One problem that many users face when sharing files with their smartphone is the size of the file itself. This can mean that many applications will not let us send the file because it is too large, or that it takes a long time to upload to the network. Compressing your files can be a good way to avoid these problems. The Zip format is the most used in the world. We offer you 9 applications to compress and decompress Zip files .
What is the Zip format and what is it for?
Zip is a file compression format that uses the extension .zip. It is the most used format in the world together with RAR to pack all types of files. Advanced compression techniques are used to reduce the weight of the data, including shrinkage, shrinkage, and implosion.
The Zip format is based on various compression algorithms, although its encryption system is based on a unique key . The latter implies, according to experts, a certain vulnerability to computer attacks. It was created by Phil Katz in 1989, founder of PKWARE.
The utilities of Zip files are many. For example, you can send a bunch of your favorite songs to your friends without having to send them one by one . You can do the same with the photos from the last beach party. Another of its utilities is when sending files by email. It is possible that Google or Microsoft will not allow you to send certain types of files, if you compress them in a Zip it is possible that you can attach them without being blocked.
Importantly, Zip is a lossless compression technology . This means that the photos, videos and songs that you compress will not lose any quality in the process. Android already allows you to handle Zip files without having to install anything, but the specific applications offer some extra functions that can be great.
After this brief introduction, we can now continue with the 9 most interesting applications to handle all types of Zip files in the Android operating system.
WinZip
WinZip is surely the most used application to handle Zip files . It was also one of the first to appear, so it has matured a lot over the years and you will hardly run into errors. It supports many types of compressed files, with 7X, RAR and CBZ being the most notable.
There is a more complete paid version, with support to read your files from Google Drive , and advertising is removed. If you don't need these extra features, getting the free version is a great option.
ZArchiver
ZArchiver is a feature-rich Zip file compression and decompression application. It allows you to encrypt the compressed data with AES-256 bits security , something very useful if you want to send confidential information that you only want the recipient to be able to read. This will save you problems if the Zip file ends up uploaded to the network.
Its interface is very simple and intuitive , which is perfect so that you can get the most out of it without having to go through a learning period.
RAR
This application is almost a copy of Windows WinRar. It is one of the most complete compression and decompression tools that exist, being compatible with a multitude of formats, including the RAR that gives it its name.
Its main differentiating feature is that it allows you to analyze faulty files in search of damage to repair them , something that is sometimes very useful. This function is only included in its paid version.
B1 Archiver
B1 Archiver is another great compression and decompression tool. It supports a total of 37 formats , so it will be difficult for you to have problems opening any compressed file that they send you. Without a doubt, a very interesting option for all users, especially if we take into account that it is completely free.
Files
Files is the official Android application to manage files . Google has added support for handling Zip files in a very simple way, although the available options are much smaller. It also allows you to see in a very simple way the amount of free storage on your terminal. It is a good option for those looking for something as simple as possible.
AndroZip
AndroZip is an application created by AVG Labs in 2009. It includes its own very advanced compression algorithm to minimize the size of your files before sending them. This makes it one of the most efficient applications when it comes to reducing the weight of the data to be sent. Without a doubt, it is worth trying, especially if we consider that it is free.
7Zipper
7Zipper is another application that will be great for us to open Zip files on our Android smartphone. Its functionality goes far beyond being a simple file manager, as it allows us to make backup copies of our applications and generate complete usage statistics. Over the years it has become one of the most complete options.
Rar Zip Tar 7Zip
Its own name Rar Zip Tar 7Zip already indicates it, it is an application created to handle compressed files with Rar Zip Tar and 7Zip format . They are the most common, so it will be difficult for you to come across something that you cannot open.
Something very interesting is that it includes a "private vault" function to protect your photos, documents and videos without having to enter the password for each one of them. To ensure security, it is based on a 256-bit AES encryption algorithm, perfect so that no one can break the security.
7Zip
7Zip is an application compatible with the Zip, RAR, 7Zip and APK formats, so it is very useful if you are a regular user of all these formats. It allows you to see its content without decompressing it, something very useful that will avoid wasting time. It is based on a very minimalist interface in order to simplify its use.
These are the most interesting applications to handle Zip files on Android, in addition to other compression formats. Have you used any? Tell us about your experience.