Clear just helps you get to the front of the TSA Precheck line and its airport dependent and time of day whether it’s any faster than regular TSA Precheck + DigitalID.

But we are talking about $85 for five years for PreCheck.

But as far as security, the only difference pre check makes is that you don’t have to take your belt and shoes off.

I mentioned earlier that newer scanners don’t require you to take electronics out of your bag whether or not you have PreCheck

PreCheck probably makes less of a difference than it used to. But, as you say, if you fly any amount, getting PreCheck (or Global Entry which comes with PreCheck) is a drop in the bucket in terms of money.

I think PreCheck probably goes faster too because people with PreCheck mostly know the drill.

Also because the drill is less likely to change at random.

I did have to take my laptop out of my bag flying out of JFK the year before last and they said you could only have one electronic in your bag even with TSA Precheck.

That hasn’t happen before or since. At that time I had a client laptop, my company’s laptop (working in consulting), my iPad, and an external USB powered portable monitor in my carryon.

Yeah, that's not normal. I usually have a laptop and iPad and haven't had to take one out with Pre-Check in the US.