Upgrade process for LTD users: Please read here
For more than a decade, Advanced Database Cleaner (ADC) has helped WordPress users keep their databases clean, fast, and optimized. On November 28, 2025, we introduced Advanced Database Cleaner 4.x, a completely rebranded plugin.
1. Why we created version 4.x as a separate plugin from scratch
When we started working on improvements for version 3.x (two years ago), our goal was to enhance the existing 3.x version. But as we dug deeper into the original codebase (mostly written between 2016 and 2018), we discovered limitations that prevented us from building modern and flexible features.
Here are the main reasons a full rewrite became necessary:
🧱 The old architecture had reached its limits
The previous structure made it very hard to introduce new modules, scales poorly on large sites, and did not align with modern WordPress standards (REST API, React, modular logic, etc.).
⚡ A modern database scanning engine required a new foundation
To drastically improve orphan detection accuracy, performance, and safety, we needed a fully modular system built with isolated logic for each cleanup type.
📱 A new UI/UX experience was impossible to build on top of v3
The new interface is built using React, fully responsive, faster, and far more intuitive. This could not be achieved by patching the old UI.
☁️ Cloud-Based Remote Scan required a new design
The new cloud-powered scanning feature, one of the biggest innovations in ADC 4.x, required an architecture that does not exist in the 3.x plugin.
🔒 Long-term scalability and performance
For the next 10 years, we needed a flexible, modular, and maintainable system. The only way to achieve that was to rebuild from scratch.
2. Why version 4.x uses a subscription model
After rebuilding the entire plugin for version 4.x, we found ourselves facing significant ongoing development and maintenance costs, far higher than anything required for the classic 3.x version. The new architecture, cloud-based features, and modern UI introduce continuous expenses that naturally grow over time. Unfortunately, it would no longer be possible to sustain this level of innovation under the old lifetime license model.
For this reason, we made the decision to separate version 4.x from version 3.x and place it under an annual pricing model. We truly didn’t take this step lightly, and we understand it’s a big change. However, it was the only way to keep the plugin improving, secure, and future-ready.
Here’s why it became necessary and beneficial for everyone in the long term.
🔥 A Two-Year Development Effort
Building this new version took two full years of research, development, testing, and investment. We rebuilt the entire architecture, redesigned every screen with a new React interface, and introduced cloud-powered features that simply weren’t possible before.
This level of effort comes with real ongoing costs, and the old one-time pricing model could no longer sustain that.
🔥 Cloud Infrastructure and Ongoing Costs
The new Remote Scan feature relies on a secure cloud infrastructure that we continuously maintain and upgrade. This involves ongoing server, storage, and security expenses, essential to guarantee both speed and privacy for our users.
A subscription model allows us to keep this service reliable, secure, and regularly improved.
🔥 A Commitment to Continuous Innovation
Unlike the older versions, the new modular architecture enables us to release new features more frequently. We already have a roadmap packed with upcoming modules and integrations, updates that will keep your sites running faster and cleaner than ever.
To support this continuous innovation, we needed a pricing model that aligns with ongoing development and maintenance efforts.
🔥 Long-Term Sustainability
After ten years and more than 200,000 active installations, our priority is to ensure Advanced Database Cleaner continues to evolve for another decade.
Subscriptions give us the stability to maintain top-quality updates, provide responsive support, and invest in security, compatibility, and new features that meet the expectations of modern WordPress users.
That is to say, version 4.x uses a different pricing model because it is a completely different product.
You can read more about changes introduced in 4.x in this article.
3. What happens to version 3.x and lifetime users?
All lifetime license (LTD) users of version 3.x will be migrated to version 4.x through a structured two-phase migration process. This migration is designed to fully respect the lifetime commitment while allowing LTD users to move to the new generation of the plugin.
You can read more about the two migration phases and how the upgrade works here:
👉 Read more about the LTD migration to version 4
4. Summary
Version 4.x represents the future of the plugin, built with modern technologies and designed to deliver powerful new capabilities, improved accuracy, and long-term scalability.
We deeply value our long-time LTD users; without your trust and support, Advanced Database Cleaner would not have grown and evolved for more than 10 years. That is why we have put in place a smooth and respectful migration process, ensuring a seamless transition to version 4.x while honoring our long-standing commitments.
For new users, the subscription model applies, as it allows us to continuously invest in development, performance, security, and support — offering the best long-term value and a better product for everyone.
If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance, we are always here to help: contact us
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