CCleaner alternatives are other tools for clearing temporary files, finding what's filling your drive and removing apps cleanly. Disk analysers show exactly what takes up space, junk cleaners clear caches and temporary files, and uninstallers remove leftovers. Start with the cleanup tool already in your operating system, then add one specialist tool for the job it can't do.
CCleaner has been the default PC cleaner for years, but it's no longer the only option, and plenty of people want something lighter or more transparent about what it deletes.
Here are ten CCleaner alternatives in no particular order, sorted alphabetically, covering Windows and Mac: junk cleaners, disk analysers, uninstallers and a couple of all-in-one utilities. Each description comes from the tool's own website, re-checked today.
Before you install anything, ask what problem you're solving. A full drive is a different job from a slow computer, and a cleaner can't fix a slow machine that simply needs more memory.
The good news is that your computer may already have most of what you need built in.
CCleaner alternatives at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's own site or store listing describes a free version or free plan, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated there. Free versions usually come with limits, so check what's included before you rely on one.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| AppCleaner | Mac uninstaller | Removing Mac apps and their leftovers | Yes |
| BleachBit | Open-source cleaner | Clearing caches and private data | Yes |
| Glary Utilities | PC maintenance suite | Several cleanup tools in one place | Yes |
| Microsoft PC Manager | Windows cleanup app | Simple cleanup from Microsoft | Yes |
| OnyX | Mac maintenance utility | Maintenance tasks on a Mac | Yes |
| PrivaZer | Privacy cleaner | Removing traces of past activity | Yes |
| Revo Uninstaller | Windows uninstaller | Thorough uninstalls on Windows | Trial only |
| WinDirStat | Disk usage analyser | Seeing what fills your drive | Yes |
| Wise Disk Cleaner | Junk file cleaner | Quick junk file cleanup | Trial only |
| WizTree | Disk space analyser | Fast scans of large drives | Yes |
Ten CCleaner alternatives to consider
AppCleaner
Best for: Mac users who want to remove apps along with the files they leave behind.
BleachBit
Best for: People who want an open-source cleaner for caches, logs and browser data.
Glary Utilities
Best for: Windows users who want several maintenance tools in one free suite.
Microsoft PC Manager
Best for: Windows users who'd rather use a cleanup app made by Microsoft.
OnyX
Best for: Mac users comfortable with maintenance tasks and system settings.
PrivaZer
Best for: Privacy-minded Windows users who want to clear traces of past activity.
Revo Uninstaller
Best for: Windows users who want programs removed along with leftover files and settings.
WinDirStat
Best for: Anyone who wants a visual map of exactly what's filling their drive.
Wise Disk Cleaner
Best for: Windows users who want a quick scan for junk files and temporary data.
WizTree
Best for: People with big drives who want a very fast scan of disk usage.
The cleaner already built into Windows
Here's the detail many people miss. Microsoft's own support page explains that Storage Sense can automatically free up drive space by getting rid of items you don't need, such as temporary files and items in your Recycle Bin. You'll find it under Settings, System, Storage.
That covers the most common reason people install a cleaner. So switch it on first, then add a specialist tool only for what it can't do, like mapping exactly which folders are huge or removing an app's leftovers.
What to check before you clean
- What it deletes: review the list before you press clean.
- Browser data: clearing cookies logs you out of websites.
- Registry tools: be wary of anything promising big speed gains from registry edits.
- Bundled extras: watch for extra software offered during installation.
- Backups: make sure important files are backed up before any big cleanup.
A safe cleanup routine
- Back up your important files.
- Turn on your system's built-in storage cleanup.
- Run a disk analyser to find the biggest folders.
- Delete or move large files you no longer need.
- Uninstall apps you haven't opened in months.
Cleaning up your tech, not just your drive
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Do you make cleanup or disk tools? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My honest take on PC cleaners
Most computers don't need an aggressive cleaner. They need the built-in storage tools switched on and the odd look at what's filling the drive.
If your computer is slow rather than full, a cleaner won't fix it. Check what starts up with your computer and how much memory is in use before blaming junk files.
And keep it simple. One built-in tool, one disk analyser and one uninstaller cover almost everything, and fewer tools means fewer surprises after an update.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to CCleaner?
It depends on the job: disk analysers find big files, uninstallers remove leftovers and junk cleaners clear caches.
Does Windows have a built-in cleaner?
Yes. Microsoft's support page says Storage Sense can automatically free up space by removing temporary files and Recycle Bin items.
Is there a free CCleaner alternative?
Yes. Several tools on this list have free versions, and some are open source.
Do PC cleaners make a computer faster?
They free up space, but they rarely fix a slow computer on their own.
Is it safe to clean the registry?
Be cautious. Registry changes can cause problems, so back up first and avoid tools promising dramatic speed boosts.
What's a disk analyser?
It's a tool that shows which files and folders take up the most space.
What's the best cleanup tool for a Mac?
Mac users often pair a maintenance utility with an uninstaller for leftovers.
Will clearing browser data log me out?
Yes. Clearing cookies signs you out of most websites.
How often should I clean my computer?
A quick check every month or two is plenty for most people.
Should I delete temporary files?
Yes, temporary files are generally safe to remove, and built-in tools handle them well.
Why is my drive still full after cleaning?
Large files like videos, downloads and old backups usually take far more space than junk.
Do I need a cleaner on a brand new computer?
Usually not. Built-in tools are enough for a new machine.
