Free Winzip Software
When deciding which free WinZip alternative to download and use, first consider what your actual needs are, as sometimes free platforms may only provide basic options, so if you need to use advanced tools you may find a paid platform is much more worthwhile. Additionally, free and budget software options can sometimes prove limited when it comes to the variety of tools available, while higher-end software can really cater for every need, so do ensure you have a good idea of which compression and zip features you think you may require.
Free Winzip Software
To test for the best free WinZip alternative we first set up an account with the relevant software platform, whether as a download or as an online service. We then tested the service to see how the software could be used for different purposes and in different situations. The aim was to push each WinZip alternative to see how useful its basic tools were and also how easy it was to get to grips with any more advanced tools.
WinZip (opens in new tab) is the best-known software for creating and opening compressed file archives, but it's not the only option and there are many superb free alternatives worth investigating before you open your wallet.
Therefore a lot of users will want an alternative to the Windows utility and it's good to know what options are available other than WinZip. Here then are the best free WinZip alternatives we could find.
Many free Winzip alternatives hide their best features behind a complex system of menus. Ashampoo Zip Free is a rare exception, with a clear interface and an optional touch mode with larger, tap-friendly icons.
Many of the options shown on the main splash screen are links to paid applications like dedicated encryption and decryption tools, but don't let this put you off; all the essentials that you'll find in other free file compression software are present and correct, including archive creation, extraction, repair, and multi-volume ZIP writing.
Zipware looks as good as any premium file compression software, and is wonderfully simple to use. Simply choose 'New' or 'Open', choose your source file or archive, tweak a few optional settings and you're done.
Hamstersoft's Zip Archiver is another free alternative to WinZip that's as well designed as many paid-for applications. Navigation is straightforward, with intuitive touches like a simple slider for adjusting the level of compression and the ability to upload archives to cloud services.
There is one other drawback to watch out for: Hamster Zip Archiver's main installer is in English, but if you choose to update the software manually you may find yourself presented with a few options in the developer's native Russian. Take care not to accidentally agree to install any additional extra software or browser plugins that you don't want.
Daryl had been freelancing for 3 years before joining TechRadar, now reporting on everything software-related. In his spare time he's written a book, 'The Making of Tomb Raider', alongside podcasting and usually found playing games old and new on his PC and MacBook Pro. If you have a story about an updated app, one that's about to launch, or just anything Software-related, drop him a line."}; var triggerHydrate = function() window.sliceComponents.authorBio.hydrate(data, componentContainer); var triggerScriptLoadThenHydrate = function() var script = document.createElement('script'); script.src = ' -8-2/authorBio.js'; script.async = true; script.id = 'vanilla-slice-authorBio-component-script'; script.onload = () => window.sliceComponents.authorBio = authorBio; triggerHydrate(); ; document.head.append(script); if (window.lazyObserveElement) window.lazyObserveElement(componentContainer, triggerScriptLoadThenHydrate); else triggerHydrate(); } }).catch(err => console.log('Hydration Script has failed for authorBio Slice', err)); }).catch(err => console.log('Externals script failed to load', err));Daryl BaxterSocial Links NavigationSoftware & Downloads WriterDaryl had been freelancing for 3 years before joining TechRadar, now reporting on everything software-related. In his spare time he's written a book, 'The Making of Tomb Raider', alongside podcasting and usually found playing games old and new on his PC and MacBook Pro. If you have a story about an updated app, one that's about to launch, or just anything Software-related, drop him a line.
\r\nWinZip 25 takes cloud computing to new levels, with a wide range of new features. Efficiently organize your photos and automatically save files you're working on in the cloud. \r\n\r\nThere's new integrations with OneDrive and Google Drive, so you can easily access shared folders right from your desktop. All-new WinZip 25 also comes with support for Microsoft Teams. \r\n\r\nIt's easy to share Zip files with your team members and colleagues using WinZip's Instant Messaging function, enabling you to work together effectively, wherever you are. With all these new features and more, all-new WinZip 25 will supercharge your computing experience. Browse, open, manage, share, sign, and protect files on your PC using the best compression software in the business - WinZip 25 Pro.","thumbnailUrl":" -201d-4a34-8b28-7090e9e11563/imgingest-814124631528743720.png?auto=webp&fit=crop&height=675&width=1200"},"name":"WinZip","applicationCategory":"Utilities & Operating Systems","applicationSubCategory":"File Compression","image":null,"description":"The world's #1 zip utility just got even better. With the all-new WinZip 25, we've put in the hard work so you can manage your files faster than ever before. You'll enjoy WinZip's best-in-class compression, as well as WinZip's renowned AES encryption, file sharing, and back up technologies. \r\n\r\nIn WinZip 25, it's easier to access your favorite tools than ever before, with access to popular unzipping tools from the WinZip Ribbon. New background tools help you keep your folders clean and organized, and it's easy to automate routine background tasks to run simultaneously.
WinZip 25 takes cloud computing to new levels, with a wide range of new features. Efficiently organize your photos and automatically save files you're working on in the cloud. There's new integrations with OneDrive and Google Drive, so you can easily access shared folders right from your desktop. All-new WinZip 25 also comes with support for Microsoft Teams. It's easy to share Zip files with your team members and colleagues using WinZip's Instant Messaging function, enabling you to work together effectively, wherever you are. With all these new features and more, all-new WinZip 25 will supercharge your computing experience. Browse, open, manage, share, sign, and protect files on your PC using the best compression software in the business - WinZip 25 Pro.
7-Zip is free software with open source. The most of the code is under the GNU LGPL license.Some parts of the code are under the BSD 3-clause License. Also there is unRAR license restriction for some parts of the code.Read 7-Zip License information.
Zip is an archive format that offers data compression without data loss. A zip file contains compressed files, folders, images, video and other types of compressed data "}},"@type":"Question","name":"\ud83d\udcc1 Which are the Best Free ZIP Software?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"Following are some of the best free ZIP software:
The default zip program of Windows 10 is the \"Compressed zipped folder\". ","@type":"Question","name":"\ud83c\udfc5 How to change the default zip program in Windows?","acceptedAnswer":"@type":"Answer","text":"Right-click on any zip fileSelect Open WithChoose the app with which you want to open the Zip. 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