7-Zip is a file archiver for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It creates and extracts archives in formats including 7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, ZIP, and WIM, and can also extract RAR, ISO, and VHDX files. The 7z format uses LZMA and LZMA2 compression, while AES-256 encryption is available for 7z and ZIP archives. Additional listed features include split archives, archive repair, portable use, and command-line tools. On Windows, it also has Shell integration, a file manager, a command-line version, and a FAR Manager plugin. The software is free, with no registration or payment required, including for commercial use. It is open source: most code is under the GNU LGPL, with some under BSD licenses and an unRAR license restriction for certain parts. 7-Zip is localized in 87 languages. Developers can use the LZMA SDK, which includes documentation, samples, headers, libraries, and tools for applications using LZMA compression.
Who it is for
It suits people who need to create or extract archives across Windows, Linux, or macOS, including commercial users. Developers using LZMA compression can also draw on its SDK.
What is good
- Free with no registration or payment required.
- Packs and unpacks several common archive formats.
- AES-256 encryption for 7z and ZIP.
- Available on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Localized in 87 languages.
What to know first
- RAR archives can be unpacked, not packed.
- Shell integration and FAR Manager plugin are Windows features.
- Some code has an unRAR license restriction.
Verdict
7-Zip covers archive creation and extraction across three desktop platforms, with encryption and command-line support. RAR is extract-only, and some listed features are specific to Windows.
7-Zip plans and pricing
All plansCompared on file compression software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Archive formats
- Create/extract: 7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, ZIP, WIM; extract: APFS, AR, ARJ, CAB, CHM, CPIO, CramFS, DMG, EXT, FAT, GPT, HFS, IHEX, ISO, LZH, LZMA, MBR, MSI, NSIS, NTFS, QCOW2, RAR, RPM, SquashFS, UDF, UEFI, VDI, VHD, VHDX, VMDK, XAR, Z
- Archive encryption
- Yes
- Split archives
- Yes
- Command-line tools
- Yes
- Portable version
- Yes
- Archive repair
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- Windows, Linux, macOS
