Sharing files nowadays can feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole—especially when file sizes collide with the limits imposed by email providers or cloud storage. Fortunately, file compression tools are here to save the day, allowing you to squish those pesky files down to a much more reasonable size without losing essential data. Here’s a look at six of the best file compression tools available for Windows PCs that pack a punch without taking up too much space.
Remember, the right tool can drastically save time and hassle while sharing or storing data. Happy compressing, Windows users!
Source: XDA 6 best file compression tools for Windows PCs
1. PeaZip: The Cream of the Crop
If you're looking for a file compression tool that feels comprehensive and is user-friendly, PeaZip is a top contender. Supporting a wide range of formats and known for its efficient compression capabilities, PeaZip managed to shrink a mix of 1.63GB of data into a 1.50GB .7z file. In just over a minute, it demonstrated solid speed to match its performance. With a modern user interface that aligns with Windows' aesthetic—complete with dark mode—this software not only simplifies the compression process but ensures it looks good doing it!Key Features:
- Supports numerous formats.
- Quick file compression.
- Sleek and modern UI customizable to user preferences.
2. 7-Zip: The Most Popular Option
Hailed as a go-to tool, 7-Zip is a free, open-source file archiver boasting high compression ratios and rapid performance. In our tests, it compressed the same file set into a 1.51GB .7z archive in under 70 seconds. While it might not have the most modern look (no dark mode, anyone?), its concise functionality and reliability during decompression makes it a favorite among users worldwide.Key Features:
- Superior compression performance.
- Strong encryption capabilities for secure archiving.
- A bit dated visually, but effective and light on resources.
3. WinRAR: A True Classic
WinRAR is a household name in the file compression world and continues to be relevant. Although technically a paid app, its free version comes without significant limitations, making it an attractive option. It outperformed others in our speed tests, creating a RAR file in just 38 seconds—a feat worthy of praise! However, it is known to result in slightly larger file sizes. If speed is the name of the game, WinRAR is your best friend.Key Features:
- Extremely fast compression speed.
- Intuitive interface and workflow.
- Excellent for zip and RAR file decompression.
4. Bandizip: A Solid Alternative
This tool may not offer much beyond the competition, but its performance is commendable. Bandizip took a bit longer, at 2 minutes and 18 seconds, but successfully compressed files to 1.51GB—positioning it comfortably between PeaZip and 7-Zip. With a responsive, modern interface and advanced features in its paid version, Bandizip is worth a look if you want to explore something beyond the big names.Key Features:
- Good balance between speed and compression.
- Modern user interface.
- Paid options for added functionality.
5. 8 Zip (Pro): A More Modern Look
8 Zip plays nicely with the Windows aesthetic, designed to follow Windows 10 principles while still holding its own performance-wise. It took approximately 1 minute and 58 seconds to compress a file set, resulting in a 1.58GB compressed file. Although not groundbreaking, it brings enough to the table for users who prefer a native feel.Key Features:
- Sleek UI that fits with Windows design language.
- Visual customization options.
- Free version available, albeit with ads.
6. Built-in Windows Compressor: Only on Windows 11 Version 24H2
Sometimes less is more—at least that's what Microsoft would have you believe. If you’re using Windows 11 version 24H2, you’ll find a built-in compressor that can handle basic zipping tasks. However, it’s painfully slow, taking over 16 minutes to compress a file, though it does produce a surprisingly small file size of 1.50GB. It can be a viable option when you’re working with smaller files and want to keep your system software tidy without downloading additional applications.Key Features:
- No additional software needed for basic compression.
- Clean integration into the Windows operating system.
- Suitable for quick and infrequent compressions.
Conclusion
In summary, whether you're a casual user needing to send files through email or a power user looking to store data efficiently, there's a file compression tool for every need. While apps like 7-Zip, PeaZip, and WinRAR dominate the space for their respective strengths and reliability, don't overlook Bandizip and 8 Zip for alternatives. And for those who prefer to keep it simple, Windows 11’s built-in compressor may suffice for sporadic use.Remember, the right tool can drastically save time and hassle while sharing or storing data. Happy compressing, Windows users!
Related Articles:
- How to zip a folder on Windows 11
- How to open and extract RAR files on your PC
- How to extract multiple ZIP files in one go on Windows 11
Source: XDA 6 best file compression tools for Windows PCs