PeaZip vs The Unarchiver
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
PeaZip is a free and open-source file archiving utility that can open and extract over 200 archive formats, including ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR, and GZ, and create archives in its own formats plus common ones like ZIP and 7Z. It ships as a portable, no-install option as well as a standard installer across Windows, Linux, macOS, and BSD. Beyond basic compression, PeaZip includes AES-256 encryption with optional two-factor authentication for password-protected archives, secure file deletion, checksum/hash verification, and archive splitting and joining for large files. Its GUI wraps several open-source compression backends (7-Zip, FreeArc, PAQ, and others) behind a single consistent interface, and it is licensed under LGPLv3.
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.
- Completely free and open source with no ads or bundled software
- Supports an unusually wide range of archive formats in one tool
- Genuine AES-256 encryption and secure delete, not just basic zipping
- Portable version needs no installation or admin rights
- 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.
- Interface looks dated compared to modern paid archivers
- Relies on wrapping several separate open-source compression engines, which can make behavior inconsistent between formats
- Documentation and support are community-driven rather than dedicated commercial support
- 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 PeaZip
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Alternatives to The Unarchiver
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataThe Unarchifier is the simplest, mac‑only free extractor; PeaZip adds creation, encryption and cross‑platform power at the cost of complexity.
Key differences
- •Platform: The Unarchiver works only on macOS desktop (iOS separate); PeaZip runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.
- •Functionality: The Unarchiver only extracts archives; PeaZip both extracts and creates archives, plus encryption and secure delete.
- •Integration: The Unarchiver can become the default macOS handler for many formats; PeaZip has no OS‑level default‑app integration.
- •Security features: PeaZip offers AES‑256 encryption and secure‑delete; The Unarchiver has no built‑in security tools.
Pricing & value
Both are free with no paid tiers or ads.
Ease of use / learning curve
The Unarchiver is a lightweight, single‑purpose app that installs quickly and works as a default handler.
Features & depth
PeaZip creates archives, offers AES‑256 encryption, secure deletion, splitting/joining, and a built‑in file manager.
Integrations & ecosystem
The Unarchiver integrates directly with macOS Finder as the default app for many archive types.
Support
Both rely on community‑driven resources: website FAQ for The Unarchiver, forums/GitHub for PeaZip.
Security & privacy
PeaZip provides AES‑256 encryption and secure‑delete; The Unarchiver has no encryption capabilities.
Choose PeaZip if…
Cross‑platform power users who need to create archives, encrypt data, or work on Windows/Linux.
Choose The Unarchiver if…
Mac‑only users who just need a quick, reliable extractor with OS integration.
Common questions
Can either tool create new archives?
Only PeaZip can create archives; The Unarchiver extracts only.
Do they support encryption for sensitive files?
PeaZip offers AES‑256 encryption and secure delete; The Unarchiver does not provide encryption features.
Will the app work on Windows or Linux?
The Unarchiver is macOS‑only; PeaZip runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.