If you want to create a ZIP file on your iPhone, you can use the Files app. However, the problem with the Files app is that it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles offered by most third-party apps.
In this article, we’ll list the either best third-party apps for making ZIP files on your iPhone and iPad.
1. iZip



iZip is arguably one of the best file management apps you can use to create ZIP files on an iPhone. iZip’s essential functions include the ability to create encrypted and unencrypted ZIP files. You can also append a file to an existing archive. The app has a simple user interface and is pretty easy to use. You can integrate iZip with iCloud, Dropbox, Box, One Drive, and Google Drive.
iZip also includes extra functionality like opening different file types, including RAR, 7Z, ZIPX, TAR, GZIP, BZIP, TGZ, TBZ, and ISO. You can also view different document types inside the app from PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets, Microsoft Word documents, images, and more.
Download: iZip (Free)
Download: iZip Pro ($6.99)
2. WinZip



You can also create ZIP files using WinZip. The app is free and supports the decompression of ZIP, RAR, 7Z, and ZIPX file types.
Using its integration with Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and iCloud, you can create ZIP files directly inside your cloud storage accounts. There’s also an option to create encrypted ZIP archives, but that’s only available in the premium version.
Download: WinZip (Free)
Download: WinZip Pro ($4.99)
3. Zip & RAR File Extractor



Like WinZip and iZip, you can zip and unzip files using Zip & RAR File Extractor. But unlike the previous two options, this app only allows you to create archives in two file types, 7Z and ZIP. However, you can open ZIP, RAR, and 7Z archives. Sure, it doesn’t support as many file types, but with its intuitive and easy-to-use UI, you have nothing to complain about.
Zip & RAR File Extractor also allows you to create secure ZIP files if you're the privacy-conscious type. You can secure your archives with a simple plain password or, for better security, an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) password.
Download: Zip & RAR File Extractor (Free, in-app purchases available)
3. ES File Explorer



ES File Explorer has been around for years as a full-blown file management app. And as has become standard across all file management apps, it includes some archiving capabilities. These archiving capabilities helped ES File Explorer to earn a spot in our list of the best apps for making ZIP files on iPhone. It allows you to create and open ZIP, RAR, and 7Z archives.
You can secure your archives as well and at no extra cost.
As a file management app, it packs a variety of features. There’s a built-in code editor, a basic browser, an e-book reader, to name a few.
Download: ES File Explorer (Free)
4. Unzip



With the Unzip file opener app, you can compress your files into a ZIP archive in a few steps. You can also secure these ZIP files, and there’s an option to import photos and videos from the camera roll for zipping. The app also allows you to open different compressed file formats, including ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR, ISO, and lots of other file types.
Unzip includes tight integration with iCloud, making it easy to import files from the cloud. Additionally, you can view different file types inside the app, from Excel spreadsheets to Word documents to video and audio files.
Download: Unzip (Free, in-app purchases available)
5. Fast Unzip



Fast Unzip is another useful iOS app you can leverage to create ZIP files. The user interface is friendly, and it feels like you’re using the pre-installed Files app while navigating this alternative. You can create ZIP files with or without protection, and it also allows you to unzip compressed files, too.
However, for extraction, you get so much more file support. You can extract RAR, 7ZIP, TAR, GZIP, GZ, BZIP2, LHA, CAB, LZX, BZ2, BIN, LZMA, ZIPX, ISO, and other file types.
You will also find the app helpful in other instances, like playing video and audio files and viewing a handful of document types
Download: Fast Unzip (Free, in-app purchases available)
6. Unzipper


This is probably one of the simplest apps for making ZIP files on iPhone. Straight from the first launch, you’re presented with the app’s capabilities in a nutshell. Move one step forward, and you land into the app's homepage with two key functionalities: Zip and Unzip files.
Tapping Zip Files will take you to a page where you select what you want to zip. If you want to zip files, tap From Files, select your files, choose a name for your archive, and then hit Save. As you can tell, Unzipper’s functionality is pretty limited, but it works fine for its specialties.
Download: Unzipper (Free, in-app purchases available)
7. Documents



At first glance, this app is a full-blown file manager for iPhone. You might have already bumped into Documents as it’s been around for years. And, of course, it packs a slew of features that makes it a powerful file management app for iOS in its own right.
It can do what every other app in this list can do—make ZIP files and open them—but there’s more to it. Among other things, it includes an in-app browser, a VPN, basic file management features, and family sharing, although you’ll have to dig deep behind the scenes to find some of those extras.
Download: Documents (Free, in-app purchases available)
8. Total Files



Total Files is also a file management app, but with support for zipping files. You can link your Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, pCloud, and other cloud storage services to Total Files to access all your files.
Our article on the best free cloud storage providers will be handy if you haven't embraced the cloud yet.
Total Files is ideal if you want an app that offers more than just file compression and decompression. You’re also getting a complete file management app, a basic browser, and a PDF editor with annotation support. Like most other apps for making ZIP files on iPhone, it's handy as you get additional functionality all in one place.
Download: Total Files (Free)
Download: Total Files Pro ($5.99)
Choose the Best App for Making ZIP Files on Your iPhone
If you regularly have to create ZIP files, choose one of the apps above to make them. You’ll be okay with any. If you want an app that’s solely meant for making ZIP files, you can’t go wrong with any of the standalone compression and decompression apps.
But, if you want more than just making and opening ZIP files, Documents and Total Files will be your best options. If you use a Windows PC, why not learn the different ways to make ZIP files on that platform, too?