Every computer needs an occasional tune-up,but not all PC cleaners get the job done.
To find the best ones, I tested a ton of software to see which truly fixes slowdowns.
I focused on tools that clear junk files, update outdated apps, and optimize system controls.
My top picks strike the perfect balance between security and speed, while keeping you protected from malware.
A PC cleaner with built-in antivirus tools helps prevent these issues.
Read on to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
I like how TotalAV pairs them with a near-perfect malware scanner.
It outdid Windows Disk Cleanup by a mile.
I also like the software uninstaller, which made removing unwanted and unused programs from my computer simple.
TotalAVs powerful malware scanner nails many threats, including PUPs, bloatware, and adware.
I like how lightweight TotalAVs virus scanner is, too.
During testing, it didnt impact my PCs performance at all.
The other paid plans come with the same cleanup tools, and they all offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
TotalAV delivers powerful tools to remove malware and tackle slowdowns.
The Tune-Up suite boosted my test PCs memory, CPU speed, and web client privacy.
Plus, its real-time anti-malware protection easily roots out PUPs, adware, and other performance-dragging threats.
Beyond cleaning your PC of malware, Norton also offers excellent optimization tools in theUtilities Ultimatepackage.
Norton would earn the top spot on this list if these tools were included in the main plans.
Nortons plans include a top-notch antivirus that can clean your gear of malware.
All of Nortons plans come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Nortons antivirus software can clear all the malware on your system and also comes with some nice optimization tools.
TheUtilities Ultimateplan is a paid add-on with more comprehensive optimization features.
Avira offers a range of antivirus packages, including a free version.
AviraPrimehas many great cleanup tools.
Its perfect for breathing life into PCs slowed by junk and PUPs.
The OneClick Optimizer makes fixing issues and cleaning junk simple.
you’ve got the option to clear up most issues with just a single click.
The junk scan only took a few minutes and flagged almost 1.5 GB of files for deletion.
After I deleted these files, my PC was noticeably faster and more responsive.
The OneClick Optimizer works well, but I wish this suite had more features.
Because it works in the cloud, scans dont noticeably slow down your rig.
Bitdefender provides fast PC cleanup and optimization and excellent antivirus detection.
However, Bitdefenders malware scanner is one of the best around.
That said, McAfee has aPC Optimizerplan thats sold separately from the antivirus.
The PC Optimizer scanned my test PC in under a minute, flagging 1,000+ issues.
Clearing them noticeably lifted the speed of my system.
The surfing app tracker and cookie remover make cleaning up traces of your online activities easy.
It also can remove temporary junk files and empty your recycle bin.
McAfee offers great tools for cleaning your PC of any malware lurking about.
All McAfee plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Theres also a file eraser tool that can clean up anything you want to remove.
iolo features LiveBoost, a tool that automatically optimizes CPU and RAM usage by tweaking hard-drive resources.
This is its most helpful and impressive feature, as it noticeably improved my systems performance.
iolos malware removal engine is also a nice addition.
While its not as effective or advanced asNortonsanti-malware engine, iolos antivirus is pretty good for basic malware protection.
All iolo products include a 30-day refund policy.
A good PC cleaner can solve major computer problems, with malware being the biggest threat.
The best solution is atop-rated antivirus, as the best PC cleaners are part of antivirus suites.
Even without malware, registry issues, outdated software, and a cluttered hard drive can cause slowdowns.
You need optimization tools to fix these problems.
Do PC cleaners & optimizers really work?
Exactly how much they will help you depends on the issues that are affecting your machine.
Will a PC optimizer help my gaming experience?
Can a PC cleanup program fix my computer?
PC cleaners are a great and relatively inexpensive way to revive sluggish computers.
Is a free PC cleaner enough?
Unless your PC is already running smoothly, youll want a premium cleaner.
Thats because free apps generally lack thetools neededto tackle the issues that seriously slow down PCs.
Are PC optimizer programs better than Windowss optimization tools?
Windows offers some basic optimization features, like program uninstallers and disk defragmentation.
What PC cleaners should you avoid?
