The 7-Zip Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about 7-Zip in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
7-Zip
The Insider’s Guide
Free, open-source file archiver with the 7z format
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among desktop utilities, read from 7-Zip’s own pages.
Made by Igor Pavlov · checked Oct 5, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from 7-Zip’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on 7-Zip’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 5, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
3.0
GPA, above 84 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade
7-Zip is a free, open-source file archiver by Igor Pavlov. It creates and opens archives in 7z, ZIP, TAR, GZIP, BZIP2, XZ and WIM, extracts many other formats including RAR and ISO, and can protect 7z and ZIP archives with AES-256 encryption. The Windows version adds commands to the Windows shell and includes a file manager, and console versions are available for Linux and macOS.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about 7-Zip, taken from its own pages and our grades.
On Linux and macOS it's a console version, which does mean commands.
- 1
Best for opening and making archives on Windows for free
It costs nothing, even on a work computer.
- 2
It is free
7-Zip has no paid plan at all. Free, open-source software. No registration or payment is needed on any computer, including one in a commercial organization.
- 3
It runs on 3 platforms
Windows, Linux and macOS.
- 4
7z format with LZMA and LZMA2
Creates 7z archives using LZMA or LZMA2 compression. The format supports solid compression, Unicode file names and compressed archive headers.
- 5
Wide format support
Packs and unpacks 7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, ZIP and WIM, and unpacks many more formats, including RAR, ISO, DMG, CAB, MSI, VHD and VMDK.
- 6
AES-256 encryption
Archives in the 7z and ZIP formats can be encrypted with AES-256.
- 7
A 3.0 GPA, above 84 of 94
That is against the other desktop utilities we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
7-Zip is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
7-Zip at a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows, Linux
- Made by
- Igor Pavlov, since 1999
- Category
- Desktop Utilities
- Our grade
- 3.0 GPA, very good
The report card
Best for opening and making archives on Windows for free
7-Zip is a free, open-source file archiver that makes 7z, ZIP, TAR and a few other formats, unpacks RAR and ISO, and can lock 7z and ZIP archives with AES-256 encryption. It costs nothing, even on a work computer. The graphical app is Windows only, though: Linux and macOS get a console version, it can't create RAR files, and help is a forum on SourceForge.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | It costs nothing, at home or at work. 7-Zip is free and open source, a plain download, and you can put it on any computer, including one in a commercial organization, with no registration or payment. |
| Free plan and trial | A | The complete archiver is free. There's no paid edition and nothing held back, so there's no limit to run into. |
| Features | C | Archiving is one job and 7-Zip covers it: packs 7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, ZIP and WIM, unpacks RAR, ISO, DMG and more, does AES-256 encryption and self-extracting archives. The listing names the limits too. It can't create RAR files, and the graphical app and File Manager are Windows only. |
| Ease of use | B | No rating is on record, but on Windows there's nothing to set up: it adds its commands to the shell and brings its own File Manager, so nobody has to type anything. On Linux and macOS it's a console version, which does mean commands. |
| Platforms and integrations | C | It's a program for computers and nothing else: Windows, Linux and macOS, with no web version and no phone apps. Three desktop systems is still one kind of device, and the only integration on record is FAR Manager. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who 7-Zip is for
- Fits if you're on Windows and need to open or make archives without paying
- Works for companies, since it's allowed on commercial computers with no registration
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you're on a Mac or Linux and want windows and buttons, as those downloads are console only
- Not for you if you need to create RAR archives, since it only unpacks them
- Too light for anyone who wants a support line, because help is a forum and bug reports on SourceForge
- Not for you if you want it on a phone or in a browser, as there's no mobile or web version
Good to know
Good for
- Windows users who need to open or create archives at no cost
- Compressing large folders into 7z archives with a high compression ratio
- Organizations, since the license allows use on commercial computers without registration
Worth knowing
- The graphical app and File Manager are for Windows; the Linux and macOS downloads are console versions only.
- RAR archives can be unpacked but not created; RAR is listed under unpacking-only formats.
- Help comes through the forum, bug reports and feature request systems on the project's SourceForge page.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
Free
No paid plan at all
7-Zip is free to use.
There's no paid edition and nothing held back, so there's no limit to run into.
7-Zip
$0
The complete archiver for Windows, plus console versions for Linux and macOS. Most of the code is under the GNU LGPL.
The free plan
Free, open-source software. No registration or payment is needed on any computer, including one in a commercial organization.
Read from 7-zip.org on Oct 5, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
3
Places it runs: macOS, Windows and Linux
Free, open-source file archiver with the 7z format. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, works offline, file compression.
It can't create RAR files, and the graphical app and File Manager are Windows only.
- 7z format with LZMA and LZMA2
- Creates 7z archives using LZMA or LZMA2 compression. The format supports solid compression, Unicode file names and compressed archive headers.
- Wide format support
- Packs and unpacks 7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, ZIP and WIM, and unpacks many more formats, including RAR, ISO, DMG, CAB, MSI, VHD and VMDK.
- AES-256 encryption
- Archives in the 7z and ZIP formats can be encrypted with AES-256.
- Windows shell integration and File Manager
- Integrates with the Windows shell and includes its own File Manager for browsing and working with archives.
- Command line version
- A command line version ships with the Windows release, and console builds are offered for Linux and macOS on x86 and ARM processors.
- Self-extracting archives
- Can create self-extracting archives in the 7z format.
Where it runs
- macOS
- Windows
- Linux
What it works with
- FAR Manager
7-Zip is made by Igor Pavlov, and has been around since 1999.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
84/94
Other desktop utilities it is graded above
7-Zip's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 84 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 8.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 49 of 94) and worst on features (C, above 1).
7-Zip has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.3 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 95 desktop utilities we grade, cut by the letter each got. 7-Zip’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 24 of 94
- AFree plan and trialAbove 49 of 94
- CFeaturesAbove 1 of 94
- BEase of useAbove 33 of 94
- CPlatforms and integrationsAbove 65 of 94
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 55 desktop utilities. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. 7-Zip is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
7-Zip is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
It is one of the better ones too: its GPA of 3.0 is higher than 84 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade.
What you could make
- File compression: an app builder makes this well.
What you could not
- Apps for macOS, Windows and Linux that stay in step with each other.
What this rests on. 7-Zip’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
WinRAR, Keka and The Unarchiver
The 3 tools 7-Zip is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.8GPA
WinRAR
Free trial · from $29 one-time
Windows archive manager for RAR and ZIP files.
- 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.
- 3.0GPA
Keka
Free plan · from $3.99 one-time
File archiver for macOS and iOS with drag-and-drop compression.
- Only 7-Zip lists Windows and Linux apps.
- Only Keka lists an iOS app.
- 7-Zip is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.8GPA
The Unarchiver
Free
Free Mac app that opens RAR, 7z, Zip and many older archives.
- Only 7-Zip lists Windows and Linux apps.
- 7-Zip is open source, according to its own site.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
13
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is 7-Zip free?
Yes. 7-Zip is free to use.
How much does 7-Zip cost?
7-Zip lists one plan. 7-Zip: $0.
What platforms does 7-Zip work on?
7-Zip is available on Windows, Linux and macOS.
Does 7-Zip have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. 7-Zip is listed for Windows, Linux and macOS.
Does 7-Zip have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. 7-Zip is listed for Windows, Linux and macOS.
Is 7-Zip open source?
Yes. 7-Zip is open source, according to its own site.
Does 7-Zip work offline?
Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.
What does 7-Zip integrate with?
7-Zip's listing names FAR Manager. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes 7-Zip?
7-Zip is made by Igor Pavlov. It dates from 1999.
What are the alternatives to 7-Zip?
The closest alternatives to 7-Zip in our directory are WinRAR, Keka and The Unarchiver.
How does 7-Zip compare with other desktop utilities?
7-Zip's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 84 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 8.
Is 7-Zip good value for money?
ToolGPA grades 7-Zip A for value for money. 7-Zip has no paid plan.
Could I make my own version of 7-Zip?
7-Zip is free, so making your own would save you nothing. It is one of the better ones too: its GPA of 3.0 is higher than 84 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from 7-Zip’s own pages on Oct 5, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from 7-Zip's own pages on 5 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-06-06.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Igor Pavlov. Prices change, so check 7-zip.org before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
3,189
Tools graded, in 94 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
3,189
tools graded
94
categories
426
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- 7-Zip, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/7-zip
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "7-Zip: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 5, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/7-zip
Know someone choosing between desktop utilities?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/7-zip/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded desktop utilities after 7-Zip, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Desktop Utilities Insider's GuideEvery one of the 95 desktop utilities we grade, compared
- LocalSend Insider's GuideOpen-source file sharing between nearby devices, no cloud3.2 GPA
- Ninite Insider's GuideInstalls and updates many Windows apps at once3.2 GPA
- BleachBit Insider's GuideFree, open-source disk cleaner for Windows and Linux3.0 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what 7-Zip’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. 7-Zip is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Igor Pavlov. Prices and plans change: check 7-zip.org before you buy.