TAR vs Gzipped TAR: Which Should You Use?
Side-by-side comparison of TAR and Gzipped TAR archive formats — features, pros, cons, and conversion options.
TAR is best for Unix/Linux file archival (typically combined with gzip or bzip2). Gzipped TAR is best for General-purpose Linux/Unix file archival and distribution.
Quick Verdict
- ✓ Preserves Unix file permissions
- ✓ No compression overhead
- ✓ Simple concatenation format
- ✗ No built-in compression
- ✓ Fast compression and decompression
- ✓ Universal Unix/Linux support
- ✓ Preserves file permissions
- ✗ Lower compression than bzip2 or xz
Specs Comparison
Side-by-side technical comparison of TAR and Gzipped TAR
| Feature | TAR | Gzipped TAR |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Archive | Archive |
| Year Introduced | 1979 | 1992 |
| MIME Type | application/x-tar | application/gzip |
| Extensions | .tar | .tar.gz, .tgz |
| Algorithm | None (archive only) | DEFLATE (LZ77 + Huffman) |
| Max Compression | None (tar only) | Good |
| Encryption | ✗ | ✗ |
| Splitting | ✗ | ✗ |
| Solid Archive | ✗ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
TAR
- ✓ Preserves Unix file permissions
- ✓ No compression overhead
- ✓ Simple concatenation format
- ✗ No built-in compression
- ✗ No random access
- ✗ Large file size without compression layer
Gzipped TAR
- ✓ Fast compression and decompression
- ✓ Universal Unix/Linux support
- ✓ Preserves file permissions
- ✗ Lower compression than bzip2 or xz
- ✗ No random access
- ✗ No encryption
When to Use Each
Choose TAR when...
- You need files optimized for Unix/Linux file archival (typically combined with gzip or bzip2)
- Preserves Unix file permissions
- No compression overhead
Choose Gzipped TAR when...
- You need files optimized for General-purpose Linux/Unix file archival and distribution
- Fast compression and decompression
- Universal Unix/Linux support
How to Convert
Convert between TAR and Gzipped TAR for free on ChangeThisFile
Frequently Asked Questions
TAR is best for Unix/Linux file archival (typically combined with gzip or bzip2), while Gzipped TAR is best for General-purpose Linux/Unix file archival and distribution. Both are archive formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.
It depends on your use case. TAR is better for Unix/Linux file archival (typically combined with gzip or bzip2). Gzipped TAR is better for General-purpose Linux/Unix file archival and distribution. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.
Go to the TAR to Gzipped TAR converter on ChangeThisFile. Upload your file and the conversion processes on the server, then auto-deletes. It's free with no signup required.
Yes. ChangeThisFile supports Gzipped TAR to TAR conversion. Upload your file for server-side conversion — files are auto-deleted after processing.
File size varies depending on the content, compression method, and quality settings of each format. In general, lossy formats produce smaller files than lossless ones. Test with your specific files to compare actual sizes.
No, TAR does not support solid archive, whereas Gzipped TAR does. This may be an important factor depending on your use case.
Both TAR and Gzipped TAR are supported file formats that are free to use. You can convert between them for free on ChangeThisFile — server-side conversions are free with no signup required.
Gzipped TAR is newer — it was introduced in 1992, while TAR dates back to 1979. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.
Related Comparisons
Related Guides
Ready to convert?
Convert between TAR and Gzipped TAR instantly — free, no signup required.
Start Converting