What is WinZip?
WinZip is a Windows program that lets you archive and compresses files for more efficient file storage or distribution. It is the more powerful and easier-to-use Windows equivalent of the two previous programs, PKZIP and PKUNZIP, commonly used on the DOS operating system. WinZip has a simple drag-and-drop interface that allows you to view individual files within a zip file without the need to compress the files. WinZip will also run the installer from the zip file and clean it up automatically after installation.
However, sometimes the compressed (ZIP) folder gets corrupted and when you open the ZIP file, you get the “Unexpected end of archive” error. Another disadvantage is that it does not allow you to restore corrupted archives.
Top Best Free Win Zip Alternatives and their most popular features are listed below.
- WinRAR
- Ashampoo Zip Free
- Bandizip
- 7-zip
- Express Zip
- PowerArchiver
- ZipGenius
- PeaZip
- NX Power Lite Desktop
01: WinRAR
WinRAR is a strong competitor to Winzip. With WinRAR, you can easily create ZIP and RAR archives. The tool is available in more than 50 languages. This tool automatically recognizes and selects the ideal compression method.
Compatible With: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android
Official Website: https://www.win-rar.com/
Features:
- This allows you to quickly and easily compress files.
- You can split archive files into separate volumes.
- This tool uses 256-bit password encryption for security.
- It uses a compression algorithm to help you compress multimedia files and executable files.
- WinRAR helps you save disk space and transfer costs.
- The software has many built-in features for managing compressed archives.
02: Ashampoo Zip Free
Ashampoo ZIP Free is an easy-to-use ZIP compression tool. The software supports the Compression and decompression of 7-ZIP, LHA, TAR, CAB, and many other formats. It has a built-in preview feature for easy viewing of files.
Compatible With: Windows
Official Website: https://www.ashampoo.com/en-us/zip-free
Features:
- It provides a user-friendly graphical interface.
- Provides integration with Windows Explorer.
- Allows you to create archives of unlimited size.
- You can repair damaged zip files.
- This tool helps to create SFX (special effects) archives.
- You can integrate it with Windows operating systems and Windows servers.
- RAR format is supported.
03: Bandizip
Bandizip is a free archiver for MS Windows. It supports archive formats such as RAR, ZIP, 7Z, and RAR5. The tool allows users to extract multiple files at a time. This software will help you open the extracted folder easily.
Compatible With: Windows, Mac
Official Website: https://en.bandisoft.com/bandizip/
Features:
- This application supports the Windows operating system.
- This is free software.
- Extract files in over 30 formats.
- You can compress archives with multiple volumes and passwords.
- It allows you to use multi-core for fast compression.
- Bandizip supports compressing files larger than 4 GB.
- The tool provides security with the AES256 encryption algorithm.
04: 7-zip
7-zip is a popular open-source file compression utility. The software uses strong AES-256 encryption technology for security. It is one of the best free alternatives to WinZip with self-extracting features in a 7z file format. The application can be used in business and commercial areas. It supports 7-zip, 7z, GZIP, XZ and BZIP2.
Compatible With: Windows, Mac, Linux
Official Website: https://www.7-zip.org/
Features:
- Windows shell integration.
- It effectively manages your files.
- It can be used from the command line.
- Provides a plugin for FAR Manager (a program for managing archives and files).
- It can be localized into more than 87 languages.
- 7-zip uses LZMA (Ziv’s Markov Chain Algorithm) and LZMA2 for compression.
05: Express Zip
Express Zip is easy to use and provides comprehensive tools for archiving and compressing files. This tool allows you to open zip archives and create zip-compatible folders and files. Express Zip supports many popular archive formats, including RAR, 7Z, TAR, CAB, and more.
Compatible With: Windows, macOS
Official Website: https://www.nchsoftware.com/zip/index.html
Features:
- Create a compatible zip file.
- Allows you to open archives.
- This tool improves the compression ratio.
- You can send ZIP files via email in just two clicks.
- You can open ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and RAR files and extract data from them.
06: PowerArchiver
PowerArchiver is an easy-to-use file-archiving tool designed for Microsoft Windows. The tool supports creating RAR, 7z, Tar, and zip, as well as various disk image formats. You can also encrypt and decrypt any file or folder with this software.
Compatible With: Windows, macOS
Official Website: https://www.powerarchiver.com/
Features:
- It uses a secure FTP client with FIPS 140-2 validation.
- This tool automatically compresses and encrypts files in MS Office XP-2016.
- Easy setup and management with MSI (Microsoft Installer) and password policies.
- It provides a command line version.
- You can merge two archives.
- It has a built-in preview window that allows you to view any text, picture, or multimedia without removing it.
- You can use it easily on Windows operating system.
07: ZipGenius
ZipGenius is a file archiver developed for Microsoft Windows. This free zip program supports over 20 types of compressed files. With such software, you can easily create, edit and share zip folders and files.
Compatible With: Windows
Official Website: https://zipgenius.com/
Features:
- You can view DVD/CD ISO images easily.
- Use the command line module to run batch tasks.
- It uses the CZIP encryption system to protect your data.
- Zipgenius uses the latest encryption algorithms to protect your files.
- It is compatible with the Windows operating system.
08: PeaZip
PeaZip is a file compression program that supports over 150 different file formats. This zip tool has many security features such as an encrypted password manager and two-factor authentication.
Compatible With: Windows, macOS, Linux
Official Website: https://peazip.github.io/
Features:
- It is a handy tool that does not contain any malware.
- This application can search for duplicate files.
- This free opener can split archives into multiple files.
- You can schedule archiving to control which sessions should be archived.
- It allows you to compress files with limited resources.
09: NX Power Lite Desktop
NX Power Lite Desktop is a simple application that allows users to quickly and easily compress their data. No advanced computer skills are required to use the program. Software for those who want to attach large email files.
Compatible With: Windows
Official Website: https://neuxpower.com/nxpowerlite-desktop
Features:
- Compress any file directly from Windows Explorer using the context menu item.
- The files can be compiled as one Zip file.
- This free decompressing software can compress up to 10,000 folders and files at once.
- It can automatically compress email attachments.