18.6
Android, iOS, macOS and web access cover Keka’s HR and payroll platform.
Free planOpen sourceAndroidiOSWeb
Best File Compression Software in 2026
Keka leads this chart of 36 (8.6/10, free plan). PowerArchiver is next (6.8/10, free plan), and B1 Archiver is the next highest-placed with a free plan (6.7/10). File compression software creates or opens archives, and the right choice depends on the formats you need and the platforms you use. On Android, check whether a tool supports the platform before choosing it; support can differ by product. Compare archive encryption, split archives, repair options, command-line tools, and portable versions, along with free-plan and paid-price details.
26.8
PowerArchiver is an archive utility for creating, compressing, extracting, and managing more than 60 formats, including ZIP, 7Z, RAR, TAR, ISO, and CAB.
Free planmacOSWindows
36.7
Android, Linux, macOS and Windows apps create or extract many archive formats.
Free planAndroidWebLinux
- 4
WinRAR
Archive tool for RAR, ZIP, and other formats, with automatic compression-method selection.
AndroidLinuxmacOSWindows6.7$6 one-time - 5
Bandizip
Bandizip compresses and extracts archives, including multi-volume ZIP, 7Z and ISO files.
Free planmacOSWindows6.6$20 one-time - 6
Zstandard
Zstandard is a fast lossless algorithm with a C library and CLI for real-time compression.
Free planAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted6.6Free plan - 7
NanaZip
NanaZip is an open-source Windows archiver with modern menus and extra codecs.
Free planWindows6.5Free plan - 8
ALZip
ALZip is a file compression and extraction program from ESTsoft, with a free personal plan for qualifying domestic individual users using it noncommercially.
Free planAndroidLinuxWindows6.4Free plan - 9
PowerISO
PowerISO handles disc burning, image files, archives, virtual drives, and bootable USB media.
LinuxmacOSWindows6.3$39.95 one-time - 10
6.3Free plan - 11
7-Zip
7-Zip archives many formats, offers high compression, and supports AES-256 encryption.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.2Free plan - 12
FileOptimizer
FileOptimizer batch-processes lossless optimization for many image formats with metadata controls.
Free planWindows6.2Free plan - 13
PeaZip
PeaZip opens over 200 formats and can convert, split, join, and browse archives.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.2Free plan - 14
Ark
Ark is a graphical utility for creating, browsing, extracting, and modifying archives.
Free planLinuxWindows6.0Free plan - 15
BetterZip
Mac archive editor that opens over 30 formats and creates, extracts, and modifies archives.
ExtensionmacOS6.0$35 one-time - 16
bzip2
bzip2 is a free data compressor for creating and reading compressed files.
Free planLinuxWindows6.0Free plan - 17
lrzip
lrzip targets large files, using long-range reduction before selectable compression backends.
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted6.0Free plan - 18
The Unarchiver
The Unarchiver opens ZIP, RAR, 7z and many older archives on supported desktops.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.0Free plan - 19
ZArchiver
ZArchiver is a free Android app for managing archives, including application backups stored in archives.
Free planAndroid6.0Free plan - 20
8 Zip
8 Zip creates and opens many archive types on Windows, with AES-256 encryption.
Free planWindows5.9Free plan - 21
p7zip
p7zip is a Unix-like 7-Zip port with many codecs and a command-line-only build.
Free planLinuxmacOS5.9Free plan - 22
RAR for Android
RAR for Android creates RAR or ZIP files and extracts many password-protected formats.
Free planAndroid5.9Free plan - 23
Universal Extractor 2
Universal Extractor 2 extracts over 500 file types and supports batch and scan-only modes.
Free planWindows5.8Free plan - 24
Zipware
Free Windows archive tool that extracts many formats and creates ZIP, 7-ZIP, and EXE archives.
Free planWindows5.8Free plan - 25
Engrampa
Linux archive manager for creating, modifying, browsing, and extracting archives.
Free planLinux5.7Free plan
Choosing well
Which platforms does it need to run on?
Choose a tool that lists support for the device or operating system you plan to use.
Android support varies by product. Check the supported-platform details rather than assuming that desktop software has a phone app.
Which archive formats do I need?
Check the archive formats before choosing a tool, especially if you need to open files made elsewhere.
The comparison includes archive formats, so match the listed support to the files you expect to create or open.
Does it support archive encryption?
If you need to protect an archive, compare the encryption support listed for the tool.
Do not assume encryption is available or that tools handle it in the same way; check the product details.
Do I need split archives or repair tools?
Look for split archives if you need archives divided into parts, and archive repair if you need to address damaged archives.
These are separate comparison points, so confirm the specific feature you need before choosing.
Can I use it for free, and what does paid access cost?
Compare the free-plan and paid-price details to see whether a tool fits your budget.
A free trial and a free plan are different options. Check the pricing details for the product you are considering.
Questions people ask
Which file compression software works on Android?
Android is a supported platform for some tools in this category. Check the supported-platform details for the product you want.
What should I compare when choosing archive software?
Compare supported archive formats, encryption, split archives, command-line tools, portable versions, archive repair, platforms, and pricing.
Is there free file compression software?
Free plans are listed for many products in this category. Check the individual pricing details, since free plans and paid options vary.
Do file compression tools support encrypted archives?
Encryption support is a comparison point, but it varies by product. Check the tool's archive-encryption details.
What is the difference between a free plan and a free trial?
A free plan is an ongoing plan, while a free trial offers paid access for a limited period. Check each product's pricing details.