You can activate individual tools or initiate a one-click tune-up. In addition, useful dialogue bubbles pop up to explain common PC problems and the tools' various functions. The interface has several options in the left pane, such as ActiveCare (real-time system monitoring and clean up) and LiveBoost (maximizes CPU, RAM and hard disk performance), that contain individual tune-up subcategories. The latest Iolo System Mechanic has a new, streamlined look that makes it easier than ever to find the app's various tools. Ashampoo WinOptimizer and AVG TuneUp offer generous 10-device licenses. That's a welcome benefit in the age of the multi-PC home. Unlike most PC tune-up utilities, Iolo System Mechanic lets you install the software on any number of computers, provided that it's not for business purposes. On the other hand, Windows 10's integrated tune-up tools won't cost you a thing. Ashampoo WinOptimizer is one of the few tune-up utilities that isn't subscription-based it's a one-time, $49.99 purchase.

Iolo also offers System Mechanic Pro (a $69.95-per-year suite that bundles antivirus and data-protection tools) and System Mechanic Ultimate (a $79.95-per-year tier that adds the ByePass password manager and Malware Killer anti-malware tech).įor comparison, AVG TuneUp costs $69.99 per year. At the time of this writing, Iolo System Mechanic was going for $14.98 per year. Like many tune-up utility companies, Iolo constantly runs discounts, so don't expect to pay the full price. The base Iolo System Mechanic (version 21, reviewed here) has a list price of $49.95 per year, and is compatible with all PCs running Windows 10/8/7 (Windows Vista and XP PCs work with System Mechanic versions up to 16.0.0.10). So why the tepid recommendation? You don't necessarily need Iolo System Mechanic to get most of these benefits-if you're the intrepid type who doesn't mind diving deep into Windows 10 to find similarly effective tools. Plus, the latest version improves several longtime features, while adding a revamped, attractive interface. But is the app worth its $49.95-per-year subscription price? Maybe. Iolo System Mechanic improves your PC's performance by defragging the hard drive, deleting junk files, tweaking CPU and RAM usage in real time, and executing other computer-enhancing tasks.

A tune-up utility, such as Iolo System Mechanic, can whip your machine back into shape with just a few clicks. It's frustrating when your PC's performance slows to a crawl, but that doesn't mean it's time to purchase a new computer.

System mechanic