Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to CCleaner · 🛠️ dev tools
CCleaner vs Mole
Native macOS app that cleans caches, uninstalls apps with leftovers, maps disk usage, and shows live system metrics. One-time purchase, lifetime updates. Here is how Mole ($0/mo open source) stacks up against CCleaner ($25/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Mole is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for CCleaner. Switching from CCleaner ($25/mo) saves $300/yr per solo seat, or $1,500/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Local.
The catch: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
CCleaner vs Mole Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | CCleaner (Paid) | Mole (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $25 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $300 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $300) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,500 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,500) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,000 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,000) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopcross-platformone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 74.1k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from CCleaner to Mole
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How to deploy Mole
Clone https://github.com/tw93/Mole or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
Where your data lives
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
Why fork Mole instead of vibe-coding a CCleaner clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for CCleaner or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 3 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Mole.
CCleaner vs Mole FAQ
Is Mole a good free alternative to CCleaner?+
Yes. Mole is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for CCleaner. Native macOS app that cleans caches, uninstalls apps with leftovers, maps disk usage, and shows live system metrics. One-time purchase, lifetime updates.
What is the catch when switching from CCleaner to Mole?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How much do you save switching from CCleaner to Mole?+
CCleaner costs $25/mo ($300/yr) per seat, whereas Mole is $0/mo. Switching saves $300/yr for a solo user, $1,500/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,000/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Mole instead of CCleaner?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/tw93/Mole or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
