extracting facility for 7z file format. The app can be used for business and commercial sectors. Supported formats by 7-zip are 7z, GZIP, XZ, and BZIP2.
Feature:
Integration with Windows shell. It has a file manager to effectively manage your files. This tool can be used from the command line. Offers plugin for a FAR manager (A software that manages archive and files) It can be Localize for more than 87 languages. 7-zip uses LZMA (Lempel Ziv Markov Chain Algorithm) and LZMA2 for the compression.
Link: https://www.7-zip.org/
#4) Bandizip
Bandizip is a free archiver for MS windows. It supports archive formats like ZIP, RAR, 7Z, and RAR5. This tool allows users to extract multiple files. The software helps you to easily open the extracted folder.
Feature:
This application supports Windows operating system. It is free software. Extract files in more than 30 formats. You can compress archive with multi-volume and password. It enables you to compress fast with multi-core. Bandizip supports compression of a file having more than 4 GB. This tool offers security through an AES256 encryption algorithm.
Link: https://en.bandisoft.com/bandizip/
#5) Express Zip
Express Zip is easy to use and comprehensive file archive and compression tools available. This tool enables you to unzip zip archives and create zip compatible folders and files. It supports a wide range of popular archive formats, including ROpen RAR, 7Z, TAR, CAB, and more.
Feature:
Create compatible zip files. It enables you to unzip archives. This tool has improved compression ratio. Email ZIP files in two easy clicks. You can open and extract data from ISO (International Organization for standardization) and RAR files.
Link: https://www.nchsoftware.com/zip/index.html
#6) NX Power Lite Desktop
NX Power Lite Desktop is a simple app that enables users to compress their data easily and quickly. This program does not require any advanced computer skills in order to use it. Software is used for people who like to attach large email files.
Feature:
Compress any file directly from Windows Explorer using the right mouse click menu option. Files can be collected as a single Zip file. This free Unzip software can compress up to 10,000 folders and files at one time. NX Power Lite Desktop automatically compresses email attachments.
Link: https://www.neuxpower.com/nxpowerlite-desktop
#7) PowerArchiver
PowerArchiver is easy to use file archiver tool design for Microsoft Windows. This tool supports creating 7z, Tar, and zip, and various disk image formats. You can also use this software for encrypting and decrypt any file or folder.
Feature:
It uses secure FTP client with using FIPS 140-2 validation. This tool automatically compress and encrypts files in MS Office XP- 2016. It is simple to install and manage with MSI (Microsoft Installer) installations and password policies. PowerArchiver provides a command-line version. You can join two archive files. It has a built-in preview window that enables you to see various text, images, multimedia without extracting them. You can use it on Windows operating system.
Link: https://www.powerarchiver.com/
#8) PeaZip
PeaZip is a file compression software that supports more than 150 different file formats. This zip tool has many security features like an encrypted password manager and two-factor authentication.
Feature:
It is a user-friendly tool that does not contain any harmful software. This app can search for duplicate files. This free Unzip program can split the archive into multiple files. You can schedule archiving to control which session you need to archive. It enables you to compress files having limited resources.
Link: https://peazip.github.io/
#9) ZipGenius
ZipGenius is a file archiver specially design for Microsoft Windows. This free zip program supports more than 20 compressed file types. You can use such software to easily create, edit, and share zip folders and files.
Feature:
You can browse DVD/CD ISO images with ease. Perform batch tasks using the command line module. It uses CZIP encryption system to protect your data. Zipgenius has the latest encryption algorithm to secure your files. Compatible with Windows operating system.
Link: https://zipgenius.com/
#10) Hamster Zip Archiver
Hamster Zip Archiver is a zip software that has a simple drag and drop interface to compress the data. This free zip software offers an integration facility with Dropbox, Google Drive, and other cloud applications.
Feature:
You can effortlessly share the archive with your friends. Compress and open all file types. It is one of the best free zip file opener that supports more than 40 languages. It can be used free for home and office.
Link: https://ziparchiver.hamstersoft.com/
#11) B1 Free Archiver
B1 Free Archiver is a freeware file archiver manager software. This tool provides full support for native B1 and zip format. It can decompress more than 20 famous archive formats.
Feature:
It can be used for operating systems like Windows, Linux, Android, and Mac. This software support formats like b1, zip, xpi, 7z, and jar file format. It uses 256-bit AES standards for protecting privacy. The software helps you to compress files quickly. You can edit and share the source available in the software.
Link: https://b1.org/
#12) IZArc
IZArc is a free file archiver designed for MS Windows. This tool can open the most basic used archive formats like zip, rar, gzip, gz, and tar. The software uses AES 256 for security. You can also use it to compress or decompress important files effortlessly.
Feature:
This free zip file opener supports drag and drop interface. You can delete files from any archive. This tool enables you to convert CD Images. You can repair broken archive effortlessly. It is integrated with the Windows Explorer context menu. You can email archives. It allows you to scan any archive for the virus. It helps you to add or view comments in the archive file.
Link: https://www.izarc.org/
#13) Zip Extractor
ZIP Extractor is a free program for opening files like RAR, 7z, ZIP, and files on your PC and Google Drive. This tool allows you to preview files. It also helps you to open password protected files.
Feature:
This software allows you to extract unzip files available in Google drive. You can preview and download files existed inside the ZIP folder without extracting the whole file. It helps you to share extracted files with others. This tool supports password-protected files. Open zip files on your PC or Google Drive.
Link: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/zip-extractor/mmfcakoljjhncfphlflcedhgogfhpbcd
#14) RAR File Extractor
RAR File Extractor is a software for extracting RAR files. This is a simple and effective program. Users can use it to quickly extract and decompress all files and folders.
Feature:
You can select *.rar file, and it will extract it to the output folder. Provide the option to overwrite extracted files. It is one of the best free zip program that quickly shows extracted files when completed. Supports multi-volume (Process of breaking large file size into a small file) RAR archive.
Link: http://rarfileextractor.com/
#15) CAM UnZip
CAM UnZip is a ZIP file utility software that allows users to open, create as well as modify zip files available in the folder. You can use this tool to open files created by 7-Zip and Winzip.
Feature:
You can unzip any ZIP files or folders quickly and easily. This program helps you to extract all selected files. You can view your files in the archive before extracting. It helps you to add or removes files. CAM UnZip automatically runs the setup after unzipping. It can be accessed from the command line interface.
Link: https://www.camunzip.com/
#16) The Unarchiver
The Unarchiver is a free data decompression tool. This zip file extractor can be used on the Mac operating system. You can use it to extract the most common archive formats, including RAR, Zip, and Tar.
Feature:
It helps you to install the software in just a few mouse clicks. You can quickly set this program as a default archive file. All the features of The Unarchiver tool are available for free. It is one of the best free unzip software which can read non-Latin characters.
Link: https://theunarchiver.com/
FAQ
Following are some of the best free ZIP software:
Ashampoo Zip Free WinRAR 7-zip Bandizip Express Zip NX Power Lite Desktop PowerArchiver PeaZip
Right-click on any zip file Select Open With Choose the app with which you want to open the Zip. Select “Always use this app to open .zip file” and click okay
You should consider the following factors while selecting a ZIP file opener:
Easy to use interface Compression speed Security Integration with other tools Plugins support Support for multiple platforms File formats and compressions supported Encryption algorithm
