7-Zip
6.1#12 in file compression softwareFree planFree planLinuxmacOSWindows
Visit7-Zip vs WinRAR
What both publish
| Fact | 7-Zip | WinRAR |
|---|---|---|
| Archive formats | 7-Zip can pack and unpack 7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, ZIP, and WIM files, and can unpack additional formats including RAR, ISO, and VHDX. | WinRAR supports RAR, ZIP, CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZip, UUE, ISO, BZIP2, Z and 7-Zip formats. |
| Compression | The 7z format uses LZMA and LZMA2 compression. | It automatically selects a compression method for multimedia files, executables and object libraries. |
| Encryption | 7-Zip supports AES-256 encryption in 7z and ZIP formats. | WinRAR uses AES 256-bit encryption, and RAR 5.0 uses PBKDF2 with HMAC-SHA256 for password-based key derivation. |
| Purpose | 7-Zip is a file archiver with a high compression ratio. | WinRAR is a compression tool with functions for organizing compressed archives. |
| Support | The support page directs common questions to the 7-Zip forum and bug reports to its bug tracker on SourceForge. | The support page offers FAQs, a lost-key form and individual sales support in English or German. |
| Windows features | The Windows version includes Windows Shell integration, a file manager, a command-line version, and a FAR Manager plugin. | Windows WinRAR includes a password manager, backup options, drag-and-drop, Unicode file names and self-extracting archive creation. |
7-Zip plans
- 7-ZipFree
WinRAR plans
- WinRAR multi-user license (500–999 users)$6, paid once
- WinRAR multi-user license (200–499 users)$7, paid once
- WinRAR multi-user license (100–199 users)$8, paid once
- WinRAR multi-user license (50–99 users)$10, paid once
- WinRAR multi-user license (25–49 users)$13, paid once
- WinRAR multi-user license (10–24 users)$16, paid once
Pick 7-Zip if…
7-Zip suits people who need one free archiver across Windows, Linux, and macOS. It also fits users who need encryption, command-line operation, portable use, archive repair, or developer resources for LZMA compression.
Pick WinRAR if…
You want what its maker publishes above — check its page for the details.