Best Free File Archiving Software of 2025

ArchiverFS offers a file archiving solution designed for servers and network storage systems, enabling any device to function as secondary storage. This solution has a minimal impact on the host system and provides comprehensive support for cloud integration, distributed file systems (DFS), replication, de-duplication, and data compression. With ArchiverFS, users can utilize any NAS, SAN, or cloud service to store older unstructured files, as long as it can be shared over the network using a UNC path and formatted with NTFS. Notably, the system operates without relying on a database for storing files, their pointers, or metadata—utilizing NTFS exclusively throughout the process. Furthermore, ArchiverFS facilitates the bulk transfer of outdated files from primary storage to secondary storage, while ensuring that all file attributes, permissions, and directory structures are preserved. Additionally, users can leave behind various links in place of the relocated files, including fully functional symbolic links that replicate the appearance and behavior of the original files seamlessly. This innovative approach not only streamlines storage management but also enhances the efficiency and organization of file systems.

7-Zip is a powerful file archiving tool known for its impressive compression capabilities. This software is available for free and operates under open-source principles, with the majority of its code governed by the GNU LGPL license, while some components adhere to the BSD 3-clause License. Additionally, certain sections of the code fall under the unRAR licensing restrictions, so it's advisable to review the licensing details. 7-Zip can be utilized on any computer, including those within commercial environments, without the need for registration or payment. It offers a superior compression ratio for the 7z format, utilizing LZMA and LZMA2 methods, and achieves a compression performance that is 2-10% more effective than that of PKZip and WinZip for ZIP and GZIP formats. Users can benefit from robust AES-256 encryption for the 7z and ZIP formats, along with self-extracting functionality specifically for the 7z format. The tool seamlessly integrates with the Windows Shell and offers a powerful command-line version, as well as a plugin for FAR Manager. Furthermore, it supports localization in 87 different languages and can pack or unpack various formats including 7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, ZIP, and WIM, making it a versatile choice for both casual and professional users alike. Its wide-ranging compatibility across different file formats and user-friendly features contribute to its popularity among file archiving solutions.

PeaZip is a versatile and free file archiving tool that allows users to open and extract files from formats such as RAR, TAR, and ZIP. It is compatible with various operating systems, including Linux (x86_64 and x86), Darwin, macOS (both aarch64 M1 and Intel), MS Windows, ReactOS, and Wine, with experimental support available for Linux ARM and aarch64. This utility is built on open-source technologies derived from 7-Zip/p7zip, Facebook's Zstandard fast compressor, FreeArc, Google Brotli, the PAQ family of compressors, and the secure file archiving and encryption PEA project, among other free software tools. PeaZip stands out as a cross-platform application, maintaining the same comprehensive GUI on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and also offers a portable version. Supporting more than 200 archive formats, it includes powerful compression options like 7Z and ZPAQ, as well as faster alternatives such as Brotli and Zstandard, allowing users to easily convert between different archive types. Additionally, its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for both novice and advanced users alike.

File compression and extraction have become incredibly straightforward; simply drag, drop, and compress. Archiving and sharing your files is both quick and efficient, allowing for swift zipping and unzipping. You can easily compress files for email attachments, and the software supports a variety of data archive formats, including RAR, 7Z, TAR, and CAB. With just a few seconds for installation, Express Zip stands out as a stable and user-friendly tool for file archiving and compression. You can create, manage, and extract zipped files and folders with ease, significantly reducing the space required by compressing large files before sharing them with family, friends, coworkers, or clients. A free version of Express Zip is available for non-commercial purposes, allowing users to enjoy many features without time limitations. This free option includes most of the functionalities found in the professional version, making it ideal for casual users. You can open, unzip, and extract a wide range of popular archive formats such as ZIP, RAR, CAB, TAR, 7Z, ISO, GZIP, MULTIDISK, ZIPX, LZH, ARJ, PKPASS, GZ, and many others, ensuring versatility in file management. With these tools at your disposal, organizing and sharing files has never been more efficient or user-friendly.

Hamster ZIP Archiver is a robust and contemporary file compression tool that simplifies the process of compressing and extracting files from various archive formats. It enables users to leverage popular cloud services for easy backup of essential documents, swiftly share vacation pictures with loved ones, or collaborate on projects with coworkers in just a couple of clicks. This complimentary software supports ZIP, RAR, TAR, and 7Z formats, allowing for seamless integration with cloud platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, One Drive, and Yandex.Disk. Users can effortlessly generate direct links to their archives, share them with friends, and organize their files efficiently. The program is designed to handle almost all file types, making it a powerful and adaptable archiving solution that maximizes your computer's capabilities for excellent performance. Established in 2010, HamsterSoft remains dedicated to creating and distributing high-quality software solutions. Its rapid growth trajectory has resulted in widespread adoption, with installations surpassing numbers across more than 50 nations, showcasing its global appeal and reliability.

8 Zip is a robust file archiving tool designed for Windows 10 users. It allows the creation of various archive formats, including ZIP, 7z, TAR, GZIP, BZIP2, and XZ, while also offering the ability to open a wide range of archives such as RAR, ZipX, ISO, and more. The software provides strong AES-256 encryption for 7z and ZIP formats, ensuring that your data remains secure. Additionally, it supports the extraction of multi-volume archives, enabling users to easily manage large files. You can extract files from archives, as well as add or delete files as needed, and it even includes a search function for locating items within archives. 8 Zip is officially supported by Finebits OÜ across various editions of Windows 10, including Home, Pro, Education, Enterprise, Mobile, and Mobile Enterprise. To create an archive, simply run the application, click the "create archive" button, select your desired location, and add the necessary files or folders. With the integration of Continuum, Cortana, and Windows Hello technologies, 8 Zip enhances its functionality, offering a seamless experience across all devices. The application now features a unified design and consistent functionality, making it a versatile choice for all your archiving needs. Whether you need to compress files or securely share them, 8 Zip delivers a comprehensive solution.