Choose 7-Zip if you want
Free, open-source archiving on Windows.
The default free archiver on Windows, with a high compression ratio in the 7z format and AES-256 encryption. It creates 7z, ZIP and GZIP but not RAR, so RAR files need WinRAR or PeaZip.
Choose WinRAR if you want
Windows users who create RAR archives and pay.
The established commercial choice for creating RAR archives on Windows, with Unicode file name support and interfaces in more than 40 languages. It is a paid license, so people who only extract files can use 7-Zip for free.
The main differences
- 7-Zip is open source; WinRAR is not.
- 7-Zip can be used for free; WinRAR requires payment.
Side by side
 7-Zip |  WinRAR | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 93.5 | 84.5 |
| Rank in list | #1 of 7 | #4 of 7 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree to use, including in commercial organizations | PaidPaid commercial license sold by the vendor |
| Free to use | Yes | No |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Platforms | WindowsWindows | WindowsWindows |
| Made by | Igor Pavlov | win.rar GmbH |
| Formats | 7z, ZIP, GZIP, TAR; unpacks RAR and ISO | RAR, ZIP and many others |
| Best for | Free, open-source archiving on Windows | Windows users who create RAR archives and pay |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about 7-Zip vs WinRAR
- Is 7-Zip better than WinRAR?
- 7-Zip ranks higher in our list of file archivers (#1 against #4, score 93.5 against 84.5). 7-Zip is best for: free, open-source archiving on Windows. WinRAR is best for: windows users who create RAR archives and pay.
- Which is cheaper, 7-Zip or WinRAR?
- 7-Zip: Free to use, including in commercial organizations. WinRAR: Paid commercial license sold by the vendor.
- Do 7-Zip and WinRAR run on the same platforms?
- 7-Zip supports Windows. WinRAR supports Windows.