Top 10 Best Compression Tools to Compress All Types of Data
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Explzh
Comprehensive utility for both extracting and creating file archives, with options for testing and repairing compression packages.
There are plenty of archiving utilities on the market but having more options is never a bad thing. Explzh is one alternative that can handle some of the most common archive types, which includes RAR, ZIP and ISO.
The installation procedure is not complicated but it requires some attention because it prompts for setting the archive type associations and runs you through a brief configuration wizard.
Simple interface, easy to use
The main application window is pretty simple and the explorer-like layout should render it familiar and easy to use.
You can easily navigate to any location on the computer to extract the contents of an opened archive as well as run a test on the loaded package to determine if there are any errors that might prevent reaching the files inside.
For easy creation of new archives or extracting the compressed packages the application inserts the necessary functions in the context menu.
Functionality
The functionality of the application is not limited to opening archives and creating them, despite the support for a wide variety of formats.
Apart from the ability to create self-extracting files, it can also verify the compressed data for errors, run repairing routines or split the data into multiple items and include self-combing features.
Also, Explzh sports the possibility to password protect the data, provided that an archive format supporting the feature is selected. Moreover, among the tools there is the option to attach a digital signature to a chosen file.
Sharing options refer to sending the item over email or uploading it to a remote location, via the built-in FTP capabilities.
Conclusion
Unlike most file compression utilities Explzh seems to pack more punch as it integrates options that are generally available in the top rated products of the same feather.
It is versatile and can be handled with no problems by most users, regardless of their computer knowledge. On the other hand, usability issues may arise with some options and panels.
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Bandizip
Fast compression and decompression tool with extensive file type support, archive spanning, encryption, multiple compression levels, integrity checker, context menu integration, and more.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Back in the days when floppy disks roamed the digital world and file archives were just emerging concepts, there wasn’t much choice in terms of compression software. Nowadays, there’s increasing availability and diversity for such apps, therefore standing out in such a pool usually takes something different. Bandizip aims at impressing users with a compression and decompression tool that sports a comprehensive format compatibility list, coupled with intuitive handling for keeping things accessible.
Choose to either zip or unzip files, and preview their content with a capable archive visualizer
There are two big selector buttons on the main interface, which allow one to either compress or decompress data. We liked the simplicity of the concept and the design, as it leaves little to be desired, while still retaining the minimalism required for novices or those who appreciate it.
Furthermore, the provided archive viewer is also quite well-designed, offering a standard view of the loaded files, with customizable data columns, which can be rearranged according to one’s particular requirements.
Customize your OS experience thanks to the extensive settings on offer, which also feature strong context-menu integration tools
Of course, what good would a file zipper be if it weren’t for its system integration features, and especially the context menu? And this is where Bandizip manages to offer a good degree of configuration, thanks to the dedicated features addressing the integration process.
Furthermore, since we’re talking configuration, we believe that the entirety of the settings bank offers an ample amount of categories, each with an impressive amount of sub-entries, which we could see as quite fit for attaining your preferred setup in no time.
Useful zipper that provides support for an extensive list of formats and also offers quite good configuration
This software addresses those who need a capable archive tool, to help them compress or decompress files, in and from a wide range of formats, using an accessible platform.
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WinZip
The world's leading utility for compression, encryption and backup which provides all the needed tool sand functions for handling ZIP archives and a lot more.
There are various compression tools out there that give you the possibility to not only reduce the amount of space taken by files on your hard disk drive, but also prevent them from being infected by malicious software. One such utility that has made a name throughout the years is WinZip, offering a lot more helpful tools than ever.
Visually appealing and easy to use
Running the application brings up a modernly designed interface with features cleverly stored in an upper toolbar with intuitive icons, each found in dedicated categories. The workspace is merely a list that displays files that are about to undergo archiving or extraction, along with related info such as name, type, size, path and more.
Fast processing speed at the cost of system resources
Available compression methods include maximum, enhanced deflate, super fast, or no compression in order to better suit your needs. However, seeing how most storage devices are capable of containing large amounts of data, this should not be a great concern. It does a good job, reducing file size by a decent amount, featuring support for most archive formats used today.
The overall process is done fast, be it archiving or extraction, but at the cost of a considerable amount of system resources. When this is done, a post-process screen is displayed with helpful info regarding before and after changes that were made, including size.
Compress files and share them online
Since data transfer can be done through an abundance of methods, such as disk drive, removable devices and even various cloud services, WinZip manages to stay one step ahead of its competitors by offering full support for sharing, hence the name of the first file menu: unzip/share.
The application is suitable for both at home and work environments due to the variety of tools it offers. Adding files to get them ready for compression can be done via drag and drop, as well as from the integrated context menu entry.
Provides aid in office environments
Items you add can quickly be shared with your friends or business associates via your preferred email account, various social networks, as well as your personal cloud service. Additional tools let you have image files automatically resized to several preset resolutions and even fitted with a watermark, as soon as they are added to the process.
Security is always a concern, that's why an integrated function gives you the possibility to have files encrypted so only you have access to them. Moreover, there is even a converter you can use to turn common Office suite documents to the PDF format.
In conclusion
To sum it up, WinZip not only manages to live up to expectations, but also to impress with the amount of tools it comes equipped with. This makes it a lot more than a simple compression utility, quickly going down the path of being a powerful office assistant. A lot more can be said, but the true magic is discovering the potential of WinZip once more by yourself.
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Download Hubs
WinZip is part of these download collections: Open ZIP, SFX Creators, Make SFX, Open 7z
Lzip
Compress data to LZIP format for long-term archive storage and data sharing using this command-line application with many configuration settings.
Lzip is a Windows utility that enables you to apply lossless compression to files, in order to reduce the size of data as much as possible without sacrificing quality.
Create LZIP archives with compressed files
The program has an interface similar to gzip and bzip2. It gives you the possibility to limit the dictionary and volume size, test the integrity of archives to make sure that no errors occurred during compression, apply verbosity, as well as pick the level of compression, whether you want to favor minimal file size or best compression speed.
Run the tool from Command Prompt
It's not necessary to go through an installation operation since you can just unpack the downloaded files and run them from the console environment. A list of all commands can be displayed on the screen by writing --help. The usage is lzip [options] [files].
As far as options are concerned, you can set the member size limit in bytes (-b), allow the tool to overwrite any existing output files (-f), force the recompression of already compressed files (-F), and prevent the program from automatically deleting the source files after successfully compressing them (-k).
Configure compression settings
It's also possible to display the sizes of the compressed or uncompressed files (-l), specify the match length limit in bytes (-m), suppress all messages in the console interface (-q), indicate the dictionary size limit in bytes (-s), and point out the volume size limit in bytes (-S).
The integrity of the compressed files can be checked (-t), and you can also apply verbosity (-v) and set the compression level to any level between 0 (fast) and best (9, default is 6). Although it is not common among casual users, LZIP is a file format recommended for generating archives with a small size, for long-term purposes, as well as for sharing large amounts of information.
Handy LZIP compression tool
This utility carried out compression and decompression jobs quickly in our tests while remaining light on system resources usage. It worked smoothly on Windows 10. All aspects considered, Lzip offers a simple solution for swiftly creating LZIP archives and configuring settings from the command-line interface.
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7-Zip ZS
Create, decompress, test for the data integrity and check the hash of archived files using this lightweight and straightforward application.
Even though sharing large files nowadays is easier than ever, there are certain situations when you need to compress your files. Not only do archive put less strain on the recipients' computers, but they also have a positive boost on the bandwidth and transfer speed of the files.
7-Zip ZS is a fork of the notorious 7-Zip and provides a simple and straightforward way to create and decompress archives, verify files' hashes and test the compressed files for potential errors.
Supports the vast majority of archive formats
The GUI is similar to 7-Zip and hence, you should have no problem creating a new archive or decompressing data either from the interface or context menu. Speaking of the context menu, this is a highly appreciated feature that makes managing compressed files considerably easier.
As far as the supported archives go, the application is compatible with numerous formats, including but not limited to ZIP, RAR, LZA, ARJ, TAR. GZ and ISO. As expected, the app includes a few extra codecs for the compression algorithm, namely Zstandard, Brotli, LZ4, LZ5, Lizard and Fast LZMA2.
It can test for file integrity and security
A further noteworthy feature is the File Hash calculator, a handy option that enables you to verify the integrity of the compressed file you are managing. Unlike 7-Zip, the program can calculate several other hashes, such as XXH-64, XXH-32, BLAKE2sp, CRC-32, or CRC-64.
In addition, you can create an encrypted archive that is protected with a password, encrypt the file names, select the preferred update mode, split to volume, create SFX and choose the path mode. Regardless of the operation performed, you will be happy to learn that it consumes a low amount of system resources.
A handy tool for managing compressed files
7-Zip ZS is a tiny and lightweight tool with extended support for archived files and that provides you with an effortless way to create, test, decompress and manage this type of files.
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PeaZip
Compress files and folders in order to save precious disk space and take advantage of a lot more integrated tools with the help of this powerful application.
For enhanced security measures, most applications and files are distributed in archives to prevent malicious software infiltrations. There is an abundance of utilities that can be used for this task, PeaZip being one of them. It manages to come equipped with a set of tools that offer a lot more than just the possibility to compress files.
Pleasant and intuitive interface
Running the application brings up a modernly designed interface that includes nearly all archiving tools you find in most common dedicated such utilities. The upper toolbar is fitted with intuitive buttons that let you add, extract, convert, test and several other options.
The workspace resembles a file explorer, which cleverly lets you browse through your computer exactly the way you would with the default operating system explorer. Additionally, the application integrates its major features in the context menu for enhanced ease of access.
Configure amount of system resources to use
In terms of functionality, the application brings nothing new to the market. It is able to associate its features with nearly all available archive formats. Compression and extraction speed are moderate, with a slight tendency to eat up a considerable amount of resources. However, you can set priority from the progress window that pops up once the process is put in motion.
A large variety of other integrated tools
Besides basic compression tools, the application features a few specialties. Given the file explorer-like interface workspace, you can change the upper toolbar to a file manager to gain access to dedicated options that let you cut, copy, paste, create new folders, rename or even find duplicate files in the current path. There are more options available, including the possibility to have files open with external applications.
Edit and convert image files
Furthermore, there is also an integrated image viewer, with support for basic editing. It lets you crop selected photos, rotate or fit to a custom resolution, as well as save under a different format like BMP, PNG or JPG.
Create automated scheduled tasks
Amongst other features, you manage to find a Task Scheduler that lets you set up computer specific operations, like running a certain application, by setting advanced parameters. You can make it recurrent, while taking advantage of a guided creation process or dive into an abundance of advanced settings.
To sum it up
All things considered, PeaZip lives up to expectations even though not the most powerful utility of its kind. It lets you take advantage of a handful of features, from simple archiving options to file management and security related settings. It's definitely worth a try if you're looking for an alternative to the existing industry giants.
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Download Hubs
PeaZip is part of these download collections: Open RAR, Open ZIP, Create tar, Create 7z
Express Zip File Compression
A suitable software solution strictly dedicated to exploring, creating and managing archives of various formats easy and in the blink of an eye.
On the saturated market of compression utilities there are still tools that try to prove that innovation is always a key element in success. Amongst the existing industry giants, applications such as Express Zip File Compression Software come equipped with features you are familiar with, but adjusted to offer a little more speed and efficiency.
Ad-supported installation process
Before you can fully take advantage of the provided features, you need to cautiously go through the setup process. A certain level of attention is required, otherwise you might end up with a bunch of potentially unwanted applications also deployed on your system.
Common features and intuitive interface
The main window stores all its available features in an upper toolbar, the workspace being dedicated to exploring content of the files you add to the process.
You can easily import desired items either through the dedicated options or dragging them over the main window. However, due to the poor design, it takes a rather disturbing amount of time to get files ready, especially if they take up a lot of space.
Taking a lot of time for tasks
The same can be said about compression and extraction processes. The application first analyzes files, after which they are processed, leading to a considerable number of minutes practically wasted. Since the application is a dedicated compression utility and it does not come equipped with any other important features, this is a major drawback.
The possibility to keep files safe
On the other hand, you can have your have files encrypted for enhanced security. A self-extracting archive can also be created so that you don't need any compression tools in order to unpack content on other computers.
Using a high amount of system resources
In terms of functionality, the applications behaves incredibly poor, with no comparison needed. Regardless of the file size selected for compression, once you put the process in motion system resources are funneled towards the application, with the possibility to hang or even crash. During our tests, it took around 15 minutes to process 2.5 GB worth of data, making the computer difficult to use for other purposes and at a certain point even making it critically unstable.
To end with
Taking everything into consideration, we can say that Express Zip File Compression Software fails to fully deliver its full potential, with a lot of room for improvement. It's incredibly easy to use and the interface is intuitive, but taking a look under the hood reveals an outdated engine, incapable of winning the race for best compression tool.
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Download Hubs
Express Zip File Compression is part of these download collections: Open RAR
AZip
Create archives, manage existing ones and get useful insight about their content using this handy application that supports file encryption.
AZip is a software solution designed to help you view the content of your ZIP archives. This compression tool was specifically built to manage your archives in the easiest way possible.
Beginners should get used to working with this program in no time as all its functions are neatly displayed in the main window.
You can use the “drag and drop” support for adding files or folders into the main window. The app automatically compresses the files and displays the content of the archived folder in the main window. It is also possible to delete the existing entries from the list.
AZip can also decompress an archive on the go by simply dragging it to the main window. The program works fast and it didn’t crash, freeze or encounter errors during our testing.
The app can perform tests to verify if all the entries in the archive folder are valid. It also features a built-in search dialog that helps users to find various files very quickly.
Moreover, AZip bundles some important features as it allows users to recompress, compare and merge the archives.
Compared with other similar apps, AZip is pretty easy to work with since it doesn’t include many configurations settings to tinker with. It makes the whole process of compressing and decompressing easier and faster by keeping things as simple as possible.
Advanced options such as setting up passwords and changing the compression method are not included in the app.
All in all, AZip is a small but efficient program that can compress or decompress files very quickly. Although it isn’t the most powerful tool in its category as the developer didn’t include many advanced features, it is definitely a reliable software application for all users who want to manage their archives effortlessly.
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WinRAR
Archiving utility with a complex compression engine, security features, integrity checkup, repair feature, recovery mode, file splitting, and more.
WinRAR is an advanced data compression utility that supports a wide array of formats, including RAR, ZIP, CAB, ARJ, LZH, ACE, TAR, GZip, UUE, ISO, BZIP2, Z, and 7-Zip. It enables you to create, organize, and manage archives in a comfortable and quick manner.
Quality compression and multiple disk spanning
The application proposes an advanced approach to compression, which entails creating small archives to save disk space as well as to enable faster file sharing. Audio and graphics files benefit from a special archiving algorithm that doesn't sacrifice quality.
It's also possible to split archives into several smaller volumes to spread them across multiple devices and easily transfer them onto other computers, which is particularly practical when attempting to compress very large files.
Advanced features for compression and decompression
The available security tools are designed to password-protect archives and optionally encrypt file names to add an extra layer of safety. Meanwhile, the application can be asked to verify archive integrity as well as attempt repairing damaged or corrupt archives.
Expert users can configure settings concerning the preferred compression method, dictionary size, file update mode, self-extracting archives, recovery records in case of data loss, archive locking, NTFS symbolic and hard links, and many other aspects.
Files can be backed up before compiling them into archives while virus scans can be executed before extracting files from the archives so that you don’t expose your computer to any risks whatsoever.
The industry-standard in compression
During our tests, WinRAR delivered excellent results on file compression and archive extraction regarding speed and file size. On the other hand, it is likely to hamper system resources usage when dealing with time-consuming tasks carried out on very large files, especially if you are relying on weaker hardware configurations.
To wrap it up, WinRAR remains the industry-standard in the compression category. It tackles popular compression formats via an approachable interface and a complex engine that can easily be accessed from the context menu.
WinRAR Video Guide
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WinRAR is part of these download collections: Open RAR, Open ZIP, View ISO, SFX Creators
ZIPmagic
A software solution comparable with major market players, suitable for users who wish to attain data compression for both actual files and disk memory.
ZIPmagic is a package that includes multiple applications useful for compressing data, folders, bootable disks, or entire Windows drives.
File compression versus disk compression
The act of compressing a file refers to the method(s) used for reducing the size of a given digital asset. This action is applicable for many items, like a piece of data, like an actual file (executable, music files, pictures, data files, such as libraries, components, portable tools, and others), or a storage location (e.g., an entire drive).
There are many data compression tools out there. Many of these target a very specific need for both domestic and business consumers: space (storage) reduction.
However, very few applications seem to address the need for disk compression. This is a much more extensive and laborious process, and it should require overriding an operating system's standard routines. The end result is an increase in the amount of information that can be stored on a drive.
ZIPmagic for drive and file compression
ZIPmagic offers two different solutions. For file compression, for example, this program is compatible with WinZip JPEG compression, a 256-bit AES encryption process that significantly reduces the size of your files and also enables their encryption.
More than other features, this ZIPmagic acts like an extensive package containing multiple other programs ZIPmagic Studio (for file compression), ZIPmagic Express (a reduced version of the ZIPmagic Studio application), ZIPmagic Command-Line, ZIPmagic DoubleSpace 3 (for handling your bootable disks and devices), and ZIPmagic Drive Space 7 (for disk compression/decompression).
Furthermore, these tools will allow users to conduct drive compression processes in real-time, on SSDs, all at configurable ratios (up to a 4.1:1 ratio for data disks, and up to a 2.4:1 ratio for boot disks). Additionally, the tool is capable of extracting multiple nested archives in a single routine, using recursive-call algorithms.
ZIPmagic versus other solutions
When it comes to comparing this suite of programs with other compression tools, such as WinZip or WinRAR, there are indeed some differences that need to be addressed.
WinZip or WinRAR are comparable software solutions that target file compression as well. As a plus, they are fast, are community-supported solutions, and have a lot of popularity.
Additionally, in Windows 10, users also have the option to compress their drives' contents (files and folders) using a NFTS built-in feature.
However, what is truly amazing about ZIPmagic is that it enables access to a wide range of features and options, much more than what can be found in other software solutions. It offers everything from individual file or directory compression to drive or bootable disk space reduction.
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