The Best Mac Cleaner Software(Free & Paid) !

If you have had a Mac computer for some time now, you may notice some forms of sluggishness in the performance of the computer. This usually occurs as a result of filled storage and many other reasons. At this point, you must free up some storage space and optimize the performance of the computer. 

There are numerous applications and software that allow you to clear your Mac computer of unneeded files and optimize its performance. These applications have different features and benefits. In this article, we will compare the features of some of these applications. 

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What is the best Mac Cleaner? 

The following are some of the best mac cleaners available for your Mac computers. While some of these cleaners are free, others require some forms of payment and subscription before you can use them. Either way, they provide some of the most effective cleanings and optimizing services for you. 

CleanMyMac X + Gemini2

MacPaw is a reputable name when it comes to mac optimization software. The company gained a reputation based on the performance of two of its optimization software, Gemini 2 and CleanMyMac X. 

These applications possess, amidst other features, an impressive user interface, and effective optimizing abilities. These features allow them to easily detect and delete junk files from every part of your Mac computer. 

I noticed that CleanMyMac X has a Safety Database feature that allows it to differentiate between junk files and useful ones. Thus, I didn’t need to worry about mistakenly deleting useful files.

On the other hand, Gemini 2 has a powerful feature that allows it to detect and delete duplicate files and photos. This feature helps you save time and strength by scouring your Mac computer for duplicate files. With a single click made available by Gemini 2, you can get the details (including size and location) of all the duplicate files present on your computer. 

While I feel like an application with both Gemini 2 and CleanMyMac X features would have been excellent, you may have to get these applications individually and combine their use to enjoy their features. 

For more details, you can click here to Read CleanMyMac X Full Review or Read Gemini2 Full Review.

 Pros

• One-click smart cleanup to prevent accidental file deletion operations
• Friendly user experience, compatible with the latest macOS system
• Deep system trash scan to remove large and obsolete files
• Mac security protection to prevent malware intrusion
• iPhoto, iTunes, and Mail junk cleaning optimize space
• Application uninstallation with one click, no residue
• Provides file lens and shredder functions to quickly find and clean files
• Mac computer top menu bar shortcut window, real-time monitoring system junk
• Find duplicate files of any type to free up storage space
• Organize iPhoto and iTunes to remove duplicate files
• Customize selection rules to save time in selecting duplicate files
• Erroneously deleted files can be retrieved with one click to prevent file loss

Cons

• The free version has limited usage
• The price is a bit expensive

Macube 

Macube is a total brand new Mac cleaner, it was developed by the Macube team from Hong Kong in 2021. However, Macube has more than three million downloads from 200 countries & regions, I was shocked by its’ rapid growth. But finally, I figure out the real reason. Macube is one of the best Mac cleaners out there with a full set of functions, such as Smart Scan, Duplicate File Finder, Clean Private Browsing Data, Files Shredder, Uninstaller, and so on.  Moreover, Macube is the only Mac cleaner with a Similar Image Finder feature until now.

Honestly, Macube combines the best features of CleanMyMac X and Gemini 2. You don’t have to spend more money on more apps, you just need affordable Macube. By the way, Macube doesn’t support antivirus features like CleanMyMac X, it’s a pity.

Pros

• Smart scan, cleaning your Mac with one click
• Affordable pricing plan with a full set of functions
• Duplicate File Finder, deleting annoying duplicates instantly
• Uninstall unwanted software completely
• Similar Image Finder, freeing up disk space
• Privacy protection, cleaning private browsing data
• Files Shredder, erasing unwanted files and folders
• 100% safe, notarized by Apple
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• 24/7 expert assistance through email response

Cons

• No anti-virus protection feature
• Only clean up 500 MB of files for the free version

Macbooster

If you were impressed by the offerings of CleanMyMac X and Gemini 2, then you will probably get blown away with MacBooster. MacBooster has almost all the features possessed by CleanMyMac X and some extra features such as Photo Sweeper, Defragment and Duplicate Finder.

This means that unlike CleanMyMac X, where you may need to combine with a duplicate finder such as Gemini 2, MacBooster allows you to detect and delete photo and file duplicates without the help of another software. 

The features in MacBooster are spread over four primary modules which are Cleaner, Booster, System Risks, and Tools. The features under each module perform the function of that module. For instance, the features under the Cleaner module see to the cleaning and deleting of junk files while the Booster module has features that optimize the performance of the Mac computer. 

For more info, you can Read Macbooster 8 Full Review.

Pros

• Mac computer system junk cleaning in one click
• Virus and malware scanning to protect your Mac from various threats
• Turbo Boost, one click to speed up Mac computer operation
• Privacy protection, clean up browser-related records with one click
• Support large files and old files scanning to free up disk space
• Support duplicate files and similar images found
• MacBooster mini window, monitor Mac computer in real-time

Cons

• Software virus detection is prone to false positives
• Functionality needs to be improved

DaisyDisk

DaisyDisk is another impressive mac cleaner with numerous beneficial features. DaisyDisk uses a visually-appealing interface to showcase the files and folders on your computer and the space they occupy. Also, there is a list view feature that collects and arranges the files and folders on your Mac computer. This feature provides a simplified view of the files and their details. 

The Disk Selector tool analyses the mac’s hard drive and any other external drives connected to the computer. This feature works with the Scan tool to scan and detect junk files located in any of these drives. 

Most importantly, DaisyDisk comes with a Collector feature that collects all the junk files identified and marked for deletion. The feature also lets you know how much space you would save by deleting the junk files.

Lastly, DaisyDisk is one of the safest and most secure mac cleaners. The software is available on the Mac App Store, which means that Apple has done thorough vetting to ensure that it is safe and free of malicious content.   

Pros

• Impressive interface
• Fast analysis of hard drives
• It is easy to use

Cons

• No optimizing feature

CCleaner

The CCleaner for mac is one of the oldest cleaning and optimization software in the business. Piriform developed the software as early as 2004, and since then, has witnessed a lot of upgrades and improvements. 

Primarily, the mac cleaner is very easy to use. Sharing most of its features with a Windows version, the CCleaner for Mac allows you to declutter your computer, fix performance issues, and help secure your privacy online. 

Another exciting feature of this mac cleaner app is its customization feature. The software is flexible and allows you to change settings and operational features to suit your taste. This flexibility includes allowing you to choose what you want to clean, delete, or move. 

You can choose to delete junk files one at a time or decide to delete everything at a go. Either way, you have full control over the way the mac cleaner app should work. For more details, you can Read CCleaner Full Review.

Pros

• Simple interface design, friendly user experience
• The one-click browser and software cache cleaning to protect personal internet privacy
• One-click software uninstallation to remove residual files
• Support large files and duplicate files search, optimize disk space
• Support custom cleaning settings, automatic intelligent cleaning
• Support real-time monitoring of computer system
• Access to professional customer service support

Cons

• Junk cleaning is not thorough enough
• Does not provide virus and malware scanning

Mackeeper

Mackeeper is a product of Kromtech Alliance. With this Mac Cleaner app, you get lots of features and tools that help you keep your Mac computer clean and free from junk files and performance problems. 

One of these features is the Data Encryption feature. This feature allows you to hide your data within your hard drive. You need to create a password that allows you to log into the data encryption feature. You then encrypt the data and use the password to access it whenever you need to. 

This feature is useful when you share your Mac computer with other people and wish to keep some files and folders private. 

You also get to enjoy the fast cleanup and disk usage features with this Mac cleaner app. These features allow you to view the state of your Mac’s storage space and delete large files that you no longer need. These features also allow you to choose the files you wish to keep and the ones you need to discard. You can click here to Read Mackeeper Full Review.

Pros

• Features numerous useful features 
• Junk removal and duplicate finder

Cons

• Ineffective anti-malware feature

 Sensei

Sensei is one of the best mac cleaners in the market, despite its relatively young age. However, more than a cleanup tool, it is more of performance-enhancing or optimization software. 

One of the first features that you may enjoy about this mac cleaner app is the review of your Mac computer’s storage. The feature presents a detailed lowdown of the computer’s memory and how much space each folder and file occupies. 

Apart from that, you also get to know the state of your Mac computer’s operation. The dashboard of the Sensei app will show you the current CPU temperature, the cooling process of the computer, and how much RAM you have left. 

It also has the Uninstaller feature that you can use to uninstall all the unneeded apps slowing down your mac computer. Also, there is a Clean feature that cleans log files, caches, and large files. For more info, you can Read Sensei Full Review.

Pros

• Graphical display of computer hardware parameters, easy to view
• One-click management of login entries and startup agents to speed up your Mac
• Easily uninstall applications and delete hidden files
• User cache and large file cleanup to optimize disk space
• Trim drive certification, clean and maintain SSDs
• Relatively cheaper price

Cons

• Virus and malware scanning is not supported
• Does not support duplicate file cleaning

Parallels toolbox

While this software is not as popular as many of its counterparts, it is one of the best mac cleaner software out there. The software has more features and offers better benefits for users of Mac computers. 

The software is a well-rounded cleanup and optimization tool. One of its features, the Clean Drive feature, can clean as many junk files as possible. It cleans log files, cache files, browser cookies, trash, and many other unneeded files. 

Before cleaning, the mac cleaner scans for these types of files. Its scan feature works fast and effectively, scouring your entire storage within seconds. 

There is also the Find Duplicates feature that scans your storage for duplicates of files and folders eating up space in your Mac computer. 

The combination of these features and many more makes this mac cleaner app rank as one of the best mac cleaners in the market. 

Pros

• Find system junk with one click and clean up quickly
• Quickly uninstall applications to optimize disk space
• Support duplicate file search, easy to clean up
• More than 30 kinds of widgets, easy and fast operation

Cons

• Junk cleaning function is relatively simple
• Does not support virus and malware scanning

What are the best Mac Cleaners free in?

Having examined some of the paid mac cleaner apps in the previous section, let’s discuss some of the best free mac cleaners in the market. 

Onyx

This is one of the best free mac cleaners that you will ever find for your Mac computer. Despite being free, it features some impressive features that make it useful and beneficial. 

However, there is a lot of technical side to this software. It has many buttons to click and boxes to check. Thus, you may not find the software very to use if you don’t have the preexisting technical know-how. 

macOS built-in cleaner

As simple and readily available as this tool is, many Mac users do not know about its functions and features. The macOS in-built cleaner is a tool created by Apple to allow users of Mac computers to clean their computers. You do not need to download the software, as it is in-built. This also means that it is free; thus, there is no need for a subscription or purchase cost. 

However, despite these characteristics, the macOS in-built cleaner is effective. As long as you get the hang of it, you can use it to keep your mac computer in shape at all times. 

AppCleaner

This software is good for one purpose only, cleaning and uninstalling unneeded apps. From widgets to plugins and applications, AppCleaner has got you covered. Also, the software is easy to use and has an appealing interface. 

That is not all. After using the drag and drop mode to clear the computer off unneeded applications, you can go to the Leftover feature to delete the remains of the applications. These include exe. Files, cache files, and the likes. 

Why do you need a Mac Cleaner?

The following are the reasons why you need to get a Mac cleaner for your Mac computer.

Clean up your Mac

This is the primary reason for getting a Mac cleaner. A mac cleaner helps you rid your Mac computer of junk and unneeded files. This activity helps create more space on your Mac computer and allows the computer to work faster and better. 

Speed up your Mac

This is another equally important reason for needing a Mac cleaner. The mac cleaner apps help you optimize and speed up the performance of your Mac computer. It does this by reducing the workload on the CPU and the RAM of the computer. 

Remove malware from Mac

While you will discover that not all Mac cleaners can do this, most paid and excellent mac cleaners can help protect your Mac computer from malware and other malicious contents. They do this by detecting and removing this malware when detected. 

Manage apps and extensions

This is also one of the functions that you enjoy from many mac cleaners. The software helps manage apps and extensions by detecting the presence of malware or adware when installing applications. Also, when applications are no longer needed, this software helps you uninstall them. 

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cleaner for your Mac? 

The following are considerations that you should make when buying a Mac cleaner for your computer. 

Does it have a cleaner feature?

This seems like a no-brainer, as the main feature of a mac cleaner should be its cleaner feature. However, it should not surprise you to discover some software such as AppCleaner doesn’t have a cleaning feature. Thus, you should check for cleaner features in a Mac cleaner before buying it. 

Is it easy to use?

Another important factor you should consider is the ease of using the software. Except you have the technical knowledge and are familiar with different Mac cleaners, you must pay adequate attention to this factor. You must get Mac cleaners that are easy to use to avoid the stress of using a complex cleaner.

Is it affordable?

In a world where there are free mac cleaners, you don’t want to spend all your money purchasing a mac cleaner. Thus, you should consider the purchase or subscription cost of the Mac cleaner before buying it. 

Is it compatible with your macOS version?

Enough emphasis is usually not placed on this factor. Some cleaners are not well updated, meaning that they do not work well or at all, with the most recent macOS. Thus, you must check for the compatibility of your Mac cleaner with your macOS before buying. 

What about customer support?

Customer support is key in enjoying the offerings of a Mac cleaner. Customer support determines the type of response you get from the developer of the Mac cleaner app whenever you encounter an issue during its usage. Ensure that the developer of the Mac cleaner you are buying has numerous channels for contacting in case of an issue. Also, check if they respond to these contacts early enough. 

FAQs

Conclusion

There you have them. The reviewed cleaners are the best paid and free mac cleaners in. These applications have useful and effective features that allow them to remove unneeded files from your computer and optimize its performance. 

With the buying guide provided in this article, you should consider the important factors and questions when getting a mac cleaner for your computer. Bearing these factors in mind will help you select the best mac cleaner software.