File compressors are a very useful type of application for any PC. Logically, there is an increase in the storage capacity of hard disks or SSDs. However, the available space can be a problem for many personal computers. Consequently, this software is especially suitable for that. Moreover, they are not only useful for saving internal storage space. Many popular email services, such as Outlook and Gmail, have attachment size limits. So, file compressors make it possible to send more files in a single e-mail. The same when uploading them to a cloud storage service where there is no spare space available. Furthermore, for sharing them on direct download sites or Torrent networks. For these reasons and many more, today we are going to see The best file compressors for PC.
Benefits of file compressors.
In addition to freeing up space, this type of software also allows you to better organize your files. That is, you can include 10, 100, 1000 in a single compressed file. Or on the contrary, you can split a large file into smaller ones to be able to store them or transmit them on the Internet more efficiently.
Another of its capabilities, less known among the public, but no less important, is the ability to encrypt these files. In this way, we will be able to save or share them securely. On the other hand, some of them allow you to automate, customize and schedule compression tasks. They also include functions to transfer files using the FTP protocol directly from the interface. Other functions range from emailing and direct recording to optical media. To the connection with cloud storage services.
This type of software must be able to compress or decompress files interchangeably. There are paid and free solutions that support various archive formats, including the three most widespread ZIP, RAR and TAR. Similarly, there are factors that affect their selection:
- The support for handling formats;
- The speed of compressing and decompressing;
- The usability or attractiveness of the interface
- Encryption functions
Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting ones.
7-Zip
Free and open-source software, it is the great reference for those who are looking for a completely free application of this type. It uses its own 7z file format by default. However, it supports others such as ZIP and RAR for both decompression and compression. As with most of the rest, it can decompress RAR files, but not create them. 7z uses a variety of compression algorithms such as bzip2, LZMA and LZMA2. In addition, it has auto-extract capability, drag-and-drop support and a powerful archive manager.
7-Zip is available for Windows 32-bit and 64-bit systems, where it integrates with context menus. It has command line and versions for Linux or macOS. Its interface is not the most intuitive, but if you are looking for free file compressors, you will not find anything better.
WinZip
The great classic of the .zip format started as a graphical user interface for PKZIP. However, it ended up becoming a commercial product for Windows. Under an attractive interface and with a powerful wizard, it offers a lot of the functions mentioned above:
- 256-bit AES encryption,
- Direct burning to DVD, thumbnail view,
- Auto extraction,
- Automatic compression selection
It handles any ZIP feature and supports other formats such as ARC, ARJ and LZH with external programs. It also supports 7z, TAR and RAR file extraction. Furthermore, it also handles audio with improved compression of WAV files. WinZip offers free trial for Windows. However, it is commercial software and is sold in several standard and Pro versions starting at 36 euros as a one-time payment. If you use this format a lot, you have to admit that there is nothing better for handling the ZIP format on Windows.
WinRar
The big name around the RAR format, a great alternative to the ZIP format, but closed. It offers incredible levels of compression (better than zip). Plus lightning fast speeds when compressing or decompressing and a pretty good 128-bit AES encryption tool. Besides being the only application capable of creating archives in this format, it can handle virtually all others, zip, 7z, TAR, iSO and so on. It can also create self-extracting archives (EXE) for which no other decompression software is needed.
WinRAR is commercial software and is distributed for 64-bit Windows in several versions for personal or professional use for a one-time fee. A 40-day free trial is offered. On the other hand, the UNRAR variant (only for decompressing this format) is released for other systems and is integrated or can be installed on GNU/Linux distributions.
PeaZip
A free and open-source solution that provides a more attractive and usable interface for the ordinary consumer than the one offered by 7-zip. Remember that it uses it as a base for its free software distribution. It allows compressing and decompress in 200 formats such as 7z, Tar and Zip. In addition, it can decompress RAR and also compress, although for this, you have to have WinRAR installed. It implements a powerful and complete file manager to edit, view, browse, and search files. It also includes an extensive set of data security features with strong AES encryption, encrypted password manager, optional two-factor authentication, secure deletion and file hashing tools.
PeaZip is available for Windows, Linux, BSD or ARM 32-bit and 64-bit. If you are looking for a 7-Zip with a modern and attractive user interface, this application is for you.
B1 Free Archiver
Less known among file compressors, it uses a native open source B1 format. With an attractive interface (it also works on command line), it allows you to compress/decompress formats such as B1 and Zip. Although it only allows compressing RAR. It offers password-protected archives encrypted with 256-bit AES algorithm.
B1 Free Archiver is available for Windows, macOS and Linux, and also has an online version.
