The 5 Best File Compression Apps to Manage ZIP/RAR Files on Mac - MUO - MakeUseOf

You may already know that macOS has a built-in archive management utility, which you can use to open and create compressed files. While it offers the best speeds since it's optimized for and integrated well into macOS, there are times when you need better control over the process.

In such cases, you'll need third-party file compression apps that help you create, open, and manage ZIP or RAR files alongside other compressed file formats. Below, we'll discuss the best compression software you can use on your Mac.

1. Archiver 4

Archiver 4 is perhaps the best third-party file compression app you can find for Mac. It brings together an intuitive user interface and rich features. In addition, it integrates well with macOS, allowing you to make this app a part of your workflow easily.

The app does not compromise the compatibility aspect at all—you can use it to manage over 30 archive formats, including RAR, ZIP, StuffIt, 7z, and TAR. There is also a dedicated compression format called .archiver, which is a great choice when you want to compress large audio files or images.

We also loved the drag-and-drop UI of Archiver 4. You can drag and drop as many files as you want and click Archive to get started. The app lets you change the compression level, which is handy when you're really tight on space.

So, if you need a balanced file compressor to manage different archive files on Mac, you should check out Archiver 4.

Download: Archiver 4 ($19.99, free trial available)

2. WinZip

WinZip is another excellent file compression utility for Mac, especially if you recently switched from Windows to macOS. Though it has "ZIP" in its name, this compressor can handle various archive files, including but not limited to RAR, 7z, JAR, and WAR—the app supports more than a dozen archive file types in total.

You'll love the user interface if you have to create multiple ZIP/RAR files a day. For instance, it lets you open your favorite folders within the app and drag and drop files. Once you have added the files and folders, you can save, email, or share the compressed file.

WinZip for Mac goes the extra mile in terms of customizability. For instance, you can encrypt and add a watermark to photos when you create an archive. There are also options to convert images into the desired format. And last but not least, the app works in sync with macOS.

We recommend WinZip for Mac if you need maximum control and customization options while creating ZIP and RAR files.

Download: WinZip for Mac (From $29.95, free trial available)

3. BetterZip 5

Sometimes, you need an advanced file compressor to manage multiple archive files. BetterZip 5 is another popular app for macOS, and the best thing about it is its scalability.

If you simply need it to open and create ZIP/RAR files, you can do it without any problem. But when you need advanced options, BetterZip 5 has plenty to offer. For starters, this app can create files in 14 different formats. So, you can pick one based on your preferences. You can also optimize archive files so that they perform well on a Windows PC.

Like other compressor apps, BetterZip also offers encryption options. On top of that, you also get a password manager that keeps track of all the passwords you use. It can also suggest stronger passwords for your archive files. It also lets you create presets and filters to automate the workflow.

BetterZip 5 integrates well with macOS, as you can access the options from Finder's context menu with a right-click or Control-click. Overall, it is our go-to option to open ZIP files on a Mac and browse through them.

Download: BetterZip 5 ($24.95, free trial available)

4. Keka

Keka is a minimalistic file compression software you can securely use on your Mac. It does not consume a lot of space on your Mac but delivers a decent archive file management experience. Unlike the other apps on this list, Keka lives on the macOS dock.

You can drag the files you want to compress and drop them onto the Keka app on the dock. Despite its small size, Keka can create archive files in 14 formats and open even more file types with ease.

When you open Keka for the first time, you can select the default format, compression level, and encryption options. Using the Preferences panel, you can customize Keka as per your needs. You can also install a Finder extension to improve Keka's integration with macOS.

Together, Keka checks all the boxes to become an efficient file compression utility for Mac. Therefore, you can expect the best performance even though Keka has a simple package.

Download: Keka (Free)

5. iZip

iZip for Mac is another app we would love to recommend on this note. This app does not look the best but delivers a decent experience. Thanks to its support for a wide range of archive file formats, it will pick up almost any compressed file you throw at it.

Although the user interface isn't its strong point, it feels nice to finish creating an archive file in just a few seconds. You click a button, add the files, and you are ready. If needed, you can enable additional options, like stronger compression algorithms.

The browser UI for the app is relatively snappier as well. You can use it to browse the contents of larger ZIP and RAR files. For instance, if you have a ZIP file with many documents, you can preview them even without extracting them in the first place.

That said, there's one huge caveat: iZip only supports creating archive files in ZIP format, which is a bummer if you want to share files with someone who uses WinRAR. However, it works with other formats as far as opening/extracting is concerned.

Download: iZip (Free)

Create Better Archive Files With These Apps

All these file compression software will help you create better ZIP, RAR, and other archive files without wasting time. If you want, you can customize things as per your needs.

For instance, you can count on these compression tools if the situation demands a ZIP file with a stronger compression algorithm or an encryption system. Rest assured, all of them work flawlessly with macOS.