Six compression utilities compared

With broadband connections or WiFi set up almost anywhere you go, and portable devices like USB keys offering bigger storage space than ever before, you’d think file compression technology would become obsolete. Surprisingly though, archiving applications are still very popular with users, thanks to extra features like encryption or file repair.

A few years back, having Winzip on your PC was a prerequisite, but with time many more versatile competitors and better compression formats have popped up. Nowadays the name of the game is not really the size of compressions but securing your files and quickly transmitting them to other users. We’ve chosen 6 different compression utilities to put to the test.

WinZip

The original archiving application has lost its crown, mainly due to the fact that it only handles zip. If you like sticking to this archive format, WinZip offers good features like encryption and file splitting.

License: 45 day trial

Pros

• fast compression rates
• can split files
• 128 and 256-Bit AES Encryption
• quick email support

Cons

• limited to zip files
• AES file encryption not available in trial

WinUHA

WinUHA is great for the average user: it’s free, has a simple interface and lets you send your archive by email.

License: Free

Pros

• archives can be sent by email
• 6 different compression methods
• set password security
• custom command line

Cons

• bare interface
• no file repair
• no virus scan

WinRAR

This program is loaded with advanced features like repairing, excluding or password setting. The better solution for users looking for an expert compression tool.

License: 40 day trial

Pros

• repair archives
• exclude files from an archive
• advanced backup
• handles all archive formats
• set password protection
• scan archives with your preferred antivirus

Cons

• still not available as freeware!

WinAce

While the interface may seem a bit awkward, WinAce handles up to 18 different formats and, thanks to password encryption and authenticity verification, will cater to users worried about file protection.

License: 30 day trial

Pros

• password encryption
• handles 18 different archive formats
• authenticity verification
• repair archive

Cons

• confusing interface
• poor quality icons

IZArc

A lesser known yet excellent alternative, IZArc handles more archive formats than any of the other compression utilities and lets you work with 4Gb+ archives. An excellent solution if you need to compress a large number of files in one go.

License: Free

Pros

• supports more than 20 archive formats
• AES encryption
• handles 4Gb+ archives
• repair
• scan archives with your preferred antivirus

Cons

• no wizard help for beginners

7-Zip

7-Zip works with a dozen archive formats. We particularly like the update mode to synchronize and change newly modified archive files.

License: Free

Pros

• password protection
• handles a dozen formats
• split archives into CD or DVD burnable sizes
• synchronize archive updates

Cons

• can’t set file encryption level
• no virus scan
• no file repair tool

The last word

Depending on what your needs are, each of these compression tools offers something different. Winzip, 7-Zip and WinUHA are great if you want a simple, no fuss solution. WinRAR is probably the best all around solution because it not only works with loads of formats but also offers security tools and advanced archiving. WinAce is great if you want to create protected archive files and IZArc, with support for more than 20 archive formats and +4 Gb archives, caters to users with high level archiving needs. We’d love to hear your take on compression utilities, what you love and hate about them, so let us know!