File compression can be useful if you are running out of disk space or want to share files on emails or messaging websites. Suppose you need to email a folder containing 50 separate files to a colleague via email. Instead of attaching them one by one, you can create an archived folder & attach it in one go (provided it doesn’t exceed the file size limit). Plenty of Best File Compression Software is available if you want to compress files effectively.
However, every software supports diverse file archive formats & offers various features. Selecting the best out of them can be a time-consuming task.
Best File Compression Software
1. WinZip
One of the most renowned names in the world of compression software, WinZip is still going strong after almost 30 years, & is still one of the Best File Compression Software in the market.
Yet, you may wonder why to spend money on compression software when so many free choices are available. In the end, it depends on your priorities, but you get a lot of extras in exchange for your money.
Additionally, with support for a wide variety of archive formats (including ZIP, ZIPX, RAR (extraction only), 7z, TAR, GZIP, & VHD), WinZip offers incorporation with many other programs, including Office, for easy zipping your files.
Other extra features include splitting bigger zip files to fit different-sized media, advanced file-sharing options, cloud support & an advanced zip management system that can compete against Windows Explorer. The interface is suitable for mouse & keyboard setups or touchscreen devices, & there are backup & security options offered to protect your files.
2. 7-Zip
7-Zip is a popular open-source file compression & Best ZIP File Software that offers a high compression ratio. If your priority is compressing files & maintaining the file size to a minimum, 7-Zip should be your perfect option. 7-Zip is free software due to its open-source nature.
With a robust AES-256 encryption method & useful features such as an integrated file manager, incorporation with Windows Shell, self-extracting abilities for 7z format & a unique plugin for FAR manager, 7-Zip is widely popular among home users in businesses & commercial sector.
7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, ZIP, AR, ARJ, CAB, CHM, CPIO, CramFS, DMG, EXT, FAT, GPT, HFS, IHEX, ISO, LZH, LZMA, MBR, MSI are just some of the many file formats 7Zip supports.
3. WinRAR
As famous as WinZip in specific circles, WinRAR is famous for its proprietary RAR format, which offers excellent compression levels. Most compression programs can read & extract RAR archives, but only WinRAR can officially create those archives. This uniqueness comes at a price that is almost equivalent to WinZip.
WinRAR can be used to compress files & create archived folders into many other compressed formats, & the program benefits from the fact that it is available on almost every platform.
The interface could be more eye-candy (though there are many themes to install), and even if you choose to use the Explorer context menu to make or extract archives, beginners may feel overwhelmed by the number of options & settings on the screen. However, there is a wizard mode that takes care of the hard work out of most tasks.
4. Zipware
Zipware is yet another excellent file compression software for Windows OS. It supports nearly all major archive formats & can easily handle small and bigger archive files. With this software, you can create password-protected archive folders, perform archiving functions directly from Windows Explorer & can convert famous archive formats to 7z & Zip.
The software also allows you to split archives into different volumes per your size requirement. Moreover, Zipware also offers a password manager to store & manage your valuable passwords.
5. PeaZip
PeaZip is the compression software you can try if you handle ZIP files regularly. This free file compression software easily handles tasks of compression & archiving.
PeaZip supports over 150 different formats and offers additional features such as an encrypted password manager, two-factor authentication, searching for duplicate files, splitting archives into multiple predetermined-sized files & schedule archiving.
PeaZip offers many advanced features that you may need to compress different types of files with limited resources.
6. Zip Archiver
Zip Archiver may not primarily come to mind when you think of file compression software. Still, this software has a remarkable following due to its thoughtfully designed interface, excellent format support, & being a free option.
What makes this software unique is it is incredibly user-friendly. Even some novices with no idea of file compression & decompression should find it easy to get the desired results.
Creating & extracting archives to one of a variety of formats is trimmed down to a simple drag & drop procedure, & there’s cloud support as a useful bonus. This means that you can, in one quick & easy process, create an archived file, upload it to cloud storage like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive, & have a shareable link created.
7. Hamster Zip Archiver
If you want file compression software that is user-friendly & also capable of performing advanced compression operations, then Hamster Zip Archiver can be your perfect choice. This free compression software supports all popular formats & its drag-&-drop interface makes it easy even for a beginner to compress & extract an archived file.
Moreover, the incorporation of cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, & Yandex Disk makes it quite famous among those who share compressed files frequently. The only downside is this software is only available for the Windows OS.
8. Express Zip File Compression
This software by NCH Software Company is an intuitive & effective software for file compression. Their free version is meant for home & basic users to perform daily file compression-related works like zipping, unzipping files, compressing files to share via email, and opening files compressed with archive formats like RAR, TAR, 7Z, & CAB.
Additionally, you can use this software to compress & decrease the size of files that you wish to share with your family & friends.
Which Of These File Compression Software Is Best For You?
When deciding which Best File Compression Software to download & use, first think about your actual needs. Sometimes free choices only offer essential functions, so if you need to use advanced features, you may find paid software much more valuable.
Moreover, free & budget software alternatives can sometimes be limited regarding the variety of available tools & supported formats. In contrast, higher-end software can address every need, so ensure you have a good idea of the features you need most.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the Best File Compression Software for free?
A: Though some paid choices are there, many free choices are available too. You can use it as per the availability of software.
Q: After someday, a particular file compressing software installed on my PC asks me to buy it. What should I do?
A: The software was in trial mode, which has expired. Now you can buy it or go for some free alternative.
Q: Can I use Winrar to extract an ISO file?
A: ISO file is an image file supported by Winrar. You can view the files inside & extract them by Winrar.
Q: I found a cracked version of paid file compression software for free. Should I use it?
A: It is piracy & is an illegal practice. Moreover, these types of cracked software may come with various malware & security threats.