p7zip
p7zip is a Unix-like-systems port of 7-Zip, and the project says this fork adds codecs and improvements.
What p7zip is
p7zip is a Unix-like-systems port of 7-Zip, and the project says this fork adds codecs and improvements. The current build supports command-line use only, and the listed platforms include Linux and macOS. Supported archive formats include 7z, ZIP, TAR, gzip, bzip2, xz, RAR, and ISO. It can create .7z files using methods such as Zstandard, LZ4, Fast LZMA2, Brotli, LZ5, Lizard, and Lzham. Listed encryption methods include 7zAES and AES256CBC, while hashers include CRC32, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512, BLAKE2sp, and BLAKE3. The README provides makefile instructions for building the 7zz, 7za, 7zr, and 7z.so binaries from source. Multithreading for additional codecs depends on a separate Multithreading Library. The project uses the GNU LGPL license and points to a separate utility project for checking the 7zz program. The p7zip-zstd plan is free at no cost and is CLI only, with building from source.
Good
- Free under the GNU LGPL license.
- Supports 7z, ZIP, TAR, and other archive formats.
- Lists multiple encryption methods and hashers.
- Provides instructions for building binaries from source.
Watch out
- Current build supports command-line use only.
- Building from source is part of the listed plan details.
- Additional-codec multithreading depends on a separate library.
Who it suits
It suits users of Unix-like systems who are comfortable with command-line tools and building software from source. It may also fit users who need the listed archive formats or compression methods.
Verdict
p7zip offers broad archive and codec support in a free command-line package. Its CLI-only build and source-based setup make it a better fit for users comfortable working in a terminal.
Plans and prices
From p7zip's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| p7zip-zstd | Free | CLI only · build from source |
The facts
Each one read from p7zip's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Archive formats
- The listed supported formats include 7z, ZIP, TAR, gzip, bzip2, xz, RAR, and ISO.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Build
- The README gives makefile instructions for building the 7zz, 7za, 7zr, and 7z.so binaries from source.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Command line
- The README says the current build supports CLI only and suggests contacting the project about a GUI.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Compression
- It can create .7z files using Zstandard, LZ4, Fast LZMA2, Brotli, LZ5, Lizard, and Lzham methods.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- The listed codecs include 7zAES and AES256CBC.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Hashes
- The listed hashers include CRC32, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-512, BLAKE2sp, and BLAKE3.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The README describes command-line use and building a 7z.so module, but names no third-party integrations.checked 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The README says the project uses the GNU LGPL license.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Multithreading
- The project says multithreading for additional codecs depends on a separate Multithreading Library.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- The project describes p7zip as a Unix-like-systems port of 7-Zip and says this fork adds codecs and improvements.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- The GitHub repository links a security policy, but the opened security page did not expose policy text.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Testing
- The README points users to a separate p7zip_test_utils project to check the 7zz program.checked 8 Oct 2026
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