iZip Unarchiver for Mac

iZip Unarchiver is a free utility for macOS designed to handle various compressed file formats, including ZIP, ZIPX, RAR, TAR, and 7ZIP.

iZip Unarchiver for Mac impresses with its broad support for various archive types and reliable performance. It’s a great tool for handling uncommon archive formats that macOS's native Archive Utility cannot process. 

One of the notable features of iZip Unarchiver is its support for encrypted archives. Users can create password-protected ZIP files using AES-256 encryption, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure during storage or transmission.

In terms of performance, iZip Unarchiver is optimized to handle large files and complex archives efficiently. The application utilizes advanced compression algorithms to ensure that the process of compressing and decompressing files is swift and does not significantly impact system performance.

iZip Unarchiver is compatible with macOS 11.0 or later, ensuring that it can be used on a wide range of Mac devices. The application is lightweight, with a download size of approximately 5.3 MB, making it quick to install and easy to update. It is available in English and is rated for users aged 4 and above, indicating its suitability for a broad audience.

The developers of iZip Unarchiver, iBoostUp Pty Ltd, have indicated that the application does not collect any user data, aligning with privacy-conscious users' preferences.

In terms of user feedback, iZip Unarchiver has received mixed reviews. Some users have praised its ease of use and the convenience of managing various archive formats within a single application. However, others have reported issues with handling specific file types, particularly 7ZIP files, noting that the application can be slow or unresponsive when dealing with larger archives.

The app lacks configuration options, but this is not necessarily a drawback for its intended purpose. Its main window serves as a promotional space for premium products from the same developer and offers little functionality. To use iZip Unarchiver effectively, it’s best to select it via the "Open With" menu for specific archives. In terms of speed, the app is slower than the Archive Utility. For example, unzipping a 150MB file took around 12 seconds with iZip Unarchiver, compared to just over eight seconds with the native tool.

The application is available for free, with an optional in-app purchase for iZip Pro, priced at $29.99. The Pro version offers additional features, such as the ability to modify existing archives and enhanced support for various file formats.

Alternatives to iZip Unarchiver include The Unarchiver, a free and versatile app known for its ability to handle a wide range of archive formats, including RAR and 7ZIP, with a lightweight and user-friendly design. Keka offers a macOS-native experience, supporting encryption and splitting large files into smaller parts for easy sharing. For those seeking robust performance, WinZip for Mac provides advanced compression, encryption, and cloud integration features. BetterZip is another alternative, offering customizable archive management with editing capabilities without the need to extract files. Each alternative caters to specific needs, from simplicity to advanced functionality and modern design.

For those who work with a large number of archives daily, iZip Unarchiver is a useful addition to your toolbox. However, if you only occasionally deal with unsupported archive types, Apple’s Archive Utility remains the faster and more polished option. That said, iZip Unarchiver is worth trying if you encounter archive formats that other tools cannot handle.