# WinRAR Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is WinRAR the right Archiving solution for you? Explore 359 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/207190/WinRAR/reviews --- WinRAR 4.8 (359) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/207190/WinRAR/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Reviews of WinRAR Ease of use 4.7 Customer Service 4.3 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews JC Jaya C System EngineerTelecommunications, 1,001 - 5,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “I liked the way that WinRAR deals with batch archiving, where one may choose dozens of files and make a single compressed file in a few seconds.“ June 16, 2025 Martin P FreelancerComputer Software, Self-employedUsed the software for: I used a free trial. “Navigation in the files are a bit difficult and settings are not intuitive.“ August 8, 2023 JM Jean M System EngineerMachinery, 501 - 1,000 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “It accurately combines and extracts them, making it much easier to manage large datasets on my system.“ June 2, 2025 Haresh K Managing PartnerEducation Management, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Some email servers, especially corporate email ids, may not permit compressed files be it winzip or Winrar“ February 13, 2023 MG Maria G Cloud EngineerMedia Production, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “WinRAR made it very handy to pack the files into an encrypted archive in case of sensitive data.“ June 5, 2025 BE Brian E Director - MarketingWriting and Editing, Self-employedUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “If I didn't receive data stored in a zip file I wouldn't bother with WinRAR at all. And I have yet to find an alternative that is any better.“ May 9, 2022 AD Ayman D Senior research fellowResearch, 51 - 200 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “WinRAR makes handling big files compressing them quickly without losing data integrity a walk in the park for me.“ May 28, 2025 Gbenga S Construction managerCivil Engineering, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I have not encountered any difficulties while using WinRAR, and I have yet to find a feature that I feel is missing. though the frequent pop-ups tick me off.“ February 8, 2023 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 359 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Diego Martin R. Marketing Analyst Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Compress your files and keep them safe" September 26, 2021 5.0 Pros WinRAR is one of the programs that I always use. Since the first time I have used it, I have not had any problem. I really like that my files are always safe using this program. Cons The interface is simple but somewhat old. Alternatives considered [Zip](https://www.capterra.com/p/229012/Zip/) Switched from [Zip](https://www.capterra.com/p/229012/Zip/) I preferred WinRAR or Zip because it is more efficient when compressing large files. Review Source Mohamed M. Content creator Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Manage your files and data in one place easily" August 7, 2022 5.0 The product is totally wonderful as I can maintain all my customers' data and reduce the size of their files. Pros I really like the way that is provided to manage and control my work data. Cons Nothing at all, all the features are already provided so no complaints at all. Alternatives considered [7-Zip](https://www.capterra.com/p/246777/7-Zip/) Reason for choosing WinRAR We made that choice because WinRAR is more effective and not expensive. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer student Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "useful in compressing folders and files" June 17, 2021 3.0 WinRAR is the ideal answer for any sort of record archiving, compression and extraction. Pros My general involvement in this product has been extremely satisfying. It is utilized for compressing, filing and record extraction. It is free even after 30 days nothing stops. It is not difficult to utilize and has an exceptionally easy to use interface. Cons For the purpose it is developed it is doing fine. It has little amount of functions but they perform well. Review Source TB Travis B. Solutions Engineer Telecommunications Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Extraction and Extracting made simple" June 17, 2025 5.0 The product is quick and easy to use. It really is a well designed product with an easy GUI to navigate. It is compatible with just about every type of ZIP file out there. Pros It can zip/extract just about any file type out there. It's a quick, lightweight installation and is super simple to use. Cons I wish it was a totally free product. It does what many other free products do so it's hard to justify the cost sometimes. Review Source NB Norhartinie B. Software Engineer Legal Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Gives me flexibility in splitting archives" June 9, 2025 5.0 Pros WinRAR handles additional archive formats beside RAR and ZIP that I like such as 7z and ISO. It compress large files quickly, without losing the data integrity which is important to me when I send big folders to clients or friends. Cons I find that WinRAR is not natively cloud backup integrated. Because of that I have to manually download and upload archives. Review Source MG Maria G. Cloud Engineer Media Production Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Extensive format support and good encryption features" June 5, 2025 5.0 Pros WinRAR made it very handy to pack the files into an encrypted archive in case of sensitive data. That said, password protection built in is such a relief, I don’t have to use extra tools to send confidential documents safely. Cons ZIP recovery isn’t as reliable, causing problems when dealing with damaged files from external sources. Review Source JC Jaya C. System Engineer Telecommunications Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Reliable compression with every batch job" June 16, 2025 5.0 Pros I liked the way that WinRAR deals with batch archiving, where one may choose dozens of files and make a single compressed file in a few seconds. Automatic split-volume enables me to attach large files without any difficulties. Cons It cause me with overwriting files without evident warnings during extraction, and I replace files accidentally when I have to do it quickly. Review Source MK MOHAMED K. Computer Facilitator Higher Education Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Facilitates in storing large technical documents" June 16, 2025 5.0 Pros I have always used WinRAR in archiving software releases, documentation installations and encryption backups. Its profile and archiving preset levels of customization make it a preferred choice of repeated uses. Cons When archiving is automated in scripts I usually need to look up parameters outside rather than consult contextual help. Review Source RE Raheel E. IT Engineer Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Manages passwords and ensures all files are intact" June 10, 2025 5.0 Pros It was helpful that WinRAR allows users to also use compression types besides RAR and ZIP. Most of the time I deal with TAR, ISO, and CAB files, and using a single tool for them is convenient. Cons An issue I noticed is that unless I put all the parts of large files that are split across volumes into one folder, they won’t be extracted automatically. Review Source JM Jean M. System Engineer Machinery Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Accepts various types of archives" June 2, 2025 5.0 Pros When dealing with downloaded software or backup files split into a few data volumes, I’ve used WinRAR quite a lot. It accurately combines and extracts them, making it much easier to manage large datasets on my system. Cons It doesn't have automatic update checking. I’ve actually used an outdated version for weeks and ran into minor compatibility issues when extracting archives. Review Source AD Ayman D. Senior research fellow Research Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Good enough for my daily file compression needs" May 28, 2025 5.0 Pros WinRAR makes handling big files compressing them quickly without losing data integrity a walk in the park for me. That allows me to share files from one platform to another with ease it also supports multiple archive formats. Cons I noticed that sometimes dealing with very large archives sometimes the extraction speed can be a bit slow. Review Source AM Alexander M. Repair technician Biotechnology Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Winrar is a great choice for your files" August 23, 2024 5.0 If you need software for exploring different types of files, unzipping files or anything like that, then winrar is a great option. Pros My favorite thing about winrar is the user interface and the amount of different file types it supports. Cons I have not had any issues with winrar so far. Its been an amazing product. Review Source MI Muhammad I. YouTuber, Freelancer Internet Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Winrar, the Most secured document manager ever experienced." August 21, 2021 5.0 My overall experience with Winrar is amazing than visiting a 5-star restaurant. As WinRAR is the source of income for me (because I'm using this on a commercial level) that's why it has a special value in my computer. No other software can beat this. If you are also thinking of data management or thinking of selling digital goods and services in the marketplace, Then I can assure you that WinRAR is going to be your lifetime partner. I am using WinRAR since 2017 and I never thought of move on from WinRAR to any other software. Definitely some improvements are required but I believe that the WinRAR team is working on this one. My software never got cracked by windows defender once I compress them with WinRAR. So 80% of my system is based on Winrar. I use to manage documents and files encryption with WinRAR and I'm too satisfied with this one. Now if you need "documents managing" software then WinRAR is the perfect place for you and I assure you, WinRAR will never disappoint you. Pros Merging files and encrypting them with the WinRAR is my favorite feature ever. I use to handle duplicate files with WinRAR and use to store them within a single folder. After that, I can easily locate my files within the destination folder. I use to merge up to 10GB+ files and I never got a crash from WinRAR. Files compressed with WinRAR contain no promotional ads, Link, or any type of cache data. And this is a good thing I liked in WinRAR. While all others local software always contains promotions ads, links, or pop-up banners to generate some additional money. but in the case of WinRAR, There is nothing like this Moreover, another feature of WinRAR that I liked most is password encryption. And this is the main reason that why I am still using WinRAR for a long time. Cons Well, There is no doubt that WinRAR is a highly rated software but also there is one thing that I did not like in WinRAR. Actually, I am using WinRAR in my business. I am using the "Compress and email" feature of WinRAR on a daily basis, I use it to encrypt folders in ".zip" file format with an encryption password, and then I use it to mail the zip file to my buyers. Now as the file is password encrypted, so it should be visible to anyone. But everyone can access the files can saw which elements are compressed inside the zip file although he can't extract the file. But in my opinion, this is not a good thing. When we already encrypted a file with a password so definitely now it should be inaccessible without a password. But there is nothing like this. I highly request the Winrar team that please solve this problem and bring an update with a fully secured and proper encryption feature. I have also watched 100+ videos on youtube to solve this problem but I remain unsuccessful. That's why my last hope is the WinRAR team and I humbly request that please fulfill this requirement and improve the "Compress and email" feature. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Integration Consultant Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "WinRAR - a must have for working with rar/zip files on Windows" August 23, 2021 4.0 Overal WinRAR is a must have and a clear advantage over the OOTB support for archives, worth the money clearly. Pros WinRAR free version allows you to quickly open zipped files. The fact that it is added to the context menu makes it easy to work with zip files. You right click a file in Windows Explorer and if it is a zip file you can unzip or unrar it. If it is a regular file you can open it in WinRAR and add it to a zip file. There is also an automatic function that adds it to a RAR file with the same name or in case of multiple files add it to a rar with the name of the directory. The free version works fine and as a single user you can buy it for a low fee. There looks even to be a command line option, but havent gotten around to setting it up. Cons Nothing really. My use is lightweight and i do not use it programmatically, i.e. working from scripts and so on. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Political Scientist Government Administration Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Manipulate space and documents easier than ever" December 29, 2021 5.0 I download programs, games and different file types everyday, naturally these come compressed and Winrar has successfully delivered decompression features from the beginning. I can really rely on the software for y everyday needs. Pros Winrar is an intuitive software that works quickly with large files. I find really impressive its reliability and the wide range of file formats covered by the program. Advanced users can take advantage of the range of features, while unexperienced users can perform simple tasks too. Cons Sometimes it feels laggy compressing files, it could use some optimization. The password manager lacks encryption so security is to a certain extent weak. Additionally, Winrar is windows only, some other operating systems could use the integration. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Undergraduate E-Learning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A good software to compress your files and save them safely" January 7, 2022 5.0 I have been using this software more than five years and I like this software very much. Because it is easy to use and safe software to compress large file and folders. Pros The software is easy to use. It is not necessary to have a prior knowledge to use this software. The icons, buttons and functions are clearly mentioned or displayed. The larger files as well large folders are compressed to small file sizes. It is highly impressive. Cons Sometimes it take a longer time to compress and expand file. Review Source Vishal J. Software Product Manager Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "WinRAR - Simple and easy software for compressing files " June 30, 2022 4.0 Its easy to download compressed files and unzip them using WinRAR, especially software installers. Saves lot of time when compressed file is downloaded. Pros The best thing about WinRAR is the ease of use. This tool makes it very easy to unzip files received through emails or downloaded from the web. Works well on Windows 7, 8 and Windows 10 too. (PS. I was not able to test it on Windows 11 though) There is a version for Android as well, which I have never used. Cons Have been using WinRAR for quite a long time. Never came across anything which is missing with respect to files compression and de-compression. Review Source JD Jonathan D. Company Director Printing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "An indispensable software on my PC." September 3, 2022 5.0 I use winrar every day to extract or compress my files, it's really a no-name utility in my field, where I just need to compress my files to save disk space, it's an expert software in its field and it's highly appreciable. Pros For me it's a must-have software, it's the specialist of archiving and data compression utilities on Window. The free version is really sufficient for the vast majority of functions, which is a real pleasure. Easy to use, efficient, versatile, it is an indispensable tool. Cons I have very few problems with winrar, the interface is old and the subscription makes popups on windows looking like Window XP when you want to extract a file. It happens from time to time that the software freezes which is annoying. Switched from [7-Zip](https://www.capterra.com/p/246777/7-Zip/) Stability reasons made me choose to switch Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Legal Negotiator / Tester Legal Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The very best" April 7, 2022 5.0 Our company has large amounts of files for every case, and compressing before sending/sharing is a must, I can\`t imagine myself using another compression software. Pros Look nowhere else, this is the ultimate power in the software compression universe. Cheap, powerful, stable. Cons As powerful as it is, is not the fastest at compressing files. It could create more types of archives. Review Source AG Angel G. Profesor Airlines/Aviation Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Wonderful application better for the competition" February 8, 2022 5.0 I currently work as a teacher and I use the virtual platform a lot and this product makes my work much easier by sending some documents that are very important because I can send them compressed through this great product. Pros The ability to unzip files easily. I love this producer because it makes any job I do so much easier. In general everything is very easy and simple Cons Increase the speed of updates to some existing files, After all the products are very easy to use. Review Source SC Sampath C. Executive - ICT Apparel & Fashion Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Best file management application - WinRAR" November 27, 2021 5.0 Excellent software. I using application daily basis for all my document compress works. This is really worth to have. I'm recommending this to all users don't think two times buy this application. Pros By using drag and drop file can compress files. Password and encryption working very accurately. Larger notepad files compressing to very low capacity, this is really important to me as a log file developer. Also compress is supporting for all the file types. Due to encryption this is best method to send attachment via emails. Cons Better to increase trial period. I don't have any least point to mention. this is grate application. Review Source Nehal Y. Software Tester Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Best Compressor and Uncompressor tool for files" June 19, 2021 5.0 This software has changed the way files are compressed and uncompressed within our organization and it is saving a lot of time for us to zip or unzip any file. With almost all the files supportable with password protection, it is a best secured software to buy it! Pros 1\. Our organization is using it to zip and unzip almost every file, without any hassle 2. It is supportable to all the platforms whether it be Windows, Linux or Mac 3. We're using it to unzip the ISO files as well 4. Security can be implemented on the files Cons 1\. It is not a cloud-based tool so it needs to be downloaded and installed. Apart from this I do not find any cons for this software - it is a really great software to be purchased! Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Tributary consultant Accounting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Winrar is a reliable file compressor" December 14, 2021 4.0 Pros The software is reliable, easy to use and has multiple utilities. Cons I haven't had any problems using this software so far. Review Source ET Elvis T. Music producer Arts and Crafts Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Very good software " February 11, 2023 5.0 One of the best to zip or other similar formats and encrypt data. Pros One of the best ways to protect files from viruses and access to uninteded recipients. Cons Sometimes files unzipped using winrar become hundreds of times bigger which is unrealistic. Review Source AA Avery A. Worship Leader Religious Institutions Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Go To product for Archiving files." November 12, 2021 5.0 Having big music files is tough to store, and even with big file storage devices, there are some things you would rather not delete. I've found ways to make space with other files by archiving them in a .RAR file. It's simple interface helps me select what I need to use, and saved me many headaches for making space. Pros I love how easy this program is to use. I started using it after upgrading to Winzip, and no other program has taken it's throne. Whether it's archiving my files or opening .RAR files, it has been very beneficial for my work. Cons Sometimes the program would crash when I archive big items. Happened a few times, and it halted my progress a bit Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [Archiving](https://www.capterra.com/archiving-software/)