BetterZip vs PowerArchiver
BetterZip
macitbetter.com
PowerArchiver
powerarchiver.comSide by side
| Figure | BetterZip | PowerArchiver |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 6 |
| Spec score · File Compression Software | 8.1 (#6) | 8.1 (#8) |
| Automation | It supports AppleScript, Shortcuts, a command-line tool, Automator, and integrations including Hazel, Alfred, LaunchBar, DropZone, and BetterTouchTool Launcher. | Professional Toolbox includes PACL, the PowerArchiver command-line tool. |
| Encryption | It supports AES-256 encryption and includes a password manager that stores archive passwords in an encrypted vault. | AES-256 encryption is integrated into PowerArchiver archive operations. |
| Founded | 2006 | 1998 |
Plans
PowerArchiver
- PowerArchiver FreeFree
- Business$22.95, paid once
- Professional$34.95, paid once
- Professional Toolbox$49.95, paid once
- Enterprise$59.95, paid once
- Enterprise Unlimited$4,995, paid once
In their own words
BetterZip
BetterZip has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
PowerArchiver
PowerArchiver creates, extracts and manages more than 60 archive formats, including ZIP, 7Z, RAR, TAR, ISO and CAB. It supports archive encryption with AES-256, split archives and archive repair. Its proprietary PA codec provides lossless compression and is described as reducing documents by 30–70%. The Windows edition supports Windows 7 through Windows 11 and Server 2008 R2 through Server 2025; PowerArchiver Pro for Mac is a separate macOS codebase with Finder integration and native drag-and-drop. Edition features vary: Professional includes Outlook, Word and Excel add-ins, while Professional Toolbox adds a cloud browser for S3, Google Drive, OneDrive, Azure and Box, as well as the PACL command-line tool. Business and higher editions include MSI installation, Group Policy support and silent deployment. Enterprise adds FIPS 140-2 validated encryption and lists HIPAA and DFARS support. The free edition is restricted to non-commercial personal, student and nonprofit use. A 30-day trial unlocks the highest Toolbox edition’s features. Prices range from PowerArchiver Free at free to Enterprise Unlimited at $4,995, paid once.