Freedom251 › File Compression Software
WinRAR
What WinRAR is
WinRAR is a paid compression tool for creating and organizing archives. It supports RAR, ZIP, CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZip, UUE, ISO, BZIP2, Z and 7-Zip formats, and selects compression methods for multimedia files, executables and object libraries. Archives can be split into volumes for storage or transfer. AES 256-bit encryption protects contents, while “Encrypt file names” also covers names, sizes, attributes, comments and other archive areas. RAR 5.0 recovery records use Reed-Solomon codes to help recover data from partially damaged archives. Windows features include a password manager, backups, drag-and-drop, Unicode file names and self-extracting archives. Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11 are listed as compatible; Mac and Linux products are command-line only. RAR for Android is free with a paid ad-free option. WinRAR offers a 40-day trial and no free plan. A single-user license costs $29, paid once, excluding VAT.
Who it suits
It suits individuals, businesses and government agencies that need archive creation, encryption, splitting or repair. Windows users get the broadest interface features, while Mac and Linux users receive command-line products.
What it does well
- Supports numerous archive formats
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Split archives into volumes
- Recovery records for damaged archives
- Windows password manager and backups
What to know first
- No free WinRAR plan
- 40-day trial only
- Mac and Linux versions are command-line
- Prices exclude VAT
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| WinRAR multi-user license (50–99 users) | Per user/computer; price excluding VAT · 50–99 users · same number of computers | $10, paid once |
| WinRAR multi-user license (25–49 users) | Per user/computer; price excluding VAT · 25–49 users · same number of computers | $13, paid once |
| WinRAR multi-user license (10–24 users) | Per user/computer; price excluding VAT · 10–24 users · same number of computers | $16, paid once |
| WinRAR multi-user license (2–9 users) | Per user/computer; price excluding VAT · 2–9 users · same number of computers | $21, paid once |
| WinRAR single-user license | One license for one computer; price excluding VAT · 1 user · 1 computer | $29, paid once |
| WinRAR multi-user license (500–999 users) | Per user/computer; price excluding VAT · 500–999 users · same number of computers | $6, paid once |
| WinRAR multi-user license (200–499 users) | Per user/computer; price excluding VAT · 200–499 users · same number of computers | $7, paid once |
| WinRAR multi-user license (100–199 users) | Per user/computer; price excluding VAT · 100–199 users · same number of computers | $8, paid once |
As win-rar.com lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
WinRAR combines broad format support with encryption, volume splitting and recovery features. Windows users get the fullest feature set, while other desktop platforms are limited to command-line versions.
Facts from WinRAR's own pages
- Android
- RAR for Android can create and unpack ZIP, RAR and other popular archive types and supports AES 256-bit password protection. · win-rar.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Android pricing
- RAR for Android is described as a free program with a paid ad-free option. · win-rar.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Archive formats
- WinRAR supports RAR, ZIP, CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZip, UUE, ISO, BZIP2, Z and 7-Zip formats. · win-rar.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Archive splitting
- WinRAR can split archives into multiple volumes for storage or transfer. · win-rar.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Compression
- It automatically selects a compression method for multimedia files, executables and object libraries. · win-rar.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- WinRAR uses AES 256-bit encryption, and RAR 5.0 uses PBKDF2 with HMAC-SHA256 for password-based key derivation. · win-rar.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Berlin, Germany · win-rar.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Intended users
- WinRAR says its products provide individuals, businesses and government agencies with a way to share and store data. · win-rar.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Mac and Linux limitation
- RAR products for Mac and Linux are available only as command-line versions. · win-rar.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Metadata protection
- The “Encrypt file names” option encrypts file names, sizes, attributes, comments and other archive areas. · win-rar.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- WinRAR is a compression tool with functions for organizing compressed archives. · win-rar.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Recovery
- RAR 5.0 recovery records use Reed-Solomon codes to help recover data in partially damaged archives. · win-rar.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The support page offers FAQs, a lost-key form and individual sales support in English or German. · win-rar.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Windows compatibility
- The product page lists Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7 as compatible. · win-rar.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Windows features
- Windows WinRAR includes a password manager, backup options, drag-and-drop, Unicode file names and self-extracting archive creation. · win-rar.com, 9 Oct 2026
Where WinRAR stands on Freedom251
- File Compression Software#31 of 36