Our verdict: WinRAR is the reference tool for the RAR format: only it can create RAR archives, with recovery records that repair damaged files. The trial keeps working after 40 days with a reminder, but the license terms require buying it. If you only extract archives, 7-Zip or NanaZip do that for free.
About WinRAR
WinRAR is developed by Alexander Roshal and sold by win.rar GmbH in Berlin. It creates RAR and ZIP archives and extracts many other formats, including 7z, CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZip, BZIP2, UUE and ISO. It integrates into the Explorer context menu.
WinRAR is distributed as "try before you buy". The license agreement allows a 40-day test period, after which you must buy a license; the trial version shows a registration reminder. A single-user license costs $29 (plus VAT where applicable), and a home user may use it on all of their own computers. No account or card is needed for the trial.
What it does well
- RAR and ZIP creation. Creates RAR, RAR5 and ZIP archives with adjustable compression levels.
- Recovery records. Adds recovery data to RAR archives so damaged archives can be repaired.
- AES encryption. Protects archives with a password and can encrypt file names too.
- Multi-volume and SFX. Splits archives into volumes and builds self-extracting EXE archives.
- Wide extraction support. Opens 7z, CAB, ARJ, LZH, TAR, GZip, BZIP2, ISO and other formats.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who create RAR archives, need recovery records or split large archives into volumes.
Look elsewhere
Users who only unpack downloads; free archivers like 7-Zip or NanaZip do that without a license.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Only tool that creates RAR archives
- Recovery records repair damaged archives
- One license covers all your home PCs
- Clean installer without bundled offers
Cons
- Paid after the 40-day trial ($29 license)
- Reminder window keeps appearing in the unlicensed trial
- Free archivers handle extraction just as well
How to install WinRAR
The button downloads the official English 64-bit installer from win-rar.com; other languages are listed on the download page. The installer has no bundled offers. On the last screen choose which file types WinRAR opens and whether it adds items to the Explorer context menu.
Questions about WinRAR
Is WinRAR free?
No. WinRAR is shareware with a 40-day free trial that needs no account or card. After that the license terms require a $29 single-user license; the unlicensed copy keeps running but shows a purchase reminder.
Can WinRAR open 7z and ISO files?
Yes. WinRAR extracts 7z, ISO, CAB, TAR, GZip and other formats, but it can only create RAR and ZIP archives.
Does one WinRAR license cover several computers?
For home users, yes. The license agreement lets a home user install a single license on all computers they own. Businesses need one license per computer.
