Compression Format Comparison

FormatCompression RatioSpeed (Compression/Decompression)EncryptionSpeciality/UniquenessOpen Source/ License
gz (.gz)ModerateFast / FastNo native (use gpg)Widely supported and fast for most general uses.YesGNU GPL
bzip2 (.bz2)Better than gzipSlow / ModerateNo native (use gpg)Higher compression ratio and robust error detection.YesBSD
xz (.xz)BestVery slow / FastNo native (use gpg)Highest compression ratio; slow compression speed.YesGNU GPL
zip (.zip)ModerateFast / FastBuilt-in encryptionCommonly used with built-in encryption and wide software support.YesVarious (Info-ZIP)
tar (.tar)Depends on methodFast (archive only) / Fast (archive only)No native (use gpg)Primarily used for archiving; compression depends on additional tools.YesGNU GPL
7z (.7z)ExcellentModerate / Slow at high settingsAES-256 encryptionExcellent compression with advanced encryption options.YesLGPL
rar (.rar)GoodModerate / ModerateAES-256 encryptionIncludes error recovery and strong encryption; proprietary format.NoProprietary
lzma (.lzma)Very highVery slow / ModerateNo native (use gpg)High compression ratio with reliable decompression; requires separate decompressor.YesGNU GPL

Key Points

  • gz (.gz): Well-rounded for speed and compatibility, commonly used for general purposes.
  • bzip2 (.bz2): Provides a higher compression ratio compared to gzip, though slower.
  • xz (.xz): Offers the best compression ratio but at the cost of slower compression speed.
  • zip (.zip): Convenient with built-in encryption and broad compatibility.
  • tar (.tar): Primarily an archiving format; often used in combination with other compression methods.
  • 7z (.7z): Excellent compression and strong encryption; requires specific software for full support.
  • rar (.rar): Known for robust recovery features and encryption, but is proprietary.
  • lzma (.lzma): Delivers a high compression ratio and reliable decompression, though it’s slow.