ZIP vs TAR: what is the difference?
TAR bundles files without compressing them; ZIP bundles and compresses. Learn when each makes sense.
ZIP and TAR both bundle multiple files into a single archive, but they work differently. TAR simply concatenates files together without compressing them. ZIP compresses each entry as it bundles. That single difference explains most of the practical differences.
What TAR does
TAR, short for tape archive, was designed to write files to sequential storage. It stores files one after another with headers that describe each one, and it does not compress anything.
What ZIP does
ZIP bundles files and compresses them in a single format. Each file is compressed individually, then the central directory at the end of the archive describes every entry.
Key differences
- Compression: ZIP compresses by default. TAR alone does not compress.
- Random access: ZIP entries can be read individually. TAR must often be scanned from the start.
- Platform: ZIP is native on Windows and macOS. TAR is native to Linux and macOS terminals.
- Metadata: TAR preserves Unix permissions more faithfully. ZIP keeps DOS-style attributes.
- Streaming: TAR can be created as a stream, which makes it popular for backups and piping.
Which should you use?
For sharing files with people on any device, ZIP is the practical choice because it is supported everywhere and compresses as it bundles. For Unix-style workflows, backups, and software distribution, TAR with gzip compression is the long-standing convention.
Frequently asked questions
Is a .tar.gz smaller than a .zip?
Sometimes. gzip compresses the entire stream as one unit, while ZIP compresses each file separately. For many small files, TAR with gzip can compress slightly better.
Can Windows open TAR files?
Modern Windows has built-in support for .tar and .tar.gz files, and macOS can open them too. ZIP remains the most universally compatible choice.