8 Zip review
A capable free Windows archiver for common formats, with advertising in the Lite edition.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
8 Zip is a Windows file archiver from Finebits OÜ for users who need to create, open, extract, view, and manage compressed files. Its free 8 Zip Lite edition covers common archive tasks, while 8 Zip Pro is the paid edition. The application supports Windows 10 Home, Pro, Education, Enterprise, Mobile, and Mobile Enterprise, making it a focused choice for Windows users rather than a cross-platform archive utility.
The feature set is broad for a lightweight archiver. 8 Zip creates ZIP, 7z, TAR, GZIP, BZIP2, and XZ archives, and opens formats including RAR, ZIP, 7z, ZipX, ISO, ARJ, CAB, CHM, MSI, and NSIS. It can extract files, add and delete files within archives, and display archive contents through its built-in viewer. Multi-volume archive extraction is also supported, which helps when working with archives split across multiple files. AES-256 encryption is available for 7z and ZIP archives, adding a clear security option for protected archives.
The free Lite plan has a straightforward trade-off: it is available at no cost but includes advertising. The paid Pro edition is described as creating, unpacking, and encrypting archives, although its listed plan information does not detail additional capabilities. That makes Lite a sensible starting point for basic archive creation and extraction on Windows. Users who need macOS or Linux support, or who want a clearly differentiated paid feature set, should consider an alternative. For Windows users prioritizing format coverage, archive viewing, encryption, and a free entry point, 8 Zip is a practical fit.
8 Zip pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Creates ZIP, 7z, TAR, GZIP, BZIP2, and XZ archives
- Opens RAR, ZIP, 7z, ZipX, ISO, ARJ, CAB, and other formats
- Supports AES-256 encryption and multi-volume archive extraction
- Where it doesn't
- The free Lite edition includes advertising
- Windows is the only supported platform
- The listed Pro plan does not specify added features beyond the edition description
8 Zip fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update