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Cloud, Backup & PC

Best File Compression Software in 2026

For packaging files into archives or extracting them, compression software varies in supported formats and workflow features. Compared on archive formats, encryption, repair, command-line tools, and portable versions, these options can suit different ways of handling files.

  1. 01 Keka

    Keka suits organizations that want HR, payroll, hiring and attendance workflows in one cloud platform.

    Free plan Open source Web · macOS · iOS · Android
    9.1 Visit Specs
  2. 02 Bandizip

    It suits Windows and macOS users who need to create or open a range of archive formats.

    Free plan Windows · macOS
    8.4 Visit Specs
  3. 03 B1 Archiver

    B1 suits people who want to create B1 or ZIP archives and extract a broad range of formats across Windows, Linux, macOS, Android or the web.

    Free plan Web · Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.3 Visit Specs
  4. 04 7-Zip

    7-Zip suits people who need to create or extract archives across Windows, Linux, or macOS.

    Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.1 Visit Specs
  5. 05 ALZip

    ALZip suits people who need to compress or extract archives across Windows, Linux, or Android.

    Free plan Windows · Linux · Android
    8.1 Visit Specs
  6. 06 BetterZip
    Free trial macOS · Browser extension
    8.1 Visit Specs
  7. 07 FileOptimizer

    FileOptimizer suits Windows users who want batch recompression and command-line automation, including for personal or commercial use.

    Free plan Windows
    8.1 Visit Specs
  8. 08 PowerArchiver

    PowerArchiver suits people who need to create or manage many archive formats, with higher editions offering tools for IT teams and enterprise deployment.

    Free plan Windows · macOS
    8.1 Visit Specs
  9. 09 Zstandard

    Zstandard suits developers and operators who need lossless compression, command-line tools, or a C library across Linux, Windows, or macOS.

    Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · API
    8.0 Visit Specs
  10. 10 8 Zip
    Free plan Windows
    7.9 Visit Specs
  11. 11 Ark

    Ark suits desktop users who need to browse and manage archives on Linux or Windows.

    Free plan Windows · Linux
    7.9 Visit Specs
  12. 12 PowerISO
    Free trial Windows · macOS · Linux
    7.9 Visit Specs
  13. 13 bzip2

    bzip2 suits people who need a free command-line compressor or a library for software that handles .bz2 data.

    Free plan Windows · Linux
    7.8 Visit Specs
  14. 14 NanaZip

    NanaZip suits Windows users who want an open-source archiver with modern Windows integration, command-line access, and broad format support.

    Free plan Windows
    7.8 Visit Specs
  15. 15 WinRAR

    It suits individuals, businesses and government agencies that need to share or store data in archives.

    Free trial Windows · macOS · Linux · Android
    7.8 Visit Specs
  16. 16 lrzip

    lrzip suits command-line users handling large files on Linux, POSIX-like systems, or supported macOS versions.

    Free plan macOS · Linux · Self-hosted
    7.7 Visit Specs
  17. 17 Engrampa
    Free plan Linux
    7.6 Visit Specs
  18. 18 PeaZip

    PeaZip suits people who need archive creation, extraction, conversion, and file management across Linux, macOS, or Windows.

    Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux
    7.6 Visit Specs
  19. 19 WinZip PDF Pro

    It suits Windows users who need PDF editing, page management, conversion, signatures, or document protection.

    Free plan Windows
    7.6 Visit Specs
  20. 20 File Roller
    Free plan Linux
    7.4 Visit Specs
  21. 21 p7zip
    Free plan macOS · Linux
    7.4 Visit Specs
  22. 22 The Unarchiver
    Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux
    7.4 Visit Specs
  23. 23 IZArc
    Free plan Windows
    7.3 Visit Specs
  24. 24 RAR for Android
    Free plan Android
    7.2 Visit Specs
  25. 25 Universal Extractor 2
    Free plan Windows
    7.2 Visit Specs
How this list is ordered. Specifiction scores each tool on how fully its maker documents it, whether its prices are published, where the research puts it, the platforms it runs on and whether it can be tried for free (how we rank). Makers can also buy a numbered place (how Specifiction is paid for).

PowerArchiver, Bandizip, and Keka are among the named choices. Split archives may be relevant for your file tasks, while supported platforms indicate where each tool runs. Compare free-plan availability and paid-from pricing with the archive features and platform coverage you need.

Compare Keka and Bandizip Get a place on this list

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