What is the difference between ZIP and RAR?

First of all, it is important to distinguish between the two formats (ZIP and RAR) and the two programs (WinZIP and WinRAR). Instinctively, one would think that WinZIP opens ZIP files, while WinRAR opens RAR files. In fact, you will be able to open ZIP files on WinRAR and you will be able to open RAR files on WinZIP.

As for ZIP and RAR, they are two different compression formats, with different algorithms, but they are more or less the same functionality. However, when it comes to performance, RAR will win. This is in any case what its developer is demanding.

According to WinRAR, the RAR format often allows for better compression compared to the ZIP format. On the other hand, ZIP has an advantage: in general, one does not need to install a program to open files.

On Windows, you can open a ZIP file in Windows Explorer, without installing a specific program. This is not possible for RAR files, you must install decompressor, unless it is a self-extracting file (but using this feature limits compression performance).

What is the difference between WinZIP and WinRAR?

The comparison between WinZIP and WinRAR, the two programs, is more interesting. First, when it comes to software access, WinZIP is paid. After a trial period, you will no longer be able to use this without logging out. WinRAR is also paid in theory. But even after the trial period, the developer allows you to continue with the program.

However, WinZIP offers more features. For example, regarding supported formats, here is a list of WinZIP formats:

• Zipper
• Zipx
• AR
• 7Z
• GZ
• ISO and IMG
• TAR GZ
• art
• GZ, TAZ, TGZ
• GZIP
• XZ
• BZ2
• HDV
• TZ and Z
• Taxi
• the silent acting
• VMDK
• TAR BZ
• LHA and LZH
• HQX
• UUencoded / UUE
• XX encoded
• TBZ
• BinHex

Here is the list of formats supported by WinRAR:

• AR
• zoom
• Taxi
• ARJ
• LZH
• art
• gzip
• EUEU
• ISO
• BZIP2
• z
• 7- Zip Code

On their website, WinZIP has also posted (the source of this article) a very long comparison listing all the features available in its software that are not in WinRAR. Among them: advanced compression of WAV, JPG or MP3 files, as well as support for archive formats larger than 4 GB.

ZIP vs RAR, WinZIP vs WinRAR: Which to Choose?

In fact, the choice between compressing your files in ZIP or RAR depends on who will receive these files. In fact, if that person does not have a specialized program (such as WinZIP or WinRAR) on their computer. This recipient will not need to install any software to open the archive on Windows. Same thing on Mac.

When it comes to software, it all depends on your needs. It is best to read a list of all the functions available on WinZIP that are not on WinRAR to see which one is right for you.