Best alternatives to 7-Zip for Windows, Mac and Linux
Updated · FPTWaze editors
7-Zip is an open-source archiver. Compare PeaZip, Bandizip, NanaZip and WinRAR for working with ZIP, 7z and RAR archives on Windows, Mac or Linux.
Quick answer: The best alternatives to 7-Zip are PeaZip (open source, Win, Mac, Linux), Bandizip (freemium, Win, Mac), NanaZip (open source, Win) and WinRAR (free trial, Win, Android).
The best alternatives to 7-Zip are PeaZip, Bandizip, NanaZip and WinRAR. 7-Zip is an open-source archiver from developer Igor Pavlov. It creates 7z and ZIP archives, extracts many other formats such as RAR, ISO, TAR and GZ, and supports AES-256 encryption. People look for another archiver when they need a different platform, a different interface, or a format that 7-Zip does not create. This guide lists the candidates that do the same job and explains who each one suits.
Open-source archiver with a modern file-manager style interface.
PeaZip is an open-source archiver for people who want 7-Zip's cross-platform reach. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, opens and creates over 200 archive types, and offers two-factor encryption with a password and keyfile. Its file-manager style interface suits users who prefer working with files in a window.
Bandizip is an archiver for Windows and macOS users who need to extract and create ZIP and 7Z files. It uses fast multi-core compression. Bandizip is proprietary, but its free Standard edition covers everyday use, so it suits people who want a free option for routine work. Paid editions add extra tools.
7-Zip based archiver for the modern Windows 11 context menu.
NanaZip is an open-source option for Windows 11 users who want the 7-Zip engine with the modern Windows 11 context menu. It builds on 7-Zip, adds dark mode and includes extra formats. It is released under the MIT license and runs on Windows only, so it suits Windows users rather than people who need Mac or Linux.
WinRAR suits users who need RAR archives with recovery records that can repair damaged archives, multi-volume splitting and strong encryption. It creates RAR and ZIP files on Windows and Android. WinRAR has a 40-day trial, after which a license is required, so it suits users who are ready to pay for continued use.
To choose among these alternatives, start with your platform. For Mac or Linux, PeaZip and Bandizip are the options, and PeaZip also covers Linux. For Windows 11 users who want the 7-Zip engine, NanaZip fits well. If you need an open-source license, choose PeaZip or NanaZip. If you need to create RAR archives, WinRAR is the choice, but it requires a license once the trial ends.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free alternative to 7-Zip?
Bandizip has a free Standard edition that covers everyday use. PeaZip is an open-source alternative to 7-Zip that also runs on macOS and Linux.
Which alternative to 7-Zip works on macOS?
PeaZip and Bandizip both run on macOS alongside Windows. PeaZip also runs on Linux, which matches the platforms that 7-Zip supports.
Is there an open-source alternative to 7-Zip for Windows 11?
NanaZip is an open-source alternative to 7-Zip for Windows 11. It builds on 7-Zip, integrates with the Windows 11 context menu and adds dark mode.
Can an alternative to 7-Zip create RAR files?
7-Zip creates 7z and ZIP archives, but WinRAR creates RAR archives as well as ZIP files. WinRAR runs on Windows and Android and has a 40-day trial, after which a license is required.
Still prefer 7-Zip? File archiver with a high compression ratio.
How this guide was made: written with AI assistance from the facts in our catalog (license, platforms, what each program does) and checked by an editor before publication.
