Often, when we receive a compressed file, seems to be in a ZIP file format. But RAR files are also common types of storage files. If you are not familiar with how to open RAR files and have recently received one, this is your list.
These five applications to open RAR files are easy to use, they are also flexible to compress your own files and come in paid and free versions. All this depending on the additional features you need.
1.- WinZip
WinZip is a widely used and known tool for ZIP files as the name implies. But the application also opens RAR, 7z, CAB, ISO and several other file formats. With its simple interface, simply drag your RAR file to the WinZip window and the file will open in seconds.
In addition to opening RAR and additional compressed file types, you can convert and protect files with WinZip, which supports AES encryption of 128 and 256 bit keys. In addition to resizing photos and adding a watermark. Then, save or share your file instantly via email, your clipboard or a cloud storage service such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
WinZip also allows you to create a split ZIP file, compress MP3 files and use its functions with various applications such as Microsoft Office. For a full service file compression tool, WinZip is a great option.
You can download a free trial version of WinZip and use it for 21 days. After that, you can install it for only 29.95 USD currently. WinZip is available for Windows, Mac and mobile devices.
2.- WinRAR
WinRAR is another application to open very popular RAR files. In addition, you can extract other compressed file formats such as ZIP, CAB and ARJ. In addition to easily opening RAR files, you can create and divide files into separate volumes.
As well as, add passwords, test saved files and repair damaged files. WinRAR also comes armed with industry standard AES 128/256 encryption for password protected files.
The WinRAR interface is super easy to maneuver. With large buttons at the top, you can select: Add, Extract to, Test, View, Remove, Search, Assistant, Information and Repair. The wizard is a good part of the tool that guides you through what you want to do, be it open RAR files, create a new one or add files to an existing one.
If you are looking for an easy tool to open RAR files that offers much more, see WinRAR. You can download it for free and try it for 40 days. If you decide to buy it, WinRAR is currently priced at USD 29 and is available for Windows.
3.- PeaZip
If the two previous tools are a bit out of your price range after the trial periods end. You can check some applications for free RAR files and you can start with PeaZip. Like the others, PeaZip can open TAR, ZIP and 7z files in addition to the RAR file formats.
The PeaZip interface is also really easy to use. Simply open the application, find your RAR file and double click to open it. Or click the Extract button to send the files to a different location.
You can also convert files to another format, password protect them with encryption, test them and save the task log, and delete files with one click.
PeaZip is an excellent free option to open RAR files and create your own. PeaZip is launched under an open source license, it is completely free and available for Windows and Linux.
4.- 7-Zip
Another application to open free RAR files is 7-Zip. Like PeaZip, 7-Zip is open source and comes without ties, which means there is no cost after you start using it.
You can open a variety of file formats along with RAR such as ZIP, 7z and CAB. Also, you can compress files in one of seven formats, including TAR and WIM.
Like the other applications, 7-Zip has a neat and clean interface. In addition it uses colorful buttons for actions. Therefore, you can Add, Extract, Test, Copy, Move or Remove with a click of a button. If you plan to compress your own files, you can password protect them and the application uses AES-256 as the encryption method.
7-Zip has many flexible settings if you compress your own files. It is a free tool that is worth your time to quickly open RAR files and easily compress files in other formats. 7-Zip is available only for Windows.
5.- B1 Free Archiver
To finalize this list of excellent tools to open RAR files, find B1 Free Archiver. The interface of this application is the most attractive of the group with its modern appearance. You can use it as a file manager and open most file formats from RAR to ZIP up to 7z and more.
In addition, you can choose from six formats by compressing your own files and dividing them. Or also, add password protection. B1 Free Archiver has a good help section and with one click, you can provide your own comments to the company.
The biggest difference with B1 Free Archiver and the other four tools on this list is that it is available for more platforms; Windows, Linux, Mac and Android.
As if that were not enough, the tool is also available online if you are thinking of searching for RAR extractors online. This way, you can use it on any of your devices.
If you like the idea of an application that opens free RAR files, and if you don't mind installing open source software. And you don't mind using more than one platform to open or compress files, so B1 Free Archiver is for you.
Get the best application to open RAR files
Each of these tools, from WinZip and WinRAR paid to free compression software. They are excellent options when you need a RAR file extractor for Windows or for any other operating system.