Are you fed up with the stock macOS Archive Utility when it comes to compressing or uncompressing files? The stock app is far from the best, so here are five third-party utilities that you should try today.

5

The Unarchiver

For me, The Unarchiver (free) is the best when it comes to third-party macOS unzipping utilities. I’ve used it since I got my first Mac back in 2012, and it has always had a place on any Mac I’ve owned ever since.

The Unarchiver is capable of handling just about any compression format, ranging from zip to RAR, 7z, GZIP, TAR, and many others. The app is extremely intuitive to use, and really doesn’t even have much of an interface outside of a few preferences.

Apple’s stock Archive Utility works ok, but The Unarchiver is compatible with far more compression formats, making it a must if you work with anything more than zip files.

The Unarchiver is completely free with no in-app purchases. This is actually one of the development team’s main selling points, as they say it’s “Free and always will be.”

4

iZip for Mac

iZip (free) resembles 7Zip to me. The UI is a bit more intrusive than The Unarchiver, but it also does a little more.

With iZip, you can open up a full interface to zip and unzip files, encrypt those files, and share them. This sets iZip apart from The Unarchiver (and some others on this list), as it does more than just compress or uncompress files.

iZip is free software, and fully functional without any purchase necessary. However, there’s an in-app purchase for $29.99 to support development. From everything I can see, this doesn’t change any capabilities within the app. However, when it comes to getting support from the iZip team, those who have purchased a license will be given priority.

3

Keka

Keka (free) is the only archival app on this list that doesn’t offer a free version on the Mac App Store. The app is affordable there, at $5.99, but you’ll need to buy it unless you want to download it from the Keka GitHub instead.

One of the key features that Keka touts is “multitasking” when it comes to compressing files. This uses a unique UI to show you that files are either compressing or decompressing, with different colors depending on what task is currently being performed.

Keka also has a status indicator under the progress bar to show you approximately how long it will take for an archive to either be compressed or extracted. It also offers a lot of customization features, as well as a drag-and-drop compression interface. Another unique function of Keka is the ability to split one file up into multiple to make it easier to send the file via email. The software handles splitting the file and merging it back into one to re-produce the original file.

There are two ways to download Keka. Firstly, you can spend the money and get it from the Mac App Store, where updates are handled automatically and you can support development. Or you can visit the Keka GitHub repo, where the releases are published publicly for you to download and use.

2

WinZip for Mac

WinZip ($35/year, free trial) is an industry staple when it comes to archiving. In fact, WinZip has been around since 1991 on Windows, and since 2010 on macOS.

If you’re already familiar with WinZip on Windows, then picking up the macOS app will help you feel right at home. Of course, the UI is designed for macOS, so there are some differences between it and the Windows version. However, the underlying framework is very similar so it’ll work just how you’re used to.

The biggest downside to WinZip, however, is the price. The free trial only lasts for 21 days, and you have to spend at least $35 per year, per user after that to continue using it.

The macOS version of WinZip is included with your purchase of the Windows version though, meaning if you already bought this premium archival utility for your desktop, then it’ll work on your MacBook without spending a single penny more.

1

Unzip One

Unzip One (free) is an archive program released by Trend Micro within the last few years. It features compression, encryption, and archival features all for free.

The app is capable of handling many compression formats and features a UI that reminds me of Keka a bit, but with a different overall styling. The drag-and-drop interface looks simple to use and Unzip One even supports ISO files.

Like I already said, Unzip One is completely free—no in-app purchases at all. This resembles The Unarchiver, and is the only other app on this list outside of it that doesn’t have any form of payment methods available. While Trend Micro is known for its PC malware software, it might be worth giving their archival utility a try, especially since it won’t cost you a dime.

While handling archives isn’t a macOS strong point, it’s far from the only task you can improve with the right app. Check out some single-purpose Mac apps that can take Apple’s operating system to the next level.