How to Open RAR Files on Mac: WinZip vs BetterZip and the Best Free Extractors (2026)

You double-click a .rar file on your Mac and nothing useful happens. Maybe Archive Utility shows an error, or the file just sits there. That's not a problem with your Mac. macOS simply doesn't include a built-in app for opening RAR files.

The good news is that fixing it takes about two minutes. This guide shows every practical way to open RAR, 7z and other archives on a Mac, from free one-click apps to powerful paid archivers. It also compares WinZip for Mac and BetterZip so you can decide whether you need a paid tool at all.

Quick Answer

  • Best paid archiver: BetterZip 6 ($35, one-time). You can browse, preview and edit archives without extracting them.

  • Best for Windows-heavy workplaces: WinZip for Mac, with cloud sharing, AES encryption and a familiar WinZip workflow.

  • No app at all: Open Terminal and run tar -xf filename.rar. It works for many RAR files, but not all.

  • ZIP files: No app needed. Double-click, and macOS extracts them.

Why Can't a Mac Open RAR Files?

RAR is a proprietary archive format created by Eugene Roshal and used by WinRAR on Windows. Apple's Archive Utility, the app that runs when you double-click an archive, supports open formats like ZIP, TAR, GZIP and BZIP2, but not RAR. It doesn't handle 7z either.

That's why RAR files are common on Windows, for game mods, large downloads and split archives, but need an extra app on a Mac.

Method 1: Open RAR Files With The Unarchiver (Free)

The Unarchiver is the simplest free fix. It replaces Archive Utility for the formats macOS can't handle.

  1. Download The Unarchiver from the Mac App Store or its official website. It's free.

  2. Open it once. On the Archive Formats tab, make sure RAR (and 7z) are ticked.

  3. Right-click your .rar file → Open With → The Unarchiver.

  4. The files are extracted into the same folder.

Tip: To make The Unarchiver the default for all RAR files, select a RAR file → File → Get Info → Open with: The Unarchiver → Change All.

Best for: Anyone who just needs to open archives and nothing more.

Method 2: Open RAR Files With Keka (Free or Paid)

Keka is a free, open-format archiver that can also create archives, not just extract them.

  • Free download from keka.io (current version 1.6.8, runs on Mac OS X 10.10 and later).

  • Paid on the Mac App Store. It's the same app, and buying it there supports the developer.

  • Extracts RAR, 7z, ZIP, ZIPX, ISO, DMG, EXE, CAB, MSI and many more.

  • Creates 7z, ZIP, TAR, GZIP, DMG, ISO and others, but not RAR.

  • AES-256 encryption for 7z files, and it can split large archives into parts.

To extract: Drag the RAR file onto the Keka window or Dock icon.

Best for: Users who also want to create password-protected 7z or ZIP files for free.

Method 3: Open RAR Files Using Terminal (No App Needed)

macOS includes a command-line archiver (bsdtar) that can read many RAR archives.

  1. Open Terminal (Applications → Utilities).

  2. Type cd , with a space after it, then drag the folder containing the RAR file into the Terminal window. Press Return.

  3. The files are extracted into that folder.

Limitations: This method can fail with password-protected, multi-part or some newer RAR files. If it does, use The Unarchiver or Keka instead.

Best for: Managed work Macs where you can't install apps.

Method 4: Use a Full Archiver (BetterZip or WinZip)

If you regularly work with archives, a full archiver saves a lot of time. You can look inside an archive, pull out one file, add files or encrypt it, all without extracting everything first. The two biggest names on Mac are BetterZip and WinZip, compared in detail below.

WinZip vs BetterZip: Which Is Better for Mac?

BetterZip 6: Best Paid Archiver for Mac

BetterZip by MacItBetter has been developed independently since 2006. It feels like part of macOS. BetterZip 6 brought a redesign and several major features.

Key features

  • Open and extract 30+ formats, including RAR, 7z, ZIP, TAR, DMG, ISO and even email attachments

  • Create archives in ZIP, 7z, TAR, DMG, ISO, Zstandard, Brotli and more. RAR creation works through the external RAR command-line tool.

  • Browse like Finder, with icon and column views, plus a full-screen image viewer for image archives and comics

  • Edit archives in place: add, delete, rename or edit files without extracting and rebuilding

  • Quick Look extension: press the spacebar in Finder to see what's inside an archive. It's free for everyone, even without a license.

  • AES-256 encryption with a built-in password manager and password generator

  • Filters that remove and other clutter so archives look clean on Windows

  • Automation through Shortcuts, AppleScript, Automator, a command-line tool, and integration with Alfred, Hazel and LaunchBar

  • Spotlight importer that makes file names inside archives searchable

Pricing: $35 one-time, with no subscription. There's a 30-day full-featured trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Compatibility: Universal app for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. Check MacItBetter's downloads page for the current minimum macOS version.

Pros

  • The most Mac-native archiver available

  • Preview and edit without extracting

  • One-time price and a long trial

  • Excellent automation

Cons

  • Costs more than free options

  • Creating RAR files requires the separate RAR command-line tool

WinZip for Mac: Best for Windows-Centric Workflows

WinZip for Mac brings the familiar WinZip brand to macOS. Its main strength is sharing, with built-in cloud and email tools.

Key features

  • Opens 12+ formats, including ZIP, ZIPX, RAR, 7Z, LHA, JAR, WAR, TAR and GZIP

  • Creates ZIP and ZIPX. WinZip can convert RAR, 7Z and TAR files into ZIP or ZIPX, but it doesn't create RAR files.

  • AES 128- and 256-bit encryption, including encrypting individual files inside a ZIP

  • Cloud integration with iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive and ZipShare, plus Cloud Links for emailing a download link

  • Image resizing while zipping, which keeps email attachments small

  • Quick Look support for previewing ZIP files

  • Can include or omit Mac-specific hidden files when sharing with Windows users

  • Pro only: automated backup jobs, PDF watermarking and "freshen" backups

Editions: WinZip Mac Standard and WinZip Mac Pro, with a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. A Mac App Store version is also available. Check winzip.com for current pricing, since WinZip changes offers often.

Compatibility: WinZip lists Mac OS X 10.10 or later, and support for Apple M1 and later.

Pros

  • Strong cloud and email sharing

  • Familiar if you use WinZip on Windows

  • Useful business features, such as multi-user licensing and backups

Cons

  • The interface feels less Mac-native than BetterZip

  • Can't create RAR

  • Pricing and editions can be confusing

Verdict

  • Choose BetterZip if you want the best Mac experience, handle many formats or work with archives every day.

  • Choose WinZip if your company already uses WinZip, or you mostly zip and share files through cloud services and email.

  • Choose neither if you only open the occasional RAR file. The Unarchiver or Keka is free and enough.

How to Open Multi-Part RAR Files on Mac

  1. Download every part. One missing part will cause an error.

  2. Put all parts in the same folder, and don't rename them.

  3. Open only the first part with The Unarchiver, Keka or BetterZip.

  4. The app automatically combines the parts and extracts the full content.

How to Open Password-Protected RAR Files

When you open an encrypted RAR in The Unarchiver, Keka, BetterZip or WinZip, you'll be asked for the password. Some archives look empty until you enter it. If you don't know the password, ask the person who sent the file. None of these apps "crack" passwords, and you shouldn't use tools that claim to.

How to Create a ZIP File on Mac (No App Needed)

  1. Select the files or folder in Finder.

  2. Right-click → Compress.

  3. macOS creates, in the same folder.

To add a password to a ZIP, or to create 7z files, use Keka (free), BetterZip or WinZip.

Can You Create RAR Files on a Mac?

Only with licensed tools. RAR is proprietary, so most Mac apps can open RAR but not create it. Your options:

  • BetterZip, using the official RAR command-line tool

  • The official RAR command-line tool for macOS from RARLAB, which needs a WinRAR license

For most people, ZIP or 7z is a better choice anyway. ZIP opens everywhere, and 7z compresses well and is free.

Troubleshooting RAR Problems on Mac

"The archive is damaged" or "Unexpected end of archive."
The download probably didn't finish. Download the file again. For multi-part archives, check that every part is present.

"Nothing happens when I double-click the RAR."
macOS doesn't have a default app for RAR. Install The Unarchiver or Keka and set it as the default through Get Info → Open with → Change All.

"It asks for a password I don't have."
The archive is encrypted. Only the sender can give you the password.

"I extracted an .exe file and it won't open."
.exe files are Windows programs and don't run on macOS. Look for a Mac version of the software.

"Extraction fails on a work Mac."
Try the Terminal method, or ask IT to install The Unarchiver from the Mac App Store.

"My disk is filling up with extracted files."
Delete archives after extracting. Keka and BetterZip can do this automatically. Use DiskMap to find large leftovers, or Duplicate Finder and Cleaner to remove files extracted twice.

Safety Tips for Archive Files

  • Only open archives from sources you trust. Archives can contain malware, just like any other download.

  • Be careful with archives containing files. macOS Gatekeeper will warn you about apps from unidentified developers, so read those warnings.

  • Download archive apps from official sources: the Mac App Store or the developer's website.

  • If an archive asks you to disable security settings to open it, don't.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Mac open RAR files without extra software?
Not through Finder. Archive Utility doesn't support RAR. You can try Terminal, which works for many RAR files, or install a free app like The Unarchiver or Keka.

What is the best free RAR extractor for Mac?
The Unarchiver for simple extraction, or Keka if you also want to create compressed archives. Both are free.

Is WinZip free for Mac?
No. WinZip for Mac offers a free trial, then requires a paid Standard or Pro license. Free alternatives include The Unarchiver and Keka.

Is BetterZip worth it?
If you work with archives often, yes. For $35 once, you get previewing, in-place editing, 30+ formats, encryption and automation. There's also a 30-day free trial.

WinZip or BetterZip: which is better on Mac?
BetterZip is more Mac-native and supports more formats. WinZip is stronger at cloud sharing and suits workplaces that already use WinZip.

Can I open 7z files on Mac?
Not with Archive Utility. Use The Unarchiver, Keka, BetterZip or WinZip.

How do I open a multi-part RAR on Mac?
Put all parts in one folder and open only the first part with an extractor. It combines the rest automatically.

Can I create RAR files on Mac?
Only with licensed tools, such as BetterZip using the official RAR command-line tool. ZIP or 7z is usually a better choice.

Why does my RAR file say it's damaged?
The download is usually incomplete or a part is missing. Download it again and check all parts.

Is it safe to open RAR files on Mac?
The format itself is safe, but the contents may not be. Only open archives from trusted sources, and be careful with any apps inside them.

Conclusion

Opening a RAR file on a Mac is easy once you have the right tool:

  • For occasional RAR files, install The Unarchiver or Keka. Both are free, and you'll never think about it again.

  • For daily archive work, BetterZip 6 is the most capable and Mac-friendly option, at a one-time $35.

  • For team sharing and cloud workflows, WinZip for Mac is a solid choice, especially if you already use WinZip on Windows.

Explore BetterZip and WinZip for Mac on MacOSpace. BetterZip is also one of our picks in the Mac utility apps to declutter your desktop.