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GNU tar

Free#10 of 36 in File Compression Software

GNU tar: A free, capable Unix archiver for backups, pipelines, and multi-format tar work. Ranked #10 of 36 in File Compression Software by our editors (8.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for unix backups and multi-format tar workflows.

8.1/10Editor score
Visit GNU tar
GNU tar8.1 Visit GNU tar

At a glance

  • Editor score
    8.1 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    Unix backups and multi-format tar workflows
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    Free
  • Archive encryption
    No
  • Facts checked
    20 Sep 2026
GNU tar screenshot

  • Where it wins

    • Supports gzip, bzip2, xz, zstd, lzip, lzma, lzop, and compress
    • Handles multi-volume archives and incremental filesystem backups
    • Preserves selected attributes, including extended attributes and ACLs

  • Where it doesn't

    • Unix-focused rather than designed for general desktop use
    • Does not provide native archive encryption
    • Command-line operation requires shell-based workflows

Our verdict on GNU tar

GNU tar is a free, open-source command-line archiving utility for Unix-type operating systems. It is intended for administrators, developers, backup operators, and users comfortable with shell-based workflows. The utility can create, extract, list, update, append, delete, and compare archive contents. It also supports GNU, old GNU, V7, USTAR, POSIX, and read-only star archive formats, making it suitable for traditional tar workflows across varied archive conventions.

Compression integration is a central strength. GNU tar can create and read compressed archives using gzip, bzip2, xz, lzip, lzma, lzop, zstd, and compress. It can also read from or write to pipes, files, devices, and remote archive locations, while allowing external compression or other user-supplied commands. These capabilities suit scripted workflows and systems where archives move through shell pipelines or remote and device-based storage. Multi-volume archives with volume-size controls add practical support for constrained storage targets.

Backup features make GNU tar a strong fit for Unix administrators and backup operators. Incremental filesystem backups and preservation of selected file attributes, including extended attributes and ACLs, support filesystem-focused archival work. The trade-off is scope: GNU tar is a command-line archiver, not a graphical desktop compressor, and its supported platforms are Unix-type operating systems. Native archive encryption is not provided; encryption workflows can use external tools such as GPG. Choose GNU tar for flexible Unix automation, backup control, and broad compression integration. Choose another tool if you need a graphical interface, native archive encryption, or a broader desktop focus.

Your product? Our editors can test GNU tar in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

GNU tar pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on gnu.org

GNU tar fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromFree
Archive formatsGNU, old GNU, V7, USTAR, POSIX, star (read-only), gzip, bzip2, xz, lzip, lzma, lzop, zstd, compress
Archive encryptionNo
Split archivesYes
Command-line toolsYes
Portable versionNot verified
Archive repairNo
Supported platformsUnix-type operating systems
Integrations8 integrations: gzip, bzip2, xz, lzip, lzma, lzop …
PricingFree plan
Websitegnu.org
Facts checked20 Sep 2026

GNU tar integrations

GNU tar lists 8 integrations on its own site.

  • gzip
  • bzip2
  • xz
  • lzip
  • lzma
  • lzop
  • zstd
  • compress

Alternatives to GNU tar

See all GNU tar alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — GNU tar 8.1/10

GNU tar is listed in our File Compression Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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