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CCleaner vs Glary Utilities:Comparison of Windows Cleaning Tools

CCleaner is arguably one of the most popular apps for Windows enthusiasts (an Android version is also available). It started back in the days of XP, when we used to clean Windows every weekend to keep the system in top shape. Fast forward to Windows 8, add next-gen hardware alongside, and the problem doesn't seem as bad.

SummarySimilaritiesCCleaner is Best for One-Click Application and System Data CleanupCleaning Application Data with CCleanerGlary Is Not a Cleaner ApplicationGlary Has Advanced Tuning OptionsFree Vs PaidCCleaner Vs Glary Utilities. Who For What?

But it's Windows. It added a "Modern UI" splash screen with a beautiful interface and smooth transitions and all it's really used for is even adding Suite bloatware. So, although perhaps less than before, Windows still needs to be cleaned up. Like an unruly teenager, he just won't put his own mess away.

If you search the internet for the best cleaning/maintenance tools, CCleaner will appear at the top, with Glary Utilities trailing behind. To be honest, Glary Utilities isn't just a cleaning app. But both can be used for the same purposes.

So let's see which one is right for you.

The similarities

As far as cleaning goes, CCleaner and Glary Utilities will do the job. Both apps give you quick ways to clean registry files, delete temporary files, delete app caches, browsing history, uninstall apps, and manage startup apps.

CCleaner is best-for-app-and-system-data-cleaning one-click application and system

When you launch CCleaner, it will default to the Cleaner tongue. From tabs windows and Apps you can choose what you want to clean. On the Windows side, you will find actions such as emptying the recycle bin, emptying the clipboard, Windows log files, memory dumping, etc.

CCleaner vs Glary Utilities:Comparison of Windows Cleaning Tools

the Apps The tab lists the browsers you have installed as well as apps like Photoshop, media apps, and even utilities like 7-zip.

Clean app data with CCleaner

CCleaner vs Glary Utilities:Comparison of Windows Cleaning Tools

Be careful when cleaning app data with CCleaner. The app is good at finding out what's junk and it usually cleans up small temporary thumb and log files, but it never hurts to be careful.

Glary is not a cleaner-app

As I stated above, Glary Utilities is not specifically a cleaner application. You won't find a "Cleaner" tab anywhere in the app and it doesn't provide controlled cleaning of app and browser data like CCleaner does .

CCleaner vs Glary Utilities:Comparison of Windows Cleaning Tools

What Glary provides is a set of fantastic system management tools. There is a 1-Click Maintenance mode that will check registry, shortcuts, startup applications, repair disk damage and even remove spyware. All with just one click.

Just Running 1-Click Maintenance will ensure that your Windows ship encounters smooth sailing.

Glary has advanced-focus options

Glary gets interesting when you go to Advanced Tools tongue. Here you will find specific tools for registry cleaning, privacy management, hard disk defragmentation, disk space cleaning, system check, driver backup/restore, malware utility and uninstalling apps (with a batch uninstall feature).

CCleaner vs Glary Utilities:Comparison of Windows Cleaning Tools

As you can see there is a lot to do here and Glary does it well. the Disk space cleanup is my favorite feature.

Free vs paid

The free version of CCleaner has all the cleaning features we talked about above. "Professional" and "Professional Plus" paid versions add features such as real-time monitoring, automatic updates, defragmentation, file recovery, and hardware scanning.

The basic version of Glary Utilities with all features listed in the above section is free for personal use. The $28 pro update adds features like automatic background maintenance, free technical support, and a commercial license.

The free version of Glary Utilities is powerful on its own. It actually has all the features of the paid CCleaner Professional Plus upgrade.

CCleaner Vs Glary Utilities. Who For What?

The days of people using cleaning apps like CCleaner are fast fading. Browsers like Chrome allow you to clean cache, cookies, history, etc. in one click from the browser itself. Trash cans can easily be cleared from the context menu.

CCleaner vs Glary Utilities:Comparison of Windows Cleaning Tools

But Glary Utilities' services are still very much needed, with things like:

  • Defragment
  • Malware and spyware check
  • Duplicate Cleaner
  • Disk Space Utility
  • And above all, a 1-click maintenance mode

In this unfair fight, Glary wins hands down. There are still things CCleaner does that Glary does not. But there's no reason to run both apps unless you can't stand doing a per-app/browser cleanup yourself.