B1 Archiver

Overview

B1 Archiver is a free archive utility for people who need to unpack files on a computer, phone, or in a browser, and create archives on desktop. Its wide format support and availability across platforms make it a practical general-purpose choice, though archive creation is limited to B1 and ZIP.

It is free for personal and commercial use, with no registration required. For browser and mobile use, weigh the privacy disclosures alongside the convenience.

Browse more options in File Compression Software.

Key features

Broad extraction, narrow creation

The desktop application extracts more than 40 archive formats, including B1, ZIP, RAR, RAR5, and 7z, but creates only B1 and ZIP archives. That makes B1 more versatile for opening files received from others than for producing archives in a preferred format beyond those two. Split archives are supported.

Password protection and integrity checks

B1-format archives can be protected with a password using 256-bit AES encryption. Before unpacking, B1 checks archive integrity with Adler-32. These safeguards are useful when creating protected B1 archives and checking files before extraction, but the stated encryption support is specific to the B1 format.

Browser and Android tools

The online archiver extracts B1, ZIP, RAR, 7z, and other archives without requiring the desktop application. It says uploaded files are completely deleted a few minutes after the page is closed. On Android, B1 combines archiving with file management. Its privacy policy says Epom Ltd. may collect app and device usage data, including location and network performance, for anonymous ad-related use in B1 apps. B1 also says it does not knowingly collect identifying personal data, though it may collect non-personally identifiable server information such as IP address and browser type. Readers sensitive to those disclosures may prefer desktop use or another tool.

Pricing

B1 Free Archiver: free. It is 100% free for personal and commercial use, with no registration. There is no paid tier or trial to weigh against a free-plan cap: the stated plan has no price, usage quota, or seat limit beyond its free terms. It includes archive creation and extraction, encryption, and split archives. For a no-cost utility across supported platforms, those terms are straightforward; the trade-off is the limited choice of formats for creating archives.

Platforms

B1 Archiver is available for Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android, as well as as a web application. The desktop archiver supports almost 40 formats, while the online tool focuses on extraction. Support is offered by email at [email protected], in English only.

Who it's for

B1 suits people who want to open a broad range of archive types without paying, especially those who value access across desktop, Android, and browser platforms. It is also suitable for personal or commercial use under the free plan. Look elsewhere if you need to create archives in formats other than B1 or ZIP, or if the mobile and online privacy disclosures do not fit your needs. The B1 format is described as open source and available for personal and commercial use.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Extracts more than 40 formats, making it useful for archives received in varied formats.
• Pros: Free for personal and commercial use with no registration, so there is no stated paid upgrade or trial deadline.
• Pros: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and web availability offers several ways to access archive tools.
• Cons: Creates only B1 and ZIP archives, limiting its usefulness when another output format is required.
• Cons: Online and mobile privacy disclosures may concern users who would rather avoid server information collection or anonymous ad-related app data use.
• Cons: Email support is provided in English only, which may not suit users seeking support in another language.

Alternatives

Choose 7-Zip if you want a free archiver for Windows, Linux, or macOS; like B1, it has a free plan and no trial.

PeaZip is another free option for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with personal, professional, and commercial use covered by its open-source GNU LGPLv3 plan.

Pick Bandizip if you want a Windows or macOS option with a free plan and trial, and can accept ads and limited features in its Standard Edition.

PowerArchiver offers a free, non-commercial plan with no expiration for personal use, students, and non-profits; consider it if that use restriction fits, or its Business plan at $22.95, paid once.

IZArc is a free Windows file compression and archive manager.

NanaZip is a free, Windows-focused open-source file archiver.

Ark is a free option for Linux and Windows.

Accessibility Test Framework for Android is another free option.

Verdict

B1 Archiver is a strong fit for anyone who wants a free tool to extract many archive formats across desktop, Android, and web, with no registration or personal-versus-commercial restriction. Its main reason to choose is the combination of broad extraction support and platform range. Look elsewhere if you need to create archives beyond B1 and ZIP, or if B1's mobile and online privacy disclosures are a concern.