Bandizip

Bandizip is a Windows and macOS utility for creating and extracting compressed files. It suits people who handle varied archive formats and want encryption or in-archive editing; the free edition covers routine work, while repair and recovery tools require a paid license.

Overview

Bandizip creates archives in formats such as ZIP, 7Z, ZIPX, EXE and TAR, and extracts more than 40 formats, including RAR and RAR5. Split archives and high-capacity compression help with large collections or files that need to be broken into parts. Smart extraction and Windows File Explorer menus keep common actions close to the files, while in-archive editing can spare an extract-and-repack step.

AES-256 encryption protects archives, and 7Z can encrypt filenames too. Command-line tools and a portable version extend its usefulness beyond a standard desktop workflow. Windows archive scanning uses the system antivirus through Microsoft AMSI, but it requires Windows 10 or later and real-time protection. Standard scans only archived files smaller than 1 MB, and scanning cannot detect malware in every archive or format, so it is not a substitute for broader protection.

Key features

Wide format coverage: It creates ZIP, 7Z, ZIPX, EXE (SFX), TAR, TGZ, LZH, ISO, GZ and XZ archives, and extracts formats including RAR, RAR5, CAB, WIM and ZSTD. That breadth is useful when receiving archives from different sources.

Archive workflow: Smart extraction, right-click menus and editing within an archive reduce friction for frequent file operations. Multi-volume support is useful when an archive needs splitting.

Encryption: AES-256 and optional filename encryption for 7Z make it a stronger choice for sensitive archives than a tool without archive encryption.

Professional tools: Professional Edition adds a password manager, ZIP repair, password recovery and image previews inside archives. Those extras matter when damaged or protected archives are part of the job, but they are unnecessary overhead for occasional compression.

Pricing

The Standard Edition is free, but includes ads, limited features and antivirus scanning only for archived files smaller than 1 MB. It is a sensible starting point for routine archiving, but its scan limit makes it a weak basis for screening larger downloads.

Professional Edition costs $30.00 USD once for a permanent single-user license, usable on up to five PCs at a time, and allows commercial use. It fits individuals who need repair, recovery or the other paid tools without a subscription.

Enterprise Edition costs $20.00 USD once per single-PC license, with a minimum purchase of two. It permits commercial use and offline registration, and is aimed at enterprise users; unlike Professional, the license is per PC rather than one user across up to five PCs. Bandizip also offers a free trial.

Platforms

The Windows edition supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11 on 32-bit, x64 and ARM64 systems. The macOS edition requires macOS 10.13 or later and a 64-bit processor; Bandizip 365 requires macOS 11 or later. The Mac edition integrates with Finder’s services menu. Bandisoft directs support and bug reports to its forum or email.

Who it's for

Choose Bandizip if you regularly create or unpack archives in varied formats, value encryption and in-archive editing, or need command-line and portable options. It is less compelling if malware scanning is your main concern: the free edition’s 1 MB threshold is narrow, and even supported scanning is not comprehensive.

Pros and cons

Pro: Creates and extracts a broad range of formats, including RAR and RAR5 extraction, reducing the need for a separate utility when archive types vary.

Pro: AES-256, 7Z filename encryption, split archives and in-archive editing cover practical security and handling needs.

Con: The free edition has ads and scans only archived files under 1 MB, limiting the value of its antivirus integration.

Con: ZIP repair, password recovery and image previews require the $30.00 USD Professional license.

Alternatives

File Compression Software is a useful place to compare more archive tools. Choose PowerArchiver if its free, non-commercial edition with no expiration suits personal, student or nonprofit use, or consider its $22.95 USD one-time Business plan. B1 Archiver is a free option for personal and commercial use across Android, Linux, macOS, web and Windows, with no registration.

Keka, WinRAR, Accessibility Test Framework for Android, WinZip PDF Pro, Zstandard and ALZip are also listed alternatives.

Verdict

Bandizip is a good fit for archive-heavy users who want broad format support, encryption and useful editing tools, with a permanent Professional license for individual use. Choose the free edition for everyday compression and extraction, but look elsewhere if robust malware screening is central or if you need paid repair and recovery without buying Professional.