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p7zip review

Free#26 of 36 in File Compression Software

A free, open-source CLI archiver with broad format support and encryption.

7.4/10Editor score
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

p7zip is an open-source command-line archiving utility for Unix-like systems. It is aimed at users who create, extract, compress, encrypt, or inspect archives from a terminal, rather than through a graphical interface. The project builds the 7zz, 7za, and 7zr standalone binaries and supports Linux, macOS, Solaris, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, Cygwin, AIX, BeOS, and Amiga. Its GNU LGPL license also makes it suitable for users seeking freely available archiving software.

The pricing model is straightforward: the Free and open source plan provides GNU LGPL-licensed software and command-line utilities. There are no paid tiers described. The feature set is broad for a terminal-focused tool. It can create 7z archives with multiple compression codecs, including Brotli, LZ4, LZ5, Lizard, Lzham, and Zstandard. It also handles formats and disk images such as APFS, ARJ, CAB, DMG, EXT, GPT, HFS, ISO, RAR, TAR, WIM, ZIP, and Zstandard. AES-based archive encryption, split-volume handling, hashing, and checksum support extend its use beyond basic compression.

The main trade-off is the command-line focus. The current project description covers CLI tools rather than a GUI, so p7zip fits users comfortable with terminal workflows and makefile-based install and uninstall targets. The standalone binaries can suit scripts, automated archive jobs, and environments where a separate graphical application is unnecessary, while the wide format coverage helps when archives come from different systems. Choose p7zip for free, open-source command-line archiving across Unix-like platforms, especially when encryption, split volumes, or disk-image formats matter. Choose an alternative if a graphical interface is central to the workflow.

p7zip pros and cons

  • Where it wins
    • Free and open source under the GNU LGPL
    • Supports many archive and disk-image formats
    • Includes AES encryption and split-volume archive handling
  • Where it doesn't
    • Command-line tools rather than a GUI
    • Best suited to Unix-like operating environments
    • Requires makefile-based installation and removal targets

p7zip fact sheet, pricing and score →

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