It is open-source and free when downloaded directly from its website or GitHub, though it is a paid app on the Mac App Store for those who want to support the developer.
You need a free, fast, and simple solution for creating and extracting archives. You want something that "just works" without complex menus.
When looking for a robust third-party solution, two names consistently dominate the conversation: BetterZip and Keka. While both tools serve the same core purpose, they target entirely different user workflows and budgets.
BetterZip is designed for users who frequently manage large volumes of archives and need to treat them like standard folders. betterzip vs keka
I can give you a direct recommendation based on your exact daily workflow. Share public link
Security is a tie, as both applications utilize industry-standard protection.
: It offers superior Quick Look abilities, allowing you to preview the contents of a zip file directly in Finder just by hitting the spacebar. It is open-source and free when downloaded directly
Keka looks like a utility from the early 2010s—functional, but not gorgeous. The main interface is a small window with a file icon drop zone. You configure your settings (compression ratio, password, split size) in a pop-out panel. It is fast, simple, and stays out of your way. However, it lacks a native "archive browser" view.
is an automation powerhouse. It features deep integration with the macOS Finder via customizable context menus and a share extension. It fully supports AppleScript, Automator actions, and the macOS Shortcuts app. Users can build complex workflows—such as automatically extracting a downloaded file, moving it to a specific folder, and deleting the original archive—with minimal effort. Handling Mac-Specific Metadata
When creating ZIP or 7z archives in either program, you can lock them with a password easily. When looking for a robust third-party solution, two
Bottom line BetterZip is the professional tool for heavy, automated, or nuanced archive work on macOS. Keka offers excellent value and simplicity for everyday compression and extraction tasks — pick based on how much control and automation you need versus whether you prefer a free, lightweight tool.
BetterZip wins for reliability and support.
When it comes to security, both applications are on even ground, both supporting the gold standard for file encryption.
Key Features:
Instead of extracting a 5GB file just to get one PDF out of it, BetterZip lets you "dig in" and pull out only what you need.