7-Zip is a free and open-source file archiver for compressing and uncompressing files.
7-Zip fastest is faster than WinRar fastest but has lower compression. 7-Zip fast takes about same time as WinRar fast but compress slightly more than any WinRar setting. 7-Zip normal is a bit slower than any WinRAR setting but also compresses more. 7-Zip maximum and ultra take long time for slightly smaller file.
Here’s why you should consider using 7-Zip:
- Free of charge
- High compression ratio — for ZIP and GZIP formats, 7-Zip has a better compression ratio than that of PKZIP and WinZip.
- Free for commercial use — 7-Zip is protected by the GNU LGPL license, thus allowing you to copy and distribute the software legally.
- Localized — the software is available in 87 languages.
- Windows integration — 7-Zip is compatible with Windows Shell.
- Secure — the software uses the AES-256 file encryption system.