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Features
Although System Mechanic works well as a whole, its vast range of features make this program a true jackpot. The client is packed with all the most important and requested functions, dispensing with the need for any user interaction to actively protect and improve device performance. However, there is room for user customization when performing a general scan, meaning everyone can choose which components the program should avoid or analyze in more detail.
System Mechanic Ultimate Defense
When it comes to computer optimization, there’s nothing better than a complete suite. System Mechanic offers this to its customers with Ultimate Defense, a very complete program with added layers of protection. The registry cleaner of the regular and Pro versions is still there, but that’s only one of the many important components of this suite. Malware and general online protection, a password manager for browsers, and even an antivirus are all Ultimate Defense exclusives.
Scanning
When analyzing the computer, users can choose between two methods: quick or deep scans. The first one truly lives up to its name as it doesn’t take more than a couple of minutes, while the waiting time for the latter is obviously longer – but not too much longer. While this is always different from one computer to another, there’s nothing we can criticize here since the deep scan we performed on our test computer was done in only five minutes.
Both scans behave pretty much the same way, and we can’t complain when it comes to CPU usage either, as both scan types allowed every other task to be performed in the background without any performance impact. The information provided by the quick scan is comprehensive enough for it to be the preferred choice for regular analysis, but since the deep scan doesn’t take much longer, it’s advisable to perform one of these every once in a while, too.
Repairing
Despite the customization options available, the scanning process will likely be automatic for most people. However, user interaction is required when dealing with the issues found, which is useful in different ways. Giving System Mechanic permission to sweep everything found in the registry, hard drive, or other locations may seem like the obvious choice, but it’s always advisable to access the log and go over the files manually, ticking what can be fixed or deleted. This will ensure that no program becomes corrupted by accidently deleting files that turn out to be vital to it.
Fortunately for the less tech-savvy, the program gives a brief explanation of each problem (empty registry key, corrupted DLL, invalid shortcut, etc.) and it also recommends an action to take. The useful file recovery section should be mentioned here as well, but note that everything that’s deleted by the incinerator is not recoverable. On the other hand, SafetyNet allows you to undo certain actions and can also be used to amend a mistake made when solving an issue.
Pricing
This is one of the biggest surprises of System Mechanic: the more features a customer adds, the better the bargain gets. The standard pricing for the default registry cleaner is $39.96 per year, which translates to a monthly price of $3.33, but on top of this there are the Pro and Ultimate Defense versions, which are well worth the money.
Every option includes a 20% discount – automatically applied by iolo Technologies – which in the case of System Mechanic cuts $9.99 from the original price. Without any discounts, the full price for the Ultimate Defense suite is $79.95. On top of this, Best Reviews readers can get an additional discount coupon and enjoy an exclusive 60% off off to get the lowest possible price.
These discounts come in very handy, but System Mechanic also has its own freemium model version for those who want to try things first. This means that while there’s no time limit to use the program, the range of features is cut down to the minimum. All purchases include a 30-day money-back guarantee. Payment methods include credit cards and the always-useful PayPal.
Customer Service
Usually, the bigger the company, the better the customer support, and iolo Technologies surely provides a wide range of help resources. The forums, knowledge base, and FAQ pages are worth a visit to access the quick install guides and get answers for the most basic questions and problems. There are also glossaries and other reading materials, but for a more direct contact users are left with email and a toll-free U.S. phone number. Both methods work 24/7, but a live chat option would be a great addition to clarify some unanswered questions or solve some lighter and quicker problems. The company is also present on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, the latter being particularly useful for accessing several tutorial videos for the company’s different programs.
Bottom Line
There is no doubt that System Mechanic is a prime example of a fantastic PC optimization service. Truth be told, there isn’t much to criticize iolo Technologies for other than the lack of live chat support. But when it comes to the program itself, everything works exactly as it should. The quick and deep analyses run fast and are easy on resources while still being comprehensive and requiring only as much manual interaction as dictated by each user. And the cherry on top is that the price to pay for all this is not only competitive, but also encourages customers to purchase the company’s more advanced packages, including this registry cleaning solution and much more.
Positives
- Intuitive and aesthetically attractive client
Negatives
Best Alternative Registry Cleaners
Rank | Software | Info | Visit |
1 | Editor's Choice 2021![]() ![]() |
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Paul Franklin says
I have been using Iolo’s System Mechanic for several years now and am very happy with it, following a recommendation from our company’s IT director.
I first used the free download, which made my home PC far swifter and smoother, then paid for a subscription, which I now use on my PC, laptop and children’s PC.
All three are running smoothly, with virtually no snags or slows.
Yes, it needs running every two weeks or so, but most of the tools can be set to run in the background, which is very useful.
Several of my colleagues used to make quarterly trips to the repairman to keep their laptops running properly and have now added System Mechanic. Overall I reckon to have easily saved a small fortune on trips to the repairman, plus huge savings of wasted time.
I get regular offers for reduced prices as a valued customer, which brings the cost down to Peanuts. I have never needed to bother with Customer Service, hence the 4 stars.
This range of tools is invaluable.
Mike MTD says
Dell recommends System Mechanic, so I downloaded ‘System check up’ and after it scanned my system, it advised that I had 1698 errors. I accepted ‘Fix with system mechanic’ paid my cash and after about 10 days of use, when I run ‘System check up’ again, I still have exactly the same system errors as I had prior to purchasing and downloading ‘System mechanic’
I have run every possible repair system it has, optimised it against my PC, and anti malware/security programmes.
Yes, it scans each time it is selected, and tells me I have 1 registry problem,but always says my system is ‘Good’
And, the reason from purchasing the product?
PC still runs slow!
I would not recommend this software, as it does not do what it is sold to do.