--- title: Ashampoo ZIP Free canonical: https://saasranked.com/software/ashampoo-zip-free/ category: File Compression Software points: 59 rank: 9 of 10 facts_checked: 2026-10-09 --- # Ashampoo ZIP Free Free Windows archiver with a paid Pro edition that adds AES-256, split volumes and repair. 59 points out of 100. #9 of 10 file compression programs. Vendor: Ashampoo GmbH & Co. KG. Website: https://www.ashampoo.com/en-us/zip-free - ZIP Free is free, and the page mentions no trial or time limit [1]. - ZIP Free does not name its encryption; AES-256 is documented on the paid ZIP Pro edition [1][2]. - ZIP Pro has a regular price of $40; the page shows $15 at 62% off [2]. - ZIP Pro adds split volumes, self-extracting archives and ZIP repair, and has a portable build [2]. - ZIP Pro runs on Windows 10 and 11 only [3]. Verdict: Ashampoo ZIP Free suits people who want a free archiver that opens RAR, 7z, ISO and CAB files, with Pro available later [1][2]. The free edition names no AES-256 encryption, so the score counts ZIP Pro 4, which lists it [2]. The catch: splitting, self-extracting archives and repair are Pro features, and the vendor pages mention no command line or ARM64 build [1][2][3]. Best for: People who want a free zip tool with a paid upgrade path. ## Points | Criterion | Line | Value | Points | Note | |---|---|---|---|---| | Formats | Archive types you can create | ZIP, 7z | 4/12 | ZIP Pro FAQ says it can create archives and encrypt ZIP and 7-Zip archives. Other create formats are not separated from open-only [2]. | | Formats | Archive types you can open | RAR, 7z, ISO, CAB | 8/8 | ZIP Pro lists ZIP, RAR, 7-Zip, TAR, CAB and ISO [2]. ZIP Free names the same formats in its FAQ [1]. | | Protection | AES-256 encryption | Yes | 12/12 | ZIP Pro FAQ: ZIP and 7-Zip archives can use AES-256 encryption. ZIP Free does not name its encryption [1][2]. | | Protection | Hides file names | Not published | 0/7 | Not published on the vendor's ZIP Pro page [2]. | | Protection | Repair of damaged archives | Yes | 5/5 | ZIP Pro includes a repair tool that restores damaged ZIP archives where possible [2]. | | Protection | Open source | Not published | 0/5 | Not published on the vendor's ZIP Free or ZIP Pro pages [1][2]. | | Tools | Split into volumes | Yes | 6/6 | ZIP Pro FAQ lists volume splitting as a Pro feature; ZIP Free does not split archives [1][2]. | | Tools | Self-extracting archives | Yes | 3/3 | ZIP Pro FAQ lists self-extracting archives, described as 256-bit encrypted [2]. | | Tools | Command line | Not published | 0/5 | Not published on the vendor's ZIP Free, ZIP Pro or requirements pages [1][2][3]. | | Tools | File Explorer menu | Yes | 5/5 | ZIP Pro integrates with Windows Explorer and its context menu [2]. | | Tools | Portable version | Yes | 3/3 | ZIP Pro Portable runs from a flash drive or external disk without installation [2]. | | Systems | Systems | None | 0/6 | The requirements page names Windows 11 and Windows 10 only [3]. | | Systems | Windows on ARM | Not published | 0/3 | Not published on the vendor's ZIP Pro or requirements pages [2][3]. | | Price | Free to use without a time limit | Yes | 8/8 | ZIP Free is described as 100% free, with no trial or time limit mentioned [1]. | | Price | Cost for the first year | $40/yr | 5/12 | ZIP Pro 4 at the regular $40; the page shows $15 at 62% off. Licence term not stated [2]. | ## Plans | Plan | Price | Per month (USD) | |---|---|---| | ZIP Free | Free [1] | $0 | | ZIP Pro 4 | $40 regular ($15 on sale) [2] | - | The page shows $15 at 62% off the $40 regular price and does not state whether the licence is one-time [2]. ## Strengths - Free edition with no trial period mentioned [1]. - ZIP Pro names AES-256 for ZIP and 7-Zip archives [2]. - ZIP Pro adds volume splitting, self-extracting archives and ZIP repair [2]. - Runs from a flash drive as ZIP Pro Portable [2]. ## Limits - The free edition does not name its encryption [1]. - Splitting, self-extracting archives and ZIP repair need Pro [1][2]. - The page shows the Pro price at $15 on sale; the regular price is $40 [2]. - Supports Windows 10 and 11 only; Pro needs an internet connection to activate [3]. ## Vendor claims (not scored) - Ashampoo says ZIP Pro supports over 60 archive formats [2]. ## Sources 1. [Ashampoo ZIP Free](https://www.ashampoo.com/en-us/zip-free), Ashampoo, accessed 2026-10-09 2. [Ashampoo ZIP Pro 4](https://www.ashampoo.com/en-us/zip), Ashampoo, accessed 2026-10-09 3. [Ashampoo ZIP Pro requirements](https://www.ashampoo.com/en-us/zip/requirements), Ashampoo, accessed 2026-10-09