Great question. While cleaning the gutters every spring/fall is an option, and the cheapest, most folks want the gutter guards so that they don't ever have to do that chore again. Or maybe due to age or physical limitations, the person can't clean them. Is the cost really that cheap when you are doing this job once or twice a year? If your yard has lots of trees, you need to invest in gutter guards which in the long term,are the way to go. We offer 3 different lines of products to our customers depending on their budget and needs. The lowest cost option is a "drop in" style guard, which is basically plastic with larger holes and really the least effective of the three. The better option we offer for those still needing to keep within a budget is the Englert MicroGuard product. For those who want the best, we offer what we feel is the best on the market, and that is Evelyn's Leaf Solution. It comes in a variety of colors to match the existing roof or siding material, it has a stainless steel micro mesh to allow water to freely get through and exit, yet catch all debris including the smallest of debris. It is also a zip screw install system meaning you won't have to worry high winds or storms will blow them out or damage them. We also really like Leaf Solution's honesty with their warranty. No gutter lasts a "lifetime". They are aluminum. So they offer a generous 25 yrs on their product which as they say is a lifetime on a gutter product. They are not meant to last 50-100 yrs. just as no product out there is rated for. Don't fall for we are installing a product that will last a "lifetime". No, we do not work for Leaf Solution or get anything by promoting them. We want to only offer our customers the best. As another option, Rhino Guard is a great product as well. Hope this helps with your gutter improvement!