CCleaner
Popular system optimization tool that cleans junk files, removes temporary data,...
Glary Utilities
Comprehensive PC optimization suite with over 20 tools for cleaning, maintenance...
CCleaner vs Glary Utilities: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of CCleaner and Glary Utilities covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
CCleaner vs Glary Utilities: Overview
Choosing between CCleaner and Glary Utilities is a common dilemma for system utilities users. Both tools offer robust solutions, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
CCleaner offers a free tier and starts at $29.95/annually, while Glary Utilities also has a free option and begins at $19.97/annually. But pricing is just one factor—let's dive into features, use cases, and which tool fits your specific needs.
CCleaner is best known for user-friendly interface with clear file deletion preview, whereas Glary Utilities stands out for over 30 comprehensive system tools in one package. In this detailed comparison, we'll analyze both tools across pricing, features, ease of use, and ideal use cases.
Quick Overview
CCleaner
- Best for: Older PCs with limited storage space, Users who want automated system maintenance
- Starting price: Free
- Category: system utilities
- Founded: 2004
Glary Utilities
- Best for: Windows PC maintenance and optimization, System administrators managing multiple computers
- Starting price: Free
- Category: system utilities
- Founded: 2003
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between CCleaner and Glary Utilities.
| Feature | C CCleaner | G Glary Utilities |
|---|---|---|
| Junk File Cleaning | Removes temporary files, browser cache, and system clutter | |
| Registry Cleaner | Scans and repairs Windows registry entries | |
| Performance Optimizer | Pro plan only - hibernates background processes | |
| Driver Updater | Pro plan only - updates outdated device drivers | |
| Software Updater | Pro plan only - keeps installed programs up to date | |
| Privacy Protection | Clears browsing history and removes tracking files | |
| Startup Manager | Manages programs that start with Windows | |
| Automatic Cleaning | Pro plan only - scheduled background cleaning | |
| Cloud Storage Cleaning | Pro plan only - cleans Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox | |
| Uninstaller Tool | Pro plan only - advanced software removal | |
| One-Click Maintenance | ||
| Disk Cleanup | ||
| Registry Repair | ||
| File Recovery | ||
| Duplicate File Finder | ||
| Software Update Manager | ||
| Automatic Scheduling | ||
| Deep System Cleanup |
Features Deep Dive
Both CCleaner and Glary Utilities offer core system utilities functionality, but their feature sets differ in key areas.
Shared features: Privacy Protection, Startup Manager.
CCleaner unique strengths: Junk File Cleaning, Registry Cleaner, Performance Optimizer. This makes it ideal for older pcs with limited storage space.
Glary Utilities unique strengths: One-Click Maintenance, Disk Cleanup, Registry Repair. This makes it better suited for windows pc maintenance and optimization.
CCleaner offers 10 core features with 3 integrations, while Glary Utilities provides 8 features and 3 integrations.
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, Glary Utilities edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, Glary Utilities offers better overall user satisfaction. CCleaner remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize older pcs with limited storage space.
Glary Utilities
Best for Windows PC maintenance and optimization and System administrators managing multiple computers. Over 30 comprehensive system tools in one package.
Try Glary UtilitiesCCleaner
Best for Older PCs with limited storage space and Users who want automated system maintenance. User-friendly interface with clear file deletion preview.
Try CCleanerPros & Cons
CCleaner Pros & Cons
Pros
- User-friendly interface with clear file deletion preview
- Finds more junk files than Windows built-in tools
- All-in-one convenience for cleaning and optimization
- Fast scanning with minimal system resource usage
- Supports Windows 7 through 11
Cons
- Free version is very limited in functionality
- Registry cleaner provides no performance benefit
- Less essential on modern Windows 10/11 systems
- Tries to bundle Avast antivirus during installation
Glary Utilities Pros & Cons
Pros
- Over 30 comprehensive system tools in one package
- Simple one-click maintenance for beginners
- Excellent software update detection and management
- Safe registry cleaning with detailed explanations
- Strong file recovery capabilities
Cons
- Somewhat dated interface design
- Automatic maintenance requires paid subscription
- Can be overwhelming for casual users
- Registry cleaning still carries inherent risks
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
CCleaner
freemium- Standard cleaning
- Basic health check
- Standard privacy protection
- Complete health check
- Performance optimizer
- Driver updater
- Everything in Professional
- Up to 3 devices
- Recuva Pro file recovery
- Everything in Professional Plus
- Up to 5 devices
- 24/7 premium support
Glary Utilities
freemium- Basic disk cleaning
- Registry repair
- Startup management
- All free features
- Deep cleanup and fix
- Automatic maintenance scheduling
Pricing Comparison Analysis
CCleaner Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $29.95/annually. 4 plans available: Free, Professional, Professional Plus, Premium Bundle.
Glary Utilities Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $19.97/annually. 2 plans available: Free, Pro.
Verdict: Glary Utilities is more affordable at the entry level and offers a free tier. However, CCleaner may offer better value at scale with more advanced features.
For budget-conscious teams, Glary Utilities is the clear winner. For teams prioritizing older pcs with limited storage space, CCleaner's pricing may be justified.
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose CCleaner if you need:
- Older PCs with limited storage space
- Users who want automated system maintenance
- Non-technical users seeking simple optimization
- Systems with traditional hard drives and limited RAM
- User-friendly interface with clear file deletion preview
- Finds more junk files than Windows built-in tools
Choose Glary Utilities if you need:
- Windows PC maintenance and optimization
- System administrators managing multiple computers
- Users wanting comprehensive cleanup tools
- Recovering accidentally deleted files
- Over 30 comprehensive system tools in one package
- Simple one-click maintenance for beginners
Final Verdict
Choose CCleaner if: You need older pcs with limited storage space or users who want automated system maintenance. It excels at user-friendly interface with clear file deletion preview and finds more junk files than windows built-in tools.
Choose Glary Utilities if: You prioritize windows pc maintenance and optimization or system administrators managing multiple computers. It's particularly strong for over 30 comprehensive system tools in one package and simple one-click maintenance for beginners.
Overall: Glary Utilities has a slight edge with a 4.6/5 rating from 200,000,000 reviews. However, Glary Utilities has a larger user base with 200,000,000 reviews, suggesting broader market validation.
Both tools are solid choices in the system utilities space. Your decision should ultimately depend on your specific requirements, team size, and budget.
CCleaner vs Glary Utilities FAQ
What are the main differences between CCleaner and Glary Utilities?
CCleaner focuses on older pcs with limited storage space with user-friendly interface with clear file deletion preview, while Glary Utilities excels at windows pc maintenance and optimization with over 30 comprehensive system tools in one package. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is CCleaner or Glary Utilities better for small businesses?
CCleaner offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Glary Utilities's lower starting price of $19.97/month.
What is the pricing difference between CCleaner and Glary Utilities?
CCleaner starts at $29.95/month with a free tier available, while Glary Utilities starts at $19.97/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can CCleaner integrate with Glary Utilities?
While direct integration may vary, both CCleaner and Glary Utilities support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. CCleaner integrates with Windows, Mac, Android, while Glary Utilities works with Windows 10, Windows 11, Various browsers and applications.
Which tool is easier to use, CCleaner or Glary Utilities?
Based on user reviews, Glary Utilities generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.6 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. CCleaner is known for finds more junk files than windows built-in tools.
Does CCleaner or Glary Utilities offer better customer support?
Both CCleaner and Glary Utilities provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. CCleaner offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of CCleaner compared to Glary Utilities?
CCleaner's main advantages include: User-friendly interface with clear file deletion preview, Finds more junk files than Windows built-in tools, All-in-one convenience for cleaning and optimization. Compared to Glary Utilities, it's particularly strong for older pcs with limited storage space.
What are the cons of CCleaner compared to Glary Utilities?
CCleaner's potential drawbacks include: Free version is very limited in functionality, Registry cleaner provides no performance benefit. Glary Utilities may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from CCleaner to Glary Utilities or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for system utilities in 2026?
In 2026, Glary Utilities leads in this comparison with a 4.6 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. CCleaner excels for older pcs with limited storage space, while Glary Utilities is ideal for windows pc maintenance and optimization.