PeaZip review
A capable free archive manager for desktop users who need broad format coverage and file utilities.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
PeaZip is a free, open-source file and archive manager for desktop users who need to create, convert, browse, test, split, join, and extract compressed files. It creates archives in formats including 7Z, ARC, BZ2, GZ, PEA, TAR, WIM, and ZIP, while opening and extracting more than 200 archive types. Its free and open-source plan is LGPLv3 licensed and available for personal, professional, and commercial use. Official packages support BSD, Linux, macOS, and Windows, with portable packages that do not require installation.
Its strongest fit is breadth combined with practical archive controls. PeaZip supports password-based encryption using standards including AES, Serpent, and Twofish, with optional keyfiles. Users can split and join files, create spanned archives, and use recovery records for archive repair in supported formats. File hashing, checksum verification, secure deletion, and a file manager with search, bookmarks, filters, and viewers extend it beyond basic compression. These capabilities suit users handling varied archive formats, transfer-sized files, or workflows that need verification and recovery options.
PeaZip also connects graphical work with automation by exporting GUI archive tasks as command-line scripts. That makes it a useful choice for repeatable desktop or scripted workflows, while portable packages can simplify use on systems where installation is not preferred. Its main trade-off is scope: users seeking only a minimal archive utility may find the file-management and security tools unnecessary. RAR creation is conditional, so users whose workflow depends on creating RAR archives should compare alternatives. Choose PeaZip for free, broad desktop archiving with encryption and file utilities; choose another tool if a narrower interface or RAR creation is the priority.
PeaZip pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Opens and extracts more than 200 archive types
- Includes encryption, splitting, repair, hashing, and secure deletion
- Portable packages and command-line script export support flexible workflows
- Where it doesn't
- The interface includes more file-management tools than some users need
- RAR creation is conditional rather than broadly supported
- There are no AI features
PeaZip fact sheet, pricing and score →
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