Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For ordinary ZIP files, you do not need an extra app: macOS Finder can expand a ZIP and create one from files or folders. For RAR, 7-Zip, and older formats, The Unarchiver is a strong free extraction tool. Choose Keka if you also want to create archives, encrypt them, or split them into volumes; consider BetterZip or WinZip for more specialized management or cloud and sharing workflows.
The right choice depends less on a generic “best” ranking than on what you need to do: open one unfamiliar archive, make archives of your own, or manage them regularly. The comparisons below focus on documented features, not speed tests.
Do I need an app to unzip files on a Mac?
Not for a standard ZIP file. Apple’s instructions say to double-click a ZIP to expand it, and to Control-click a file or folder and select Compress to create a ZIP. That makes Finder’s built-in tools the simplest choice when your files are all ordinary ZIPs and you do not need advanced options.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Apple notes that compressed files take up less disk space than uncompressed files, which can be useful for backups or sending information over the internet. A separate archive app becomes useful when a file is in a format macOS’s basic ZIP workflow does not cover, or when you need capabilities such as encryption, split volumes, or more control over archive contents.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
In other words, “unzip app” does not always mean you need to install something. If someone sends you a ZIP and your only task is to expand it, start with Finder. If you encounter a RAR, RAR5, or 7-Zip file, choose an app whose format list explicitly includes that type. If you also make archives for other people, compare creation features separately from extraction support.
Which Mac unzip app should I choose?
Match the app to the job. The Unarchiver is extraction-first and free; Keka covers both extraction and archive creation; paid options offer additional management or sharing workflows. Bandizip is another broad-format option with documented integrity and encryption tools.
| Option | Best fit | Documented capabilities | Price and version notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finder / Archive Utility | Everyday ZIP files without another installation | Expand ZIP files by double-clicking; create a ZIP with Control-click > Compress (Apple Support). | Price not stated by Apple Support; part of the macOS workflow. |
| The Unarchiver | Free extraction of unfamiliar or legacy archives | Opens many formats, including RAR/RAR5, 7-Zip, TAR, and legacy formats; extraction-focused (Mac App Store and official site). | Free, no in-app purchases; official site lists version 4.3.9, dated March 18, 2025, and macOS 10.13 or later. |
| Keka | One app for extraction, creation, encryption, and split volumes | Reads and creates a wide range of formats; offers encryption, split volumes, and pause/resume (App Store listing). | Official site lists version 1.6.8 and Mac OS X 10.10 or newer; a 2026 MacPacker snapshot lists $6.49 for the App Store version. Verify current price and version before purchase. |
| BetterZip | Paid archive management | MacPaw’s comparison highlights password management. Other format or feature details are not stated in the cited comparison. | A 2026 MacPacker snapshot lists $35 one-time; verify the current price. |
| WinZip | Cloud-oriented unzipping or direct email sharing | MacPaw’s comparison highlights cloud-service unzipping and direct email sharing. Other details are not stated in the cited comparison. | Current price and version not stated in the cited comparison. |
| Bandizip | Broad format support with explicit integrity tools | Lists formats including RAR/RAR5, ISO, CAB, WIM, ZIP, ZIPX, and ZST; also documents AES-256 encryption, multi-volume compression, integrity testing, codepage detection, and Finder integration (Bandisoft). | Bandisoft lists version 7.37 in 2026; price and minimum macOS version are not stated in the cited product information. |
App Store prices and software versions can change. The dated figures above are snapshots, not guarantees of what you will see when you install or buy an app.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe table also separates a few different kinds of “support.” Finder is the no-extra-install option for ZIP. The Unarchiver’s strength is the range of formats it can open, while Keka explicitly spans extraction and creation. BetterZip and WinZip stand out in the cited comparisons for management and sharing capabilities, respectively. Bandizip lists several technical features by name. Those differences matter more than a single overall score because they map to different jobs.
What is the best free archive extractor for Mac?
For someone who mainly needs to open archives, The Unarchiver is the clearest free recommendation in this comparison. The Mac App Store listing includes ZIP, RAR including RAR5, 7-Zip, TAR, Gzip, Bzip2, StuffIt, DiskDoubler, LZH, ARJ, ARC, ISO, BIN, and some EXE installers. Its official site lists version 4.3.9, dated March 18, 2025, macOS 10.13 or later, and no in-app purchases.
It is designed around extraction rather than serving as a full archive-creation tool. The official site documents ZIP AES encryption and Zip64 support, but those details do not make it the broadest choice for creating and managing different kinds of archives. If you need to produce encrypted archives or split a large archive into volumes, Keka’s documented creation features are a closer match.
The Unarchiver also aims to preserve filename encodings in archives created in different regions. That matters when filenames contain characters that may otherwise display incorrectly after extraction. The listing describes this capability; it does not guarantee every archive’s filenames will be rendered correctly.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
That makes The Unarchiver a practical first install for someone whose recurring problem is “I received a file my Mac does not recognize.” It covers familiar formats such as ZIP and TAR as well as RAR/RAR5, 7-Zip, and a long list of older or less common types. Its official site describes it as “the only app you need to open RAR on Mac,” but that is a statement about opening RAR, not about creating every format or managing every archive workflow.
Is Keka better than The Unarchiver?
Neither is better for every Mac user. The Unarchiver is a straightforward choice when opening a wide variety of archives is the main task; Keka is the more versatile fit when you also want to make archives and configure compression, encryption, or volume splitting.
Formats Keka can create
Keka’s App Store listing documents creation of 7Z, ZIP, TAR, ZSTD, GZIP, BZIP2, and AppleArchive files. Its official site lists version 1.6.8 and support for Mac OS X 10.10 or newer. The official site also says the App Store version is the same application distributed through Apple’s store, and that purchasing it there supports development.
Formats Keka can extract
The App Store listing names 7Z, ZIP, RAR, TAR, GZIP, BZIP2, AAR, XZ, ZSTD, ISO, LZMA, EXE, CAB, MSI, PAX, JAR, APK, APPX, XPI, IPA, CPGZ, CPIO, XIP, and CPT. This read list is broader than Keka’s documented creation list. If you need to produce a particular format, check the creation list rather than assuming that an app that can open a format can also write it.
How to decide between the two
- Choose The Unarchiver when your priority is opening RAR, RAR5, 7-Zip, or legacy archives without paying for an extraction utility.
- Choose Keka when you need to create archives as well as open them, especially if encryption or split volumes are part of your workflow.
- Check the exact format and your Mac’s operating-system version before installing either app; the stated minimum versions differ.
Think of the choice as extraction-first versus a broader archive toolkit, rather than as a simple winner-loser contest. For occasional incoming archives in many formats, creation controls may add little value. For someone who routinely packages files, needs encryption, or wants to divide an archive into volumes, extraction alone does not cover the whole task. Keka’s listing also describes pause and resume, which is useful to note when comparing its documented workflow features with an extractor focused on opening files.
There is one important format distinction: Keka lists RAR among the formats it can extract, but its documented creation list does not include RAR. The creation formats listed are 7Z, ZIP, TAR, ZSTD, GZIP, BZIP2, and AppleArchive. If you need to produce a particular format for someone else, that write list—not a general claim of broad support—is the relevant check.
How do I open a RAR file on Mac?
Use an extraction app that explicitly lists RAR support: both The Unarchiver and Keka do, including RAR5 in the documented format lists. Finder’s built-in instructions cover ZIP files, so use a dedicated extractor for RAR rather than expecting the standard ZIP workflow to handle it.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Choose an app whose supported-format list includes the archive type. The Unarchiver and Keka both list RAR; The Unarchiver’s listing also specifically includes RAR5.
- Install the app from its stated distribution source, checking its minimum macOS requirement against the Mac you plan to use.
- Open the RAR file with the selected app or use its available Finder integration. The exact menu labels can vary by app version; the product information cited here does not establish one universal sequence.
- Choose where to extract the files if the app presents a destination choice, then check the extracted folder for the contents you expected.
If your file is not RAR, identify its format before choosing an app. Archive extensions and supported-format lists are more useful than assuming every compressed download is a ZIP.
The same selection logic applies to other formats: look for the exact extension or format name in the app’s extraction list. For example, The Unarchiver lists 7-Zip, ISO, BIN, and several legacy formats; Keka lists ISO, XZ, CAB, MSI, and many application-package formats; Bandizip lists ZIPX, WIM, and ZST among its examples. A long list is helpful only if it includes the file you have.
When are paid archive apps worth considering?
A paid app makes sense when a particular capability saves repeated effort. BetterZip is positioned here for archive management, with password management highlighted in MacPaw’s comparison. WinZip is a fit to consider if cloud-service unzipping or direct email sharing is central to your workflow. The available comparisons do not establish a full feature-by-feature specification for either product, so confirm that the exact task you need is supported before paying.
BetterZip’s $35 one-time price is a 2026 MacPacker snapshot, not a guaranteed current price. The same comparison lists Keka at $6.49 in the App Store; that is also a dated snapshot. Pricing and distribution can change, so check the app’s current listing before purchase rather than treating these figures as permanent.
For a one-off ZIP or an occasional RAR extraction, a paid archive manager may be more capability than you need. The built-in Finder workflow and The Unarchiver already address those basic scenarios. A paid option becomes easier to justify when a specific feature is part of your regular work: password management for BetterZip, or cloud-oriented unzipping and direct email sharing for WinZip. Check the current product description for the precise workflow, since those highlighted features do not amount to a complete specification.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Price is only one part of the decision. Compare the price you see now with the feature you actually need, confirm the app supports your macOS version, and check whether the price is for the distribution method you intend to use. Keka’s official site says its App Store edition is the same application and that buying there supports development. That gives readers a stated reason to choose that store, while still leaving the current price to verify at the time of purchase.
Should I consider Bandizip?
Bandizip is worth a look if you want broad format support plus named tools for encryption and archive integrity. Bandisoft’s Mac page lists support for RAR/RAR5, ISO, CAB, WIM, ZIP, ZIPX, ZST, and other formats, and documents AES-256 encryption, multi-volume compression, integrity testing, codepage detection, and Finder integration.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Bandisoft lists version 7.37 in 2026. The cited product information does not state a minimum macOS version or price, so check those details for your Mac and region before relying on it as a replacement for another app.
Its feature set gives it a distinct place in the comparison: Finder integration may suit someone who wants archive actions accessible in the Finder workflow, while integrity testing and AES-256 encryption are explicitly named capabilities. Multi-volume compression is also documented, so it is another candidate to evaluate when dividing an archive matters. The product page’s format list describes support, but do not assume every listed format can be both read and written unless the current documentation says so.
Recommended Free Tools
What should I check before installing or buying an unzip app?
Start with the archive you actually need to handle, then compare its format against the app’s read or write list. These are different capabilities: support for extracting a format does not by itself establish support for creating it.
- Format: Confirm the exact format, including variants such as RAR5, rather than relying on a vague claim of broad support.
- Operating system: Compare the app’s stated minimum macOS version with the system on your Mac. The Unarchiver’s official site lists macOS 10.13 or later; Keka’s official site lists Mac OS X 10.10 or newer.
- What you need to do: Separate simple extraction from archive creation, encryption, volume splitting, browsing, or sharing. Not every app documents all of these features.
- Distribution and cost: Check whether you are using the App Store or another stated source, and verify the current price and version. Keka’s official site describes its App Store distribution; dated comparison prices can change.
- Evidence for specialized features: If password management, cloud handling, or a specific creation format is essential, confirm it in the current product information rather than inferring it from an app’s general category.
Use a short checklist before committing: identify whether you only need to open files or also create them; note the exact archive formats you encounter; check the app’s minimum macOS requirement; and confirm any must-have feature such as AES-256 encryption, password management, multi-volume compression, or cloud sharing in the current product details. This prevents a common mismatch: installing an app because it can extract a format, then discovering that its documented creation formats do not meet your needs.
Version and price are time-sensitive details. The Unarchiver’s official site lists version 4.3.9 dated March 18, 2025, and Keka’s official site lists version 1.6.8. MacPacker’s 2026 snapshot lists BetterZip at $35 one-time and Keka at $6.49 in the App Store. Those figures make the comparison concrete, but they should be checked again when you are ready to download or buy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do the choices compare for common Mac workflows?
| Your situation | Practical starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You only receive or send ZIP files occasionally | Finder | Apple documents expanding ZIPs and creating them with built-in Finder commands. |
| You need to extract RAR, RAR5, 7-Zip, or older formats | The Unarchiver | Its listing covers many extraction formats, and the official site states it is free with no in-app purchases. |
| You create archives and want encryption or split volumes | Keka | Its listing describes creation, encryption, and volume-splitting features. |
| You regularly manage archives and need password-management features | Evaluate BetterZip | Password management is highlighted in MacPaw’s comparison; verify the current feature details and price. |
| Your archive workflow depends on cloud services or email sharing | Evaluate WinZip | MacPaw’s comparison highlights cloud-service unzipping and direct email sharing; confirm the specific services supported. |
| You want named integrity-testing and encryption features | Evaluate Bandizip | Bandisoft lists archive integrity testing, AES-256 encryption, and multi-volume compression. |
There is no documented independent speed, success-rate, or market-share comparison for these options in the cited material. The useful distinction is therefore documented capability and fit: Finder for routine ZIPs, extraction-focused software for unfamiliar formats, and a broader archive utility when you need to create or manage archives.
For a reader deciding in a hurry, the sequence is straightforward. First, try Finder if the archive is a ZIP. If it is a different format and you only need to unpack it, The Unarchiver is the free recommendation. If you need to make archives, encrypt them, or split them into volumes, look at Keka’s creation features. If a paid management or sharing function is central to your workflow, compare BetterZip or WinZip against that specific need; if integrity testing and named encryption controls matter, evaluate Bandizip.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
None of these distinctions establish that one app is faster or more reliable than another. The cited product information supplies format and feature descriptions rather than an independent benchmark. Choose by the operations and formats you need, verify current compatibility and price, and avoid paying for capabilities you will not use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a password-protected ZIP on a Mac?
The Unarchiver’s official site documents ZIP AES encryption, while Keka’s listing describes encryption features. The cited product information does not specify every password workflow or recovery capability, so check the current app documentation for the encryption type used by your file.
Can an unzip app repair a corrupted archive?
The cited product information does not establish that any of these apps can repair damaged archives. Bandizip lists integrity testing, which checks archive integrity; that should not be treated as a promise to recover missing or corrupted data.
Will extracting an archive change the original file?
Extraction creates or expands files from the archive; it is distinct from creating a new archive. The cited app listings do not specify their handling of every existing-file conflict, so review any overwrite prompt before proceeding.
Why do filenames look wrong after I unzip a file?
Archives created with different filename encodings can sometimes display names incorrectly. The Unarchiver’s Mac App Store listing says it attempts to preserve filename encodings for archives created in different regions, but describes an attempt rather than a guarantee for every archive.
Can Keka create a RAR archive?
Keka’s documented creation formats are 7Z, ZIP, TAR, ZSTD, GZIP, BZIP2, and AppleArchive. Its listing includes RAR for extraction, but RAR is not in the stated creation list.
Is The Unarchiver completely free?
The Unarchiver’s official site says it is free with no in-app purchases. Its listed version is 4.3.9, dated March 18, 2025; check the current listing for current compatibility and details.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
