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The Unarchiver

The Unarchiver

Free Mac app that opens RAR, 7z, and dozens of other archive formats the built-in tool cannot.

softwareArchivers & Compressionarchive extractormac utilityrar opener
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Our Verdict

Best for

Mac users who need to open RAR, 7z, or old legacy archive formats for free.

Skip if

You also need to create or repair archives, not just extract them.

What is The Unarchiver?

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.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App
open source❌ No
api available❌ No
support optionsWebsite FAQ
key integrationsmacOS Finder default-app association

Key Features of The Unarchiver

Extracts RAR, 7z, Tar, Gzip, Bzip2, CAB, MSI, and ISO archives that macOS cannot open natively.
Supports legacy formats including StuffIt, DiskDoubler, ARJ, LZH, and Zoo.
Can be set as the default app for supported archive types, replacing Apple's Archive Utility.
Correctly handles archive filenames using non-Latin or foreign character encodings.
Opens encrypted and password-protected archives when the correct password is supplied.
Extracts payloads from multi-volume archives split across several files.
Can pull files out of self-extracting Windows EXE archives.
Companion 'Archives' app brings similar extraction to iPhone and iPad.

Use Cases for The Unarchiver

1

Opening RAR files sent by Windows users

Extract RAR archives received via email or download without installing WinRAR-style software.

2

Replacing macOS's default archive handler

Set The Unarchiver as the default app so any supported archive opens correctly by default.

3

Extracting old or legacy archive formats

Open decades-old StuffIt or ARJ archives that modern tools no longer support natively.

4

Handling archives with foreign-language filenames

Correctly extract archives created on non-English systems where filenames use non-Latin characters.

Pros & Cons of The Unarchiver

Pros

  • 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.

Cons

  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Unarchiver really free?

Yes, it is completely free with no in-app purchases.

Can The Unarchiver create archives, not just open them?

No, it is an extraction-only tool; it does not compress or create new archives.

Does it support password-protected archives?

Yes, it can extract encrypted archives when given the correct password.

Is there a version for iPhone or iPad?

Yes, a companion app called Archives provides similar extraction on iOS.

Pricing Overview

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Free

The Unarchiver

$0

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About the Product

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Platforms
MaciOS
Target AudienceMac users who need to open archive formats beyond what macOS supports natively

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