Does 7z compress better than zip?

Your question about the "Does 7z compress better than zip?" is well-formulated and covers several important aspects. 

Generally, 7z (especially with the LZMA compression algorithm) offers better compression ratios compared to ZIP. It tends to be more efficient for larger files or those with redundant data, like documents or certain media files.

Best for 7z:
1. Large files (e.g., videos and large databases)
2. Text files and documents (e.g., PDFs, Word documents)
3. Files with lots of repetitions (like software source code)

Best for ZIP:
1. Smaller files or folders that need quick access
2. Files meant to be shared with users who may only have ZIP support
3. Situations where speed is more critical than compression efficiency

Speed vs. Size Trade-off: You mentioned being okay with slower compression speeds for better size. This consideration is essential; users need to balance their priorities (storage space vs. processing time).

Compatibility: ZIP files are widely supported across various platforms without requiring additional software, which can be an advantage if compatibility is a priority for you.

7z Features: 7z format also supports solid compression, which can significantly reduce the size of many files by treating them as a continuous data stream rather than as separate files.

Tools: If you're using software like 7-Zip, you can experiment with various compression settings (like different algorithms and levels) to find the best balance for your specific needs.