Igor Pavlov · since 1999
7-Zip
Free compression that still beats the pack.
7-Zip shrinks files better than most paid tools, opens nearly every archive type, and installs in a couple of megabytes. Free and open source since the '90s.
The interface looks dated; the compression engine still earns the default slot.
Why it's here
- Excellent compression ratios for free
- Opens almost every archive format
- Tiny install and great for scripts
- UI is old-school — the engine is why you stay