Don’t want to shell out $70 for the pro version of WinZip? Who does? The good news is that there are plenty of FREE alternatives to WinZip that provide the same quality and functionality for nothing. Before you take out your credit card and angrily start punching keys, take a look at these free zip programs.
Zipping a file takes up way less storage space and makes it easy to transfer one (or multiple) files to another computer. Once you’ve sent them, the receiver only needs to unzip the file to have access to everything you stored inside.
The Problem: WinZip is by far the most popular tool on the market for unpacking files, but with prices starting at around $45 ($70 for Pro), it’s a little steep. And, as a business, you should never violate terms and illegally use a free version.
The Solution: There are a ton of zip file openers that offer a bevy of features and great functionality. Instead of walking on the wild side, use one of these free WinZip alternatives and get all the same benefits without lightening your wallet.
Did You Know Your Computer Already Has One of These Free Alternatives to Winzip?
If you use Windows XP or later, your computer already has a built-in zip tool. Just right-click on the file you want to work with and select Extract All. You’ll then be prompted with instructions. Just follow along and you’ll have saved money just by using your computer’s free zip tool. The issue with this tool is that it’s a bit limited. It won’t allow you to use encryption, create multiple volumes of the same size, or repair damaged archives. For basic unzipping, it’s fine. For higher functionality (as required in businesses), check out these alternatives.
1) 7-Zip – Unrivaled Performance and Versatility
7-Zip is a straightforward and versatile tool that provides users unrivaled flexibility. All of this comes at NO COST. The interface is bare bones, so it isn’t aesthetically pleasing, but this could be a good thing if you’re intimidated by confusing interfaces. Where 7-Zip crushes the competition is with its functionality. Unlike competitors (Winzip, WinRAR), it offers five different archive formats. It handles ZIP, TAR, RAR, and ISO just as well as paid competitors. You can easily split archives for easy distribution of large files, and protect files with a password so nobody goes snooping around. The best part is the familiar drag-and-drop style of dropping files into the main window. The only thing missing, in our opinion, is virus scan.
Pros
- Versatile and Flexible
- Great Functionality
- Doesn’t Require Many Resources
Cons
- No Virus Scan
2) PeaZip – For Higher Security
Want to sleep easy at night knowing hackers aren’t getting to your precious zip files (who doesn’t)? PeaZip is on the list of best free alternatives to WinZip because it’s so secure. The sleek interface is easy on the eyes (refreshing if you’ve ever used 7-Zip). There are even some themes to spice your life up a bit. Where it really impressed us was the advanced features. For new users, the basics are simple enough, but for experienced unzipping pros (this sounds terrible!) features such as splitting files, joining files, or checking the checksum files are a nice touch. The strong password/encryption options are great for companies using sensitive data.
Pros
- Great Functionality and Usability
- Advanced Options
- Strong Security
Cons
- Less Versatile than Some Competitors
3) Ashampoo Zip – Great Usability and Personalization
In a world rife with bland, bare bones zip tools, Ashampoo Zip is a breath of fresh air. It comes with all the standard features of an unzipping program—format versatility, powerful encryption, archive repair—but how it really stands out is with its intuitive interface. The graphical interface looks just like the Windows 8 tile-based design. Whereas most programs are a confusing mess of menus, Ashampoo’s is a beautiful mosaic of decompressing options. There’s even a touch option! With Windows Explorer integration, finding files is just a click away.
Pros
- Beautiful and Intuitive Interface
- Personalization Options
Cons
- Fewer Advanced Options
4) SecureZipExpress – Great for Beginners
SecureZipExpress’ main interface is easy to navigate and its functionality provides all of the bare necessities for a zip tool. This tool is different from competitors in that it has a Wizard tool that walks beginners through the three most common functions they’ll likely be using it for. “Light users”, or users who only need it for basic functions, will love it. But don’t let the wizard tool fool you. There are plenty of advanced features as well, which ARE NOT great for beginners.
Pros
- The Wizard is Great for Beginners
- Advanced Features for Pros
Cons
- Advanced Configuration Options Add to the Program’s Size and Aren’t of Much Use to Most
5) Zipware – Simple, Fast, and Easy
Zipware supports all major archiving formats, including the new RAR5 format, and is designed to be as lightweight and fast as possible. It’s extremely simple to use and executes actions at lightning speed. Not to mention that it is extremely versatile, supporting every major file format there is. All of this functionality doesn’t mean you sacrifice on security either. Unlike other programs, it comes with a built-in virus scanner for added protection. It doesn’t have every option imaginable, but it’s great for what it does.
Pros
- Fast and Easy
- Secure
- Versatile
Cons
- No Archive Repair
These free alternatives to WinZip will help you easily transport files without spending a lot of money. If you ever want to add some amazing PDFs to your zip files and send them to your clients or in-house teams, try Soda PDF today for FREE!