WinZip

Flexible file compression and cloud sharing with PDF tools

WinZip brings a capable blend of archiving and file management, making it easy to shrink, organize, and share your data from one place. It supports a wide set of formats, including Zip, Zipx, RAR, BZ2, LHA and LZH, VHD and VDMK, and XZ, so you can open or create the archives you encounter most. The interface favors clarity, with straightforward controls and context-aware toolbars that surface the right options when you need them.

Cloud services are a core part of the experience. You can zip files before uploading to Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, then share links with contacts or post them to social platforms. If you use the developer’s ZipShare service, sharing to LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook is also available. A built-in search helps you locate files quickly across local and network locations, and you can pin frequently used folders and cloud paths to a quick access area for faster navigation. Cleaner tools let you delete, zip, or move one-use files to keep storage tidy.

Beyond compression, WinZip folds in practical editing features. You can merge PDFs, arrange pages, and apply document protections such as read-only status and watermarks. It can also strip metadata and encrypt archives with FIPS-197 certified AES 128-bit or 256-bit security, with even stronger FIPS 140-2 controls in the enterprise tier. For images, simple resizing and adjustments are built in, which pairs well with sharing workflows.

Compression performance gets a boost through Zipx with the ZSTD method, which the app uses to compress and decompress faster while achieving a better compression rate than DEFLATE and DEFLATE64. The free tier covers core tasks, though advanced packaging, sharing, and enterprise-grade security sit behind paid plans.

Pros:

- Clear, straightforward compression and archiving

- Easy cloud-based sharing and link creation

- Handy in-app edits for images and documents

- PDF merging and page ordering

- AES encryption and metadata protection

Cons:

- Some advanced features require a paid tier