Features:  

Common BitZipper features include password protection integration into Outlook and access through Windows Explorer.

Perhaps one of our favorite BitZipper features is the Batch tool. The Batch tool provides the user with the ability to batch convert, extract, test, self-extract and more. BitZipper has the best batch extraction tool we evaluated. However, we found it strange that you cannot batch compress using this tool. Adding batch compression would make this tool perfect. Additionally, the self-extract feature is very easy to use and unintimidating.

Even though BitZipper doesn’t include a batch compressor directly in the application, you can batch compress using Windows Explorer and hotkeys.

Also, BitZipper includes functionality for virus scanning, but you have to configure it to work with your already installed antivirus program. It does not come with its own.

Compression:  

BitZipper’s overall compression ratio is about average. In our tests, BitZipper’s compression was consistent with WinZip’s “Legacy” compression.

Compression Formats:  

With a total of 16 options, BitZipper has a comparatively impressive selection of archives and files it can pack including ZIP, ACE and TAR. However, it is missing RAR and 7z, two formats that are beginning to gain in popularity.

Extraction Formats:  

In addition to its selection of compression formats, BitZipper can extract a total of 23 archives and files including ZIP, RAR and TAR. Although it is not the largest selection of compatibility we’ve seen, we’re pretty sure BitZipper will be able to open almost any file you receive. The only change we would like BitZipper to make is the inclusion of the archive 7z, which is beginning to gain in popularity.

Ease of Use:  

The Wizard and tabbed browsing increase BitZipper’s user friendliness considerably. The Wizard will walk you through all the steps you need to take. You can compress, extract and create a backup set and backup files using an existing backup set. The tabbed browsing allows you to easily navigate between archived or opened files.

The only thing holding BitZipper back in this category is that it does not include drag and drop functionality for creating new archives. Other than that, the software works just like any other file compression program.

Help and Support:  

BitZipper includes a comprehensive built-in user guide, an online and in program FAQ, and online support tickets for customer support. Support tickets are usually responded to in about a day. BitZipper also includes a direct email address located in the user guide.

BitZipper is a versatile, easy to use file archiver that with a few additional tweaks and modifications could go toe to toe with some of the bigger companies in the business.

To learn more about file compression software see our top three reviews, WinZip, WinRAR and ALZip.