RAR Files
RAR File Opener: Which Programs Work
Opening a RAR file requires a program built to read the RAR format — here's what works on each platform and how the free and paid options compare.
Get an archive tool for your computer
Download the installer and start opening RAR, ZIP and 7z archives in a few minutes.
Since RAR is a proprietary format, you need software specifically capable of reading it. Some programs both extract and create RAR archives; others can only extract them. Understanding the difference helps you pick the right tool instead of installing something oversized for a one-time extraction.
Options by platform
Windows
- Windows 11 has native, basic extraction support for RAR archives, added directly to File Explorer — see WinRAR on Windows 11.
- WinRAR is the reference RAR tool, with full extraction, creation, repair, and password support — see WinRAR download.
- 7-Zip is free and open source, and it can extract RAR archives (though it cannot create them, since RAR is proprietary).
macOS
macOS's built-in Archive Utility does not open RAR files. There's also no WinRAR graphical app for macOS — RARLAB only ships a command-line RAR/unrar tool for Mac. Most Mac users rely on a third-party extractor instead. See RAR for Mac for the full rundown.
Linux, Android, and iOS
Linux distributions typically extract RAR through the unrar command-line utility or a graphical archive manager that wraps it. Android and iOS both have app-store archive apps capable of opening RAR files, though features like password support and repair vary by app.
Free vs. paid
| Tool type | Cost | Can create RAR? | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| WinRAR | Paid, unlimited-time evaluation available | Yes | Full archive management, repair, password protection |
| 7-Zip | Free, open source | No (extracts RAR only) | Occasional extraction on Windows |
| Windows 11 built-in | Free (included in OS) | No | Quick extraction without installing anything |
| Browser-based tools | Free | No | One-off extraction without installing software |
How to choose
- If you only need to extract occasional RAR files on Windows, 7-Zip or Windows 11's built-in support is enough.
- If you regularly create RAR archives, need password protection, or want repair/recovery features, look at WinRAR.
- If you're on a Mac, review RAR extractor options for Mac before installing anything.
- If you'd rather not install software at all, try the archive inspector to inspect an archive's contents locally in your browser first.
Download and try it yourself
Install the archive tool and apply the steps from this guide on your own files.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay to open a RAR file?
No. Free tools like 7-Zip and Windows 11's built-in support can extract RAR archives at no cost. Paid tools like WinRAR add features such as creating RAR archives, repair, and advanced password handling.
Can I open a RAR file on my phone?
Yes. Both Android and iOS have app-store archive apps that support opening RAR files.
Which is the best free RAR opener?
It depends on your platform and needs. See [best RAR extractors](/best-rar-extractors) for a fuller comparison.
Related guides
- What Is a RAR File?A RAR file (.rar) is a compressed archive that bundles one or more files together using RARLAB's proprietary compression format.
- WinRAR AlternativesIf you want to stop paying for or evaluating WinRAR, several free and paid programs can open and create archives instead. Here is what each one does and does not do.
- RAR for Mac: How to Handle RAR ArchivesThere is no single official "RAR for Mac" app, but several reliable ways exist to open and, less commonly, create RAR archives on macOS.
- How to Open a RAR FileOpening a RAR file usually means extracting its contents first. Here is the fastest way to do that on each major platform.
WinRAR is a trademark of its respective owner. RareExplorer is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by RARLAB or win.rar GmbH. Read our editorial policy to see how this page was researched.