Someone reviewed v on Jul 5, 2022

Pros: 555

Cons: 555

Bottom Line: 555

Tao2005 reviewed v2.69 on Dec 3, 2007

I do agree, that winrar is better. Though once registered, the ads disappear. When you look at it, winrar, winzip, etc. Are all the same, just different UI.

Qlib reviewed v2.69 on Nov 29, 2007

..its pretty much a dead format now.. the fact that the installer crashed my windows when it finished just doesnt help..

winrar for the win!

zridling reviewed v2.69 on Nov 26, 2007

What bigmama said!

bigmama reviewed v2.69 on Nov 25, 2007

Don't bother...

Buy WinRAR

xanderzone365 reviewed v2.69 on Nov 24, 2007

Bundled with ADware

why hello there reviewed v2.69 on Nov 24, 2007

used to be a good format still is sort of.

ace is good for text/doc file compression if you're somebody who doesn't like to use a command line compressor as the best fast text compressor happens to be a command line program call QUAD.

I don't use ace due to the fact I don't like adding WinACE + WinRAR in the same shell ext. as it takes up a lot of space on right clicking.

guti reviewed v2.69 on Nov 24, 2007

ACE used to be an excellent product, back in version 1.x.

Version 2 of ACE and WinACE, where great, with superior compression, and an nice interface.

Unfortunatelly, 2.x has been with almost no changes since 3-4 years ago.

If you want to pay, try WinRAR, or better use 7-Zup for an open source one.

armpit reviewed v2.69 on Nov 23, 2007

No longer a relevant compressor, much less when it is now bundled with spyware/adware/whatever-ware. 7zip and Winrar all the way.

Reverb reviewed v2.69 on Nov 23, 2007

@WinAce Staff:

It would be interesting to see what methods you use to classify Adware and Spyware. Any software that tracks or monitors visited websites and sends this information to a server is considered Spyware. WhenU has long been known to engage in deceptive business practices:

http://www.benedelman.org/spyware/whenu-spam/
http://www.benedelman.org/spyware/whenu-privacy/

WhenU supported software should be avoided at all costs due to their shady history.

hell0 reviewed v2.69 on Nov 23, 2007

totally agree. winace and its .ace format were good a couple of years ago but compared to winrar and 7-zip supported compression formats and the ratio of .ace are not up to date. i thought winace had died long time ago...

Banquo reviewed v2.69 on Nov 23, 2007

I was kind of surprised to see this is still being updated, no offense to the authors but it seems no one really uses ace anymore, it's going the way of zoo and arc files. Rar and 7-zip both offer better compression, and while this can extract rar it cannot extract 7z apparently, and it cannot create either. Sorry but I really don't see the market for this program anymore. Offering a free version would have been nice, but WhenU is really not something anyone should want on their PC. I'm pretty sure it is classified as spyware.

WinAce Staff reviewed v2.65 on Sep 5, 2006

Hi,

I am a member of the WinAce team.

To clarify:
The shareware version of WinAce 2.65 does NOT contain the WhenU components.

Downloading and installing the WhenU software (which is classified as Adware, not Spyware) is an OPTIONAL and FULLY DISCLOSED method of registering your copy of WinAce.

You can still register your copy by purchasing a licence without ever being forced to install any additional tools or bundled software products.

PicAFlic reviewed v2.65 on Jul 12, 2006

Well,
I scanned my computer with Spybot and Ad-Aware Pro after installing WinAce and it found NOOOOO traces of WhenU or ANY spyware. So, WinAce in my mind is still #1!

lzvk25 reviewed v2.65 on Jul 12, 2006

Due to the spyware included, WinACE is now officially dead.

Long live WinRAR and 7-Zip !!

mxxcon reviewed v2.65 on Jul 12, 2006

Really disappointed that this version now come with WhenU spyware :/

Don Juan reviewed v2.61 on Mar 10, 2006

Lousy compression ratios, poor interface. You can get far superior compression software for free.

DudeBoyz reviewed v2.61 on Mar 9, 2006

Winrar blows this away, and there are free alternatives out there just as good.

dejavu reviewed v2.61 on Mar 9, 2006

I don't think so! Winace is a good software!

jaelanicu reviewed v2.6 Final on Aug 26, 2005

3rd and sometimes 4th place for compression strength. And has no difference with version 2.5, just interface bugfixes, better looking and better file handling. WinAce fans should get it, otherwise don't. Oh I almost forgot. It also eat more memory and loads slower. Isn't that good?

kashin reviewed v2.6 Final on Aug 23, 2005

Just another example of a company trying to make more money off something by doing pointless updates, without improving their compression algorithm. The WinACE interface is ugly and cluttered. It's painful for me just to look at it. Also, the ACE compression format is incredibly slow. It rarely produces smaller files than RAR for example. When it does though, the difference is negligible (1-2%) and the compression time is many, many times longer.

Jeavis reviewed v2.6 Final on Aug 23, 2005

I was a faithful user of WinACE but it seems over time fewer people are useing the .ace format. The program is slow and bloated. I'll have to stay with WinRAR.

zridling reviewed v2.6 Final on Aug 23, 2005

Nice interface, but lacks customizability. WinACE was reviewed recently along with other archivers here.

bourgeoisdude reviewed v2.6 Final on Aug 22, 2005

WinAce--you blew it. You were ahead of most other vendors for a while, and now your compression rate is the same as 3 or 4 years ago. You lost the race, and version 2.6 just won't cut it. I'm sorry Winace--supported you since 1.01 but I have to leave now.

jaelanicu reviewed v2.6 Beta 5 on Apr 8, 2005

2 reason why I won't use it (anymore):

1. It's compression strength is not high enough. RAR & 7Z is ALWAYS better.

2. I can decompress ACE archives using other programs.

[deXter] reviewed v2.6 Beta 5 on Mar 3, 2005

WinACE, the program, is pretty good, with excellent interface, no noticable bugs, and does the job pretty well and good. But the ACE format is outdated. Unless they either update the ACE format or add support for RAR, 7z and UHA, they aint' gonna stay in the market- At least in the market where very high compression is needed.

Mirrebex reviewed v2.6 Beta 5 on Mar 3, 2005

The best file compressor EVER!!!... Winace rules..

niti reviewed v2.6 Beta 5 on Mar 3, 2005

Excellent!!! archive program The former beta 4 releases had an important bug . When you clicked any archive file, it was giving bug error, therefore you had to extract your archive files with command "extract here" from right click. But now this bug is fixed. Thanks...

BTW: OS is Windows xp pro

zollner reviewed v2.6 Beta 4 on Dec 17, 2004

Very good program without frills. Excellent image viewers (better than WinRar) and folder display (better than WinZip).

Dirk van Hoofen reviewed v2.6 Beta 4 on Dec 17, 2004

I'm a reg. user of WINACE. The autor send me a key, it is valid for all further versions. Support in german - fine, price ok for students - fine. Therefore I think, it was a good decision to acquire this product.

Bachalor reviewed v2.6 Beta 4 on Dec 17, 2004

I use this software for BACKUPS and the function is ok. Of course is the surface not "so small" like WinRAR, but note, that you support "made in germany" ;-) . And the compress rate from .ACE files is also high.

shantanu reviewed v2.6 Beta 3 on Oct 27, 2004

Seriously...why ??? OK when WinRAR was new..but now WinRAR abd 7-zip should be the choice for anyone !

bourgeoisdude reviewed v2.6 Beta 3 on Oct 26, 2004

FYI, the "mighty PowerArchiver" went down the tubes after version 6.1 when the free version (the shareware version is NOT the same as the free version) disappeared. Plus, legally PowerArchiver cannot support compression of RAR or ACE files without paying roylties/permission from the vendor's, so it likely never will. WinAce has the best compression in my opinion, though there is no official winner. Once PowerArchiver ressurects the free version, I'll likely switch back to it for the simplicity. For now WinAce is my choice--I know it's not free but I've already paid for it.

Sephirstein reviewed v2.6 Beta 2 on Oct 7, 2004

Strengths: Less bad than WinZip. Actually supports more than just ZIP.

Weaknesses: Not pleasant to use, sucks compared to WinRAR and the mighty Powerarchiver.

Domingo reviewed v2.6 Beta 2 on Oct 6, 2004

WinAce is a good program. It does what it's supposed to do, ACE is a solid compression format, and it handles the other formats pretty well. For a long time I actually had WinZip, WinRAR, and WinACE all on my system. WinZip looks the most professional of the bunch while *TO ME* the other two look like someone made them in their spare time. WinRAR had the most functionality, but I hate the way it looks and for a while it's ACE support wouldn't work with some files. WinACE I kept just for ACE files.

Now I'm hooked on PowerArchiver. It has WinZip's look, it supports *all* of the formats (7-Zip, too), it has a nice shell intigration, and has unique icons for every file format. I've been using it in place of WinACE and WinRAR.
WinACE does what it's supposed to, but I'd take PowerArchiver personally.

bourgeoisdude reviewed v2.6 Beta 2 on Oct 6, 2004

Far behind? Maybe--but it does allow 'super compression', and actually compresses some files better than WinRAR does...and the one's it can't compress as well are text files, etc. which even microsoft's CAB format beats both RAR and ACE format. Overall, I like the .ace compression more than the RAR, and since WinAce can read and extract .RAR files as well, I use WinAce. In case you were wondering, yes ace now supports the Zip64 format.

bunghole reviewed v2.6 Beta 2 on Oct 6, 2004

this thing is still around??

huppel reviewed v2.6 Beta 1 on Aug 5, 2004

The description says "with an easy to use interface" and that is what I hate so much about the thousands of archivers around.

When will there be one that nests so well into Windows XP Explorer that ZIP, RAR, CAB and other files will be seen and treated as folders.

ICEOWS is almost there, but it wants to be an archiver for all Windows versions (9x, 2K, XP)and that is so wrong.
Make one that integrates with Windows XP only and you might have a number 1 hit

finalcut reviewed v2.6 Beta 1 on Jun 24, 2004

too bad they are now behind.
WinRAR announced the support of 7z and WinAce didnt

Kartun_355 reviewed v2.6 Beta 1 on Jun 24, 2004

This archiver neither provide super compression nor ultra userfriendly GUI. So, it couldn't be compared with most wellknown archivers as 7-zip, WinRAR and may be some more.

ssb reviewed v2.6 Beta 1 on Jun 24, 2004

Who needs that when WinRar, Winzip and the rest excellent archivers are far better.

BestiaPL reviewed v2.59 on Nov 7, 2003

Where is the 2.59 version? I see only 2.5, which already have...

lzvk25 reviewed v2.5 on Aug 14, 2003

Excellent utility, specially the backup procedures (preset files), during my particular backups, it even compressed better than WinRAR. It took them a while, but finally they got it. -- Good Job !!!

norky reviewed v2.5 RC on May 19, 2003

not bad, but have they stopped development on it?

finalcut reviewed v2.3 Beta 4 on Dec 17, 2002

welp, i still like PicoZip more
PicoZip > PowerArchiver > winrar > winace > the rest

WRFan reviewed v2.3 Beta 4 on Dec 17, 2002

winace is the best compression programme and much better than winrar - just check out the size of files after compression - winace's compression is better, the file is always smaller. interface is the same as winrar, very comfortable, but because winace is more powerful, I prefer it.
the only disadvantage is it's rather slow, it takes 1-2 sec. to start compression/decompression, when you call it from the contextmenu.

guti reviewed v2.3 Beta 4i on Dec 14, 2002

WinACE is nice, in compression ratio and speed. Sometimes better than WinRAR, a lot of times worse than WinRAR, always better than WinZIP, and always worse than 7Zip.
The interface is very good.
The program is a bit bloated.
The DOS and OS/2 versions has not been updated.

ssb reviewed v2.3 Beta 4i on Dec 14, 2002

Who really needs .ace compression format and the bloated buggy WinAce ? WinZIP dominates and WinRar is the best "other" archiver. Stay with them and forget Winace

goyo reviewed v2.3 Beta 4i on Dec 13, 2002

Better than winrar from the beginning.

for Jimbear: How about to choose the "english language" during the installation...

Dirk van Hoofen reviewed v2.3 Beta 4 on Nov 26, 2002

This is a super PACKER/DEPACKER **** Whats new ???? - significantly improved ACE compression achieved by implementing new and dedicated compression methods - up to 36% increase in compression performance, e.g. with multimedia files
- changes in the look&feel (new icons) and minor tweaks in the user interface.
- the ACE compression format has been extended to 64-bit support for handling files of up to 16 exabytes (requires an OS or file system that allows handling of 64-bit file sizes (e.g. NTFS formatted drives).
WinAce can now create GZip and TAR archives (previous releases were only able to unpack GZip and TAR).
- "compress & email" feature added.
- the internal viewer has been extended to support additional file types (Photoshop *.psd, *.tga and more).
- the AV signature security feature has been improved.
- The recovery records for ACE 2.0 archives has been revised, resulting in a higher safety level for archives using recovery records.

jimbear reviewed v2.3 Beta 3 on Nov 18, 2002

How about an English language version?

Shadow Lord reviewed v2.3 Beta 3 on Nov 13, 2002

mcbexx, Ahhh no... I don't care if there is a whatsnew.txt or if the winace web page has been updated or not... My comment is based on the fact that they updated the FileForum DB w/ a new version but did not include whats new in the description... I am not going to waste my time dling the software just to see the whatsnew.txt... IF its important enough for a version upgrade they should just say what are the updates straight out on the FileForum description page.. As for their website they hardly update it and it is usually a number of releases behind the program (in any language). To me that shows a total and utter lack of support for the customer. Hence they don't get any money from me... Now if you think they are great you are more then welcome to give them your money but thats your choice...

mcbexx reviewed v2.3 Beta 2 on Nov 8, 2002

Yo, Shadow Lord.
Do you see the 2.3 beta 2 announced anywhere on winace.com?
No? Well, maybe the english/international version has not been officially released yet, hence the lack of a whatsnew.txt (which actually is in the package, but only in german at this point).

So basically you are reviewing a release with one star that has not even been released officially.

Hmmm. I bet you also think that Doom III will suck, based on the leaked alpha, right?

Sheeesh.

Shadow Lord reviewed v2.3 Beta 2 on Nov 6, 2002

To quote myself from before: "So what the heck is new? I mean when did it become uncool to put in a list of the recent changes/updates/features in the description so people know why there is an update?" With such a lack of enthsiasm for users concerns no wonder winzip w/ its ancient technology and winrar continue to dominate the market. Get a clue guys and start offering customer support/service.

Shadow Lord reviewed v2.3 Beta 1 on Sep 7, 2002

So what the heck is new? I mean when did it become uncool to put in a list of the recent changes/updates/features in the description so people know why there is an update?

BoNeLeSS reviewed v2.20 on Jul 15, 2002

Quite good but the UI it's still a bit bloated. I go for WinRAR for now.

Night Knight reviewed v2.20 on Jul 15, 2002

I personaly think that this program is THE best program for handling compressed files. The GUI is nice and very easy to use. It supports lots of compressed formats.

DivineDark reviewed v2.20 on Jul 15, 2002

wtf are you people smoking. yes its too bad it can compress in rar but im sure its a copyright thing. i wonder how much the makers of the rar format are asking to licence it to winace. Anyone want to fork over the cash to help winace out. anyway. look at the footprint. i can think of a million things worse. in my opinion the amount of features vs. mem usage is a 1:1 ratio. ive been using winace since it first came out. If you know how to configure it to serve you the most you will get a great deal out if it. rar is overated anyway. i like its convert feature. i sweeped my drive for all rar's and changed them to ace files with just a few clicks. saved almost 1gb of space. from what i noticed im getting about an extra 20-30 percent space from tha good ol winace. nice program.

KAMiKAZOW reviewed v2.20 on Jul 14, 2002

The ACE file format is nice, but the WinACE programm is slow and bloated.

guti reviewed v2.20 on Jul 14, 2002

WinRAR has the same defect. It cannot compress in ACE format, only decompress.
WinACE and WinRAR are the best available shareware packers, with excellent compression ratios, and a great number of features.
If you want a freeware packer with excellent compression rations, and a lot of features on the way, take a look at 7-Zip

oudoulj reviewed v2.11 on Nov 15, 2001

Just too bad you cant compress in RAR format (only uncompress RAR).

bobad reviewed v2.02 on Mar 12, 2001

Winace is a little bloated, yet a little short on functionality. With all its cool features, it STILL does not do multi-unzip, or "extract here" from the mouse context menu. It's a shame that Power Archiver, a freeware program, has this functionality and WinAce does not.

alekz reviewed v2.0 Beta 5 on Jan 9, 2001

You have to admit that WinAce is faster than PowerArchiver, at least it is for me. And what's up with this description of WinAce on BetaNews? It's kind of against WinAce.

Anacific reviewed v2.0 Beta 4 on Dec 6, 2000

i'll stick with powerarchiver 6.1 (becuz it's the best)

dejavu reviewed v2.0 Beta 4 on Dec 5, 2000

WinRar and Winzip are the best shareware! The best freeware remains Powerarchiver, but still "gilt and flash" and sometimes doing corrupted files. Winace is a good program.

tem0 reviewed v2.0 Beta 3 on Oct 18, 2000

Works well enough, although I think i'll stick to WinRar for the time being.

Jaraxal reviewed v2.0 Beta 3 on Oct 17, 2000

Why use anything other than PowerArchiver 2000 v6.0. That program has replaced ANY and ALL archiving utilities on my computers.

spoirier reviewed v2.0 Beta 3 on Oct 17, 2000

Why use WinACE or even WinZIP? Why don't you try PowerArchiver v6.0? It's free and can work with ZIP (including Quake III PK3, JAR - JavaARchiver, OWK and REP files), CAB, LHA (LZH), TAR, TAR.GZ (GZIP), TAR.BZ2 (BZIP2), BH (BlakHole), RAR, ACE, ARJ, ARC, ZOO, XXE and UUE. You can find it at http://www.powerarchiver.com.

TreMetal reviewed v2.0 Beta 2 on Aug 28, 2000

Last time I used winace it was painfully slow.. and you had to wait and wait even if you only wanted one file in the .ace file. or .001,002 etc. files. .rar or .zip you can instantly access the file, instead of searching through all of the files.. WinRAR is probably the best out there, but everyone likes WinZIP, either way with WinACE you "are barking up the wrong tree."

dso47 reviewed v2.0 Beta 2 on Aug 28, 2000

Don't you hate how programs contain a "Tell your friend" button on them? If it wasn't such a good program, I wouldn't be using it!

DefBringer reviewed v2.0 Beta 2 on Aug 28, 2000

Once again they've failed to fix the cruddy, confusing interface. The only reason to have this program is to supplement WinZip for RAR and ACE compression. Once WinZip supports those two formats, you can kiss WinAce goodbye.

harr2969 reviewed v1.32 on Jun 29, 2000

For my money (and it IS free!) powerarchiver is the best. It handles more formats than winzip but maintains an almost identicle UI. My one gripe with winzip -- It cascades multiple archive extract windows, powerarchive sequences them.

zollner reviewed v1.32 on Jun 28, 2000

Great program. Find myself using compression programs in descending order of frequency: WinAce, WinZip, ZipMagic, WinRar. I like especially that folders inside compressed files are displayed as folders (unlike WinZip).

Agree with others that the description blurb makes no sense and that the program is not freeware.