WinRAR
Windows archive manager for RAR and ZIP files
What is WinRAR?
WinRAR is an archive manager for Windows from RARLAB, published by win.rar GmbH. It creates RAR and ZIP archives, unpacks a dozen other formats, and adds AES 256-bit encryption, multivolume and self-extracting archives, and recovery records that can repair damaged files. It is sold as a perpetual per-computer license after a 40-day trial, with command-line RAR for Linux, macOS and FreeBSD and a separate RAR app for Android.
WinRAR is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $29 one-time, single-user license (excluding VAT). See every plan
Good for
- Anyone who has to create RAR archives, not only open them
- Splitting large files into volumes with a recovery record for transfer or storage
- Organizations buying perpetual per-seat licenses at volume prices
Worth knowing
- 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.
Key features
- 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.
WinRAR pricing
- Starts at
- $29 one-time, single-user license (excluding VAT)
- Free plan
- None
- Free trial
- 40-day trial: the publisher says the program can be used free of charge for 40 days
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Single-user license | $29one-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 | $21per 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 | $16per user or computer, one-time, excluding VAT | Per-license price when buying 10 to 24 licenses. |
| Multi-user, 25-49 users | $13per user or computer, one-time, excluding VAT | Per-license price when buying 25 to 49 licenses. |
| Multi-user, 50-99 users | $10per user or computer, one-time, excluding VAT | Per-license price when buying 50 to 99 licenses. |
| Multi-user, 100-999 users | $6 to $8per 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. |
Read from rarlab.com on Oct 6, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with WinRAR before you buy.
Ways to pay less
- Lifetime licensePerpetual 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.
Stated on win-rar.com
WinRAR alternatives
- WinRAR vs 7-Zip
Free
- WinRAR vs Keka
Free plan · from $3.99 one-time
Common questions
Is WinRAR free?
No, WinRAR is a paid product, but you can try it first. 40-day trial: the publisher says the program can be used free of charge for 40 days.
How much does WinRAR cost?
WinRAR lists 6 plans. Single-user license: $29 one-time purchase, excluding VAT. Multi-user, 2-9 users: $21 per user or computer, one-time, excluding VAT. Multi-user, 10-24 users: $16 per user or computer, one-time, excluding VAT. Multi-user, 25-49 users: $13 per user or computer, one-time, excluding VAT. Multi-user, 50-99 users: $10 per user or computer, one-time, excluding VAT. Multi-user, 100-999 users: $6 to $8 per user or computer, one-time, excluding VAT. Prices were read from rarlab.com on Oct 6, 2026.
What platforms does WinRAR work on?
WinRAR is available on Windows, Linux, macOS and Android.
Does WinRAR offer any discounts?
WinRAR publicly lists the following: Perpetual license with no subscription.
Does WinRAR have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 6, 2026. WinRAR is listed for Windows, Linux, macOS and Android.
Is WinRAR open source?
WinRAR is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 6, 2026.
Who makes WinRAR?
WinRAR is made by RARLAB (published by win.rar GmbH).
What are the alternatives to WinRAR?
The closest alternatives to WinRAR in our directory are 7-Zip, Keka and The Unarchiver. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with WinRAR.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 6, 2026.