Which program compresses files the most

How much compression you achieve will depend not only the on the archive type you create, but on the application you use to compress it and the settings you use. We stuck with popular applications at their default compression settings to simplify things. Rather than messing with some of the usual file types here — like Word DOCX documents, which already use a form of Zip compression, and JPG images, which also use a form of compression — we decided to compress a few installed PC games.

First, we installed Bastion and compressed its folder — about MB in size of music, graphics, executable files, and various different types of documents:. If you want to compress something to use as little space as possible, you should definitely use 7z. You can even crank up the compression settings to save even more space, although it will take longer to compress and decompress. Overall, Zip and RAR came pretty close to each other. In short, we recommend:.

However, some archive formats are more interoperable and work out-of-the-box on various operating systems without installing third-party software. Windows is the biggest stick-in-the-mud here — it only supports Zip files, so Zip is the most universal format. If you work with Mac or Linux, you could use a. But, if you want the best compression ratio possible, 7z is the way to go. All compression benchmarks are rough. Browse All iPhone Articles Browse All Mac Articles Do I need one? Browse All Android Articles Browse All Smart Home Articles Customize the Taskbar in Windows Browse All Microsoft Office Articles What Is svchost.

Browse All Privacy and Security Articles Browse All Linux Articles Browse All Buying Guides. Best Portable Monitors. Best Gaming Keyboards. WinRAR can be used to compress files in almost every format possible. It offers a wizard mode that handles all your hard work on its own.

Though interface is not that appealing, but its full RAR supports stands apart. To get a feel of themes and speed of compression, you can use the day trial version. Purchase the latest version of WinRAR. It is the most reputed program which is available for free of cost. Apart from a wide support for almost every format, 7-zip comes with its own file compression format, 7z.

According to the developers, it can compress huge files up to 16 billion gigabytes and that along with high compression rates. The process is very much fortunate in achieving tiny file size but sacrifices with compression speeds. It can be very slow at times. You can download your free file compression software, 7-Zip from here. Its attractive and easy-to-use interface makes it the most convenient software to use.

It comes with a drag and drop feature which makes it a handy task for even those who are not familiar with compression and decompression process. The interface is very thoughtful which accounts for its easy and quick operation. This free file compressor software is a brilliant option for those who readily share files over the web.

The software is currently available in 40 languages and has been installed in more than 50 countries in the world which makes it a diverse software. Download Hamster Zip Archiver. It might not be more popular than 7-zip, but its clean interface and easy-to-use-file browser give it a plus one than 7-zip.

It is an open-source software and available in a portable version which is totally a self-contained software for archive management, therefore requiring no extra installations.

For security additions, it uses AES based encryption and two-factor authentication along with a password manager. An ideal file compression tool for novices as the UI is effortless to navigate. The application comes with CZIP encryption feature, which simply infix ZIP archives in a secured package that employs strong encryption algorithms.

One of the most flexible compression tool available in the market right now, IZArc has quite straightforward to use and if you are someone who has never used a file compression software before, then iZArc is definitely worth trying not only because of its extensive features but how well it guides you through the process. It automatically recognizes and selects the ideal compression method.

It has an integrated preview facility to effortlessly view files. WinZip is a zip tool program that can be used to compress and decompress files with no hassle. It enables you to zip large files to send as an attachment to the email. This software uses strong AES encryption technique for security. It has a self-extracting facility for 7z file format.

The app can be used for business and commercial sectors. Bandizip is a free archiver for MS windows. This Zip file software tool allows users to extract multiple files. The software helps you to easily open the extracted folder. Express Zip is easy to use and comprehensive file archive and compression tools available. This tool enables you to unzip zip archives and create zip compatible folders and files.

NX Power Lite Desktop is a simple app that enables users to compress their data easily and quickly. This program does not require any advanced computer skills in order to use it. Software is used for people who like to attach large email files. PowerArchiver is easy to use file archiver tool design for Microsoft Windows. This tool supports creating 7z, Tar, and zip, and various disk image formats. You can also use this software for encrypting and decrypt any file or folder. PeaZip is a file compression software that supports more than different file formats.

This tool has many security features like an encrypted password manager and two-factor authentication. ZipGenius is a file archiver specially design for Microsoft Windows.