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

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

Pick WinZip if

• Fits if you want zip, encryption and cloud sharing from one paid program
• Works for IT-managed teams that want a quoted Enterprise edition

Look elsewhere if

• Pricey if all you do is unzip files, because free archivers do that for nothing
• Skip it if you won't pay a yearly subscription, since there is no one-time licence
• Watch out: backup, SafeShare, image tools and the system utilities need Pro or Ultimate
• Watch out: prices include VAT, so the amount charged may differ by region

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.

WinZip

• Sold only by subscription, billed annually; there is no free edition beyond the 21-day trial.
• The pricing page labels prices as including VAT, so the amount charged may differ by region.
• Backup, SafeShare, image tools and the system utilities suite need Pro or Ultimate.
• Enterprise has no published price and is sold through a quote request.

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.

WinZip

Compression and extraction

Zips and unzips files and opens other archive types such as RAR, 7Z, TAR and ISO.

File and email encryption

Encrypts files and email attachments, and lists secure, unrecoverable file wiping among its core capabilities.

Multi-cloud file management

Browse and manage files across several cloud storage accounts, with batch file conversion.

Backup and advanced tools

The comparison table lists automated backups, secure FTP transfers, malware scanning of zip files and PDF and image management.

System utilities

Pro and Ultimate bundle the System Utilities Suite: disk and memory cleanup, registry optimization, a driver updater and a speed booster.

Enterprise controls

Enterprise adds AES-256-GCM with FIPS 140-3 compliance, an IT-held recovery key and policy enforcement across the organization.

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.

WinZip

• Standard$3.33

  per month, billed annually (incl. VAT)

  Zip, protect, share and manage files; includes WinZip Standard for Windows and Mac, Courier and Ad Remover.

• Pro$5.00

  per month, billed annually (incl. VAT)

  Adds Secure Backup, SafeShare, Image Manager, Duplicate File Finder and the System Utilities Suite.

• Ultimate$10.00

  per month, billed annually (incl. VAT)

  Everything in Pro plus WinZip PDF Pro, the PDF editing and watermarking tool.

• EnterpriseCustom

  Quote-based edition for IT teams with AES-256-GCM encryption, policy enforcement, recovery keys and volume licensing.

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.

WinZip

No public discounts listed.