Download File Compression - Best Software & Apps

  • WinRAR

    64 bits 5.40

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Windows

    The king of compressed files

    6
    358 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Excellent compression ratio, Supports the major formats, Integrated with antivirus, Create password-protected files
    • CONS: Interface could be improved, RAR5 files can only be read by WinRAR5
  • UnRarX

    2.2

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Mac

    Unzip RAR files on Mac with this WinRAR style extractor

    6
    414 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Unzips RAR files easily just like WinRAR, Unzips files quickly, Works on older Macs
    • CONS: Doesn't create RAR archives,
  • 7-Zip

    16.04

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Windows

    GPU archiver with high compression ratio

    7
    392 votes
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    • PROS: Compatible with main archive formats, Good choice of update modes, Split archives to specific sizes, Compress to 5 different archive formats
    • CONS: No virus scan, No file repair tool, Can’t set file encryption level
  • Free MP3 Cutter

    2.1

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Cut your MP3s down to size

    7
    479 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Very simple, Free, Built-in player
    • CONS: Only works for MP3, Doesn't allow you to join pieces
  • The Unarchiver

    3.11.1

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Mac

    A fast and free way to unpack your files

    6
    231 votes
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    • PROS: Very fast, Handles almost any file type, Free to use
    • CONS: No 64-bit version
  • Universal Extractor

    1.6.1

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Extract files from any type of archive

    6
    39 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Small and light, Context menu integration, Supports drag and drop
    • CONS: Not very slick, Relatively limited functions
  • RAR

    (WinRAR for Mac) 5.10

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Mac

    Simple file compressor

    4
    159 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Seamless compression resulting in low file sizes, Huge array of options and settings, Intuitive Quick-Start feature
    • CONS: No GUI - command line only, Requires purchasing a license
  • 7zX

    1.7.1

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Mac

    7zip archives and more in a click

    5
    149 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Free to use, Works with several major compression formats, Doesn't require installation to unzip, Allows passwords
    • CONS: Doesn't have a GUI - requires dragging and dropping of files, No batch processing,
  • RAR File Open Knife

    7.00

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Super-fast application for RAR files

    7
    98 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Unpacks files very quickly, Simple to use
    • CONS: Lacking options, Not attractive
  • DMG Extractor

    1.3.8.0

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Extract files from DMG files

    6
    107 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Open DMG files without converting to ISO, Raw Zlib Bzip2 and Zero block type DMG files,
    • CONS: Very specific to DMG files will not open other files, A certain level of technical expertise is required,
  • WinZip for Windows 10

    1.1.159

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Zip and unzip with style

    5
    12 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Impeccable design, File encryption, Easy to navigate, Compatible with Dropbox, Drive, SkyDrive
    • CONS: Only .zip and .zipx files, "Empty" kind of look
  • RAR to ZIP Converter

    1.0

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Convert your RAR files to ZIP

    5
    71 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Transform RAR files to ZIP, Supports the use of passwords, You can define the level of compression
    • CONS: No advanced features, Doesn't support drag and drop
  • ORPALIS PDF Reducer Free

    1.0.1

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Software to minimize the size of existing PDF files

    6
    48 votes
    Download
    • PROS: The file size of a PDF document can be reduced by as much as 80 percent., A free demonstration version can be downloaded at no obligation.,
    • CONS: Users will be required to pay to enjoy all of its features., There is no version available for smartphones.
  • Unzip Wizard

    3.12.32

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Unzip Wizard adds Character to Zip Files

    5
    52 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Super simple interface., View zipped contents by file name or size., Fun wizard art!,
    • CONS: Windows has this covered., Does not cover alternate zip types like .RAR.,
  • KGB Archiver

    2.0.0.2

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Free file compression tool for personal computers

    6
    147 votes
    Download
    • PROS: This software package is free to download., There are a number of different compression options available.
    • CONS: The last update occurred as far back as 2009., This system will require a substantial amount of RAM space.
  • PeaZip

    6.2.0

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Compress and decompress files quickly and easily

    8
    220 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Support for many formats, Perfect integration with Windows Explorer, Very comfortable to use, Very good advanced features
    • CONS: Doesn't support creation of RAR files
  • Free RAR Extract Frog

    7.00

    License
    Download
    Platform
    Windows

    Free RAR Extract Frog, quirky skinnable RAR extractor

    7
    56 votes
    Download
    • PROS: Quick, free, minimal fuss, Quirky marketing sure to appeal to hipsters, Takes up very little space
    • CONS: Not exactly a skinnable app as the maker describes

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