11 Best ZIP File Program (2025)

Zip is an archive format that offers data compression without data loss. A zip file may contain compressed files, folders, images, videos, and other types of compressed data. Zip Programs can help you save server storage space and reduce the time to download it to your PC. This type of software supports varieties of archiving file formats like zip, rar, tar, 7-zip, and more.

Researched 40+ Best ZIP File Programs over 100+ hours, I have created this insightful and in-depth guide featuring both free and paid options. My trusted review highlights features, pros and cons, and pricing to help you make an informed choice. This exclusive guide is a must-see for finding the perfect solution. Read the full article for credible, well-researched insights. Read more…

Best Zip File Software & Program: Top Picks!

Tool Name	Supported Formats	Integration	Special Features	Free Trial	Link
WinZip	ZIP, GZIP, TAR, RAR, CAB, and more	Windows Explorer, cloud services (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox)	Cloud integration, large file support	30 Days	Learn More
WinRAR	ZIP, RAR, and more	Windows OS and Windows Server	Archive splitting, recovery features	40 Days	Learn More
Ashampoo ZIP Free	7-ZIP, LHA, TAR, CAB, and more	Windows Explorer	Unlimited archive size, repair broken ZIP files	Free	Learn More
7-Zip	7z, GZIP, XZ, BZIP2, and more	Windows Shell Integration	Open source, high compression ratio	Free	Learn More
Bandizip	ZIP, RAR, 7Z, RAR5, and more	Windows OS	Multi-core compression, over 30 format support	Free	Learn More

#1) WinZip

WinZip is a reliable zip tool program that compresses and decompresses files effortlessly. I particularly appreciate how WinZip allows you to zip large files, making it easy to send them as email attachments. Its user-friendly interface and efficient performance make it a top choice for managing file sizes, ensuring smooth and hassle-free file transfers.

Feature:

• File Compression: You can zip or unzip all major file formats, including zip, gzip, tar, rar, and cab, offering the most flexibility for efficient file management tasks.
• File Security: I can protect my files with high encryption and password protection, ensuring my sensitive data remains secure and accessible only to me.
• Cloud Integration: It allows you to connect to Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and more, enabling seamless access and management of your files across various platforms effectively.
• User-Friendly Interface: It offers an intuitive interface, making file compression and extraction the easiest way to manage your files efficiently and without any hassle.
• File Sharing: You can effortlessly share compressed files via email or cloud services, providing a great way to distribute large files seamlessly and securely.
• Automation: I can automate repetitive compression tasks, saving me time and enhancing my productivity efficiently with minimal manual intervention.

Pricing:

• Price: 30 Days Free Trial

Visit WinZip >>

30-Day Money-back Guarantee

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#2) WinRAR

WinRAR is a zip software that allows you to create ZIP and RAR archives. This software offers me the ability to add text comments to archives. The tool is available in more than 50 languages and supports various file types. It automatically picks the best compression method, ensuring efficient and reliable file management.

Feature:

• File Compression Speed: You can compress files quickly and easily, providing the most efficient way to manage your data with minimal effort and maximum productivity.
• Archive Splitting: I can split the archive file into separate volumes, allowing for better organization and easier management of large data sets efficiently.
• Advanced Encryption: It uses 256-bit password encryption, ensuring your files remain secure and protected from unauthorized access at all times.
• Specialized Compression: It employs a compression algorithm that effectively compresses multimedia and executable files, enhancing storage efficiency and overall performance seamlessly.
• Cost and Space Savings: WinRAR helps you save disk space and reduce transmission costs, making it a great solution for efficient data management practices.
• Integrated Management Functions: The software offers numerous integrated functions to manage your compressed archives, providing a comprehensive solution for file organization and retrieval.

Pricing:

• Price: 40 Days Free Trial

Visit WinRAR >>

Download for Free

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#3) Ashampoo Zip Free

Ashampoo ZIP Free is an easy to use ZIP compression tool. During my research, I found that this software can create and extract files in 7-ZIP, LHA, TAR, CAB, and other formats. It includes a preview feature to easily view files. Its user-friendly interface and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for managing compressed files efficiently.

Feature:

• User-Friendly Interface: It provides a user-friendly graphical interface that makes file compression and management one of the easiest ways to work efficiently.
• Windows Explorer Integration: I can integrate the tool with Windows Explorer, allowing me to compress, extract, and manage files directly from the Windows interface seamlessly.
• Unlimited Archive Size: It allows you to create archives of unlimited size, providing a great solution for managing large data sets effectively.
• File Repair: You can repair broken zip files effortlessly, offering one of the best ways to recover corrupted or incomplete compressed files quickly.
• SFX Archive Creation: The tool helps you to create SFX (Special Effects) archives, making it perfect for creating executable compressed files conveniently.
• System Integration: You can integrate the software with the Windows operating system and Windows Server, providing essential compatibility for seamless file management.
• RAR Format Support: It offers robust support for the RAR format, allowing you to compress and extract files using one of the most effective compression methods.

Pricing:

• Price: Lifetime Free Basic Plan

Visit Ashampoo ZIP

Download for Free

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#4) 7-zip

7-zip is a popular open-source file compression tool. This software offers me AES-256 encryption for security. It has a self-extracting feature for 7z files. The app is great for business and commercial sectors. 7-zip supports formats like 7z, GZIP, XZ, and BZIP2. It is a superior choice for compression needs.

Feature:

• Windows Shell Integration: It allows you to integrate with the Windows shell, making file compression and extraction one of the easiest tasks for efficient workflows.
• File Management: I can use its file manager to organize my files effectively, providing a great way to streamline my data management process.
• Command Line Support: This program can be operated from the command line, providing the most effective solution for advanced users requiring automation and scripting.
• FAR Manager Plugin: It offers a plugin for FAR Manager, allowing seamless archive and file management, which is a great option for power users.
• Localization: The tool can be localized for more than 87 languages, making it perfect for global use and helping diverse user bases.
• Advanced Compression Algorithms: It uses LZMA and LZMA2 algorithms for compression, providing one of the best ways to achieve high compression ratios efficiently.

Pricing:

• Price: Free Download

Link: https://www.7-zip.org/

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#5) Bandizip

Bandizip is a free archiver for MS Windows. I particularly appreciate it supports formats like ZIP, RAR, 7Z, and RAR5. This zip software lets users extract multiple files. The software helps you easily open the extracted folder. It is an excellent choice for file compression and efficient archive management.

Feature:

• Windows Compatibility: This application supports the Windows operating system, making it a great option for users needing seamless integration with their Windows-based devices.
• Free Software: I can use this tool without any cost, providing a perfect solution for those aiming to compress and extract files affordably.
• Multi-Format Extraction: It allows you to extract files in more than 30 formats, which is one of the easiest ways to handle diverse file types.
• Advanced Compression Options: You can compress archives with multi-volume and password protection, helping you manage large and sensitive files effectively.
• High-Speed Compression: It enables fast compression using multi-core processors, providing one of the best ways to save time and enhance productivity.
• Large File Support: Bandizip supports compression of files larger than 4 GB, making it helpful to work with extensive datasets and media collections.
• AES256 Encryption Security: This tool offers AES256 encryption, ensuring top-level security for your archives, which is required for safeguarding confidential data.

Pricing:

• Price: Free Download

Link: https://en.bandisoft.com/bandizip/

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#6) Express Zip

Express Zip is an easy to use and comprehensive file archive and compression tool. This tool allows you to unzip archives and create zip-compatible folders and files. It supports formats like RAR, 7Z, TAR, CAB, and more. It is one of the best free archivers available. I found it exceptionally reliable for my file management needs.

Feature:

• ZIP File Creation: This feature allows the creation of compatible ZIP files, providing an excellent solution for sharing compressed data seamlessly across different devices and platforms.
• Archive Extraction: Archives can be unzipped effortlessly, offering one of the easiest ways to access and organize compressed data stored in multiple formats effectively.
• Enhanced Compression Ratio: This tool enhances the compression ratio, helping reduce file sizes significantly and save disk space for seamless data storage and transfer.
• Quick Email Sharing: This tool allows me to email ZIP files effortlessly with just two clicks, providing a great way to share my files efficiently.
• ISO and RAR Support: The tool supports opening and extracting ISO and RAR files, ensuring essential compatibility with widely used and popular archive formats.
• Password Protection and Encryption: The tool enables users to secure their ZIP files with strong passwords and advanced encryption algorithms, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected during storage and transfer.
• Batch Processing Capability: Users can compress or extract multiple files or folders simultaneously, making the process faster and more efficient for managing large quantities of data.

Pricing:

• Price: Free Download

Link: https://www.nchsoftware.com/zip/index.html

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#7) NX Power Lite Desktop

NX Power Lite Desktop is a simple app that helps users compress their data easily and quickly. This program offers me the ability to compress data without needing advanced computer skills. The software is designed for people who like to attach large email files. It is a superior choice for managing large files.

Feature:

• Windows Explorer Integration: It allows you to compress files directly from Windows Explorer using the right mouse click menu, providing a great way to simplify file management.
• Batch Compression: You can compress up to 10,000 folders and files simultaneously, offering one of the most effective solutions for handling large datasets.
• Single ZIP File Creation: Files can be collected into a single ZIP file, making it perfect for organizing and sharing multiple items conveniently.
• Email Attachment Compression: I can rely on NX Power Lite Desktop to automatically compress my email attachments, helping me avoid large file size issues.
• Custom Compression Settings: This tool provides custom compression settings, allowing you to adjust file size and quality according to your specific preferences and requirements.
• Seamless Integration with Cloud Services: It enables direct compression and sharing of files with cloud services, making it a great option for managing remote data efficiently.

Pricing:

• Price: 14 Days Free Trial

Link: https://www.neuxpower.com/nxpowerlite-desktop

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#8) PowerArchiver

PowerArchiver is a simple app designed for Microsoft Windows. During my research, this tool supports creating 7z, Tar, zip, and various disk image formats. You can also use this software to encrypt and decrypt any file or folder. It is the most effective solution for managing your compressed files.

Feature:

• Secure FTP Integration: It uses a secure FTP client with FIPS 140-2 validation, providing one of the best ways to transfer files securely.
• MS Office File Compression: This tool automatically compresses and encrypts files in MS Office XP to 2016, offering a great solution for managing sensitive documents.
• MSI Installation Support: It is simple to install and manage using MSI installations and password policies, helping you avoid complex setup and configuration issues.
• Command-Line Functionality: PowerArchiver provides a command-line version, allowing advanced users to automate and customize tasks for seamless and efficient file management workflows.
• Built-In Preview Window: It has a built-in preview window that lets you view text, images, and multimedia files without extracting them, which is typically required for quick checks.
• Windows Compatibility: I can use this tool seamlessly on Windows operating systems, which makes it perfect for my file management needs on this platform.

Pricing:

• Price: Lifetime Free Basic Plan

Link: https://www.powerarchiver.com/

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#9) PeaZip

PeaZip is a file compression software that supports over 150 file formats. This tool offers security features like an encrypted password manager and two-factor auth. I recommend it as one of the best free archivars available. It is extremely reliable for safeguarding my important files and ensuring easy access when needed.

Feature:

• User-Friendly Design: It is a user-friendly tool free from harmful software, offering a great way to ensure safe and reliable file compression and management.
• Duplicate File Search: This app searches for duplicate files automatically, providing one of the best ways to identify and remove redundant data effectively and efficiently.
• Archive Splitting: The software supports splitting archives into multiple files, which is typically required to manage and share large datasets more effectively.
• Scheduled Archiving: This tool allows scheduling archiving sessions to control and organize which files need archiving at specific times, ensuring efficient data management.
• Resource-Friendly Compression: This tool compresses files using limited resources, which helps me manage my files effectively even on devices with minimal storage capacity.
• Cloud Integration: The tool integrates seamlessly with popular cloud storage services, enabling users to compress and upload files directly to the cloud for easy access and backup.
• File Preview Before Extraction: This feature allows users to preview the contents of an archive without extracting it, ensuring they extract only the necessary files and save time and storage.

Pricing:

• Price: Free Download

Link: https://peazip.github.io/

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#10) ZipGenius

ZipGenius is a file archiver designed for Microsoft Windows. This easy-to-use application supports over 20 compressed file types. You can use this software to create, edit, and share zip folders and files with ease. It is a superior choice among file archivers. I find it highly reliable for my needs.

Feature:

• ISO Image Browsing: This feature allows you to browse DVD and CD ISO images effortlessly, making it a perfect solution for managing disk files conveniently.
• Batch Task Execution: Batch tasks can be performed using the command-line module, which enables me to streamline repetitive file management processes quickly and efficiently.
• CZIP Encryption System: It utilizes the CZIP encryption system to protect data, offering one of the most effective ways to secure sensitive and critical files.
• Advanced Encryption Algorithm: ZipGenius incorporates advanced encryption algorithms, helping ensure your files are safeguarded against unauthorized access with the latest security standards.
• Windows Compatibility: This tool works seamlessly with the Windows operating system, providing a great option for reliable file compression and smooth management workflows.
• Customizable Compression Settings: You can customize compression settings to balance file size and quality, offering a great way to optimize your data storage needs.

Pricing:

• Price: Lifetime Free Basic Plan

Link: https://zipgenius.it/

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#11) B1 Free Archiver

B1 Free Archiver is a free file archiver manager software. It fully supports native B1 and zip formats. It can decompress over 20 popular archive formats. It is a superior choice for managing your compressed files. I rely on it to efficiently organize and protect my important documents.

Feature:

• Multi-Format Support: This software supports formats like b1, zip, xpi, 7z, and jar, allowing you to manage diverse data types effectively.
• AES 256-Bit Encryption: It uses 256-bit AES standards to protect privacy, offering one of the best ways to secure sensitive and confidential files.
• Fast File Compression: I can compress my files quickly using this software, providing an efficient solution to save time while managing large datasets.
• Source Editing and Sharing: The software enables you to edit and share source files, offering a great way to collaborate and manage your projects seamlessly.
• Custom Compression Settings: This software allows you to customize compression settings, helping you balance file size and quality according to specific project requirements.
• Cloud Integration: It integrates seamlessly with cloud platforms, enabling direct compression, storage, and sharing of files, which is a great way to manage remote data efficiently.

Pricing:

• Price: Free Download

Link: https://b1.org/

How to use File Compression Software?

Here is how you can use file compression software:

• Step 1) Download and install any of the above-listed file compression software
• Step 2) Locate the file or folder you want to compress on your computer
• Step 3) Right-click on the file or folder and select Add to zip file or Send to>Compressed (zipped) folder option
• Step 4) Select the file name, file format, compression method, size, etc., options
• Step 5) Click OK button to start compression
• Step 6) You will get your file compressed within the directory with reduced size and your desired file format

How Did We Choose Best ZIP File Program?

At Guru99, we are committed to delivering credible, accurate, and objective information. Our thorough content creation and review processes ensure reliable resources to answer your questions. Check out below important factors. Choosing the best ZIP file program requires evaluating user-friendliness, compatibility, and efficiency. This may help you find a solution that effectively meets your needs.

• Compatibility: Make sure you select a program that works well with your operating system and devices.
• Ease of Use: Consider tools that offer an intuitive interface and helpful options for beginners.
• Compression Quality: Pay attention to how well the program reduces file sizes without compromising quality.
• Security Features: It is a good idea to prioritize programs with encryption and password protection for safety.
• Speed: One of the best options would be a program that performs compression and extraction tasks quickly.
• File Format Support: Aim to pick a tool that supports a wide range of file types for flexibility.
• Customer Support: Consider programs that offer helpful resources and responsive support teams.

Verdict:

In this review, you got acquainted with some of the most popular file compression programs. All of them have their own strengths, and I recommend considering the following points to find your ideal match.

• WinZip: This program is a top-notch choice with its robust and comprehensive features, offering excellent compression speeds and secure file sharing.
• WinRAR: A phenomenal and reliable tool, ideal for both ZIP and RAR formats, with cost-effective licensing options and a customizable interface.
• Ashampoo Zip Free: A user-friendly and remarkable program, perfect for those seeking a cost-effective yet powerful solution for basic compression and decompression tasks.