Side by side
GNU tar vs StuffIt Expander
Both stand on file compression software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan
GNU tar provides broad archive and compression format support at no cost. Its command-line focus and lack of encryption or repair make those requirements important to check first.
Visit GNU tar Free plan iPhoneMacWindows
Visit StuffIt Expander The facts
| GNU tar | StuffIt Expander | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Not published | iPhone, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Not published |
| Plans published | None | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | gnu.org | stuffit.com |
| On file compression software | #34 of 35 | #30 of 35 |
GNU tar: what it does well
- Free plan
- Supports many archive formats
- Handles numerous compression formats
- Supports split archives
- Command-line tools included
What to know first
- No archive encryption
- No archive repair
- Limited to Unix-type operating systems
StuffIt Expander: what it does well
Alternatives to GNU tar Alternatives to StuffIt Expander The whole list