GNU tar review
A free, capable Unix archiver for backups, pipelines, and multi-format tar work.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
GNU tar pros and cons
- 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
GNU tar 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