WinRAR
Berlin, Germany
What it is
WinRAR is a compression tool for creating and organizing archives. It works with RAR, ZIP, CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZip, UUE, ISO, BZIP2, Z, and 7-Zip files, and can split archives into volumes for storage or transfer. For multimedia files, executables, and object libraries, it selects a compression method automatically. Its encryption uses AES 256-bit, and an option can also protect archive names and related details. RAR 5.0 recovery records use Reed-Solomon codes to help restore information from partly damaged archives.
The Windows version includes a password manager, backup options, drag-and-drop, Unicode filenames, and self-extracting archive creation; Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11 are listed as compatible. Mac and Linux versions are command-line only. RAR for Android can create and unpack ZIP, RAR, and other popular archive types and is described as free with a paid ad-free option. WinRAR has a 40-day trial and no free plan. A single-user license is $29, paid once, excluding VAT; multi-user licenses range from $21, paid once for 2–9 users to $6, paid once for 500–999 users, excluding VAT.
For and against
For
- Supports a broad list of archive formats.
- Splits archives into volumes.
- AES 256-bit encryption is available.
- RAR 5.0 recovery records can help with damaged archives.
- Windows version includes a password manager and backup options.
Against
- No free plan; trial lasts 40 days.
- Mac and Linux products are command-line only.
- License prices exclude VAT.
The verdict
WinRAR combines broad archive format support with splitting, encryption, and recovery features. Check the platform limits and license terms, including the 40-day trial and VAT exclusion, before choosing it.
Who it suits
WinRAR suits individuals, businesses, and government agencies that need to share or store data in archives. It may also suit users who need archive splitting, encryption, or recovery support.
Plans and prices
WinRAR multi-user license (500–999 users)
500–999 users · same number of computers
Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
WinRAR multi-user license (200–499 users)
200–499 users · same number of computers
Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
WinRAR multi-user license (100–199 users)
100–199 users · same number of computers
Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
WinRAR multi-user license (50–99 users)
50–99 users · same number of computers
Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
WinRAR multi-user license (25–49 users)
25–49 users · same number of computers
Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
WinRAR multi-user license (10–24 users)
10–24 users · same number of computers
Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
WinRAR multi-user license (2–9 users)
2–9 users · same number of computers
Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
WinRAR single-user license
1 user · 1 computer
Read 9 Oct 2026 · win-rar.com
On the record
- Android
- RAR for Android can create and unpack ZIP, RAR and other popular archive types and supports AES 256-bit password protection.win-rar.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Android pricing
- RAR for Android is described as a free program with a paid ad-free option.win-rar.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Archive formats
- WinRAR supports RAR, ZIP, CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZip, UUE, ISO, BZIP2, Z and 7-Zip formats.win-rar.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Archive splitting
- WinRAR can split archives into multiple volumes for storage or transfer.win-rar.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Compression
- It automatically selects a compression method for multimedia files, executables and object libraries.win-rar.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- WinRAR uses AES 256-bit encryption, and RAR 5.0 uses PBKDF2 with HMAC-SHA256 for password-based key derivation.win-rar.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- WinRAR says its products provide individuals, businesses and government agencies with a way to share and store data.win-rar.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Mac and Linux limitation
- RAR products for Mac and Linux are available only as command-line versions.win-rar.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Metadata protection
- The “Encrypt file names” option encrypts file names, sizes, attributes, comments and other archive areas.win-rar.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- WinRAR is a compression tool with functions for organizing compressed archives.win-rar.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Recovery
- RAR 5.0 recovery records use Reed-Solomon codes to help recover data in partially damaged archives.win-rar.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The support page offers FAQs, a lost-key form and individual sales support in English or German.win-rar.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Windows compatibility
- The product page lists Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7 as compatible.win-rar.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Windows features
- Windows WinRAR includes a password manager, backup options, drag-and-drop, Unicode file names and self-extracting archive creation.win-rar.com · read 9 Oct 2026
