: Frequently cited as a top choice, 7-Zip provides a compression ratio that is often 2–10% better than WinZip. Reviewers from Lifewire highlight its seamless integration with the File Explorer context menu and its strong AES-256 encryption.

While Windows has a built-in unzipping tool, it is often criticized for being painfully slow and inefficient compared to third-party alternatives.

: This mobile app is a popular free option for iPhone users. Users on the App Store appreciate that the free version handles basic tasks reliably, though they note that repetitive ads can be an annoyance.