ZIP vs 7Z vs ZSTD: Which is the best compression format for copying and sending?

Storing and sending large files wouldn't be the same without compression applications and programs. Thanks to these tools, it's possible to reduce them to a few gigabytes or megabytes for easy and convenient storage or sending. But what's the best compression format for copying and sending? In this post, we compare three: ZIP vs 7Z vs ZSTD and we'll tell you when one or the other is best..

Choosing the best compression format for copying and sending

Reducing the size of digital files is essential when saving or sharing them. This is possible thanks to compression, a process that uses algorithms to group data in its smallest possible expressionThe result is a much smaller file than the original, allowing it to be easily sent by mail or other means, or stored without taking up too much space.

Multiple files of different formats can be compressed into a single file with a single format. Of course, There are different compression formats, each with its own peculiarities.. And that's why it's important to know how to choose the best compression format for copying and sending.

It should be noted that compression formats not only affect the final file size. It also determines the compatibility with different systems, as well as the speed and quality of compression and decompressionSome compression formats stand out for their speed; others for their versatility. Three of the most popular and widely used formats we'll compare in this post: ZIP vs. Z7 vs. ZSTD.

ZIP: The Universal Standard

To help you choose the best compression format for copying and sending, let's start with the oldest: ZIPDeveloped in 1989 by Phil Katz, it quickly became the standard for sharing compressed files. With decades of experience, it is by far the best-known and most widely used compression format.

Advantages

Its main advantage is the compatibility which has: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS… All modern operating systems can open ZIP files without any additional software. Therefore, if you send a file in this format, you can be 99,9% sure that the recipient will be able to open it.

Another point in favor is that ZIP compresses each file inside the container independentlyWhat does this mean? If the final archive becomes corrupted, it's possible to save the uncorrupted files within it. For the same reason, ZIP allows you to extract individual files without having to unzip the entire package.

Limitations

The ZIP format's main virtue is also its greatest weakness: because it's old, it uses less efficient compression algorithms. This means that the final files are larger than those that can be obtained using modern alternatives. In addition, the standard ZIP format only supports files up to 4 GB, since it uses 32-bit addresses. To compress larger files, you have to use its more "modern" version, ZIP6.

Is ZIP the best compression format for copying and sending?

• The ZIP format is your best option if you care more than the recipient can open the file easily.
• It is ideal for send documents, presentations or a handful of photos by email.
• It also serves for copies or backups, as long as storage space is not a critical issue.
• However, if you're looking for maximum compression and advanced features, try its alternatives.

7Z: Maximum compression and flexibility

If you're looking for the best compression format for copying and sending, you'd be wise to check out the 7Z format. This is the native format of free and open source software 7-zip, developed by Igor Pavlov in 1999. Why does it stand out? Because it uses more modern and aggressive compression algorithms, the most notable being LZMA2. Let's look at its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

The main advantage of 7Z is that it offers a higher compression ratio. In most cases, 7Z with LZMA2 produces files between 30% and 70% smaller than ZIPThis is a huge advantage if you're backing up large amounts of data and want to save storage space.

Another advantage of 7Z is that it offers advanced options, such as solid compression, which allows you to get even smaller compressed files. It also has support for large files, security options such as AES-256 encryption, and support for multiple compression algorithms (BZip2, PPMd and others).

Limitations

Basically, 7Z has two major limitations. On the one hand, Operating systems do not have native support for the 7Z format. In other words, the recipient will need to install a program like 7-Zip or one of its alternatives to open the file.

Another disadvantage is that this type of format requires more time and resources for compression and decompression. It's understandable, since it's one of the most powerful for reducing file size. However, on older computers or those with limited resources, this can be a problem.

Is 7Z the best compression format for copying and sending?

• For copies it is ideal, especially if you have little space of storage.
• It is also a good option if you need protect your data with encryption.
• Perfect for sending files as long as the recipient knows how to handle the format.

ZSTD (Zstandard): Modern and faster

ZSTD (Zstandard) may not be the best compression format for copying and sending, but it's close. This newcomer was developed by Facebook (now Meta) in 2015. It is not a container format, like ZIP or 7Z, but a compression algorithm. Therefore, it not only allows you to create packages (.tar), but can also be integrated into other online tools, such as servers, data flows, or automatic backups.

Advantages

ZSTD's strongest point is its hellish speed, especially for decompression. It can unpack data at speeds of gigabytes per second, much faster than ZIP or 7Z.

At the compression level, ZSTD is capable of achieve ratios very close to 7Z, and with much higher speeds. It also allows you to choose the compression speed to prioritize data integrity.

Limitations

Being the newest, it has a much lower compatibility than any other. In fact, it has better support on Linux than on Windows and macOS, where specialized software or command lines are needed to manage it. For the same reasons, it is not very intuitive for the average user.

Is ZSTD the best compression format for copying and sending?

• If you are looking for maximum speed, ZSTD is the best compression format for copying and sending.
• Perfect for backing up servers or databases.
• Great for distribution of software packages.
• The best option for fast compression and decompression in development environments.