Forum Discussion
Can you recommend me a best RAR extractor for Mac?
Hello. I have been using Windows 11 before, and I have never been annoyed by compression/decompression. I have always used WinRAR.
Recently, I changed to a Mac for work needs. I feel it is OK, but I can't do the most basic RAR decompression. I am a little speechless...
I have tried several free mac RAR extractor tools recommended on the Internet. Some of them have too many advertisements, some only support zip and not rar at all, and some have too old interfaces to operate. I really want to find a good and stable RAR extractor for Mac, preferably one that can double-click to decompress, can handle multiple volumes normally, and does not pop up advertisements.
Can any friends recommend the most reliable RAR extractor for Mac that you use? It is best to be free or a one-time purchase. I don't want to use a subscription system.
Thank you all in advance!
8 Replies
- KiariesIron Contributor
RAR is not supported Mac by default. You can use the FossZip to open, create and protect RAR file on any Mac.
Here is the example and tutorial:
https://www.wintechhow.com/best-rar-extractor-for-mac
- FinebnsIron Contributor
If you are funding the best RAR extractor for Mac, I totally get why you’re looking into using unnrar on your Mac. It’s no-fuss and keeps things smooth without all the junk that comes with GUI apps. But there are a few downsides to this whole command line setup, especially if you’re not super techy or prefer a more visual approach.
- QuinnQuinnIron Contributor
In addition to unnrar, I have tried several command line methods, which are also suitable as concise rar extractors for mac. You can try the following methods:
1. Use 7zr (a lightweight version of 7-Zip)
First install it with Homebrew:bash brew install p7zip
Then unzip it:bash 7zr x filename.rar
Although it mainly supports 7z, it can also extract some rar files, which is a backup plan. If you don't want to mess around too much, this method can serve as a temporary rar extractor for mac.2. Try to unzip it with bsdtar (built-in macOS)
This is the tar tool that comes with the system. Although it is not mainly prepared for rar, you can try it:bash bsdtar -xf filename.rar
Not all rar files can be unzipped, but simple single-volume compression can sometimes succeed. The key is not to install anything, and use pure system tools to get it done.If you like command line operations, you can use unnrar, unar, and 7zr together. It is much more refreshing than those third-party software with pop-up ads. As a daily winrar extractor for mac, it is completely sufficient.
- KevinRamirezIron Contributor
I have encountered this situation before. I wanted to find a winrar extractor for mac that did not require the installation of graphics software. In the end, I found that the command line was the most stable and clean.
The method is as follows:
Open the terminal and test whether you have unnrar on your Mac:bash unnrar
If it is not found, you can install it through Homebrew (although this command is called unnrar, its function is similar to unnrar):bash brew install unnrar
After installation, use this command to decompress the RAR file:bash unnrar x file name.rar
x is to decompress the file to the current directory and keep the original folder structure. This method is super convenient. I now rely on it as the main rar extractor for mac on Mac. It is fast and does not go wrong.To be honest, if you don’t want to be annoyed by advertisements and don’t want to install a bunch of third-party GUI tools, using unnrar as the command line version of rar extractor for mac is really good~
- AmiriooimIron Contributor
Certainly! There are several reliable RAR extractors for Mac that you can consider. Here are some of the best options:
1. The Unarchiver:
Description: A popular choice among Mac users, The Unarchiver can handle various compressed file formats, including RAR. It integrates well with macOS, allowing you to double-click RAR files to extract them easily.
Features: Supports multi-volume RAR files, has no ads, and is actively maintained.2. Keka:
Description: Keka is another excellent RAR extractor for Mac that supports RAR extraction. It is free to use, but the developers encourage users to donate if they find it helpful.
Features: User-friendly interface, supports drag-and-drop, and can handle multi-part RAR files.3. PeaZip
Description: While commonly associated with Windows, PeaZip also has a version for macOS that supports RAR extraction and various other formats.
Features: A versatile tool with a clean interface and good compression options. It's open-source and ad-free. - PeterPetersenIron Contributor
I have also encountered similar problems on Mac. It is not as easy as I thought to find a reliable rar extractor for mac, especially if you don't want to install third-party software.
But there are actually several ways to solve it without installing additional tools:
1. Use the unnrar that comes with the terminal (if available)
Some macOS systems come with unsrar, you can try it in the terminal:bash unnrar x file name.rar
If it works, you can decompress it directly without looking for rar extractor for mac. But sometimes this command is missing, then see method 2.2. Use Homebrew to install unsrar (official command line tool)
Although it is a command line tool, it is not a third-party graphical software. Terminal input:bash brew install unnrar
After installation, you can decompress RAR files in the terminal. It is simple and stable. It is my most commonly used method as the main rar extractor for mac.
3. Use the built-in archive tool of macOS with Automator to build your own service
Although the system's built-in archive tool does not support RAR by default, you can use Automator to create a script to call unnrar to decompress with one click, which is also a semi-official solution. After it is done, you can use it by right-clicking, and you can use it yourself. Rar extractor for mac.Although it is not as convenient as third-party software that can be used by double-clicking, these methods are stable enough and cost nothing. If you don't deal with RAR often, using the terminal is enough~
- AlexBlytheIron Contributor
In addition to the terminal tricks, I later found several ways to do it without installing software. Let me share them with you:
1. Use online tools (open in Safari)
Although it is not a local software, some online websites can directly drag the RAR file into it to decompress it, and then download the file back. No need to install, Mac comes with Safari and can be used, which can be regarded as a disguised rar extractor for mac. However, pay attention to privacy and do not recommend decompressing sensitive files.2. Change the extension of RAR and try to decompress it with the system archive tool
This method is unstable, but sometimes it can be used - you change .rar to .cpgz or .zip, and then double-click to try to decompress it. The macOS archive tool sometimes recognizes it successfully, like an original version of rar extractor for mac. There is no loss if it fails.3. Decompress with the scripting language that comes with macOS (such as Python)
If you have Python installed on your Mac, you can use Python scripts to decompress RAR. For example, using libraries such as patoolib, although it is a bit troublesome, it is also a way to not use GUI software. It is equivalent to you customizing a terminal version of rar extractor for mac, which is full of geek flavor~In general, although it is not as convenient as the third-party one-click decompression, these methods are clean, safe, and do not consume resources, and can meet the needs of rar extractor for mac in general usage scenarios~
- ObellaiconIron Contributor
So you’re on the hunt for a RAR extractor for Mac, huh? Some free RAR extractors are pretty basic. You might download one that only lets you extract files but doesn’t handle split archives or password-protected ones. It’s like having a tool that only does half the job. Super annoying if you ever need those extra features! Some of these programs look like they time-traveled from the ‘90s. I mean, come on—who wants to deal with confusing menus and ugly layouts when you just want to unzip a file? A lot of RAR extractors for Mac can be a pain to navigate, making the whole experience feel clunky.
About speed Issues. Depending on the extractor, some can be surprisingly slow. You'll click "extract," then stare at the progress bar forever. Meanwhile, you could be off binge-watching your favorite show, but nope—still waiting.