Top 7 CCleaner Alternatives

CCleaner has been among the most trusted PC utility programs for a decade, and for good reason. The software is light on resources yet powerful enough to maintain your computer’s health over time. It offers the usual tools expected from such software and is considered one of the safest and most efficient options on the market. Until recently, CCleaner was entirely free for home use. While it now offers a paid version with extra features, the free version still includes most essential features, contributing to its ongoing popularity.

Recently, Piriform Software Limited, the London-based developer of CCleaner, was acquired by Avast Software, a Czech firm known for its popular antivirus program. This acquisition has sparked concerns among users about the future of CCleaner. For those eager to explore alternatives, here are the 7 best alternatives to CCleaner:

1. BleachBit

BleachBit, a free, open-source computer maintenance software, is available on Windows, Linux, and Mac platforms. Similar to CCleaner, it efficiently cleans temporary and cached files from web browsers, mail clients, and other software such as Java, Flash, Adobe Reader, Skype, Google Earth, MS Office, Libre Office, and various other apps. Its interface is clean and minimalist, enabling users to review and approve files before deletion to avoid accidental deletions.

BleachBit performs a deep system scan, albeit slightly slower, taking about a minute on my clogged-up office PC with a 500GB hard drive. It cleans unnecessary cached files for Windows Explorer, including recently used items, thumbnails, and explorer/start menu search history. You can also shred files, folders, and wipe free space for added privacy. BleachBit, like most FOSS software on Github, operates on a donationware model, so consider rewarding the developers if you appreciate the program.

Download: Free
Platform: (Linux, Windows, macOS)

2. PrivaZer

Privazer stands out as a top utility for preserving privacy. Similar to CCleaner, it efficiently removes temporary files that hinder PC performance and jeopardize privacy if left unchecked. This program conducts on-demand scans and securely cleans browsers, photo editors, and other privacy-compromising programs. While primarily privacy-focused, Privazer also clears unnecessary files from previous Windows versions, system updates, and installers.

The user interface is straightforward, though setup requires some familiarity due to the array of options available. Nonetheless, its ‘Default’ mode suffices for most users. Notably, Privazer lacks its own disk cleanup utility, relying instead on Windows’ native option, which can be time-consuming. Therefore, utilizing another system utility for disk cleanup is advisable. Like BleachBit, Privazer operates on a donationware model, offering a ‘Donors Version’ for those interested in supporting its development.

Download: Free (Windows)

3. Iobit Advanced SystemCare

Iobit’s Advanced SystemCare stands as one of the most efficient PC utility programs available. It offers numerous utilities, surpassing CCleaner, with most accessible even in the free version. Additionally, Iobit provides a paid version with extended features. Personally, I utilize both Iobit and CCleaner on my Windows PCs. I can vouch for the effectiveness of most functions in Advanced SystemCare, except for its malware scanning feature, as I haven’t encountered malware in a long time. Notably, it avoids false positives, unlike many antivirus programs.

The utility offers options to defrag your hard disk, manage drivers, shred files, scan for bad sectors, clean and defrag the Windows registry, adjust OS settings, and plug security and privacy loopholes. Additionally, there’s the Performance Monitor widget, surpassing perfmon.exe with a more user-friendly interface. It displays CPU, RAM, hard disk usage, and network traffic in a small window, which can be disabled from settings. You can also free up RAM by terminating unnecessary background processes. The Rescue Center enables you to create and delete system restore points, while Turbo Boost speeds up Windows by disabling unnecessary processes and services.

Download: Free, Paid version: $19.99 (Windows)

4. CleanMyMac 3

CleanMyMac, exclusively for Mac, is developed by MacPaw, which also offers a similar utility, CleanMyPC, for Windows. Alongside CCleaner, CleanMyMac is highly recommended for Mac users. It includes various bundled utilities such as a software uninstaller, file shredder, and iTunes/iPhoto junk cleaner. Additionally, it features a Smart Cleanup option for automating maintenance tasks. The program provides detailed hardware information, conducts hard drive health checks, and monitors available RAM and battery life (for Macbooks). Users can schedule scans at their convenience.

Now in its third generation, the software has added numerous features and utilities without significantly impacting resources. The UI is less cluttered compared to version 2, with each function accompanied by a brief explanation. However, it’s worth noting that you can’t try out all features before purchase. The trial version of CleanMyMac 3 scans your Mac entirely but only removes a maximum of 500 MB of junk and allows usage of only 3 maintenance utilities.

Download: Free trial, Costs $39.95 (macOS)

5. jv16 Power Tools

jv16 PowerTools is a PC utility with a wealth of advanced options to clean your PC by removing junk files, folders, registry entries, and leftovers from previous uninstallations. The user interface might not be as visually appealing as some other utilities on this list, but the program targets slightly more experienced users who are unlikely to be deterred by the relatively plain interface. While there is a ‘Simplified UI’ for novices, there’s also an ‘Advanced UI’ option that lets you tweak settings not commonly found in other software.

Full-fledged optimization suite, Glary Utilities, akin to CCleaner, offers diverse options including Registry Cleaner, File Tools, System Tools, Privacy Tools, and a startup manager. Additional utilities comprise a software uninstaller, anti-spyware scanner, startup timer, and website black-lister—absent in the Piriform app. Glary Utilities proves notably more customizable than CCleaner and many others listed here, albeit occasionally sluggish.

Download: 60-day Trial, Costs $29.95 (Windows)

6. Glary Utilities

Glary Utilities stands out in the realm of PC tuneup, offering a suite of system utilities for tweaking, repairing, optimizing, and enhancing computer performance. Like similar programs, it includes built-in tools such as a disk cleaner, registry optimizer, uninstall manager, memory optimizer, file shredder, duplicate file finder, and history eraser.

Like CCleaner, Glary Utilities is lightweight and intuitive, effectively removing unnecessary files and recovering hard drive space. Additionally, it offers a feature to scan for software updates, saving time for users who can’t check each program individually. Notably, it includes a ‘Browser Assistant’ to manage Firefox, Chrome, and Internet Explorer simultaneously, streamlining the process.

Download: Free, Paid version costs $19.97 (Windows)

7. AVG TuneUp

AVG TuneUp, formerly TuneUp Utilities, once notorious for its bloated nature and poor reputation among PC utility programs, has undergone significant transformation since its acquisition by AVG, a leading antivirus provider. In contrast to CCleaner’s minimalist interface, AVG TuneUp boasts a polished appearance, yet its features largely align with industry standards. The software facilitates one-click removal of web browsing history, temporary files, and other extraneous data, while also offering granular control over deletion preferences.

The program includes utilities to optimize system startup, defragment the hard drive, clean broken keys in the Windows Registry, restore accidentally deleted files, modify hidden settings, customize Windows appearance, and check your hard drive for errors. Additionally, it offers a file shredder, startup optimizer, and defragmenter. There’s also an Economy Mode promising to extend your laptop battery life, although I couldn’t test it on my office desktop. Overall, while promising, the program faces stiff competition in its segment, so its future success remains to be seen.

Download: 30-day Trial, $49.99 (Windows)

Bonus: Windows Disk Cleanup

Many overlook that Windows includes a built-in disk cleaner. Operating it is simple; you can scan one drive at a time. Once finished, it lists deletable items. You choose what to remove, keeping what’s important. While effective, it’s time-consuming and can hang on PCs with limited space.

Windows Disk Cleanup isn’t trendy for discarding unwanted files, nor does it offer the bells and whistles of third-party utilities. However, if you’re avoiding additional programs on your overloaded computer or feeling overwhelmed by market options, Windows’ built-in cleaning utility is worth trying.

Top CCleaner Alternatives

While many PC maintenance issues can be managed manually, it demands patience and expertise. PC maintenance suites simplify detecting glaring issues that may hinder your PC’s performance. While none are flawless, some surpass others, but caution is necessary. Erroneously deleted registry keys or system files can render your device unusable. Hence, prioritize a safe PC maintenance utility over a feature-packed one. In my experience, CCleaner, PrivaZer, and Advanced SystemCare are reliable choices, ensuring you do more good than harm.

Here’s our list of top CCleaner alternatives for your computer. Do you use any of them, or prefer different PC maintenance software? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below – we value your input.