WinZip is the best known software for creating and opening archive files, but this is not the only option. There are plenty of great free alternatives out there that are worth exploring before you open up your wallet. Windows (since XP) has a built-in compression tool, accessible by right-clicking on one or more folders/files and selecting "Send To > Compressed Folder". This is fine for very occasional but very limited use. It can only read and create ZIP files (there are dozens of other formats), it doesn't let you create multiple volumes of a particular size, it can't repair damaged files, and it can't support encryption. In fact, if you use it to compress an encrypted file, it is decrypted during extraction. So it's a good idea to have a different WinZip alternative to zip and open archive files. We select the best.
Is WinZip free?
No, there is no free version of WinZip. You can download a 30-day free trial, but a standard license costs € 31.14, US € 35.94, AU € 47.94.
1-Zip
Best WinZip Free Alternative - No Frills or Fasteners Requires Low System Resources 7z High Compression Format No file repair tool 7-Zip is open source, which means it's completely free, even for commercial use. It is only 1MB in size and can zip and unzip almost any archive file you can use. 7-Zip isn't the most attractive WinZip alternative, but it's designed so well that you won't miss the sleek interfaces of its paid counterparts. You can locate the files to be archived with the help of a simple file tree in Windows Explorer or by dragging and dropping them into the main window. Its own 7z format is designed for high compression and is compatible with almost all file archiving tools, both paid and free, making it an ideal choice for sharing. 7-Zip can also create self-extracting 7z archives. You can apply password protection to bundled files and split them into volumes, which is useful for sharing a particularly large file. The only essential feature it lacks is the ability to repair damaged files. Other than that, it's a truly exceptional program.
2.PeaZip
Less simplified than 7-Zip, but with more security features Advanced security options File repair tool No batch compression PeaZip is another open source WinZip alternative, but with some additional features in a much larger package (about 10 MB compared to 1 MB for 7-Zip). The standard installation of PeaZip will create file associations and automatically add popup menu options, which you might not want if you're trying it for the first time. Select "Custom" if you want to make your own choices. PeaZip is compatible with virtually any compressed file format. PEA, its own format, favors security over compression, with optional integrity checking and authenticated encryption. Unlike 7-Zip, it can repair damaged files. Its additional handy features include the ability to convert file formats and test files for errors. You can't group or print watermarks like some of the tools here, but it can rotate and crop them for you.
3. Ashampoo Zip Free
A free alternative to WinZip optimized for touch screens. Easy to navigate Touch interface File repair tool Less advanced options than 7-Zip Many free Winzip alternatives hide their best features behind a complex menu system. Ashampoo Zip Free is a rare exception, with a clean interface and an optional touch mode with larger, easier-to-use icons. Most of the options displayed on the main home screen are links to paid apps, like dedicated encryption and decryption tools, but don't be discouraged for life; All the essentials found in other free file compression software are present and correct, including creating, extracting, repairing, and writing ZIP files. Interestingly, Ashampoo Zip Free also offers file previews before extracting a file. This can be very useful, but it happens automatically, so don't worry if a music file starts playing when you move your mouse. Ashampoo Zip Free does not offer an impressive number of options and each of its features is clearly presented and explained. Power users may prefer the finer customization provided by tools like 7-Zip, but for the average user, this is a great option.
4.Zipware
A great free alternative to WinZip - simplicity is its priority Built-in virus scanner Well-designed interface No repair tool Zipware looks just like any high-end file compression software and is wonderfully easy to use. Just choose "New" or "Open", choose your source file or file, modify some optional parameters and you're done. Zipware's standout feature is its built-in virus scanning: if a file is less than 32GB, you can scan for threats with VirusTotal. This shouldn't be of interest to more experienced users, but it's a useful addition for those who don't really know how to extract downloaded files (or know someone who accidentally opens such things). Zipware is free, but if you decide to stick with it, the website invites you to donate to support its development, a reasonable request if you can afford it.
Image Credit: Hamstersoft