PeaZip portable is a PEA and ZIP archiver utility that supports flexible authenticated encryption, volume spanning, splitting and integrity checking. It can be used to work with 7Z, 7-Zip sfx, ACE, ARJ, BZ2, CAB, CHM, CPIO, DEB, GZ, ISO, JAR, LHA/LZH, NSIS, OOo, PAQ/LPAQ, PEA, QUAD, RAR, RPM, split, TAR, Z, and ZIP archives. Additionally, this tool can be stored and will run directly from an external device such as a USB flash drive.
I've also used this tool as an ISO file extractor to unzip ISO files. The process is similar to using its built in zip extraction or decompression feature, and the tool works just as smoothly when used as a stand alone ISO opener to extract ISO files back to folders.
PeaZip Portable | Free Zip Archiver and ISO Extractor
PeaZip Portable is a lightweight and open source file archiver utility that runs without installation. It supports PEA, ZIP, RAR, 7Z and over 200 other archive formats, making it one of the most versatile free tools for file compression and extraction. As a portable application, it can be stored on and run directly from an external device such as a USB flash drive, external hard disk, or cloud folder, without leaving traces on the host computer.
Main Features
- Wide Format Support: Works with 7Z, 7-Zip SFX, ACE, ARJ, BZ2, CAB, CHM, CPIO, DEB, GZ, ISO, JAR, LHA/LZH, NSIS, OOo, PAQ/LPAQ, PEA, QUAD, RAR, RPM, split, TAR, Z, and ZIP archives.
- Advanced Compression Options: Offers flexible compression levels, solid mode, fast compression, and multi-threading support.
- ISO File Extractor: Works smoothly as a portable ISO opener, allowing you to unzip or extract ISO files directly into folders.
- Encryption & Security: Provides authenticated encryption, password management, and strong AES-256 encryption options.
- File Splitting & Volume Spanning: Easily split large archives into multiple parts or rejoin them later.
- Integrity Checking: Built-in tools to verify file integrity and perform checksum/hash validation.
- No Installation Required: Runs directly from a USB drive or external device, making it fully portable.
Why Choose PeaZip Portable?
If you are looking for a free alternative to WinRAR Portable or 7-Zip Portable, PeaZip Portable is an excellent choice. It is open-source, actively developed, and offers a clean interface with powerful features. Unlike some proprietary archivers, it supports rare and legacy formats, making it a reliable tool for IT professionals, system administrators, and everyday users.
How to Use PeaZip Portable as an ISO Extractor
- Download and launch PeaZip Portable from your USB or local folder.
- Open the program and browse to the ISO file you want to extract.
- Right-click the ISO, then select Extract to choose your destination folder.
- The contents of the ISO will be unpacked, just like extracting a ZIP or RAR archive.
This makes PeaZip an easy-to-use ISO file opener without the need for mounting software or virtual drives.
Technical Details
- Authors Website: Project Page
- Extracted Size: ~10 MB
- Supported Operating Systems: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, XP
- License: Open Source
- Download: Get PeaZip Portable Here
PeaZip Portable vs Other Archivers
| Feature | PeaZip Portable | 7-Zip Portable | WinRAR Portable |
|---|---|---|---|
| License | Free & Open Source | Free & Open Source | Paid (Trial) |
| Archive Formats Supported | 200+ (including PEA, RAR, ISO) | Limited (ZIP, 7Z, TAR, GZ, etc.) | Most common formats |
| Portability | Yes – USB, external devices | Yes – USB, external devices | Yes, but requires license key |
| Encryption | AES-256, authenticated encryption | AES-256 | AES-128, AES-256 |
| Best For | Users needing rare format support + ISO extraction | Fast, efficient everyday compression | Users who need commercial support |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is PeaZip Portable safe to use?
Yes, PeaZip Portable is 100% free and open source. It does not contain spyware or adware, making it safe for personal and professional use.
Can PeaZip extract ISO files?
Yes, PeaZip works as an ISO file extractor. Simply open the ISO file and use the extract function to unpack its contents.
Does PeaZip Portable work on Windows 11?
Yes, PeaZip Portable supports Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and even older versions like XP.
What makes PeaZip Portable different from 7-Zip?
PeaZip supports over 200 archive formats, while 7-Zip is limited to fewer. It also includes features like file splitting, checksum tools, and stronger encryption options.
Do I need to install PeaZip Portable?
No installation is required. You can run it directly from a USB drive or external folder.
Conclusion
PeaZip Portable is a powerful, flexible, and reliable free portable file archiver and ISO extractor. Whether you need to compress large archives, extract ISO images, split files, or protect sensitive data with encryption, PeaZip delivers, all without installation. For users who want a secure, lightweight, and open-source alternative to WinRAR or 7-Zip, it is an excellent choice.