Free & open source alternatives to WinRAR

4 free file compression apps to use instead of WinRAR by win.rar GmbH

The best free alternative to WinRAR is 7-Zip. Extracts .rar, creates .7z and supports AES-256 password protection, free for any use.

Other great options: NanaZip, PeaZip and Windows 11 built-in extractor.

Quick pick: The standard WinRAR replacement is 7-Zip (free even for businesses, and it extracts .rar). On Windows 11, NanaZip fits neatly into the right-click menu.

Reviewed November 2026 against each vendor's official website.

Official ways to use WinRAR for free

Windows 11 (version 23H2 and later) can open .rar and .7z files in File Explorer with nothing extra to install.
WinRAR is shareware: after the 40-day trial it keeps working but nags you to buy a license. Long-term use, especially at work, requires a paid license.

Free plans and trial lengths are set by the vendor and can change. Check the official website before signing up.

4 best alternatives to WinRAR

7-Zip

PC utilities

Open sourceEasy to use

Extracts .rar, creates .7z and supports AES-256 password protection, free for any use.

The best-known open-source archiver: extracts .rar, .zip, .7z, .iso and more, with AES-256 passwords. It also creates .7z archives with a high compression ratio.

Free for business use, no license nag screens
Extracts .rar archives
Translated into many languages

Platforms: Windows · Linux

7-Zip details Official website ↗

NanaZip

PC utilities HealthGood (95/100)16,185

Open sourceEasy to use

7-Zip for Windows 11, built into the new right-click menu.

A 7-Zip fork rebuilt for Windows 11 that fits into the new right-click menu.

Shows up in the Windows 11 context menu
Installs and updates through the Microsoft Store

Platforms: Windows

NanaZip details Official website ↗

PeaZip

PC utilities HealthGood (99/100)8,094

Open sourceEasy to use

A friendlier interface, with versions for Mac and Linux.

Open-source archiver with a clean interface that opens more than 200 formats, including on Mac.

Friendlier interface than 7-Zip
Available on Mac and Linux

Platforms: Windows · Mac · Linux

PeaZip details Official website ↗

Windows 11 built-in extractor

PC utilities

FreeEasy to use

Built into Windows 11: opens .rar and .7z without installing anything.

Since version 23H2, Windows 11 opens .rar, .7z and .tar.gz files right in File Explorer. Double-click the file or right-click and choose "Extract All".

Nothing extra to install

Platforms: Windows

Windows 11 built-in extractor details Official website ↗

Quick comparison

App	Type	Platforms	Ease of use	GitHub stars
7-Zip	Open source	Windows, Linux	Easy to use	—
NanaZip	Open source	Windows	Easy to use	16,185
PeaZip	Open source	Windows, Mac, Linux	Easy to use	8,094
Windows 11 built-in extractor	Free	Windows	Easy to use	—

Open source: anyone can use, study and modify it, including businesses. Free: no cost, but the code is closed. Freemium: a lasting free plan with paid tiers for extra features. Source available: code is public but the license adds conditions.

FAQ

What is the best free alternative to WinRAR?

The most popular picks are 7-Zip, NanaZip, PeaZip and Windows 11 built-in extractor. The standard WinRAR replacement is 7-Zip (free even for businesses, and it extracts .rar). On Windows 11, NanaZip fits neatly into the right-click menu.

Can 7-Zip create .rar files?

No. Only WinRAR can create the .rar format. 7-Zip extracts .rar files just fine; when compressing, use .zip (opens anywhere) or .7z (smaller files).