Best Apps to Open ZIP Files 

ZIP files have been with us since 1989 and are a great way to send a large number of digital documents, photos, etc., in an organized and, most importantly, compressed way. When it comes to opening these files (and other similar formats like RAR and 7z), third-party apps have always done most of the heavy lifting. Some are free, some are paid, but all are very useful.

In this article, we’ll be looking at the best apps to open ZIP files.

Our Pick of Apps to Open ZIP Files

Let’s get right to it and show you the best ZIP opening apps, no matter the platform:

WinRAR (Windows)

We would be remiss if we didn’t include this classic app in our list. WinRAR has built a cult reputation for its (technically indefinite) free usage. While specializing in RAR files, as the name implies, the app is perfectly suited to compressing and uncompressing folders in a variety of formats and offers an amazing range of extra features like password protection, file repair, and split archives. The interface shows its age, but under the hood, it’s still as powerful as ever.

7-Zip (Windows)

If you’ve ever wondered where the 7z file format comes from, then wonder no more. Igor Pavlov and his open-source utility 7-Zip are to thank. This is another fantastic utility that’s free to use and operate. Like WinRAR, it isn’t limited by its unique format, but can easily compress and unpack ZIP files. If you can negotiate the befuddling interface (which, luckily, is easily customizable), you’ll find a powerful tool that’ll unzip massive files and never ask for a single cent.

MiXplorer (Android)

The Android OS will automatically unzip files for you, but if you want full control over your file management experience, then you can’t go wrong with MiXplorer. You can preview files before unzipping them, easily browse and search archives, and open a whole range of file formats. But perhaps one of the best features is the app’s lack of a price tag. There aren’t any ads either. MiXplorer does much more than just unzipping, but it’s still good at that job.

iZip (iOS)

This freemium unzipping tool is ideal for iOS users looking to open files from cloud-based servers and apps like iCloud, Dropbox, and Gmail. It provides support for most formats and allows you to share zip files in multiple ways, including support through iTunes for Windows users. That said, users who aren’t willing to pay for the Pro tier may find the limitations on file sizes and ads a little too troublesome.

ZIP Extractor (All)

No matter the device or platform, ZIP Extractor excels at serving everyone. Being a web-based utility, all you need to do is upload your ZIP file, choose what you want to extract, and download. It’s perfect for Google Drive, Gmail, or other cloud-based ZIP files, and is free to use, forever and for everyone. If you’re in a pinch and need something extracted quickly, this option is for you, simple and easy.

WinZip (Windows)

Once the go-to way to unzip files, but now sharing the ecosystem, WinZip is still a polished and effective way to unzip any file you need. Though it is a paid product, you do get an advanced media manager, cloud support, and security features with the package. It does all the standard compression and decompression, but brings a lot of robust features to enhance the experience. If you want to test drive it, they do have a 21-day trial.