Unbiased Mac Cleaning Software Reviews

We rigorously test and review the most popular Mac system utilities so you can choose with confidence. Worried about which Mac cleaning app to trust? Many are ineffective or even harmful. We test them so you don't have to.

See the Best Mac Cleaner for 2024

Our reviews are 100% independent and based on real-world testing. We never accept payment for positive reviews.

Top Mac System Utilities: At a Glance

Quickly compare the leading Mac cleaning and optimization tools to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Software Name Overall Rating Key Feature Safety Score Price
CleanMyMac X Logo
CleanMyMac X Editor's Pick
 ★★★★★ 4.9/5 All-in-one System Cleaning & Optimization Excellent $39.95/year Read Review
MacPaw Cleaner Logo
OnyX
 ★★★★ 4.5/5 Advanced System Maintenance & Customization Very Good Free Read Review
MacKeeper Logo
MacKeeper
 ★★★ 3.8/5 Antivirus & VPN Integration Fair $49.95/year Read Review

In-Depth Reviews

Dive deeper into our comprehensive analyses of each Mac cleaning utility. We examine every facet, from performance to privacy.

CleanMyMac X: Our Top Recommendation for All-Around Optimization

Summary verdict

  • Pros: Intuitive interface, comprehensive cleaning, malware removal, performance optimization
  • Cons: Subscription model, can be overkill for minimalistic users
Overall Score: 9.8/10

CleanMyMac X by MacPaw consistently stands out as the most robust and user-friendly solution for keeping your Mac in peak condition. It’s an all-in-one package that goes beyond simple junk file removal, offering protection against malware, performance tuning, and uninstaller utilities. Our tests showed significant improvements in disk space recovery and application responsiveness.

What it does:

CleanMyMac X intelligently scans your system for hidden junk, large old files, mail attachments, and unused localization files. It also includes an uninstaller, an updater for your apps, and a maintenance module for tasks like repairing disk permissions and reindexing Spotlight. The Smart Scan feature streamlines most tasks into a single click.

Performance Impact:

During our rigorous testing, CleanMyMac X had a negligible impact on system performance while actively scanning or cleaning. The software is well-optimized and runs efficiently in the background when not in use. Post-cleaning, we observed faster boot times and smoother application launches.

Is it Safe?:

Absolutely. MacPaw is a reputable developer with a long history. CleanMyMac X only targets files that are genuinely safe to remove, using smart algorithms to differentiate between caches that can be cleared and essential system files. It does not contain adware or hidden trackers, making it one of the safest options available.

User Interface:

The UI is sleek, modern, and incredibly easy to navigate. Its dashboard provides a clear overview of your Mac's health, and the one-click Smart Scan makes routine maintenance effortless, even for beginners. Every feature is clearly explained, preventing accidental deletions.

Pricing:

CleanMyMac X operates on a subscription model, starting at $39.95 per year for one Mac. Lifetime licenses are also available for a higher one-time fee. While not free, its comprehensive features often justify the investment for serious Mac users.

The Verdict:

For users seeking a powerful, reliable, and user-friendly Mac cleaning and optimization tool, CleanMyMac X remains our highest recommendation. It delivers exceptional value through its broad feature set and consistent performance, ensuring your Mac runs faster, longer.

CleanMyMac X user interface showing a smart scan in progress
CleanMyMac X's intuitive Smart Scan interface in action.

OnyX: The Advanced Free Tool for Mac Enthusiasts

Summary verdict

  • Pros: Free, powerful system maintenance, deep customization options, highly stable
  • Cons: Steeper learning curve, less automated, interface is functional but less polished
Overall Score: 9.0/10

OnyX, developed by Titanium Software, is a free utility packed with powerful maintenance, cleaning, and customization features. It's not as flashy as commercial alternatives but offers unparalleled control over your macOS system. It's an indispensable tool for experienced Mac users who like to fine-tune their machines.

What it does:

OnyX can verify the startup disk structure, configure hidden parameters of the Finder, Dock, Safari, and other Apple applications, delete caches, remove problematic files, and much more. Each version of OnyX is designed for a specific macOS version, ensuring compatibility and stability.

Performance Impact:

Being a manual utility, OnyX has almost no background performance impact. When running maintenance scripts, it utilizes system resources appropriately without causing slowdowns. Its primary benefit is improving long-term system responsiveness by cleaning out accumulated junk and optimizing system settings.

Is it Safe?:

Yes, OnyX is extremely safe, provided you understand what each function does. It directly interacts with macOS system utilities and defaults. However, due to its depth, inexperienced users could inadvertently change a setting they don't understand. Hourglass Hacks recommends reading documentation for unfamiliar features.

User Interface:

The interface is utilitarian and function-driven; think of it as a power tool rather than a consumer gadget. While not as aesthetically pleasing as commercial apps, it is logically organized into tabs for Verification, Maintenance, Utilities, Parameters, and Info, making advanced options accessible.

Pricing:

OnyX is completely free. This makes it an excellent choice for users on a budget who are comfortable with a more hands-on approach to Mac maintenance.

The Verdict:

For Mac owners who appreciate granular control and don't mind a slightly steeper learning curve, OnyX is an unbeatable, free solution. It offers a deep set of tools for system optimization and customization that can genuinely improve your Mac's health.

OnyX application interface showing maintenance tasks
OnyX's maintenance pane, offering detailed system control.

MacKeeper: More Than a Cleaner, But With Caveats

Summary verdict

  • Pros: Includes antivirus and VPN, decent cleaning capabilities, responsive support
  • Cons: Aggressive marketing, historically poor reputation, higher price point for comparable cleaning features
Overall Score: 7.6/10

MacKeeper attempts to be an all-in-one security and optimization suite for Mac. While it's improved significantly from its controversial past, offering a suite of tools including cleaning, antivirus, and VPN, its aggressive marketing and past reputation still make us cautious about recommending it as a primary cleaner.

What it does:

MacKeeper offers a broad range of features: junk file cleaner, duplicate finder, antivirus protection, VPN service, ad blocker, and memory cleaner. It aims to provide a comprehensive digital privacy and performance solution within one application. Our tests showed it does effectively remove junk files and detect malware.

Performance Impact:

Due to its more extensive feature set (especially the real-time antivirus and VPN), MacKeeper can sometimes have a slightly higher background resource footprint compared to dedicated cleaning apps. While not severe, users with older Macs might notice a minor impact.

Is it Safe?:

MacKeeper has worked hard to shed its controversial past, obtaining certifications like AppEsteem. It is now generally considered safe from malware itself, but its persistent marketing tactics can be off-putting. Our safety score of 'Fair' reflects its improved security but also its historical issues and current aggressive promotions.

User Interface:

The interface is modern, clean, and straightforward. Its dashboard provides quick access to all functions, and the 'Smart Scan' feature is prominently displayed for ease of use. It's designed for users who want a simple, integrated security and cleaning solution.

Pricing:

MacKeeper is available via a subscription, usually around $49.95 per year. This price often includes its antivirus and VPN features, which can make it seem appealing as a bundle, but for just cleaning, it's on the higher end.

The Verdict:

If you're specifically looking for a bundled antivirus and cleaner and don't mind its historical baggage or marketing approach, MacKeeper could be an option. However, for sheer cleaning and optimization, more focused and less aggressively marketed alternatives often provide better value and peace of mind.

MacKeeper dashboard showing system status
MacKeeper's main dashboard with security and cleaning features.

How We Test and Rate Mac Cleaners

Our commitment to unbiased, thorough reviews is built on a robust and transparent testing methodology. Here’s how we ensure accuracy and reliability:

Multi-Platform Testing & Real-World Scenarios

We test each cleaning utility on a diverse range of Mac models, including both Intel-based machines (e.g., MacBook Pro 2017) and Apple Silicon M-series Macs (e.g., MacBook Air M1, Mac mini M2). Our evaluation includes real-world usage scenarios like heavy web browsing, extensive video editing, and software development, allowing junk to accumulate naturally. We replicate typical user environments to ensure our findings are relevant and actionable for Hourglass Hacks users.

Our team meticulously measures the amount of junk files found and successfully removed by each application, comparing results against manual cleaning methods. We monitor CPU usage, RAM consumption, and disk I/O during scans and cleaning processes to assess performance impact. Post-cleaning, we conduct benchmarking to verify improvements in boot times, application launch speeds, and overall system responsiveness. We also verify the integrity of removed files, ensuring no essential data is compromised.

A critical part of our review process involves a deep dive into each application's safety protocols. We check for system instability after cleaning, verify that uninstallation processes are clean and complete, and scrutinize privacy policies for data collection practices. Any software exhibiting aggressive marketing, hidden features, or ambiguous privacy terms receives a lower safety score. Our goal is to recommend tools that enhance your Mac's performance without compromising your data security or user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about Mac cleaning software and system maintenance.

Do I even need a Mac cleaning app?

While macOS does a decent job of self-maintenance, dedicated cleaning apps go much further. They find hidden junk from deleted apps, large outdated files, cache clutter, and system logs that macOS doesn't prioritize. For users experiencing slowdowns, low disk space, or simply wanting to proactively maintain their Mac, a quality cleaning app can make a significant difference. It’s akin to professional detailing for your car – technically not always essential, but it prolongs life and improves experience.

Yes, but vigilance is key. Many reputable developers offer safe and effective Mac cleaning software. However, there are also scam applications that can do more harm than good, often bundled with adware or even malware. Hourglass Hacks rigorously tests and only recommends apps that are proven safe, effective, and transparent about their operations. Always choose well-reviewed software from trusted sources.

A Mac cleaner focuses on optimizing performance by removing junk files, managing startup items, and freeing up disk space. An antivirus, on the other hand, is designed to detect, prevent, and remove malware (viruses, ransomware, spyware, etc.). While some apps like MacKeeper bundle both functionalities, they are distinct tools with different primary purposes. For comprehensive protection, a dedicated cleaner and a dedicated antivirus (or a bundle from a trusted provider) are often recommended.

Yes, some free Mac cleaning tools are excellent! OnyX, for instance, offers powerful optimization features for advanced users. However, many "free" cleaners come with hidden catches, such as aggressive upsells, privacy concerns, or ineffective cleaning. Exercise caution with free options and always opt for those with a strong reputation and clear functionality, like the ones Hourglass Hacks reviews.