No. CCleaner is a system optimization and privacy cleaning tool. It removes temporary files, cookies, and browsing history from your device. For encrypted internet traffic, you need a separate VPN service.

Is CCleaner safe to use?

Yes. CCleaner is safe when downloaded from the official website. It had a supply chain attack in 2017 that was quickly resolved. The software is now owned by Gen Digital (Norton/Avast parent) with enterprise security practices.

utility

CCleaner Review 2025.

System optimization and privacy cleaning

/ 10

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Servers

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Countries

Devices

30 days

Money-back

Review

CCleaner by Piriform (Gen Digital) is the world's most popular PC optimization tool with over 2.5 billion downloads. It removes temporary files, cleans browser caches, fixes registry issues, and manages startup programs to improve system performance. CCleaner Professional includes a software updater, driver updater, and a privacy-focused browser cleaner that removes tracking cookies and browsing history. While not a VPN, CCleaner complements VPN usage by cleaning local privacy traces that VPNs don't address.

Ratings

Privacy

6.5

Features

7.5

Ease of use

Value

7.5

Pros & Cons

Pros

+Most downloaded PC optimization tool (2.5B+ downloads)
+Removes tracking cookies and browsing history
+Software updater patches security vulnerabilities
+Driver updater keeps hardware running optimally
+Free version available with core cleaning features
+Complements VPN by cleaning local privacy traces

Cons

-Not a VPN — does not encrypt traffic or hide IP
-Windows-focused (limited macOS/Android features)
-Registry cleaning can be risky if used carelessly
-Past security incident (compromised build in 2017)

Pricing

Yearly

$2.50/mo

$29.95/year

Free tier available with limited features.

Technical Specifications

Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
Founded: 2003
Encryption: —
Protocols: —
Kill Switch: No
Split Tunneling: No
No-Logs Policy: No
No-Logs Audit: Not audited
Ad Blocker: No
P2P / Torrents: Not supported
Streaming: Not optimized
Double VPN: No
Dedicated IP: No
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android

FAQ

Is CCleaner a VPN?: No. CCleaner is a system optimization and privacy cleaning tool. It removes temporary files, cookies, and browsing history from your device. For encrypted internet traffic, you need a separate VPN service.
Is CCleaner safe to use?: Yes. CCleaner is safe when downloaded from the official website. It had a supply chain attack in 2017 that was quickly resolved. The software is now owned by Gen Digital (Norton/Avast parent) with enterprise security practices.

Best PC optimizer to complement your VPN

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