You need to send a folder of documents by email, and the attachment is too big. Or someone sends you a RAR or 7Z file and Windows doesn't know what to do with it. Express Zip is built for both situations: it packs files into smaller archives and opens the archives other people send you.
Quick facts
- Developer: NCH Software
- Platforms: Windows 7 to 11, and macOS 10.5 or above
- Free version: for non-commercial use only. It does not expire and includes most of the features of the professional version.
- Paid version: a Plus edition is sold online
Key features
Open ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR, CAB, ISO and more
Express Zip lists ZIP, RAR, CAB, TAR, 7Z, ISO, GZIP, ZIPX, LZH, ARJ, PKPASS and GZ among its supported formats. You can also extract APK files to see what is inside them.
Password-protect and encrypt your ZIP files
If an archive holds sensitive documents, you can add a password before sending it. You can open encrypted archives too.
Split big archives into parts
Large ZIP files can be split into smaller multi-part archives. This helps with size limits on email or removable drives.
Repair data with a PAR2 recovery file
You can create a PAR2 recovery file to repair incomplete or corrupt archives.
Compress from the right-click menu or by drag and drop
Right-click a file or folder in File Explorer, choose Express Zip, then Compress. Or drag files into the window. There are 5 compression levels, so you can trade speed for size.
Email or burn without leaving the program
You can email a ZIP file in two clicks. You can also burn archived files to CD or DVD for long-term backup. Existing ZIP files can be edited, and you can convert other archive types to ZIP.
Who it's for
It suits you if you want one tool for zipping, unzipping and opening foreign archive formats, and you don't need anything elaborate. The free version covers home use. Using it for work means buying the paid edition.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Handles a long list of archive formats
- Encryption, splitting and repair options
- Free version doesn't expire
- Right-click and drag-and-drop workflow
- Available for Windows and Mac
Cons
- The free version is limited to non-commercial use
- The vendor's download button points to the Plus edition installer, so you need the separate free-version link if you want the free one
- Some features, such as converting other archive types to ZIP, are described as part of the professional edition
FAQs
Is Express Zip free?
A free version is available for non-commercial use only. It does not expire.
Can it open RAR files?
Yes. RAR is on the list of supported formats, along with 7Z, TAR, CAB and ISO.
Can I password-protect a ZIP?
Yes. You can encrypt ZIP files and open encrypted archives.
Does it work on a Mac?
Yes. The vendor lists macOS 10.5 or above, as well as Windows 7 to 11.
Can I split a large archive?
Yes. You can create multi-part split ZIP archives.
System requirements
- Windows 7 to 11
- macOS 10.5 or above