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WinRAR

Paid Windows archiver and the official tool for creating RAR files.

PaidFile archivers
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About WinRAR

WinRAR is a long-standing Windows archiver from win.rar GmbH and the only mainstream tool that can create RAR archives, the format it was built around. It also creates ZIP files and opens most common formats, including 7z, ISO, TAR and GZIP. Features include AES-256 encryption, multi-volume archives, recovery records that can repair damaged archives, and solid compression. It is shareware: you can try it free, then buy a perpetual licence, with volume and business licensing available. The full graphical app is Windows-only; there is a RAR for Android app, and command-line RAR versions for macOS, Linux and FreeBSD. The vendor says it has over 500 million users and the app comes in more than 40 languages. Its interface looks dated, and free tools like 7-Zip and PeaZip cover most everyday needs.

Best for: People and businesses who need to create RAR archives or use recovery records.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Only mainstream tool that creates RAR archives
  • Recovery records can repair damaged archives
  • Perpetual licence rather than a subscription
  • Command-line versions for macOS, Linux and FreeBSD

Why people leave

  • Paid licence after the trial, unlike 7-Zip or PeaZip
  • Full GUI only on Windows
  • Interface hasn't changed much in years

Top WinRAR alternatives

See all 3
  1. 17-Zip logo
    7-Zip

    Free and open source, with stronger 7z compression; it extracts RAR but can't create it.

    66.5
  2. 2PeaZip logo
    PeaZip

    Free, open source and cross-platform, opening RAR plus 200+ formats with a full GUI on Linux and Mac.

    62.6
  3. 3Keka logo
    Keka

    Free Mac-native archiver that extracts RAR, for people who don't need to create RAR files.

    59.6

Why people left WinRAR

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

No switching stories yet. If you moved away from WinRAR, review the app you switched to and tell us why.

Reviews

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WinRAR: common questions

Is WinRAR free?

No, WinRAR is a paid product.

Is WinRAR open source?

No, WinRAR is not open source. Open-source alternatives include 7-Zip and PeaZip.

What platforms does WinRAR run on?

WinRAR is available for Windows and Android.

What are the best alternatives to WinRAR?

The highest-ranked WinRAR alternatives right now are 7-Zip, PeaZip and Keka. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 3 WinRAR alternatives