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WinRAR

win-rar.com

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Spec score 7.8 #15 of 36 in File Compression Software

What it is

WinRAR is a compression tool for creating and organizing archives across Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. It handles RAR, ZIP, CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZip, UUE, ISO, BZIP2, Z and 7-Zip formats, and selects compression methods automatically for multimedia files, executables and object libraries. Archives can be divided into volumes for storage or transfer. AES 256-bit encryption protects archive contents; an option can also encrypt file names and other archive details. RAR 5.0 recovery records use Reed-Solomon codes to help recover data from partially damaged archives. The Windows version adds a password manager, backup options, drag-and-drop, Unicode filenames and self-extracting archive creation. Mac and Linux versions are command-line only. RAR for Android creates and unpacks popular archive types and is described as free, with a paid ad-free option. WinRAR offers a 40-day trial but no free plan. A single-user license costs $29 as a one-time purchase, excluding VAT; multi-user licenses range from $21, paid once for 2–9 users to $6, paid once for 500–999 users, also excluding VAT.

Spec sheet

Purpose
WinRAR is a compression tool with functions for organizing compressed archives.Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
Intended users
WinRAR says its products provide individuals, businesses and government agencies with a way to share and store data.Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
Support
The support page offers FAQs, a lost-key form and individual sales support in English or German.Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
Headquarters
Berlin, GermanyRead 28 Sep 2026 · win-rar.com
Android
RAR for Android can create and unpack ZIP, RAR and other popular archive types and supports AES 256-bit password protection.Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
Android pricing
RAR for Android is described as a free program with a paid ad-free option.Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
Archive formats
WinRAR supports RAR, ZIP, CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZip, UUE, ISO, BZIP2, Z and 7-Zip formats.Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
Archive splitting
WinRAR can split archives into multiple volumes for storage or transfer.Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
Compression
It automatically selects a compression method for multimedia files, executables and object libraries.Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
Encryption
WinRAR uses AES 256-bit encryption, and RAR 5.0 uses PBKDF2 with HMAC-SHA256 for password-based key derivation.Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
Mac and Linux limitation
RAR products for Mac and Linux are available only as command-line versions.Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
Metadata protection
The “Encrypt file names” option encrypts file names, sizes, attributes, comments and other archive areas.Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
Recovery
RAR 5.0 recovery records use Reed-Solomon codes to help recover data in partially damaged archives.Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
Windows compatibility
The product page lists Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7 as compatible.Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
Windows features
Windows WinRAR includes a password manager, backup options, drag-and-drop, Unicode file names and self-extracting archive creation.Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com

Plans and prices

WinRAR multi-user license (500–999 users) $6, paid once Per user/computer; price excluding VAT 500–999 users · same number of computers Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
WinRAR multi-user license (200–499 users) $7, paid once Per user/computer; price excluding VAT 200–499 users · same number of computers Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
WinRAR multi-user license (100–199 users) $8, paid once Per user/computer; price excluding VAT 100–199 users · same number of computers Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
WinRAR multi-user license (50–99 users) $10, paid once Per user/computer; price excluding VAT 50–99 users · same number of computers Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
WinRAR multi-user license (25–49 users) $13, paid once Per user/computer; price excluding VAT 25–49 users · same number of computers Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
WinRAR multi-user license (10–24 users) $16, paid once Per user/computer; price excluding VAT 10–24 users · same number of computers Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
WinRAR multi-user license (2–9 users) $21, paid once Per user/computer; price excluding VAT 2–9 users · same number of computers Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
WinRAR single-user license $29, paid once One license for one computer; price excluding VAT 1 user · 1 computer Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com

Every WinRAR plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports RAR, ZIP, ISO and other listed archive formats
  • Splits archives into multiple volumes
  • AES 256-bit archive encryption
  • RAR 5.0 recovery records can help with damaged archives
  • Windows version includes password management and backups

Limits

  • No free plan; trial lasts 40 days
  • Mac and Linux versions are command-line only
  • License prices exclude VAT

Who it suits

It suits individuals, businesses and government agencies that need to share or store data in archives. Teams using Mac or Linux should note that those versions are command-line only.

Verdict

WinRAR covers a wide range of archive formats, encryption, splitting and recovery. Check the platform limits and license terms before choosing it.

Where Specifiction places it

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