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WinRAR alternatives

WinRAR compared with 3 alternatives: 7-Zip, Keka and The Unarchiver.

WinRAR is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $29 one-time, single-user license (excluding VAT). All 3 alternatives are free or have a free plan.

3 tools · Listings checked up to Oct 6, 2026 · Where the facts come from

At a glance

ToolPriceFree planRuns on
WinRARThis toolFree trial · from $29 one-timeTrial onlymacOS, Windows, Linux, Android
7-ZipFreeFreemacOS, Windows, Linux
KekaFree plan · from $3.99 one-timeYesmacOS, iOS
The UnarchiverFreeFreemacOS

How each one differs from WinRAR

  1. 7-Zip

    Free, open-source file archiver with the 7z format

    • 7-Zip is free. WinRAR starts at $29 one-time, single-user license (excluding VAT).
    • 7-Zip has a free plan. WinRAR does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only WinRAR lists an Android app.
    • 7-Zip is open source, according to its own site.
    • WinRAR can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: Windows users who need to open or create archives at no cost

    7-Zip vs WinRAR7-Zip pricing and details

  2. Keka

    File archiver for macOS and iOS with drag-and-drop compression

    • Keka starts at $3.99 one-time for the iOS app; $6.49 one-time on the Mac App Store. WinRAR starts at $29 one-time, single-user license (excluding VAT).
    • Keka has a free plan. WinRAR does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only Keka lists an iOS app.
    • Only WinRAR lists Windows, Linux and Android apps.
    • WinRAR can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: Mac users who want to create 7Z or ZIP archives by drag and drop

    Keka vs WinRARKeka pricing and details

  3. The Unarchiver

    Free Mac app that opens RAR, 7z, Zip and many older archives

    • The Unarchiver is free. WinRAR starts at $29 one-time, single-user license (excluding VAT).
    • The Unarchiver has a free plan. WinRAR does not, though it has a free trial.
    • Only WinRAR lists Windows, Linux and Android apps.
    • WinRAR can be bought with a one-time purchase.

    Suits: Mac users who need to open RAR, 7z and other archive formats

    The Unarchiver vs WinRARThe Unarchiver pricing and details

Limits worth knowing in WinRAR

  • The graphical app is for Windows only; RAR for Linux, macOS and FreeBSD is command line only.
  • Only RAR and ZIP archives can be created. Other formats, including 7Z, TAR and ISO, can only be unpacked.
  • It is a trial product: 40 days of free use, then a paid license. Prices exclude VAT and each computer needs its own license.
  • RAR for Android is a separate app, free with ads and with a paid ad-free option.
WinRAR pricing and details

Common questions

What are the alternatives to WinRAR?

The alternatives to WinRAR in this directory are 7-Zip, Keka and The Unarchiver. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with WinRAR.

Is there a free alternative to WinRAR?

Yes. 7-Zip and The Unarchiver are free to use. Keka has a free plan alongside paid ones.

Which WinRAR alternatives work on iOS?

The WinRAR listing does not include an iOS app. Keka lists one.

Is there an open-source alternative to WinRAR?

7-Zip is described as open source on its own site.

When were these prices checked?

Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 5, 2026 to Oct 6, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.

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