B1 Archiver

B1 Archiver is a no-cost archive utility for people who need broad extraction support across computers, phones and a browser. It suits users who exchange many archive types but can accept creating only B1 or ZIP files. The strongest case is its cross-platform coverage and encrypted B1 format; its mobile data practices and English-only support deserve attention.

Overview

B1 Archiver has been developed since 2011 by a company headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia. Its desktop software creates B1 and ZIP archives while opening more than 40 formats, including RAR, RAR5 and 7z. A web application handles extraction of B1, ZIP, RAR, 7z and other archive types, which is useful when installing software is impractical.

The B1 format is open source and permitted for personal and commercial use. That makes it a plausible format for sharing within a team or business, although the application’s archive-creation choices are substantially narrower than its extraction capabilities.

See more options in File Compression Software.

Key features

Creation, extraction and splitting

On desktop, B1 creates B1 and ZIP files and extracts over 40 archive formats. The distinction matters for anyone standardizing a workflow around formats other than those two: B1 can open many archives but cannot create them. Split-archive support helps when a package must be divided into parts for transfer or storage.

Encryption and integrity checks

B1 archives can use password protection with 256-bit AES encryption, giving the native format a clear confidentiality option. Before unpacking, B1 checks archive integrity with the Adler-32 algorithm, helping identify damaged archives before extraction. These protections apply to B1-format archives rather than expanding the creation range to other formats.

Android and browser use

The Android app combines file-management and archiving functions, so it is better suited to organizing files on a phone than a desktop-only extractor. The online archiver offers a quick extraction route without an installation. Uploaded files are said to be completely deleted a few minutes after the browser page is closed, a useful safeguard for occasional transfers but not a substitute for keeping sensitive material off a web service.

Pricing

B1 Free Archiver — free. The plan is 100% free for personal and commercial use and requires no registration. There is no free-trial period because the product itself is free, and no paid tier or renewal commitment is presented. It fits individual users, small organizations and commercial users who need archive handling without per-seat charges. The trade-off is functional rather than financial: creation is limited to B1 and ZIP even though extraction covers more than 40 formats.

Platforms

B1 Archiver runs on Windows, Linux, macOS and Android, and is also offered as a web application. That range suits mixed-device households and teams moving between desktop, mobile and browser contexts. The web version is focused on extraction, while the desktop application provides archive creation.

Who it's for

B1 is a strong fit for anyone who regularly receives archives in varied formats and wants one free extractor across major desktop systems, Android and the web. It also suits users who want password-protected B1 archives or need Android file management alongside extraction. Choose another tool if creating RAR, 7z or other non-B1/non-ZIP archives is central to your workflow, or if your support needs extend beyond English.

Pros and cons

Pros

Extracts more than 40 formats, including B1, ZIP, RAR, RAR5 and 7z.

Works across Windows, Linux, macOS, Android and the web, reducing platform switching.

Provides 256-bit AES password protection for B1 archives and Adler-32 integrity checks before unpacking.

Free for personal and commercial use with no registration.

Android combines file management with archiving, and split archives are supported.

Cons

Archive creation is restricted to B1 and ZIP, limiting users who need to produce other formats.

English-only email support excludes users who require assistance in another language.

The privacy policy allows collection of anonymous app and device usage data, including location and network-performance data, for ad-related use in B1 apps.

The web workflow requires uploading files, even though deletion is promised a few minutes after the page is closed.

Alternatives

PowerArchiver is the better choice for Windows or macOS users who need a paid Business license at 22.95 USD once, or a free non-commercial edition with 60-plus formats and limited-use terms.

Bandizip suits Windows and macOS users willing to accept ads, limited features and a limited antimalware scan in its free Standard Edition.

Keka is an alternative with a freemium model and support spanning macOS, Android, iOS, web and API environments.

WinRAR is the option to consider when you need a paid, multi-user license for Windows, Linux, macOS or Android.

Accessibility Test Framework for Android is an Android-focused alternative.

WinZip PDF Pro is aimed at PDF reading and editing rather than general archive management.

Zstandard is a free, open-source reference library and command-line utility for Linux, macOS, Windows, APIs and self-hosting.

ALZip is a freemium alternative for Android, Linux and Windows.

Verdict

Choose B1 Archiver if you want a free, registration-free utility that opens a wide range of archives on desktop, Android and the web, with encrypted B1 creation. Look elsewhere if you must create formats beyond B1 and ZIP, need non-English support, or prefer not to use a browser service that processes uploaded files.