Your PC should come with a built-in uninstaller. If you use Windows, for example, there’s always the Add or Remove Programs option to uninstall software on your PC. However, this built-in uninstaller isn’t always efficient.
Sometimes, after uninstalling a program, you’ll still find some components of the program somewhere in your local disk. You’ll have to manually delete these left-over components. Other times, the built-in uninstaller will just not uninstall the program; especially when it’s infected with malware or virus.
With third-party uninstaller software, you’ll be able to remove programs on your PC more efficiently and easily. A good uninstaller software will remove the target program without leaving any trace of it on your PC.
There are many good uninstaller programs available; Revo Uninstaller and IObit Uninstaller are two very popular ones.
In this article, I’ll be comparing both, Revo Uninstaller vs IObit Uninstaller, to help you figure out which of the two is better.
What Is Revo Uninstaller?
Revo Uninstaller is a program uninstaller software for removing unwanted programs and software easily. It’s more than just an uninstaller software as it also helps get rid of junk files, unwanted browser extensions, and more.
Using Revo Uninstaller isn’t difficult. The software lists out all your installed apps; you just have to click on any you want to uninstall. You can also search for a target app by name.
There are different versions of the Revo Uninstaller software including Revo Uninstaller, Revo Uninstaller Free, Revo Uninstaller Mobile, and Revo Permission Manager.
Check out the best alternatives to Revo Uninstaller.
What Is IObit Uninstaller?
IObit Uninstaller is a part of the IObit software family that also includes the IObit software updater, MacBooster, IObit SysInfo, Protected Folder, and Smart Defrag.
With IObit Uninstaller, you can completely uninstall unwanted software, windows apps, and browser plugins. IObit Uninstaller will make sure leftovers are removed as well. The software is available for free but there’s also the pro version.
IObit Uninstaller is optimized to remove very stubborn apps about 5x more than regular uninstallers. Other unique features of the installer include do-not-disturb surfing and an installation monitor.
How To Set Up
Revo Uninstaller
You can either download the Revo Uninstaller free version or pay for the pro version. Both uninstallers are independent hence you can run both free and pro versions at the same time.
Installing the software is similar to any software; simply run the installation file and follow the prompt. After installation, you launch the program and you’ll get a list of all installed programs on your computer.
The programs are grouped according to their categories and you get details including the software size, version, type, installation date, and even registry key if allowed.
You’ll also get a list of new and other programs. The options for uninstalling are on the left tab and there are also options to sort programs.
IObit Uninstaller
To install the IObit Uninstaller on your PC, you need just 300MB of free space. You can download the installation file from the official website. After installing, you can choose to buy a pro license or continue with the free option.
From the main interface, you can view programs, software health, install monitor, browser extensions, Windows apps, and action center. However, the default home is your list of programs.
Program details available include size and the install date. They are also grouped in different categories including recently installed, large programs, infrequently used, and logged programs among others.
IObit Uninstaller works best with Windows 8 and above. In fact, some features, like the Windows App, won’t show in Windows 7 or earlier versions.
Verdict
Revo Uninstaller and IObit Uninstaller are both easy to install and set up. However, IObit Uninstaller wins as you can easily switch to the pro version in one software.
Interesting Post: Difference Between Antivirus & Anti-malware
Multiple Uninstall
Revo Uninstaller
From the list of programs, you can easily click on a program to uninstall. Clicking on the uninstall button will bring up the uninstallation wizard. For multiple uninstalls, you can simply select more than one program and click on Uninstall.
Before uninstalling, the tool will locate trace logs of the program you want to uninstall. This is to ensure that there are no leftovers after uninstalling. The tool will check its Logs Database and if there’s more than one log, the tool will ask you which to use.
The most recent log is the appropriate log to use. Next, the software creates a registry backup and system restore point for each program. Finally, it runs the built-in uninstaller of each program.
IObit Uninstaller
From the IObit Uninstaller home page, you can view a list of all your programs. There’s a tick box before each program; tick the boxes of all programs you want to uninstall and click the uninstall button at the top to run. That’s simply how to run the multiple uninstallers.
Before the uninstallation wizard launches, you have the option to create a restore point and automatically remove residual files. It’s ideal to select both options. Then, click on Uninstall once more to launch the uninstallation wizard.
If you choose to remove residual files, IObit Uninstaller will scan your storage for any trace of the programs you’re uninstalling. These residual files will be listed out after uninstallation. You can either just delete or shred (delete permanently) the files.
Verdict
Multiple uninstall is a feature in both tools. Both tools also create restore points and remove leftover files.
Also Read: Best Utility Software Examples
Forced Uninstall
Revo Uninstaller
The Forced Uninstall feature in Revo Uninstaller helps you uninstall programs not present on the program list; stubborn programs. You can also use Forced Uninstall to manually remove leftovers of programs if you use the free version.
The option is available on the left tab. When you click on Force Uninstall, you can either the name of the program you want to uninstall or choose the file or folder where the program is located.
You can either force uninstall using the program’s built-in uninstaller, if available, or use the Revo Logs Database. How long it takes to uninstall will depend on the number of files the program has.
The leftover files are sent to the recycle bin after the program is uninstalled.
IObit Uninstaller
If you can’t uninstall software the normal way, you can make use of the Forced Uninstall option. To use this uninstaller, you either browse and locate the program on your PC or simply drag and drop in the uninstaller window.
IObit features a database of more than 1000 stubborn programs and you can remove all using the Forced Uninstaller. However, as a free user, you can only access the Official Remover Database, with only 38 stubborn programs, and not the Supported Programs Database, with over 1100 stubborn programs.
As you force uninstall, you can still choose to shred program files (delete permanently) or send them to the recycle bin.
Verdict
You can force uninstall with IObit Uninstaller and Revo Uninstaller but Revo wins as its process is more in-depth.
Check Out: Best Glary Utilities Alternatives
Installation Monitor
Revo Uninstaller
If you use Revo Uninstaller Pro, you can use the installation monitor to trace programs. The installation monitor builds log files for each program you install so you can thoroughly remove them if needed.
To trace a program with Revo Uninstaller, you have to install it with Revo Uninstaller. Right-click on the file you want to install and select Install with Revo Uninstaller Pro.
You can also do this via the Revo Uninstaller environment. From the left tab, click on Install Program with Revo Uninstaller Pro and select the installation file from its location.
Notably, you can only use the installation monitor to trace programs installed the traditional way. You can monitor apps you install from the Microsoft Store.
IObit Uninstaller
IObit Uninstaller features an Install Monitor that detects and logs any system change when installing a program. You can easily view how a program behaves during installation. However, you can only access this feature in IObit Uninstaller Pro.
You can select the Auto Monitor or the Manual Monitor. The Auto Monitor will detect and log all program installations. On the other hand, you get to select the particular programs to log with the Manual Monitor option.
If you choose Auto Monitor, you’ll get a notification whenever the tool creates a new log file. It displays the number of registry entries, files, and total size of the program. For the Manual Monitor, you can view the monitored programs by clicking on Logged Installations.
Verdict
The auto-monitoring option in IObit Uninstaller gives it an edge over the Revo Uninstaller; you can monitor programs without selecting them.
Also Read: Best Antivirus For Android
Browser Extensions
Revo Uninstaller
From the Revo Uninstaller dashboard, you can access your browser extensions by selecting the option in the left tab. The tool will list all your installed installations according to the browser.
It displays information about the extensions including Name, Type, Version, Publisher, and Description. To uninstall, simply click on any extension and click on the Uninstall button on the left tab for Microsoft Edge. For other browsers, simply click on Remove.
If you click uninstall with MS Edge, Revo Uninstaller will launch the Windows App uninstaller. For other browsers, it launches the extension’s built-in uninstaller. You can easily use the search bar to find any particular extension. As you search, the extensions are filtered in real-time.
IObit Uninstaller
When you select Browser Extensions from the IObit Uninstaller dashboard, you get a list of all installed browser extensions for all browsers. You can then further sort according to browser; the tool highlights main-stream browsers on your PC under the Browser Extensions option.
The browser extensions are sorted according to user ratings with the highest ratings coming first. Notably, IObit Uninstaller also highlights Trusted Browser Extensions and Malicious Browser Extensions. With this, you can easily identify which extensions you should uninstall.
You can remove any browser extension by clicking the Delete Icon. To uninstall multiple extensions, select them by clicking the boxes and then click the Remove button at the top.
Verdict
Both tools are useful in removing browser extensions. IObit Uninstaller takes a narrow win here as it separates trusted extensions from malicious ones.
Check Out: Best Avast Alternatives
Logs
Revo Uninstaller
Revo Uninstaller features a logs database with more than 57,000 logs of over 11,000 programs. These logs are stored in the cloud from installed programs over time. They make the tool more efficient when uninstalling software.
When you launch the Revo Uninstaller, the tool checks the logs database for the program you want to uninstall.
If found, it then scans for the log files in your PC and removes them as it uninstalls the program. The logs database is constantly updated as more programs get uninstalled.
You can access the logs database from the left tab and you’ll find all programs that are compatible with your PC. You can filter and sort the log list.
IObit Uninstaller
IObit Uninstaller keeps logs of your installed program while monitoring. As explained earlier, you can either use the auto monitor or manual monitor.
These logs are stored locally on your computer and you can use them while uninstalling to completely get rid of a program.
Hence, the logs are temporary. However, if you are monitoring many programs, this temporal data may be too much and take up valuable space in your PC.
You can check the local logs database by clicking the Logged Installations option.
Verdict
Revo Uninstaller wins here as it has a vaster and better-managed logs database.
Also Read: Best Little Snitch Alternatives For Windows
Backup
Revo Uninstaller
As you install a program, Revo uninstalled creates a full registry backup. The tool also creates a general registry backup once a day. You can manage this in the options.
However, the Backup Manager is the best option for restoring data. The Registry backup is usually only used if the Backup manager fails to restore data.
The Backup Manager is the last option on the left tab. Once you select it, you’ll find a list of all registry entries that the Uninstaller removed during uninstallation.
You can simply restore all registry entries or custom restore by selecting specific entries. Similarly, you can delete the registry entries forever.
IObit Uninstaller
With IObit Uninstaller, you can create a restore point before uninstalling a program. This restore point is simply a backup so you can reverse the action if there’s any problem after installation.
You can view the backup in your PC’s restore center or on your local disk inside the IObit Advanced SystemCare folder. There are no options to view and manage your backups from the tool dashboard.
Verdict
The winner is the Revo Uninstaller as it features an exclusive backup manager.
Supported Platforms
Revo Uninstaller
Revo Uninstaller supports only Windows desktop and Android mobile devices. You can’t install the uninstaller if you use Mac, Linux, or iOS.
The uninstaller works best with Windows 7 and above. Nevertheless, you can still install the software on Windows Vista and a few earlier versions. The installation process is just slightly different.
For Android mobile, Revo Uninstaller features free and paid versions just as with the desktop version. You can easily install Revo Uninstaller mobile if you have a decent Android device.
The mobile version has many intuitive features like the desktop version including Quick Uninstall, Leftover Scan, Backup, Import, Compare, etc.
IObit Uninstaller
IObit Uninstaller is a tool you can only use with Windows PC. You cannot install the uninstaller on Mac or Linux or any mobile device – iOS or Android.
You can install the IObit Uninstaller in Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11. As mentioned before, you need at least 300 MB of free disk space for the tool to run. In addition, you must have a screen resolution of at least 1024 by 768.
Verdict
Both uninstallers are ideal if you’re a Windows user, but Revo Uninstaller wins here with support for Android mobile devices.
Explore: Best Windows Firewall Alternatives
Other Features
Revo Uninstaller
An interesting Revo Uninstaller feature is that it can remove Windows apps. This includes apps you download from Microsoft Store (if you use Windows 10 or 11) and built-in Windows apps.
You just need to select Windows Apps from the left tab and you’ll get a list of all installed Windows app. Click on any to remove.
Revo Uninstaller also has a unique Hunter Mode feature. In Hunter Mode, you can delete or stop programs directly from your desktop, system tray, or the program environment.
You can find this option in your Revo Uninstaller dashboard. Once you select it, the tool brings up a blue target icon. Move this icon to the program you’re targeting and select an action.
Options you have include Uninstall, Stop Auto Starting, Kill, Kill and Delete, Open Containing Folder, Properties, and Cancel.
IObit Uninstaller
With the IObit Uninstaller, you can also remove Windows apps. From the left tab, simply select the Windows app option. You’ll get a list of all your apps from the Microsoft store and also third-party apps.
However, you can only enjoy this feature if you’re running Windows 8 and higher versions. You can also rate Windows apps directly from the IObit Uninstaller environment. Your ratings will be available for other IObit users.
Another interesting IObit Uninstaller feature is the Software Updater. With this feature, you can easily update your outdated apps from the IObit environment with a single click.
Verdict
Both tools have other different and unique features so it’s a draw.
Also Read: Best Free iPad & iPhone Antivirus Apps
Customer Support
Revo Uninstaller
Revo Uninstaller features video tutorials to teach you how to use the tool. You can also use the text tutorials and how-to section. In addition, there’s a user’s manual and FAQ page on the support platform.
You can reach the Revo team by submitting a contact form on the Contact Us page. Revo Uninstaller features a LiveChat which you can sign in using your Facebook or Google account.
IObit Uninstaller
To get support, you can use the FAQs or online product manual. From the IObit Uninstaller product manual, you get an overview of all of the tools’ features. The FAQ provides answers for main purchases.
If you wish to contact the IObit team directly, you can make use of the contact form. You can access online help as a free or pro user.
Verdict
IObit and Revo are very reliable when it comes to customer support but Revo wins with LiveChat.
Pricing
Revo Uninstaller
Prices for Revo Uninstaller pro include:
- Revo Uninstaller Pro: $24.50 one-time purchase
- Revo Uninstaller Pro Portable: $29.95 one-time purchase
- Revo Uninstaller Mobile Pro: $1 per year
IObit Uninstaller
The price for IObit Uninstaller Pro include:
- 1 PC Plan – $12.97 per year
- 3 PCs Plan – $14.77 per year
Verdict
Both uninstallers are relatively expensive but Revo Uninstaller is more affordable than IObit Uninstaller as you just pay once instead of paying subscriptions.
Also Read: Best Nzxt Cam Alternatives
Pros & Cons
Revo Uninstaller Pros
- Easy setup
- Multiple uninstallation
- Force installation
- Installation monitor
- Uninstalls browser extensions
- Hunter mode
- Web database
- Supports desktop and mobile
- Portable version available
Revo Uninstaller Cons
- Limited free features
IObit Uninstaller Pros
- Easy setup
- Multiple uninstallation
- Removes stubborn files
- Auto and manual install monitor
- Uninstalls browser extensions
IObit Uninstaller Cons
- Very limited free features
- Logs may take up space
- Only supports Windows
Similarities
- Uninstallation tools
- Both Revo Uninstaller and IObit Uninstaller support for multiple uninstallations
- Removal of residual files
- Creating restore point before uninstalling
- Support for force uninstallation
- Installation monitoring
- Browser extension uninstallation
- Most features are only available to pro users
Differences
- Revo Uninstaller Free and Pro versions are two independent software, while IObit Uninstaller has just one software for both.
- IObit supports manual and automatic installation monitoring, while Revo Uninstaller supports only manual installation monitoring i.e. you can only monitor programs after manually selecting them.
- IObit Uninstaller logs are stored locally while Revo Uninstaller logs are stored on the web
- Revo Uninstaller supports Windows and Android devices while IObit Uninstaller supports only Windows
- Revo Uninstaller has a portable version while IObit doesn’t.
Conclusion – Revo Uninstaller vs IObit Uninstaller
Revo Uninstaller leads IObit Uninstaller as the better software. In essence, IObit Uninstaller has more cons. Notably, it only supports Windows, unlike Revo Uninstaller that supports Windows and Android. Also, you can save space with Revo as it backs up to the web.
Considering other features like uninstallation, backup, logs, etc, there’s not much to differentiate between Revo and IObit. Also, both platforms have only a few features available for free.
