Top 5 Best Free File Compression Software for Windows

A file compression software would allow you to compress one or more files into a smaller file to save space and to shorten the time to upload and download the files. Compression tools are very useful and very handy with its modern graphical interfaces and drag and drop capabilities. Winzip is one of the most popular compression software. However, it is not free. Hence, we created a list of free Top 5 compression utilities that you can use if paying is not an option for you.

1. 7-Zip

7-Zip is probably the leading free file compression software for Windows with its amazing ability to shrink files on the fly. It has advanced functionalities that include the capacity to produce solid and self-extracting archives as well as to modify password protection and compression level. Albeit it has a minimalistic interface, it is easy to understand and operate. 7-Zip supports 7z, ZIP, CAB, RAR, ARJ, GZIP, BZIP2, Z, TAR, CPIO, RPM, and DEB. For a free software, the performance is close to perfection.

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• Pros: easy to install; excellent performance; provides error messages; functionality to uncompress from several embedded files; great archive utility
• Cons: minimalistic interface
• OS: Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, 98/Me/2000/XP/2003/Server 2008/NT (Supports 32-bit and 64-bit)

2. IZArc

IZArc is one of the best file compression software out there which is compatible with a huge number of archive formats such as ISO, 7-zip, black hole, TAR and many others. It can also convert and save to 12 different formats and has a similar interface with WinZip.

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• Pros: great interface; flexible functionality and handles a wide array of file compression formats
• Cons: the installer is bundled with “open candy”; a bit slow when opening huge files
• OS: Windows 2000/XP/2003/Vista, Windows 7

3. PeaZip

PeaZip is packed with features that are great for the experts while also giving a user friendly interface to novice users with its drag and drop functions. It has a WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get) platform that is so easy to navigate. Peazip currently provides three types of installer including a portable one.

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• Pros: user-friendly even to novice users while experts can also enjoy its advanced features; supports many file types;
• Cons: one type of installer is bundled with open candy, although a plain installer is also available.
• OS: Windows 7, Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/NT

4. ZipGenius

ZipGenius is another great compression software that provides a lot of functionalities such as being able to add your signature and contact information to any zip file you create. It also offers encryption, antivirus scanner support, download time calculator, disk spanning and a lot more. It also offers a multi functioning plug-in support and is available in several languages.

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• Pros: multiple options to compress or decompress; fast archiving speed; user frindly and intuitive
• Cons: extract screen is too large; no quick and easy help file in the program;
• OS: Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows 98/Me/2000/2003/Vista/Server 2008/NT

5. Hamster Free Zip Archiver

Hamster compression software has a colorful interface with vividly labeled buttons that will make navigating a breeze. It has a clear guide on how to add files by dragging, dropping or browsing. It has a great functionality to right-click a file and choosing the zip options directly from the context menu.

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• Pros: attractive interface; simple to operate; unpacking files is quick;
• Cons: cannot zoom in/out number; small range of colors
• OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7