7 zip vs winrar vs winzip how to#
7 zip vs winrar vs winzip mp4#
7 zip vs winrar vs winzip archive#

That’s some pretty impressive stuff from 7-Zip. Note that we used the Zip and Zipx formats in WinZIP, the 7z format from 7-Zip, and the RAR4 and RAR5 formats in WinRAR. These two formats are among the most compressible, so should demonstrate the respective compression software at their very best.

7 zip vs winrar vs winzip mp4#

Using those settings, we compressed a couple of different file types – MP4 video files first, then big chunky ISO files after that. In the new window change the Compression method to LZMA2 (if you have a 4-core or stronger CPU), set the Compression level to Ultra, and compress away! Compression Testsįor the tests, we set 7-Zip, WinZip and WinRAR to their optimal compression settings as outlined in each of the descriptions above.

There are no evaluation versions or prices to pay here, but does that come at a cost of compression quality? To test it properly, select the files you want to compress, right-click them, select 7-Zip then “Add to archive.” For the tests, we’ll be compressing files using both the RAR5 and RAR4 formats. The old compression format is RAR4, which you can also select. This has a bigger default dictionary size, and is ostensibly superior at compressing large files.

7 zip vs winrar vs winzip archive#

For maximum compression, it’s worth changing the “Compression method” to “Best.” As of a 2018 update, the default archive format used by WinRAR is RAR5 (which is confusingly just labelled “RAR” now). Notable options here include the “Create solid archive” box (particularly useful for compressing a large number of smaller files). WinRAR compresses files in the RAR format (it’s all in the name), and there are also a few tricks you can do to get the most compression out of it. When WinZip opens, select “.Zipx” under “Compression Type”. To use this, select and right-click the files you want to compress, then click to “WinZip -> Add to Zip” the files. zipx format, where it claims to have a higher compression rate than. WinZip has an option to compress files into the. But maybe that’s because it does a better job than its rivals, justifying its audacious price tag? Let’s see. In today’s world where we inexplicably expect everything software-related to be free, WinZip boldly stands in the face of our expectations by charging $40 after the trial period. (You basically pay to get rid of this prompt.) WinZip, on the other hand, locks you out after your evaluation period. WinRAR is essentially free, except you have to tolerate an annoying prompt telling you your trial’s expired each time you open it. It’s worth prefacing this piece by saying the open-source 7-Zip already holds an edge by being free with no strings attached.

7 zip vs winrar vs winzip how to#

They’re all easy to use, but which one does the best job? We put them to the test to find out.Īlso read: How to Zip and Unzip Files on Android (RAR, ZIP, 7Z) 7-Zip lands the first big punch by being FREE Are we overselling this software showdown? Maybe, but it’s still an important one.Īll three of these programs perform the same function, allowing you to grab a bunch of files on your computer and pack them tightly into an archive, shrinking their file size until someone decides to unpack them.

In games consoles there are Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft, and in PC compression software there are 7-Zip, WinRAR and WinZIP. In boxing there were Ali, Frazier and Foreman.