Online ZIP Tools — Privacy Comparison
Not all online archive tools are equal when it comes to privacy. Here's what each approach means for your files.
Three Types of Online Archive Tools
Type 1: Upload-based (ezyzip.com, extract.me, etc.) • Your file is uploaded to their server for processing • Fast for the provider (server does the work) • Your data passes through third-party infrastructure • Retention policies vary — your file may be stored temporarily or indefinitely Type 2: Hybrid (some tools) • Small files processed locally, large files uploaded • Hard to know which mode is active Type 3: Fully local (tarpanda) • Everything processed in your browser • No file data ever sent to a server • Verifiable by checking network traffic • Works offline once loaded
What Happens to Your Files?
Upload-based tools typically say they delete your files after processing. But: • You can't verify deletion actually happened • Files may exist in backups or CDN caches • Server breaches could expose your data • Employees may have access • Legal requests could require data retention With a local-only tool, none of these concerns apply because your data never leaves your device.
Regulatory Considerations
If you handle data subject to GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA, or other regulations: • Upload-based tools may constitute a data transfer to a third party • You may need a data processing agreement with the tool provider • Cross-border data transfer rules may apply Local-only tools avoid all of these issues since no data is transmitted.
Try it now — free in your browser
No download. No signup. Your files never leave your device.
Open Archive ToolRelated Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Open your browser's Network tab (F12 → Network). Load a file into the tool. If you see large upload requests, it's server-based. If the only traffic is the initial page load, it's local.
In theory, yes. But browser network inspection tools make this verifiable. If no data is sent over the network, the tool is genuinely local. This is something you can check yourself.