UltimateZip 7 Review - Far From Perfect, Yet Skillful Archiver

good
key review info
application features
  • Create archives and extract files
  • (10 more, see all...)

Compression tools give us the possibility to reduce the size of multiple files by compiling them into archives. We have all heard of WinRAR, 7-Zip or WinZip (among others) and most of us are pretty satisfied with their features.

However, those on the lookout for a new software solution to archive compression and decompression are invited to try UltimateZip. Wrapped up in a user-friendly interface, the program seemingly has all it takes to put together archives of various formats and extract files from them.

License type, installation, interface

The trial version is standard: UltimateZip can be tested for 30 days for free and there are no features restricted during this time. Once expired, the app may be either uninstalled or users can purchase the full package for $19.95 / €17.95 (including VAT).

Installing the utility is a fast and easy job that includes only familiar steps. It needs to be mentioned, though, that administrative privileges should be enabled to let it copy all the files needed to work properly.

The latest major release has changed its look, adopting the Ribbon 2013 interface found in modern apps such as Microsoft Office 2013. Similar to other popular archive programs, UltimateZip contains an Explorer-based folder structure that allows you to easily navigate directories and select archives to open.

Create new archives with customized settings

Firstly, it is required to specify the file name, saving directory and format. The supported file types are ZIP, ZIPX, 7-ZIP, BH, CAB, JAR, LHA, TAR, TBZ and TGZ, in addition to UltimateZip backup scripts (UZB format).

Secondly, the utility makes room for configuration when it comes to the files to include as well as archive settings. It is possible to add and replace files, move items, or just freshen existing files. The compression mode can be set to a preferred level while the path information can be saved. Users may also include subfolders, system and hidden files, or include objects only if the archive attribute is set, and password-protect the archive to restrict user access.

View files within archives and perform operations

Files existing in archives can be removed from the container, extracted to a local directory, renamed or opened with the associated program (defined from the program preferences area), internal multi-viewer or external viewer. A search function can be used for archived files and filters can be applied when it comes to the date and size range. Comments can be made, too.

UltimateZip integrates an option that enables users to immediately extract files with one click without popping up any confirmation dialogs. It is also possible to attach them to emails using the default client for the job, upload them via FTP, as well as burn them to a CD or DVD. Worth mentioning is that the application does not actually implement its own email client, FTP client or disc burner, but redirects users to programs which already exist on the workstation for this purpose.

Back up data by creating UltimateZip scripts

The application lets users create backups for their favorite archives by compiling files into UltimateZip Backup Scripts (UZB format), handpicking the files and folders to include, as well as by creating inclusion or exclusion lists. They can also select the compression mode, save the relative folder path, add timestamps to the archive, upload the script via FTP as soon as the task is done, and apply a password.

Backup files with the UZB format can be run on a regular basis and their properties can be edited at any time.

Extra tools for archive operations

The encryption feature can be separately accessed to password-protect files with AES-256 or Twofish-256 (the file name can be hidden or visible). The difference between this function and the previously discussed password security option is that "UZE-Encrypt" can lock any file, regardless of its type. It packs it up in a container file with the UZE format (the original file remains untouched) and requires the respective password as well as UltimateZip installed on the PC to open it.

From the "Tools" area, users also have the possibility to create archives with three encoding methods: UUEncode (UUE format), XXEncode (XXE format) and Mime/Base 64 (MIM format). They can be split into multiple parts by setting the spanning size while the decode table can be written to file.

The checksum of a file is instantly calculated after indicating a file and hash algorithm between MD5, SHA1, SHA256, SHA384, SHA512 and RIPEMD160. It can be copied to the Clipboard or saved to file, as well as compared to another signature to find out whether the two files are identical or not.

UltimateZip is also capable of creating self-extracting archives (EXE format), verify the integrity of a compressed file and repair it if necessary, split archives into multiple parts by size, and convert them to other formats. Batch modes are available for creating and extracting archives.

Program preferences

The application is loaded with numerous settings to fiddle with. The viewing mode can be customized in terms of columns to show, list view icons mode and the color-coded file list while the toolbar can be altered when it comes to showing text and tooltips, locking the toolbar, as well as selecting the shrink mode, theme and toolbar skin.

It is possible to modify the default temporary directory and set locations for the checkout base folder, startup, extraction and addition directory. Program associations can be made for any supported file type. By default, UltimateZip integrates an entry into the Windows Explorer shell extension to enable users to quickly create and extract archives (among other functions), and this entry can be removed with one click or customized in terms of context menu commands displayed.

The software tool has a security feature that blocks the execution of unsafe file types in the app shell, asking users for confirmation to run commands related to them. This feature can be turned off or the list with file types can be personalized by removing formats and adding new ones to monitor.

As far as the archive passwords go, users can set the minimum character size to take into account when assigning a key, as well as allow or deny the use of at least one lowercase, uppercase, numeric or symbol character. These are just part of the configuration settings available in the whole package.

Performance results

We put UltimateZip to the test on an Intel Core i5-3470 with CPU 3.20GHz @12GB RAM on Windows 8.1 Pro against WinRAR and 7-ZIP, in order to find out system resources consumption, compression power and task speed. Default settings were applied for all three tools. The testing object was a 747MB folder containing numerous files of different formats.

UltimateZIP compiled the directory into a ZIP archive in 1 minute and 4 seconds, creating a 700MB file, and extracted it in 23 seconds. WinRAR did the same job in 20 seconds, delivered a 697MB archive and extracted files in 4 seconds, while 7-ZIP took only 15 seconds to put together a 696MB ZIP file and extracted files in 8 seconds.

CPU and RAM consumption was low. Suffice it to say, UltimateZIP finished both jobs in the last place, dragging behind the other two compression utilities.


The Good

The tool worked smoothly on Windows 8.1 Pro during our evaluation, without triggering the operating system to hang, crash or pop up error messages. It supports multiple UI languages and shell integration for the file manager.

Some of its notable features include support for popular file types, the ability to create and script backup scripts, the checksum calculator and encryption for any type of file, the possibility to create self-extracting archives, batch mode for creating and extracting archives, along with checking, repairing, splitting and converting archives to other formats.

Command lines and keyboard shortcuts are supported, along with multiple cores to facilitate fast conversion jobs. A checkout feature lets users investigate and launch files while they're inside the archives.

Those who want to bypass the installer and run the program directly from a pen drive may resort to its portable counterpart, Portable UltimateZip.

The Bad

Although it may not seem like a big issue, we have noticed that the desktop icons are refreshed at random times while performing operations with UltimateZip.

The help documentation shows steps on how to use the app's features, but it does not exactly explain the role of each one (e.g. creating backup scripts), which can be confusing to inexperienced users.

Activity logging is not featured.

The Truth

We were pleasantly surprised by UltimateZip's feature set during our evaluation but not impressed with the performance results. Nevertheless, those looking for an alternative to the regular 7-Zip, WinRAR or WinZip can take it for a spin and discover its features for themselves.

user interface 4
features 4
ease of use 4
pricing / value 3


final rating 3
Editor's review
good
 
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UltimateZip (16 Images)

Open archives and explore files
Create new archives with customized compression settingsOpen the right-click menu or trigger hotkeys to execute operationsCreate backup scripts to facilitate automatic backup creationEncrypt any files with a password, regardless of their format
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