PeaZip vs WinRAR (2026): which should you pick?

Pick PeaZip if

• Fits if you want one free archiver across Windows, Mac and Linux
• Works for people who want to turn archive jobs into scripts

Look elsewhere if

• Skip it if you want an interface that looks native on macOS or Windows, as it is the same everywhere
• Watch out: Linux ARM support is listed as experimental
• Not for you if you need a phone app, as it is for computers only
• Watch out: donations are requested on the site, with nobody offering paid support

Pick WinRAR if

• Fits if you have to create RAR archives, not only open them
• Works for offices buying in bulk, as the price per license falls to $10 at 50 computers

Look elsewhere if

• Skip it if you only ever open archives, as you'd be paying $29 for the part you don't need
• Not for you if you're on a Mac and want windows and buttons, since RAR for macOS is command line only
• Too light for making 7Z or TAR files, because it can only create RAR and ZIP
• Pricey if you have several computers, since each needs its own license and prices exclude VAT
• Watch out: RAR for Android is a separate app, free with ads unless you pay to remove them

PeaZip

• The interface is the same on every platform rather than native to macOS or Windows.
• The project asks for donations on its site; the software itself is not paid.
• Linux ARM support is listed as experimental.

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.

PeaZip

200+ formats

Opens and extracts over 200 archive types and creates formats such as 7z, Zstandard, Brotli and zpaq.

Two-factor encryption

Supports password plus keyfile protection for all formats that support encryption.

Console export

The Console tab turns a task set up in the GUI into a CLI script for reuse or scripting.

File tools

Includes hash and checksum checks, duplicate finding, archive conversion, search in archives and tabbed browsing.

Portable use

Runs without installation, so it can be used from removable drives or a network share.

Same UI everywhere

Offers the same interface on Linux, macOS and Windows.

WinRAR

RAR and ZIP archives

Creates RAR and ZIP archives and unpacks CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZ, UUE, BZ2, JAR, ISO, 7Z, XZ and Z files.

AES 256-bit encryption

Archives can be password protected with AES encryption using a 256-bit key, which the publisher says covers the archive's metadata as well.

Recovery record and repair

A recovery record and recovery volumes make it possible to reconstruct archives even after physical damage.

Self-extracting and multivolume archives

Creates self-extracting archives and splits archives into volumes. Both are part of the license, with no add-ons to buy.

Wizard mode and command line

A Wizard mode reaches the basic archiving functions through questions and answers, and a command line interface ships alongside the graphical one.

Solid archiving

The publisher says solid archiving raises the compression rate by 10-50%, especially when packing a large number of small files.

PeaZip

• PeaZip$0

  Free, open-source software with the same full feature set on Linux, macOS and Windows.

WinRAR

• Single-user license$29

  one-time purchase, excluding VAT

  One license to use the RAR archiver on one computer. The publisher describes licenses as perpetual, with no subscription.

• Multi-user, 2-9 users$21

  per user or computer, one-time, excluding VAT

  For 2 to 9 licenses. A license is needed for each computer or client workstation where RAR is installed, used or accessed.

• Multi-user, 10-24 users$16

  per user or computer, one-time, excluding VAT

  Per-license price when buying 10 to 24 licenses.

• Multi-user, 25-49 users$13

  per user or computer, one-time, excluding VAT

  Per-license price when buying 25 to 49 licenses.

• Multi-user, 50-99 users$10

  per user or computer, one-time, excluding VAT

  Per-license price when buying 50 to 99 licenses.

• Multi-user, 100-999 users$6 to $8

  per user or computer, one-time, excluding VAT

  $8 each for 100-199 licenses, $7 for 200-499 and $6 for 500-999. Larger orders go through the sales team.

PeaZip

No public discounts listed.

WinRAR

• Lifetime license

  Perpetual license with no subscription

  The publisher describes WinRAR's license model as perpetual and valid for a lifetime, and says licenses are valid for all language and platform versions.