The Best CCleaner Alternatives
Exploring other PC cleaning and optimization tools
Why You Might Want a CCleaner Alternative
While CCleaner is excellent, it's not the only option. Here are reasons you might explore alternatives:
Top CCleaner Alternatives Compared
BleachBit
Windows, Linux
✅ Advantages
- • Completely free and open-source
- • No ads or upgrade prompts
- • More aggressive cleaning than CCleaner
- • Great for privacy (used by security professionals)
- • Supports Linux
- • Secure file shredding included
❌ Disadvantages
- • Less polished interface
- • No registry cleaner
- • Steeper learning curve
- • No technical support
- • Can be overly aggressive
Best For: Privacy-focused users, Linux users, those wanting completely free software
CleanMyPC
Windows only
✅ Advantages
- • Modern, beautiful interface
- • Effective malware removal
- • Real-time monitoring
- • Automatic maintenance
- • Good customer support
- • Registry cleaner with safety features
❌ Disadvantages
- • More expensive than CCleaner Pro
- • No free version (only trial)
- • Windows only
- • Less feature-rich than CCleaner
- • Smaller user base
Best For: Users who prioritize interface design, those wanting malware protection included
Glary Utilities
Windows only
✅ Advantages
- • All-in-one toolkit (20+ tools)
- • Free version is very capable
- • Registry cleaner and defrag
- • One-click maintenance
- • Startup manager
- • File encryption included
❌ Disadvantages
- • Cluttered interface
- • Frequent upgrade prompts
- • Some tools redundant
- • Installation includes bundled software
- • Can be overwhelming
Best For: Power users wanting an all-in-one toolkit, those needing encryption tools
Wise Care 365
Windows only
✅ Advantages
- • Good free version
- • Privacy eraser
- • System monitoring
- • Disk defragmenter
- • Game booster mode
- • Portable version available
❌ Disadvantages
- • Dated interface design
- • Aggressive marketing
- • Some features feel gimmicky
- • Occasional false positives
- • Limited Mac support
Best For: Gamers (game boost mode), users wanting free system monitoring
Windows Built-in Tools
Windows only
✅ Advantages
- • Already installed
- • 100% safe and trusted
- • No installation needed
- • Integrated with Windows
- • Automatic maintenance
- • Storage Sense automation
❌ Disadvantages
- • Less comprehensive than CCleaner
- • No browser cleaning
- • No registry cleaner
- • Limited customization
- • Scattered across different areas
Best For: Minimalists, users wanting zero third-party software, basic maintenance needs
Tools: Disk Cleanup, Storage Sense, Task Manager, Defragment and Optimize Drives
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | CCleaner | BleachBit | CleanMyPC | Glary | Wise Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Free) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Junk File Cleaning | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Registry Cleaner | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Browser Cleaning | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Startup Manager | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Real-time Monitoring | Pro | ❌ | ✅ | Pro | Pro |
| Scheduled Cleaning | Pro | ❌ | ✅ | Pro | Pro |
| Open Source | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Mac Support | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Linux Support | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Our Final Recommendation
For most Windows users, CCleaner remains the best choice due to its balance of features, ease of use, and free tier. However:
Choose BleachBit if:
You value open-source software and privacy above all, or use Linux
Choose Windows Tools if:
You want zero third-party software and basic maintenance is enough
Choose Glary if:
You want an extensive toolkit with many utilities in one package