Used UnRarX for Mac? Share your experience and help other users.
Key Details of UnRarX
- GUI to expand RAR archives
- Last updated on
- There have been 2 updates
- Virus scan status:
Clean (it’s extremely likely that this software program is clean)
Editors’ Review
UnRarX is a simple freeware utility for expanding .rar archive files and restoring corrupted archives with .par and .par2 files. The Mac OS no longer includes software for unpacking .rar files, so if you want to expand these kinds of files (usually from PC users), you'll need to download some sort of unarchiving app.
UnRarX has a fairly crude interface—a single log window with options to test, browse, extract, or enter a password for protected archives—but its drag-and-drop simplicity and high success rate have made it a popular choice for users who want a reliable, bare-bones solution. Thanks to format irregularities, not all unarchiving software is created equal, and UnRarX is one of the more robust options available, especially among the free options. Novice users may have some initial difficulty with the basic interface and occasional quirks (for example, if you want to turn off the "Overwrite existing files" preference, you'll have to reset it each time you open the app). Fortunately, UnRarX includes limited but adequate help.
Updated features and performance
In recent years, UnRarX has seen minimal updates, which could limit its compatibility with newer macOS versions such as Ventura or Sonoma. Users have reported sporadic functionality issues, particularly when dealing with password-protected archives or those created using newer compression standards. While it retains its appeal due to simplicity and a high success rate, the lack of consistent updates has made it less reliable than newer, unarchiving tools.
Moreover, UnRarX still lacks multi-threading support, which could significantly improve processing speed when extracting large archives. Another limitation is its inability to handle certain modern archive formats like .7z or .zipx, requiring users to rely on additional software for broader compatibility.
Comparison with The Unarchiver
For a more modern alternative, The Unarchiver offers a compelling choice. Unlike UnRarX, The Unarchiver supports many formats, including .7z, .zipx, and old compression formats like StuffIt. Its user interface is significantly more polished, and preferences for handling archives (e.g., setting default extraction locations) are intuitive and persistent between sessions. While UnRarX users may appreciate its simplicity, The Unarchiver stands out for its versatility and ease of use. Furthermore, The Unarchiver integrates seamlessly with macOS, allowing users to open archives directly from Finder.
One area where UnRarX still holds an edge is in its handling of corrupted files. Thanks to its robust restoration capabilities using .par and .par2 files, it remains a strong choice for users who frequently deal with damaged archives. However, The Unarchive's broader format support and updated interface make it a more practical option for general unarchiving needs.
Bottom Line
UnRarX is an excellent tool for basic .rar file extraction and corrupted archive restoration, especially for those who prefer straightforward, no-frills software. However, its aging interface, lack of updates, and limited compatibility with modern formats mean that it no longer meets the needs of many users. Alternatives like The Unarchiver offer a more comprehensive, user-friendly solution while maintaining excellent performance.
What’s new in version 2.2
- Universal Binary: Now compatible with both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
- Updated Command Line Tools: Includes the latest unrar and par2 versions.
- Automatic Updates: Integrated Sparkle Framework for seamless updates.
- Enhanced Compatibility: Improved performance across modern macOS versions.
Used UnRarX for Mac? Share your experience and help other users.
