Xarchiver
Xarchiver: A free, open-source archive manager with broad format support and command-line options. Ranked #11 of 36 in File Compression Software by our editors (8.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for lightweight Linux archive management.
At a glance
- Editor score8.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLightweight Linux archive management
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Archive encryptionYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Creates, extracts, tests, and modifies archives
- Supports encrypted ZIP, RAR, ARJ, and 7z archives
- Offers multi-extract, drag-and-drop, and CLI options
Where it doesn't
- Relies on separately installed command-line archiving utilities
- Archive creation support depends on available utilities
- Split-archive workflows are not a stated strength
Our verdict on Xarchiver
Xarchiver is a lightweight graphical archive manager for Linux and FreeBSD. Its desktop-environment-independent interface supports browsing archive directories, creating archives, adding files, extracting contents, testing archives, and modifying existing packages. It is aimed at users who want a straightforward graphical front end while retaining access to external command-line archiving utilities. The application also supports drag-and-drop operations, archive comments, archive signature detection, and export of archive contents as HTML or text.
Format coverage is broad, including 7z, ARJ, bzip2, gzip, LHA, LZMA, RAR, TAR, ZIP, Debian packages, and RPM packages. Xarchiver can handle encrypted ZIP, RAR, ARJ, and 7z archives, and its multi-extract function is useful when several archives need to be processed together. Command-line options extend the workflow beyond the graphical interface, including extraction and archive creation, while command-line output can be displayed within the application. Users who move between graphical and terminal-based archive tasks should find this combination particularly relevant.
Xarchiver is free and open source, making it a practical choice for Linux users who want archive management without a paid tier. Its main dependency is the set of separately installed command-line archiving utilities: the formats available for creation depend on which utilities are present. That arrangement suits users comfortable managing their Linux environment, but it adds an installation consideration compared with a self-contained archive utility. Choose Xarchiver for lightweight Linux or FreeBSD archive browsing and manipulation, especially when encrypted archives, multi-extract actions, and terminal options matter. Consider an alternative if split-archive workflows or a portable distribution are central requirements.
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Xarchiver pricing
Xarchiver fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Archive formats | 7z, ARJ, bzip2, gzip, LHA, LZMA, RAR, TAR, TAR.BZ2, TAR.GZ, TAR.LZMA, ZIP, DEB, RPM |
| Archive encryption | Yes |
| Split archives | Not verified |
| Command-line tools | Yes |
| Portable version | Not verified |
| Archive repair | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Linux, FreeBSD |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | docs.xfce.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Xarchiver
- 7-ZipA free, open-source archiver with broad formats, encryption, recovery tools, and cross-platform support.9.4
- PeaZipA capable free archive manager for desktop users who need broad format coverage and file utilities.9.2
- PowerArchiverA format-rich archive tool for business workflows, automation, and secure file handling.9.0
See all Xarchiver alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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