5 Best Compression and Extraction Software for Windows 10

Nowadays storing or sharing large files are becoming more difficult day by day. Even though HDD size has increased tremendously, but it still isn’t enough. So, we need to reduce our file sizes to tackle the situation.

Sometimes folders are too massive to transport or share online. If you use compression software and reduce their sizes, it would be much easier to share it.

It also comes handy when you want to send several files at once via email. I think we faced this problem once or twice in our life that Google wouldn’t let us post the email or add an attachment because of its size.

Using a compression software here would help you to reduce the size to an acceptable range. Also would serve you much if you want to send an entire folder instead of just files.

And, that’s not all there is to a compression and extraction software. If you want to send or share files securely, then it will also give an option to encrypt and then protect it with a password. So, no one can snoop into your private data even if they want to.

But first, let’s know a little bit more about them before moving on.

5 Best Compression Software-

A Compression and Extraction Utility

Compression software is software that can compress or decompress files. In other words, it decreases the file size to a tremendous extinct making it easier for you to handle it.

Almost all the operating system includes this tool as a default. But it only has primary compression and extraction utility that only supports zip files. There are other tons of compression formats such as .tar, .gz, .7z, .rar, etc.

If you want to include more options, then you need to look into other tools. The most used compression format is ZIP. You’ll stumble into it anywhere you go on the internet. We download many application, files even music as a zip file.

Most of the portable software programs come with a zip file which you can’t extract unless you have a compression and extraction software.

So, it’s best to look into the best ones now. They will come in handy one way or another. And, if you are already looking for the best ones then today is your lucky day. Today, I’ll be sharing five best compression and extraction software for Windows 10.

#​1 – 7-Zip

A Tool with Excellent Format Support that can Compress Huge Files

The last one on the list would be 7-Zip. It’s another unique program that’s popular on the market. This tool can extract all types of file formats and supports a few compression formats.

Although you’ll be able to extract RAR files with it, you can’t create one using this. The tool is free of cost, so you won’t have to spend any bucks on this.

As for its name, it’s the best tool for compressing 7z formats. It will allow you to squeeze huge files (up to 16 billion gigabytes) with a high compression rate. It may take a while to compress significant data, but it’s worth it.

7-Zip will allow you to squeeze ay great lengths, but it will take a lot of time. So, you need to have patience if you want to use this one.

Its interface does not attract anyone; it’s as simple as it can get. It creates various context menus, but you can change it from Options. Just go to the Options and get rid of the settings you don’t need.

If you are more into the attractive user interface, then avoid this one as it will not satisfy your taste. On the other hand, if you are into its features rather than looks then give it a try.

#2 – WinZip

Original File Compression Tool with a lot of Tricks Left

WinZip is another famous name on the market. It’s probably one of the oldest compression tools. Even though it’s been around for some time but still it hasn’t lost its glory. With different upgraded to back it up, it surely is full of features.

The standard versions come at different prices. But spending money on this particular software is worth it. Although you might think that there are plenty of alternatives available, no one can beat this one.

It supports a wide range of formats such as ZIP, ZIPX, RAR (extraction only), 7z, TAR, GZIP, VHD, and XZ. WinZip also offers integration with other programs to make things easier for you such as Office. It helps in easy zipping if you already have an integrated tool with it.

The software also has a wide range of features including the splitting of large zip files to fit different media, advanced file sharing options, cloud support and a superior zip management system that rivals Windows Explorer.

The interface is quite exciting and even designed for touchscreen devices. And, to secure everything further, you’ll get backup options and security options for protecting your private files.

It’s a handy tool that will provide you with flexibility in the way you want. You can use it directly or via the Windows context menu.

#3 – WinRAR

A Powerful Compression Software that can create RAR Archives

WinZip maybe famous in different areas but WinRAR has earned its place. Just like its name it has the feature to create RAR files, which provides an excellent level of compression. The best thing is that it’s the only one that supports RAR file creation.

Other compression software’s can extract the RAR file but can’t create it. WinRAR has a free or trial version but it expires after 40 days, and after that, you need to buy a license.

But don’t think that it only supports one format. It comes with a wide range of compressed formats such as CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZ and TAR.GZ, BZ2 and TAR.BZ2, ACE, UUE, JAR (Java Archive), ISO (ISO9660 – CD image), 7Z, XZ, Z (Unix compress) and ZIP.

That’s a long list. It’s available on almost every platform. Although if you are looking for an attractive user interface, then you better steer clear of this one. The user interface is not beautiful and has an only simple design.

Non-experts can feel a bit overwhelmed with all the settings and options. But the best thing about this tool is that it’s extreme encryption support along with speed and self-extracting features.

These qualities do make it look irresistible. So, it’s worth trying to see if it’s the perfect fit for you.

#4 – PeaZip

An Excellent Compression Tool that you can use with WinRAR

It’s another free compression and extraction software. It looks straightforward but it’s powerful. It works as a regular compression tool with an added feature. You can convert one archive to another one.

It comes in handy as you can change the format with extracting it first. For further security, it will also provide AES256-based encryption and two-factor authentication, along with a password manager.

Just like other compression tools you can use it directly from the main program or use it from the context menu.

If you have WinRAR installed then PeaZip can use it to gain full RAR support which enables it to create and extract the RAR files.

#​5 – ​Inbuilt Compress Feature

​Windows Default Compression Feature

​This comes in handy if you do not want to install any third party software. Also, if you are on a locked down system, without any admin rights to install a new program, Windows inbuilt ZIP compression abilities can be put into use.

Though it has some limitations like the archive format ​is restricted to ZIP only. You cannot encrypt the .zip file with a password or anything else.

To use this feature, just ​right click on file or files selection and hover to Send to option. You should be able to click on “Compressed (Zipped) Folder” option. Windows creates a new ZIP file containing the files you selected, and you can then rename it to whatever you like.

These are the five best compression and extraction software for Windows 10. I would recommend you to try out Hamster Zip Archiver and WinRAR. These two have a wide range of features and would come in handy.

But you should try all of them out and choose what best serves your style and of course purpose.

Hasib Bin Anowar

Hasib is a born geek and loves tweaking his computer and gadgets for effectiveness and productivity. At WindowsChimp, he specializes in writing Tutorial guides and discovering new hacks to share.