Bandizip vs The Unarchiver
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Bandizip is a file compression and extraction tool for Windows and macOS that supports creating archives in formats like ZIP and 7Z and extracting more than 40 archive formats, including RAR, TAR, and ISO. It emphasizes speed with multi-core compression, and can handle multi-volume and 4GB-plus archives without extra plugins. A free edition covers everyday compression and extraction needs, while the Professional Edition adds a password manager, archive repair, password recovery, image preview inside archives, and built-in antimalware scanning during extraction. It is also distributed as a portable version and through the Microsoft Store.
The Unarchiver is a free macOS application that extracts a wide range of archive formats beyond what Apple's built-in Archive Utility supports, including RAR, 7z, Tar, Gzip, Bzip2, CAB, and many legacy formats like StuffIt, ARJ, and LZH. It can be set as the default handler for these formats so double-clicking any supported archive just works. The app also handles archives with foreign-language filenames, encrypted and multi-volume archives, and can extract files from self-extracting Windows EXE installers. A companion iOS app called Archives brings similar extraction capability to iPhone and iPad.
- Broad format support (40+ for extraction) rivals or beats most competitors.
- Multi-core compression noticeably speeds up large archive creation.
- Free edition covers most everyday needs without nagging.
- Portable version works without installation, useful on locked-down machines.
- Completely free with no in-app purchases or ads.
- Supports a far wider range of archive formats than macOS's built-in tool.
- Lightweight and simple; installs quickly and just works as a default handler.
- Handles edge cases like foreign filenames and old, obscure formats well.
- Advanced features like repair and antimalware scanning require the paid Professional Edition.
- Interface and documentation lean toward a Korean-software style that may feel unfamiliar to some Western users.
- No native Linux build.
- Mac-only for the desktop app, though a separate iOS app exists.
- No archive creation features; it only extracts, it does not compress.
- Interface is minimal, with no advanced repair or password-recovery tools.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Bandizip
View all →Free Mac app that opens RAR, 7z, and dozens of other archive formats the built-in tool cannot.
Alternatives to The Unarchiver
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataThe Unarchiver is a completely free, mac‑only extractor that handles many legacy formats, while Bandizip offers cross‑platform compression, faster multi‑core processing, and paid advanced features.
Key differences
- •Platform support: The Unarchiver works only on macOS (desktop), Bandizip runs on Windows and macOS.
- •Functionality: The Unarchiver only extracts; Bandizip can both extract and create archives in many formats.
- •Advanced tools: Bandizip’s Professional edition adds repair, password recovery, and malware scanning; The Unarchiver has none.
- •Pricing model: The Unarchiver is fully free; Bandizip is freemium with key features behind a paid upgrade.
- •Integration depth: Bandizip adds right‑click context menu in both OSes; The Unarchiver only integrates as default handler in macOS Finder.
Pricing & value
The Unarchiver is completely free with no paid tiers, while Bandizip requires purchase for advanced features.
Ease of use / learning curve
The Unarchiver is lightweight, installs quickly, and works as a default handler; Bandizip adds menus and settings that may require learning.
Features & depth
Bandizip compresses, creates multi‑volume archives, offers AES‑256 encryption, repair and malware scanning (Professional); The Unarchiver only extracts.
Integrations & ecosystem
Bandizip integrates into Windows Explorer and macOS Finder via context menus; The Unarchiver only replaces macOS default app.
Support
Bandizip provides online help and email support; The Unarchiver offers only a website FAQ.
Security & privacy
Bandizip’s Professional edition can encrypt archives with AES‑256 and scan for malware; The Unarchiver has no encryption or scanning features.
Scalability
Bandizip uses multi‑core processing for faster compression of large files; The Unarchiver only extracts, no performance scaling.
Choose Bandizip if…
Users on Windows or macOS who need both extraction and creation, plus advanced tools and faster compression.
Choose The Unarchiver if…
Mac‑only users who only need to unpack many archive types without paying.
Common questions
Can I create ZIP or 7z archives with The Unarchiver?
No, The Unarchiver only extracts; it does not have archive creation capabilities.
Is there any cost to use Bandizip’s basic extraction features?
No, the free edition covers extraction of over 40 formats; advanced features require the paid Professional edition.
Which tool works on Windows?
Bandizip runs on Windows (and macOS); The Unarchiver is macOS‑only for desktop.