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7-Zip

By Igor Pavlov · since 1999 · LGPL + unRAR restriction · official site →

Overview

7-Zip is the gold-standard free archiver for Windows. Open source, no nag screens, no ads, and the reference implementation of the 7z format. Its compression ratio for 7z is typically 30-70% better than ZIP. Igor Pavlov has maintained it almost single-handedly since 1999. The Windows shell extension integrates extraction and creation into the right-click menu, and the 7-Zip File Manager can browse inside almost any archive format ever invented.

Best for

Windows users who want the most powerful free archiver. Extracting unusual formats like CAB, ISO, MSI, and old LZH files. Creating maximally-compressed 7z archives.

Limitations

No native macOS port (use Keka instead). Cannot create RAR archives — only extract them.

Supported formats — create

7-Zip can create the following archive formats:

7zZIPTARGZIPBZIP2XZWIM

Supported formats — extract

7-Zip can extract:

7zZIPRARTARGZIPBZIP2XZCABISOMSIDEBRPMLZHARJZCHMNSIS

Installation

Where to download

The official download is at https://www.7-zip.org/. Avoid third-party download sites — they often bundle adware or worse with otherwise legitimate archivers.

Operating systems supported

WindowsLinux (p7zip)Android (ZArchiver)

How to use 7-Zip

Extracting an archive

  1. Locate the archive in your file manager (or terminal).
  2. Right-click and choose the 7-Zip entry, or run the equivalent CLI command.
  3. Pick a destination folder.
  4. Wait for extraction to complete — speed depends on archive size and chosen algorithm.

Creating an archive

  1. Select the files or folders you want to bundle.
  2. Open 7-Zip and choose Add (or drag the selection onto its window/dock icon).
  3. Pick a target format from the supported list above.
  4. Optionally set a password — prefer AES-256 over legacy algorithms.
  5. Click OK and wait for compression to complete.

Alternatives

If 7-Zip is not the right fit, consider these alternatives covered in our software directory: