Our verdict: WinZip is a polished ZIP tool with encryption, cloud accounts and sharing built in. The 21-day trial ends with the app locked, and the cheapest plan is an annual subscription. For plain zipping and unzipping, free archivers already in the catalog do the same job.
About WinZip
WinZip is one of the oldest Windows archivers and is now owned by Corel. Besides creating and extracting ZIP files, it opens RAR, 7z, ISO and other formats, encrypts archives with AES, and connects to cloud services so you can zip files stored in Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive.
The trial lasts 21 days and cannot be extended. It needs no credit card and you are not charged when it ends, but WinZip then blocks access until you buy. WinZip is sold as Standard, Pro and Ultimate suites, billed yearly; Standard costs EUR 3.59 a month including VAT, billed annually on the official pricing page. While you use the trial, the app shows purchase pop-ups.
What it does well
- ZIP and ZIPX archives. Creates ZIP and ZIPX files and extracts RAR, 7z, ISO, TAR and others.
- AES encryption. Encrypts archives with 128- or 256-bit AES and a password.
- Cloud storage. Opens and zips files stored in Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive and other services.
- Explorer integration. Zips, unzips and emails files from the right-click menu.
- Courier included. WinZip Courier compresses and encrypts email attachments.
Who it is for
Good fit
Offices that need encrypted ZIP files and cloud storage integration in one familiar tool.
Look elsewhere
Anyone who just wants to open ZIP or RAR files; free archivers do that without a subscription.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong AES encryption
- Built-in cloud storage support
- Trial needs no credit card
- Clear, beginner-friendly interface
Cons
- Stops working after the 21-day trial
- Annual subscription from EUR 3.59 a month, billed yearly
- Frequent purchase pop-ups during the trial
How to install WinZip
The button downloads WinZip's small online installer from winzip.com, which fetches the rest during setup. After installing, choose "Use Evaluation Version" to start the 21-day trial; no card is needed. Read each setup screen and untick any extra Corel products you do not want.
Questions about WinZip
Is WinZip free?
No. WinZip has a 21-day free trial that needs no credit card. When it ends the app is locked until you buy a plan; the cheapest, Standard, costs EUR 3.59 a month billed annually.
Can I keep unzipping files after the WinZip trial?
No. WinZip blocks access when the trial ends. Windows itself can still open ZIP files, and free archivers such as 7-Zip open RAR, 7z and ZIP.
Will WinZip charge me automatically after the trial?
No. The trial does not ask for card details, so nothing is charged when it expires. Paid plans renew yearly until you cancel.
