Free WinRAR alternatives
WinRAR is the only archiver that can create RAR-format archives. However, the creators of the format allow third-party developers to use the source code of their unpacker in their software. The following archivers are among free WinRAR alternatives capable of opening .rar archives:
7-Zip
7-Zip is capable of creating archives in its own 7z format as well as in ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2 and TAR formats. The developers claim that their archiver can be used by everyone absolutely free of charge, even for commercial purposes. 7-Zip, unlike WinRAR, is not built into Windows Explorer; its interface is made in the classical file manager style by adding compression and decompression buttons. Learn more...
Download 7-Zip x32
Download 7-Zip x64
Hamster Free ZIP Archiver
The second WinRAR alternative is Hamster Free ZIP Archiver. Its developers claim that their archiver is the fastest; their official site's main page even features a comparison of its speed with that of other similar programs. The archiver weighs about 10 MB and offers to install adware during the installation (as a compensation for being free).
Hamster Free ZIP Archiver is capable of creating 7z and ZIP archives, opening and decompressing Zip, 7z, RAR and other known compression formats. The archiver only has a 32-bit version and is available for Windows only. Learn more...
Download Hamster Free ZIP Archiver
HaoZip
The free Chinese archiver HaoZip comes in two versions, x32 and x64. It contains no ads and no intrusive services. The program interface is in English, other languages are not officially supported. Learn more...
PeaZip
PeaZip has a simple interface that looks similar to that of 7-Zip. The archiver can be integrated into Windows Explorer and associated with the system file extensions. It can create and open archives in all popular formats (but it can only open RAR). After the installation, the program interface will be in English, but you can change it in the settings to any language in the list, including Spanish, German, etc. Learn more...
Download PeaZip x32
Download PeaZip x64
