Zamzar is a popular online file converter, but its file size limits, macro stripping, and cloud-upload requirement make it the wrong choice for serious .xls and .mdb migration.
Zamzar's business plan caps file sizes at 400 MB per file, with a 1 GB limit on their highest tier. Legacy .xls files with embedded objects, attachments, or large datasets frequently exceed these limits. If your file can't upload, it can't be converted — full stop. LegacyLeaps runs locally with no size limits whatsoever.
Like all online converters, Zamzar uses server-side conversion tools that don't support VBA macro preservation. When you upload an .xls file with macros and download the .xlsx result, all VBA code has been silently removed. The file looks complete. The macros are gone. LegacyLeaps preserves every module, every function, every event handler.
Every Zamzar conversion requires uploading your file to their servers. They process and delete files according to their retention policy, but the upload happens regardless. For .xls files containing client data, financial records, or proprietary business logic — uploading to any third-party server creates risk that most organizations can't accept.
| Feature | LegacyLeaps | Zamzar |
|---|---|---|
| VBA macro preservation | Yes | No — stripped |
| ActiveX control migration | Yes | No |
| Access .mdb conversion | Yes (full migration) | Not supported |
| File size limit | No limit | 400 MB – 1 GB |
| Files stay local | Yes | No — cloud upload |
| Pre-conversion audit | Free scan report | No |
| Batch conversion | Unlimited batch | Limited by plan |
| Works offline | Yes | No |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | No |
Zamzar is an excellent tool for quick, simple format conversions — particularly for non-Office file types. For .xls files that are purely data-only (no macros, no ActiveX, no sensitive content, under 400 MB), Zamzar will produce a workable .xlsx output.
Run LegacyLeaps's free scan first to confirm your file has no VBA code. If it's clean, Zamzar is a viable free option for simple conversions.
Download LegacyLeaps and scan your files for free — no file size restrictions, no data leaving your machine.