You probably use your PC or laptop every day and this will eventually slow it down. Over time, computers get cluttered with hidden apps, files, and lots of junk, but it’s quick and easy to fix it and speed up your machine with these great PC cleaners.
Even if you’re not running out of storage space, there are plenty of ways these clever software can find out why your machine is running slowly from registry items to startup programs.
Windows has built-in tools to help you erase unused files and programs, but for best results you’ll want to use dedicated PC cleaning software. There are plenty of apps available, but the ones we’ve tested here are all relatively inexpensive while still offering full service.
We used a laptop that had been in use for over three years with an almost full C: drive (80 GB capacity). All applications were tested under identical conditions, controlled by creating a system image before any test and restoring it for each new software.
This means that each had the same set of files, registry entries, and settings to manage. We just installed each one and let it do its job to see how well it could do. You can also check out the best antivirus software.
Best PC Cleaner Software 2023
1. CCleaner Professional – Best Overall
Advantages
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Affordable
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Solid performance
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Lots of tools
The inconvenients
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Average file deletion control
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Not the best UI
A mainstay in the world of PC cleaners, CCleaner Professional is still the best option for an all-rounder starting with a cheaper price than other rivals here. There’s no option for 10 machines, but Plus works on three, which might be enough for most people anyway.
Despite that, it managed to clean up more of our test laptop’s total space than any other, so performance is top-notch. We’d just like a little more control over what gets deleted.
The interface might be a little dated and may take some time to learn, but it’s usable and there are plenty of tools offered here to perform various tasks, as well as automatic cleaning and scheduling.
Read our full CCleaner Professional review
2. IObit Advanced SystemCare – Better User Interface
Advantages
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Clean and elegant interface
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Solid performance
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Wide range of tools
The inconvenients
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Limited selection of files to delete
Advanced SystemCare Pro has the modern user interface that CCleaner Professional lacks, so it’s ideal for new or experienced users.
Performance is solid, freeing up a decent amount of storage and also RAM. Like CCleaner, however, a bit more user control over unnecessary files that get deleted.
Additionally, there is a comprehensive set of tools available for various other tasks you might want to perform. All of this at a reasonable price, making it a great option for a PC cleaning app.
Read our full IObit Advanced SystemCare 14 Pro review
3. Ashampoo WinOptimizer – Best for Multiple Machines
Advantages
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Modern interface
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Easy to use
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Packed with tools
The inconvenients
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No one-time license option
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A single scan did not find everything
Unlike CCleaner and IObit, WinOptimizer 19 is more suitable for users who want PC cleaning software on more machines. There is only a 10 CP option rather than three or one.
It’s good value for money if it suits your needs, especially if you don’t want an annual subscription like your rivals.
The software has a user-friendly interface and if you are a novice, the 1-click optimizer will solve a lot of problems with minimal hassle and it has plenty of other tools for the more tech-savvy customer.
We found performance to be good, although it took some scanning to find anything that could be cleared up.
Read our full Ashampoo WinOptimizer 19 review
4. AVG TuneUp – Best for Cross-Platform
Advantages
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Easy to use
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Good performance
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Decent tool selection
The inconvenients
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Expensive if bought directly
Like its antivirus software, AVG TuneUp has a simple interface that is easy to understand in no time.
It does the main job of making your machine faster and cleaner and also has other features like automatic maintenance. Performance lags behind CCleaner when it comes to freeing up hard drive space.
It’s a good option if you want to use it on platforms other than Windows, like iOS and Android. The main downside is the high cost, but you can find better prices if you don’t buy directly from AVG.
Read our full AVG TuneUp review
5. Norton Utilities Ulitmate – Best Toolset
Advantages
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Complete tool set
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Easy to use
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Real-time hardware optimization
The inconvenients
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Poor space freeing performance
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Expensive after the first year
If you want the most tools and features, then Utilities Ultimate, as the name suggests, is packed to the brim, making it a great choice for the type of user who wants a deep technical dive.
The user interface is smooth and one of the features is real-time optimization of your CPU and memory which is unusual. And there are plenty of other tools to get started with.
However, cleaning junk files and registry issues is also insufficient. Given the high asking price and the lack of a single PC option, you might want to look elsewhere.
The price is reasonable the first year but then renews at a much higher price.
Read our full Norton Utilities Ultimate review
6. MacPaw CleanMyPC – Most Flexible Plans
Advantages
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Simplified interface
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Quick scan
The inconvenients
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Limited cleaning
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No registry scan
CleanMyPC is quick and easy to use with a simple interface which is a good start and we like the option to pay annually or a one time fee giving you flexibility.
The prices are reasonable and the software takes up little space, which makes it handy if your disk is really full.
Performance isn’t on par with some rivals, however, with an average amount of space freed up because it couldn’t access some files to delete and it couldn’t perform registry cleaning either. The other tools available are good, but you can usually do the same things just as easily with Windows.
Note: CleanMyPC is no longer developed. You can still buy and use it, but you’ll only receive critical bug fixes and support won’t extend beyond Windows 11.
Read our full MacPaw CleanMyPC review
Have you decluttered your PC but it’s still running slow? Check out how to speed up Windows for more suggestions.
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