WinZip is a widely used file compression tool, but is it safe? Find out the answer to this question and more in this informative article.
Have you ever heard of WinZip? It’s the world’s most popular file compression software, used by millions daily. But did you know that dozens of programs out there, many of them free, offer even more outstanding features and benefits than WinZip?
In this article, we’ll compare some of the best free and paid alternatives to WinZip. We’ll break down each program’s features, from ease of use to support and resources. We’ll also review the pros and cons of each program, so you can decide which alternative suits your needs. Finally, we’ll answer frequently asked questions about WinZip and its alternatives. Let’s dive in!
WinZip 27 Standard New Features: What’s New and Improved
Have you upgraded to WinZip 27 yet? If so, you can now enjoy some exciting updates and new features that make the program even easier to use—and, of course, it’s still just as powerful as ever.
Here are some of the recent features that come with WinZip 27 Standard:
- Improved Windows 10 support, including file backup from local storage and cloud services
- File encryption using top security protocols like AES-256
- Ability to open and extract from 7zip files (.7z)
- Support for large-volume disk images over 4 G.B in size with UDF format support
- New easy-to-use GUI with improved performance and customization options
- Automation of repetitive tasks with support for Windows Task Scheduler
- Zoom feature to quickly view image details without affecting resolution or quality
The updates can significantly affect how easily you can organize, compress, and share files. And remember, if you upgrade to WinZip 27 Pro, even more impressive features are available—including the ability to transfer G Suite files into your local computer and secure file sharing with 256-bit AES encryption protocol.
WinZip 27 Pro Features: Are the Extras Worth the Upgrade?
While WinZip Standard covers basic archiving and zipping needs, the Pro edition packs a few extra features that make the upgrade more than worth it. WinZip 27 Pro allows you to encrypt and decrypt your files with 256-bit AES encryption. That means you can securely zip up files and share them without fear of someone else accessing them.
Another helpful feature of WinZip Pro is its ability to compress JPEG images to reduce their file size without affecting image quality. It is excellent for shrinking large image files, especially when emailing or through other services with size limits.
You can also access the WinZip web app with the Pro edition and cloud storage integration across Dropbox, Google Drive, and more. It makes it easy to store your archives securely online and even access them from other devices. Whether you’re looking for extra security or want the convenience of cloud storage access, these extras make WinZip Pro worth the upgrade.
WinZip Standard vs Pro: Which Version Is Right for You?
So which WinZip version is correct for you—Standard or Pro?
WinZip Standard:
WinZip Standard is the simpler of the two, offering easy-to-use tools for basic zipping and unzipping. It also lets you choose from two compression levels, standard and extreme, to decide whether to save hard drive space or time.
Plus, you can easily password-protect your files before sharing them and check your integrity with Destructive Read.
WinZip Pro:
If you need more advanced features, there’s WinZip Pro. This version takes everything Standard has to offer and ups the ante with deep-level support for SFX (self-extracting files) and split archives for quick uploads, compatibility with ISO archives, 4K scaling in Previewer mode to get a better look at your compressed files, and so much more.
It all depends on what kind of compression you need to have. Both versions come with a free trial period, so if you’re unsure which is best, try them both out before deciding on one—it’s as simple as that!
Ease of Use: How User-Friendly Is WinZip 27?
We know what you’re thinking—is WinZip 27 easy to use? What features come with the Standard version, and what can the Pro version do that makes it worth investing in?
The great news is that WinZip 27 is incredibly user-friendly. You don’t need a tech expert to figure out the interface. With just a few clicks, you can zip, unzip and save files for quick and easy access later. You can also password-protect your files, which is a great security feature.
Standard Version
The standard version of WinZip 27 comes with all the essential features you’d expect from a top-quality zip program. You can create zip files for super-quick file transfers, schedule automatic backups of your files, compress files for more accessible storage or sharing, and encrypt your data for added security. Plus, you get all the usual features for opening different types of archives like RAR and 7ZIP.
Pro Version
The Pro version adds bells and whistles to simplify managing your archives. For example, an automated system finds large (or rarely used) files. It puts them in separate zip files to conserve disk space on your system.
You can also easily update archived files (e.g. if you make changes to a document). And if you have duplicates stashed away in different locations on your system, WinZip 27 Pro will help you track them down and delete them in one go!
WinZip Mac/Windows Review: WinZip Pricing
You might wonder about WinZip’s pricing—is it worth the cost? Well, WinZip comes with two plans: Standard and Pro. 
Standard
The Standard plan is reasonably priced at $34.95, and you get the following:
- Ability to compress files
- Securely share large files.
- Automatically back up to the cloud
Pro
WinZip Pro adds features, like the ability to open RAR files and edit text, plus an unlimited data plan instead of the 2GB one on Standard for just $54.95. Plus, if you’re feeling fancy, a handy 15-day free trial will give you full access to all pro features to determine if it will work for your needs.
Enterprise
This plan is for large organizations/businesses who want Industry-leading data cryptography, control, sharing, and compression in one practical, customizable solution. It’s based on custom prices, so you will have to talk to WinZip sales support to get access and quote prices.
And if WinZip isn’t for you, they offer a great money-back guarantee, no questions asked.
Support and Resources: Help When You Need It
WinZip is great, but what if you encounter a problem you need help with? You want prompt, accurate technical support to get you back on track. WinZip provides both online and offline support options.
Online Support
Online support is available 24/7 and covers the basics for WinZip 27, including installation, activation, registration, and activating a new device. The WinZip website also has FAQs to answer common queries quickly.
Offline Support
If you need more personalized service, you can book an appointment with the dedicated WinZip team on weekdays during regular business hours (E.S.T.). You can request live remote assistance for settings changes or to diagnose computer errors.
WinZip also offers other resources, such as product videos, tutorials, and webinars that demonstrate how to use WinZip for specific tasks and answer questions about the features or capabilities of the program. An extensive online knowledge base can help you in a pinch.
WinZip Alternatives: Free and Paid Options to Consider
You have many free and paid options when looking for a WinZip alternative. 
Free alternatives
Let’s start with the free options. Not surprisingly, there are quite an occasional out there. Some of the considerably popular free alternatives to WinZip include;
These programs offer features like high compression rates (so you don’t lose the quality of the file), password protection, and more.
How to Unzip Files without WinZip [Free Alternatives]?
You don’t need to use WinZip or any other paid program if you don’t want to. There are plenty of free options to unzip files that work just as well, if not better!
So, what are the best free alternatives to WinZip? Here are a few of our top selections:
7-zip
7-zip is an excellent option if you’re looking for something with an intuitive user interface. It also supports multiple formats, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. Plus, it’s open source and has a solid track record for reliability and speed.
PeaZip
PeaZip is another excellent choice that offers a wide range of features, including solid security encryption, unlimited file size archiving, and more. PeaZip also has an easy-to-use interface that supports multiple platforms (Mac, Linux, and Windows).
Bandizip
If you’re looking for something lightweight with no bloatware or distractions, Bandizip is the way to go. It supports significant archive formats like 7z, Zip, RAR, and ISO files – all in a sleek design! Plus, it supports multi-core compression/decompression algorithms, so you can relax and be assured that your files will be quickly uncompressed or recompressed without fuss.
Paid alternatives
Now let’s look at some of the paid alternatives to WinZip. There are several to consider, but some of the bests are; 
- WinRAR,
- Ashampoo ZIP Pro 3,
- Corel File Compression Pro 7
These programs offer basic file archiving and features like encryption, password protection, multiple formats, and much more to handle all kinds of files without hassles.
All these different options can be overwhelming, but WinZip does have another advantage- it is easy to use. Its sleek UI, powerful tools, and intuitive menus make it easy for beginners to get up and run quickly – no matter what file they’re trying to compress or decompress. If this matters most to you, then WinZip is still your best bet – but if you’re willing to spend a bit more, one of the paid alternatives may also be worth considering!
WinZip Pros & Cons
Before deciding to go with WinZip, weighing the pros and cons is crucial. This way, you can choose whether or not WinZip 27 is right for you.
Pros:
Here are some of the Pros of WinZip 27:
- Easy-to-use interface and advanced encryption tools
- Integration with cloud and storage services, including Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive
- A dedicated folder share feature lets users easily send large files via email or other networks.
- Includes all the features of the previous version of WinZip Standard, plus extra features with its Pro version
- Compatibility with all versions of Windows and Mac OS X
Cons:
Although WinZip comes with many benefits, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
- Upgrades can be expensive for users already using the Standard version.
- While most main functions are easy to use, some advanced features might be too difficult for non-technical users.
- Bulk archiving is only available in the Pro version, so if you want that feature, you’ll have to upgrade or seek an alternative option.
WinZip Mac/Windows: Windup trial/refunds/money-back Guarantee
You may be wondering about the trial period and refunds for WinZip 27. Well, thankfully, WinZip offers a 30-day money-back guarantee should you decide it’s not for you. That said, the standard version of WinZip has a free 21-day trial, while the Pro version has a 7-day trial period.
Refunds
Suppose you’re unsatisfied with any version of WinZip and request to cancel within the allotted time frame. In that matter, you can get a full repayment. You must provide proof of purchase and the software license key you’re attempting to return.
Money-Back Guarantee
WinZip’s money-back guarantee policy also protects you. If your purchase fails to deliver as promised, they’ll issue a refund or exchange it for something else. The money-back guarantee policy covers both standard and Pro versions of WinZip 27 and comes into effect after 45 days.
How to uninstall WinZip?
How can you uninstall WinZip if it no longer fits you? This process is pretty simple. Depending on your system, you can uninstall WinZip via your Windows Start Menu or the Control Panel in Windows.
Here’s a brief rundown of the steps to remove WinZip:
- Open the Start Menu on your computer and locate WinZip in the list of programs.
- Right-click on WinZip and select Uninstall from the menu that appears.
- In the window that occurs, click OK to authorize uninstalling WinZip from your system.
- You may be requested to enter your admin password during this process – provide it if necessary, click OK once again to confirm uninstalling before finally clicking Finish to complete the process.
Once you have concluded these steps, you will remove WinZip from your system, and you can start exploring alternatives to find the one that meets all your needs!
Is WinZip safe?
When using a file compression tool, you may wonder: Is WinZip safe? The short answer is yes, WinZip is safe.
The security protocols that make WinZip one of the world’s most popular file compression programs ensure your data is thoroughly encrypted and stored securely. All files and folders compressed or created with WinZip are securely encrypted against unauthorized access or alteration.
So, what kind of security measures does WinZip include? Let’s take a look.
Protection Against Viruses
WinZip scans your compressed files for malicious threats such as viruses. If it detects any, it alerts you and can even offer to quarantine the infected files for extra protection.
Password Protections
You can add a password when sharing confidential files via email with the help of WinZip. It ensures an additional layer of encryption so that only those with the corresponding password can access your files.
256-bit AES Encryption
WinZip also comes with a 256-bit AES encryption technology that helps protect data stored inside zip files from unauthorized access by applying strong encryption standards. It means that if someone were to attempt accessing your zip files without the corresponding password, they would only be able to decrypt them with significant difficulty.
There you have it — with these protocols in place, you can rest assured knowing that your data is safe and secure when using WinZip!
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s answer some of your most common questions about WinZip.
Can I try WinZip for free?
Yes! You can download the 7-day free trial and see if it works. It’s a fantastic way to review the features of both Standard and Pro before purchasing either version.
What does WinZip do?
In a nutshell, WinZip is an easy-to-use application that zips and unzips files quickly, helping you save space with large file sizes. It also assists in keeping your computer safe by allowing you to encrypt and protect your files with strong passwords.
What’s the difference between Standard & Pro?
WinZip Standard has basic features like compression, encryption, backup, file management, and support for multiple file formats. On the other hand, WinZip Pro includes all of the above plus advanced features like mail-sharing support, scheduled backups, real-time monitoring of folders for changes, tech support options over email or phone, and more!
Conclusion
In conclusion, WinZip is an easy-to-use, reputable, and reliable program that provides essential file archiving and compression features. It is available in free and premium renditions, and you can operate it on all Windows and Mac PCs.
However, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, many alternatives to WinZip are available. While some of them are entirely free, some of them are priced reasonably as well. If you’re looking for the most satisfactory choice to WinZip, look at PeaZip, 7-Zip, or Zip ware. These alternatives come with all the features you would expect in WinZip and are easy to use. Plus, they come with great support and resources, making them perfect for novices and experts alike.