B1 Archiver

Overview

B1 Archiver is a free utility for creating and extracting compressed archives. Its desktop application supports Windows, Linux and macOS, with versions also available for Android and the web. The desktop software creates B1 and ZIP archives, while its extraction support covers more than 40 formats, including B1, ZIP, RAR, RAR5 and 7z. The online archiver is focused on unpacking files and handles B1, ZIP, RAR, 7z and other archive types.

The B1 format is described as open source and available for personal and commercial use. The software checks archive integrity with Adler-32 before unpacking, and B1-format archives can use password protection with 256-bit AES encryption. Those details make B1 relevant to people who need a no-cost way to handle archives across different devices, while its format-creation options remain limited to B1 and ZIP.

Browse more options in File Compression Software.

Key features

Create, extract and split archives

The desktop application can create B1 and ZIP archives, and extract more than 40 archive formats. This broad extraction support is distinct from its narrower creation capability. Split archives are also supported. The browser-based archiver offers extraction without requiring the desktop application.

Password protection and integrity checks

B1-format archives support password protection using 256-bit AES encryption. Before unpacking, B1 checks an archive with the Adler-32 algorithm to verify its integrity. The encryption information applies specifically to the B1 format; the available facts do not establish the same protection for every supported archive type.

Android file management

The Android version combines archive handling with file-management functions. This makes it the mobile option for people who want to manage files as well as extract or create supported archives.

Online extraction and file handling

The online archiver extracts files from B1, ZIP, RAR, 7z and other archives. B1 says uploaded files are completely deleted a few minutes after the page is closed. Its privacy policy says the company does not knowingly collect identifying personal data, though it may collect non-personally identifiable server information such as IP address and browser type.

The privacy policy also says Epom Ltd. may collect app and device usage information in B1 mobile apps, including location and network performance, for anonymous advertising-related use. Users who are weighing the mobile app against the browser option should take that disclosure into account.

Pricing

B1 Free Archiver: free. The plan is 100% free for personal and commercial use and requires no registration. B1 offers no free trial, because the listed plan is free.

Platforms

B1 Archiver is listed for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and the web. The desktop application handles archive creation and extraction; the web version is described as an online extractor, and the Android app also functions as a file manager.

Who it's for

B1 suits people who want free archive extraction across desktop, mobile and browser platforms, especially when they need support for a wide range of formats. It can also serve users who only need to create B1 or ZIP archives, or who want password-protected B1 files. Those who need to create archives in other formats may need a different tool, since B1's listed creation formats are limited to B1 and ZIP.

The open-source B1 format is available for personal and commercial use. Support is available by email at [email protected], in English only.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free for personal and commercial use, with no registration; extracts more than 40 formats; available on Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and the web; supports split archives; B1 archives can use 256-bit AES password protection.
• Cons: Archive creation is limited to B1 and ZIP; the online archiver is described as an extraction tool rather than a creation tool; mobile app data may be collected for anonymous advertising-related use; support is English-only.

Alternatives

Other directory entries to consider include 7-Zip, PeaZip, PowerArchiver, Bandizip, IZArc, NanaZip and lzip. Accessibility Test Framework for Android is also listed, though its name indicates an accessibility-testing focus rather than archive management.

Verdict

B1 Archiver's strongest fit is straightforward extraction across many formats, backed by a free plan and availability on five platform types. It also offers B1 and ZIP creation, split-archive support, integrity checking and encrypted B1 archives. The main limitation is the gap between its broad extraction support and its two-format creation support. Users should also consider the stated mobile-app data collection when choosing between Android and the browser-based extractor.