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Top 10 Best Mac Cleaners & Optimization Tools in 2024

Top 10 Best Mac Cleaners & Optimization Tools in 2024

To make your Mac OS run faster and perform better!
    Your macOS computer has an in-built Mac cleaner within the system. This tool developed by Apple is called Optimized Storage. It has limited features compared to a full-fledged Mac cleaner. But, it does provide you with basic instructions on how to clean your Mac. If you’re looking for a comprehensive or thorough Mac cleanup utility, then a legitimate, powerful Mac cleaner is the best option. These types of dedicated tools can help you remove malware and unnecessary junk files that may lead to data or system corruption.Normally people do not look for a cleaning software unless they are experiencing slowness on their MacBook – probably one of the reasons you are here. Not all cleaning software are created equal, some are better than others – and CleanMyMac X is one where we highly recommend that works seamlessly with Mac OS.


If your Mac is slowing down, frequently freezing, regularly running out of RAM or just not behaving like it used to, then it probably needs a clean. No, we are not saying that you need to take out a cloth to remove dust. What you need is a Mac cleaner application or an optimization tool that detects unnecessary items and performance issues on your Mac, optimizes disk space, and improves the speed of your system.

In this article, we are going to show you some of the best Mac cleaners 2024!


Article Guide

Part 1.What Are Mac Cleaners Software?

Part 2. Are Mac Cleaning Apps Really Needed?

Part 3. Who Should Get a Mac Cleaner Software?

Part 4. How We Tested and Picked the Best Mac Cleaner in 2024.

Part 5. Top 10 Best Cleaners for Mac in 2024 (Free and Paid).

Part 6. Frequently Asked Questions about Mac Cleaner.

Part 7. Conclusion for the Mac Cleaner.


Part 1. What Are Mac Cleaners Software?

A Mac cleaner is professional software that you can use to remove unwanted elements from your Mac and thereby improve the overall performance. Although the specifics vary per tool, you can expect these tools to remove junk files, privacy issues, large-sized files, and other problems.

Well, admit it, not every Mac user would have the time to go through all their files on their Mac just to tidy up their device as this will take you hours just to work on this.

That is why Mac cleaner software is here to help you in doing this. For the record, there could be over 62 GB of junks which is the reason as to why your Mac device is running slow.

Mac cleaners actually make several things simpler. First of all, you don’t have to check which elements are problematic in your computer. Second, you don’t have to be confused about what to delete and what not. Third and most importantly, you can automate the necessary cleaning actions.

Are you still wondering whether you need it?


Part 2. Are Mac Cleaning Apps Really Needed?

When you ask if you need to install mac cleaning software, you may get a lot of answers. Some people will tell you that we don't really need a Mac cleaner, just let the Mac handle it without the help of any other applications. But is this true? In fact, many Mac users and even experts may experience and know that:

1. Apple Safari retains cookies, and when you delete them, they magically reappear and retain local HTML5 storage for the website.

2. The uninstalled applications dragged to the trash can still leave traces in multiple system folders.

3. Duplicate files can be nice to get rid of.

Except the reasons above, there are some other reasons that why you need a Mac cleaner software:

4. In addition to Safari, other System Apps that runs from the instant you boot up to macOS Desktop also will cache many system Log files.

5. The iTunes application stores a lot of media data and temporary files, settings on the hard drive, and those SSDs that are too small are always close to full.

6. The photo application (iPhoto) stores cache files, temporary information, backup information, photos, videos, and thumbnails, which require several gigabytes in months of use.

7.  In your mail application, the mail attachments in the old mails you want to delete are stored locally.

8. If your disk space is completely used up (or close to disk space), your Mac may slow down and display various inappropriate behaviors.

9. If you are going to sell your Mac, you need to clean it before showing it to potential customers.

When you use a Mac cleaning software, it can help you clean up a lot of system junk and unnecessary data, etc., without having to manually delete them one by one. Using Mac cleaning tools, you will get a lot of space for your Mac and save you a lot of time.


Part 3. Who Should Get A Mac Cleaner?

We believe that everyone loves the convenience provided by Mac cleaning software. However, if you belong to any of the following categories, you need it even more.

  • Students must download multiple files and versions onto their Mac. This will cause macOS to have a lot of duplicate files and junk elements.

  • Software Testers will install a lot of applications on the Mac, but even if they are deleted later, the Mac may have a lot of junk elements and residual files, which will slow down the performance.

  • Frequent Internet users, may place temporary files, cookies, and caches on their Macs. Deleting these can increase your browsing speed and protect you from security threats.

  • Professional users, who use content creation software such as FCP and Photoshop, also have a lot of junk. These junk files will have a negative impact on rendering time and other aspects.

  • Professionals, who value speed, also need the help of a Mac cleaner. A well-built macOS cleaner can ensure the best speed in all situations.

Suppose you don’t belong to these categories. Still, if you can relate to the following scenarios, you need to get a Mac cleaner.

  • You are seeing the “Disk Space Full” message on your Mac quite regularly. This happens even if you have not stored anything huge on the system.

  • You hate the process of going through individual folders and removing files/apps. This can happen if you have installed many apps on your device.

  • You don’t have much experience with macOS in general. In addition, you are afraid whether dealing with the core folders will cause problems.

  • You don’t have time that you can dedicate to Mac cleaning. At the same time, a slowed-down Mac can impact your productivity like anything.

  • You need a dedicated solution to track, analyze and improve the performance/speed of your Mac.

In other words, anyone who wants to improve the speed and maintain the performance of their Mac should use a Mac cleaner software.


Part 4. How We Tested and Picked the Best Mac Cleaner in 2024

We have found more than 50 available macOS cleaning software on the market. In order to condense the list and select the best 10 Mac cleaners, we used the following criteria.

  • Security — Mac cleaning software should be used legally and will not cause chaos to your system or files!

  • User Interface — The user interface should be simple, intuitive and easy to use. The user-friendly interface helps individuals can use it easily.

  • Protection — Online protection keeps you away from malicious software and protects your Mac from threats.

  • Utilities — There are many utilities that can help you improve the performance of your Mac. Some of them include professional application uninstallers, file shredders and space optimizers. Choose one that corresponds to your needs; some software may only have a cleanup function, but not the ability to remove duplicate files.

  • Cleaning — Cleaning algorithm used in Mac cleaners are the most important. The cleaning engine is to find out problematic elements and remove them in the safest manner possible.

  • Price — Prices range from free to high. A free product may solve your problem, but it may not work well. You should consider a cost-effective and reputable solution.

  • Control — Certain cleaning software allows us to achieve advanced control over the Mac, such as customizing which files should be deleted.

  • Developer — Your files are identified during the process of using the Mac cleaner software. Reliable and honest good companies do not corrupt and store your information.

After rigorous testing, we have selected the following free and high-quality Mac cleaning software from many choices on the market.


Comparison of the Best Mac Cleaner Software in 2024

If you want to know how much junk and data these Mac cleaners can remove, here is the complete data of the size of junk found by different Mac cleaners listed in this article. All data was found when running cleaner applications on MacBook Pro (macOS Big Sur 11.3).

Below we have a quick side-by-side comparison of the tools listed in the list of the best Mac cleaning software for 2024.


Products

Junk

Found

(in GBs)

Notable


Features

Malware


Remover

Free and


Trial Version

Money-Back

Guarantee and

Cash Back


Price

Performance

Rating

CleanMyMac X

7.20

Full browser cleanup,

Free Up RAM,

Disable memory-eating apps

Yes

Free Version:

remove up to 500 MB of junk data

30-day

(Get up to 45% cashback

at MacPaw)

From $39.95

Download Now


9.2

CCleaner

3.50

Automatic software updates,

Privacy protection,

Speed up Mac boot times

No

Free

(Get up to 15% cashback

at CCleaner)

Free

Download Now

9.0

MacClean

3.90

Basic set of cleaning and optimizing tools

Yes

Scan only. Paid trial.

60-day

(Get up to 60% cashback

at iMobie)

Lifetime free updates —  From $19.99 per year

Download Now

8.9

EaseUS

CleanGenius

for Mac

3.60

Fast Clean.

App Uninstaller.

Duplicates.

Free Memory.

Login Item.

No

Free for 15 days

30-day

(Get up to 15% cashback

at EaseUS Software)

From $48.44

Download Now

8.8

MacKeeper

8.30

Safe cleanup, Integrated VPN, Antivirus & adware cleaner

Yes

No.
Paid trial for a week for one dollar

14-day

(Get up to 55% cashback

at MacKeeper)

$60 per computer per year

Download Now

9.0

Parallels Toolbox

for Mac


8.60

Free up space on Mac hard drive,

Change screen resolution on Mac,

Detect & remove identical files

No

Free for 7 days

30-day

(Get up to 6.5% cashback

at Microsoft)

$19.99 per year

Download Now

7.8

Drive

Genius

9.10

Remove large & duplicate files,

Malware scanning,

Speed up macOS

Yes

Provides limited access to basic features

No

(Get up to 12% cashback

at Prosoft Engineering)

From $79 per computer per year

Download Now

8.5

AVG

TuneUp

for Mac

3.20

Duplicate files finder,

Delete hidden cache files,

Optimize Mac storage space

No

No. Paid trial.

60-day

(Get up to 15% cashback

at AVG)

One Year Plan — US$20.99

Download Now

8.8

Cleaner

One Pro

8.30

Remove similar photos & other junk files,

Monitor CPU & network usage,

Visual & interactive disk map

No

Free version

30-day

(Get up to 20% cashback

at Trend Micro)

From $14.99 per computer per year( 25% Off )

Download Now

8.3

Avast

Cleanup

for Mac

3.50

Basic set of cleaning tools,

suitable for homes with multiple Macs

No

Paid Trial

30-day

(Get up to 15% cashback

at Avast Software)

$20.99 per year

Download Now

8.7


Part 5. Top 10 Best Cleaners for Mac in 2024 (Free and Paid )

You should own the best app to clean Mac. Here is a list of some of the best mac cleaner software 2024.


1. CleanMyMac X

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CleanMyMac X is undoubtedly the most popular Mac cleaning software on the market. It is made by the trusted developer MacPaw and has become the easiest way to maintain your Mac. It is also a product loved by many people because of its features and capabilities.

From cleaning up junk files to deleting malware, you can explore multiple modules that keep your Mac snappy and healthy.

In the "Cleanup" section, you will get a system-wide macOS scanner. This  "Smart Scan"  will analyze the system junk, unwanted files, etc. in your Mac. These elements can unknowingly take up Mac storage space and cause problems. Therefore, the  “Cleanup” section will removes all of them at once.

CleanMyMac X also comes with a dedicated malware detection/removal module. You can use this module to scan your Mac for multiple security issues. There is also a privacy scanner that can delete tracking cookies and other web-based traces from your disk.

In the "Speed" section, CleanMyMac X provides many options to speed up your Mac. You can easily manage launch agents and background-running apps for enhanced control. You can also explore the Maintenance tab to free up RAM, save purgeable space, and even repair disk permissions given to applications.

In addition to these enhanced applications, there are several utilities in CleanMyMac X. You will get a powerful application uninstaller and file shredder. Both can help you completely delete content from macOS. There is also a module called "Space Lens" that allows you to clearly understand storage consumption.
Furthermore, the interface and layout are user-friendly and super-sleek and do not require any technical know-how for users. A single “Smart Scan” exposes all the problematic elements in your Mac, which is excellent.
Compared to many other tools used for the same purpose, CleanMyMac X is fast. Even if it involves time-consuming processes such as file shredding and declaring that disk space can be cleared, you can expect the best performance standards for the tool.

CleanMyMac X comes in two versions, free and pro. The pro version has more features including being able to find & remove duplicate files and cache ($89.95 One-Time Purchase). They also have a financing option where you can pay only $39.95/year for their pro version.  If you’re looking for the best Mac cleaner software to keep your computer running as new, this is it!

Pros:

  • An all-in-one Mac cleaner software that provides cleanup mode and anti-malware scan, with space lens feature.

  • Simple, easy to use, and convenient.

  • Delete junk files in seconds and create digital space.

  • Most users have reported very positive experiences

  • Real-time Monitoring: Yes ; System Optimizer: Yes ; Malware Remover: Yes!

Cons:

  • Not very cheaply priced.

  • Cannot find duplicate files.

  • The alerts are a bit annoying.

Pricing plans:

  • Free trial – lets you remove up to 500 MB of junk data

  • One Year Plan
    1 Mac — US$ 34.95
    2 Mac — US$ 54.95
    5 Mac — US$ 79.95

  • One-time Purchase
    1 Mac — US$ 89.95
    2 Mac — US$ 134.95
    5 Mac — US$ 199.95

Free Download: https://macpaw.com/cleanmymac

How to use CleanMyMac X?

Step 1: Download the trial version of CleanMyMac X and install it on your Mac.

Step 2: You can use Smart Scan to quickly start cleanup, detect potential threats and speed up advice, then it will find all the junk files, including: System junk, photo junk, mail attachments, iTunes junks, Trash bins, etc. And give you the alert about malware and speedup tasks.

FYI: Usually only system junk files will be automatically removed; the other files won’t be removed unless you reviewed them. And you also could use Deep Cleaning to check and remove specific types of unneeded files.

Step 3: Click “Run” and it will smartly clean the selected junk files, remove detected malware, and speed up your whole Mac. (Based on your choice or pre-setting).

P.S. If you are using a Windows PC and would like a similar cleaner for it, you can get the CleanMyPC from MacPaw to help you clean your Windows computer.


2. CCleaner for Mac

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CCleaner is one of the most preferred free Mac cleaners by people who search, “which is the best free software to clean my Mac memory?”

If you have ever used Windows, you will have heard of CCleaner. CCleaner is mainly a cleanup tool for Windows, but now there is also a Mac version.

It is developed by the influential Piriform, is very easy to use, and has a minimal user interface. It is known for its real fast disk cleanup results, and now it also provides more advanced features for advanced users.

CCleaner for Mac has two main sections: "Cleaner" and "Tools".

 "Cleaner" will delete all kinds of junk from your Mac, including system junk and browser cache, junk files/temporary files of each application. The Analyze function would tell you how much space you can save.

However, in the "Tools" section, you have more options. CCleaner for Mac brings utilities for Uninstall, Startup Manager, Free Space Eraser, and Large File Finder.

While the free version does not have any advanced features, the ones it does have, are performed seamlessly and have shown actual results. You will get a faster running system and quicker startup using this application. If you want advanced options, though, you need to get the CCleaner for Mac Professional at $19.95.

Pros:

  • One-click cleaning function

  • True to its claims of powerful, quick scanning and deep cleaning of the system

  • Provides a real-time check for junk files

  • Several customization options

  • Basic CCleaner is free and the premium version offers even more advanced tools

Cons:

  • Free version offers only basic features

  • Internet protection feature only work Safari, Chrome, and Firefox

  • Doesn’t offer any security features compared to other best Mac cleaning tools(does not have a malware-scanning)

  • Quite less features as compared to other competitor apps

  • Internet protection feature only work Safari, Chrome, and Firefox

  • Security mishap has damaged the reputation of the software(have patched )

Pricing plans:

  • CCleaner – completely free

  • CCleaner Professional – $19.95(1-year subscription).

Free Download: https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner-mac


3. MacClean

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Perhaps what makes MacClean stand out the most is that it takes into account the important advantages of our previous two cleaning software, which can be called the best of both worlds!

Compared with CleanMyMac, MacClean's APP is very small. On the other hand, compared with CCleaner, it has more functions to better meet the needs.

MacClean is easy-to-use Mac cleaning software that includes all essential cleanup features plus a robust malware scanner.

MacClean's tools are divided into two parts: "Cleanup" and "Utilities". Although the "Cleanup" section provides some comprehensive cleaning tools for Mac, the “Utilities” are rich in terms of options.

The “Cleanup” module comes with the option to remove system junk, internet junk, malicious cookies, privacy issues, and security issues. Instead of cleaning all junk files in one go, MacClean offers five distinct cleanup options.

Coming to the “Utilities” module, there are four sub-sections: “Cleanup Tools,” “Optimization Tools,” “Quarantine.” Within these sections, you can find options like a professional file shredder, language file cleaner, old and large file finder, and app uninstaller.

While MacClean’s malware scanner doesn’t offer real-time scanning, it can reliably detect all major threats and get rid of them before they cause any harm.

Compared with other free cleaning apps featured in this article, scanning with MacClean definitely takes more time, but at least the results are worth the wait. The bad news is that scanning is the only thing the free version lets you do, and you need to purchase a license to delete found junk files.

Pros:

  • Built-in virus scanner.

  • with individual control on everything.

  • Comes with a duplicate finder that enables you to analyze your storage and find unnecessary files.

  • The full version is affordable.

Cons:

  • No comprehensive one-click scan.

  • The free version lets you only scan your Mac and does not let you try any of the tool’s other features.

  • Scanning is slower than with other solutions.

Pricing plans:

  • Free trial – evaluation only

  • Personal license – $19.99 per year or $29.99 for a lifetime

  • Family license – $39.99 for lifetime

Free Download: https://www.imobie.com/macclean/


4. EaseUS CleanGenius for Mac

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Are you looking for a Mac cleaning software with sufficient features and a affordable price?

Here, we recommend the CleanGenius for Mac from EaseUS, a very well-known company in the antivirus market!

So stop thinking that affordable prices don’t get all the options you need to keep your Mac safe and snappy. Although this one does not have so many weird options, the options available are just excellent.
The “Fast Cleanup” is the best way to go, and EaseUS CleanGenius for Mac shows you which elements are causing the slow-down.

Also, this tool can erase duplicate files and unwanted applications.

In addition, there is a “Web Browser Plugin” section. This may be one of the best options on the list, because you can scan each browser individually for potential extensions. Within a second or two, the cache and other types of temporary files will be cleared.
The “Free Memory” section provides a real-time view of RAM consumption. This is of course very convenient, you will know what happens when you press the button. In the same pane, you will find the option to view the login items.

EaseUS CleanGenius for Mac does not have many functions. However, these included functions are very practical and perform well. You can use special tools to find duplicates, analyze disk usage, and uninstall programs without leaving residual files.

Unfortunately, EaseUS CleanGenius does not provide a free version, and the cost of each license is $35.34. However, there are free trial options for a few days.

Pros:

  • Affordable prices

  • Can reduce your CPU usage, clear disk space and optimize the system for improved performance

  • Capable of finding duplicates

  • Can monitor your system with ease

  • Scheduled boot and shut-down time

Cons:

  • No free version

  • Not suitable for older versions of macOS

Pricing plans:

  • Free trial

  • Personal license – $35.34

Free Download: https://www.easeus.com/system-utilities/mac.htm


5. MacKeeper

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MacKeeper is an all-in-one Mac cleaning application that we recommend.

Developed by Clario Tech Limited, MacKeeper blends features of junk cleaning program, security suite, virtual private network, and adware cleaner.

MacKeeper performs various functions on your Mac OS device.In the “Cleaning”section, you can get options such as "Duplicate File Finder" and "Smart Uninstaller".

In the "Security" section, you can even get the option to track your Mac. This tool checks your Mac for outdated software and updates them accordingly.

One distinct trait in its prolific feature set is the VPN, which offers 250+ servers across 50 countries. While these are enough for everyday use and some even bypass most regional restrictions, but not as proficient as bypassing Netflix and Amazon restrictions.

Still, its distinct ID theft features are doubtless, and if your email has suffered a data breach, it will effectively identify it.

MacKeeper comes with an antivirus that has a feature of real-time malware protection, this means as soon as the app detects malware in the device it takes immediate action on it and protects your Mac device all the time. Apart from malware, MacKeeper is also beneficial in cleaning the adware from your Mac device. The application deletes all the malicious apps that are attacked with ads, it removes all the unwanted ads from your Mac device and gives you a better user experience.

MacKeeper 5 is the latest version of the MacKeeper software. It boasts of improved functionalities, refreshed design, and an easy-to-navigate interface. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Mac newbie or a pro—you’ll get a hang of MacKeeper easily.

MacKeeper also has an Auto-scan feature that’s enabled by default. Once we have given all the permissions to the app, it will start scanning your computer.

Once the scanning is done, MacKeeper presents a comprehensive view of your Mac, exploring aspects such as Speed, Privacy, Safety, and Cleanliness. A single “Fix” button would address all the listed issues and give you a cleaner, speedier Mac to use.

Pros:

  • It has received world-famed signatures that speak highly of it.

  • Cost-effective application.

  • Easy-to-use, clean interface

  • Speed up Mac performance

  • Real-time antivirus & privacy protection

  • Free VPN

  • Ad-free web surfing

  • 24/7 technical support via chat and phone

Cons:

  • Doesn’t support older macOS versions

  • Some users might not have the use of all it offers, making it expensive as a cleanup utility.

Pricing plans:


  • $10.95/1 Mac/month,

  • $60/1 Mac/year, (save 15%)

  • $62.40/3 Macs/year, (save 30%)

How to Use MacKeeper?

First of all, you need to download and install MacKeeper on your device.

After the software is installed, launch it from the Applications folder.

To begin with, press the “Start Full Scan” button.

When the scan is done, review the items and press the “Fix Items Safely” button.

Download: https://mackeeper.com/


6. Parallels Toolbox for Mac


1629784992688039.png

Parallels Toolbox isn’t a traditional cleaner app. Instead, it’s a comprehensive selection of tools covering everything from system optimization to file archiving and more. Just read the names of some of the tools included in Parallels Toolbox, and you’ll instantly understand what we’re talking about: Clean Drive, Date Countdown, Free Memory, Record Window, Eject Volumes, Make GIF, Hide Menu Items.

Out of many essential options, one commendable one is its “Clean Drive,” which allows you to delete log files, cache data, Trash, and mail cache with just a click of a button. On the same tab, it also includes a list of other things that you might want to clean, ranging from iTunes backup to iOS device backup and more.

Parallel Toolbox also includes “Find Duplicates” to quickly locate all the redundant records that are eating up your disk space.

There is also another module called “Free RAM.” As the name says, it helps you to free up RAM by removing or suspending background applications.

Other optimizing options like finding Hidden Files, Uninstaller, Sleep Timer, Energy Saver, and more are also available.

With Parallel Toolbox, it all comes down to user preference. For those who value functionality, time-saving, and productivity, this application will be a true savior. After all, it has a host of tools available in just a click. At a reasonable price point, you get more than just a clean-up utility.

The single-user license of Parallels Toolbox for Mac is available for $19.99 per year. The software also offers a 7-day free trial.

Pros:

  • With over 30 features and tools, the app is a complete multi-purpose package providing massive utility and time-saving to its users

  • Full system scan with just one click.

  • User gets the option to choose files before deleting them

  • Some features are extremely useful and handy for students, professionals, or even regular users who want their Mac to assist them in chores.

  • Tools like Presentation Mode, Launch tool, Screen Recorder, Download Video/Audio are very valuable and you won’t have to buy additional software for them.

  • The interface of the software is very simple and easy to adapt.

Cons:

  • The clean-up utility alone is rather basic.

  • Fails to provide the essential ones like privacy protection, malware removal, and startup optimization.

  • Older versions of macOS are not supported.

Pricing plans:

  • Free trial – free for 7 days

  • Full version – $19.99 per year

Free Download: https://www.parallels.com/products/toolbox/


7. Drive Genius

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Drive Genius is not actually a traditional Mac cleaner. This application was built by ProSoft Engineering Inc. as a hard drive monitoring software to analyze potential problems with Mac hard drives and fix them.

Therefore, Drive Genius cannot replace the other comprehensive Mac cleaning software you find in this list. However, if you think a hard drive problem is causing your Mac to slow down, you should give it a try.

Because Drive Genius targets more experienced users and professionals, it doesn’t prioritize usability nearly as much as some of the other Mac cleaning software solutions listed in this article.

Drive Genius consists of three parts: “Speed Up,” “Cleanup,” and “Protect.”

“Speed Up” includes options such as defragmentation and speed booster.

"Cleanup" contains some more useful options such as Duplicate Finder, Large File Finder, Secure Erase, and Clone.

Perhaps the best part of Drive Genius lies in the “Protect” part. This section contains options ike Malware Scan, Physical Check, and Consistency Check, which are essential to ensure the best hard drive quality.

For professional Mac users who value malware protection and secure data as much as they appreciate a faster system, and those who are willing to pay a higher price for this complete package- Drive Genius is a highly recommended option.

Pros:

  • Loads of features to clean and organize your Mac

  • Built-in malware scanner

  • Detects hardware related problems on Mac

  • Lets you get rid of the duplicate files

  • Allows to securely erase all the data

  • Real-time Monitoring: Yes; System Optimizer: Yes; Malware Remover: Yes!

Cons:

  • A bit expensive compared to other Mac cleaning apps

  • Difficult for amateur users to operate

  • No free version or free trial

Pricing plans:

  • Demo – provides limited access to basic features

  • Standard License – $79 per computer per year

  • Perpetual License – $99 per computer per use

  • Professional License – $299 per 10 computers per year

Free Download: https://www.prosofteng.com/drive-genius-mac-protection-software


8. AVG TuneUp for Mac

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AVG is a quite popular name in the system security industry. The developers also provide one of the best Mac cleaner, i.e., AVG TuneUp for Mac. It should be understood that, although AVG is an anti-virus software developer, AVG TuneUp for Mac does not provide any malware detection or removal functions. 

AVG TuneUp for Mac contains three main options: "Clutter Cleaning", "Duplicate Finder" and "Bad/Similar Photo Finder". These functions are very useful and effective!

"Clutter Cleaning" will scan the nook and cranny of your Mac for hidden files (application caches, junk files, unnecessary downloads, and so on) taking up disk space.

The "Duplicate Finder", on the other hand, will dig out identical files and folders. Intelligent traits like locating low-resolution image remover (specifically lists out the poorly-lit, low-contrast shots) are also accessible.

This Mac cleaner and optimizer is worth checking out – particularly if you are looking for an effective way to clean duplicate photos and files this app has something for you.

But if you have read any guide concerning Mac cleaner review, you might know that these features may qualify an application as a cleaning utility, but not as a perfect one. There are no options to deal with malicious and trojan files nor smart features to optimize the Mac performance.

An attractive, user-friendly UI helps AVG TuneUp stand out from the crowd. Although powerful with its cleaning features, the subscription cost demanded is definitely a rip-off. There is a free version of AVG TuneUp for Mac that you can use, but that is quite limited. If you want full access to the features, you have to purchase a 10-device package by paying $39.99.

Pros:

  • It includes practical Mac cleaning qualities like finding hidden files, locating redundancies, and listing low-resolution photos.

  • Effective in streamlining your photo library

  • Automatic cleanup, simple and effortless.

  • Multilingual Mac cleaner.

Cons:

  • Do not provide security from malware threats

  • The subscription price (for the features offered) — is substantial

Pricing plans:

  • Free trial – No. Paid trial.

  • One Year Plan — US$ 20.99

Free Download: https://www.avg.com/en-us/avg-tuneup-for-mac


9. Cleaner One Pro

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Cleaner One Pro is an all-in-one disk cleaning and optimization solution. With the minimalist and easy-to-use interface, you can visualize, manage and free up your storage space in just one click.

Cleaner One Pro also provides some advanced features including start up manager, application manager and file shredder. Keep your Mac clean and automatically tune it up for the best performance.

This multi-platform solution works well on Windows too. You can subscribe it to avail services for one or multiple PCs.

You can also view CPU usage and network usage in the Menu bar. The main strength of this Mac cleaning software lies in its minimalist and easy-to-use interface. The presence of powerful features such as a disk cleaning manager and file shredder makes the Cleaner One Pro software worth every penny that you spend.

The free version includes memory optimizer, basic CPU/network monitoring, junk files cleaner, big files scanner, disk map, and startup manager.

Upgrade to the Paid version to enjoy more features including advance CPU/Network monitoring, duplicate finder, similar photo scanner, app manager, and file shredder.

Pros:

  • Boasts numerous disk cleaning tools for Mac

  • Displays real-time CPU and network usage

  • Sends you quick recommendations to find & clean junk.

  • Useful for both budget and power users

  • Tidy up your albums and remove duplicate photos the easy way

Cons:

  • Scanning process is quite time-consuming

  • Doesn’t offer any security-related features

  • Free download has limited cleaning access

Pricing plans:

The one-year subscription of the Cleaner One Pro version is currently available at a discounted price of $14.99 for 1 Mac and $29.99 for 5 Macs.

Free Download: https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/forHome/products/cleaner-one-mac.html


10. Avast Cleanup for Mac

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Avast is renowned for its antivirus software but its Cleanup tool for Mac is just as good.

All the features you expect to find in a good Mac optimizer are there, with disk cleaner, duplicate finder, and junk files removal. The junk removal gets rid of caches, crash reports, logs, and much more – including old forgotten downloaded files.

Perhaps the best feature of Cleanup Pro is the photo cleaner tool that not only searches for similar photos but will be able to find poorly shot, blurry, or badly exposed photos. This means you can streamline your family photo albums and save a large amount of space on your Mac.

Don’t expect Avast Cleanup Pro to be packed with features though. In fact, the software is stripped down, making it ideal for inexperienced users or for those wanting simple Mac optimization. Everything you need to declutter your Mac is clearly spelled out on the app's dashboard. There are no hidden tools or menus. Simply launch the app, grant it access to your Mac's disk, scan for unwanted files, and choose what you want to keep or delete.

However, it excels in the features it does provide. Avast’s computer scans are some of the fastest around.

You can download Avast Cleanup for free but there’s a catch: the trial version works in scan-only mode. To clean your Mac with the app, you’ll need to sign up for an Avast Cleanup Premium subscription.

You can choose between 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year subscriptions with discounts offered for the longer plans. Unfortunately, prices are a little expensive for the shorter subscriptions, costing $47.88 a year. Regardless of which plan you opt for, all purchases are covered by Avast’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • One of the best all-in-one solutions — disk cleaner, automatic maintenance, and bloatware removal.

  • Find and delete duplicate files and low-quality images. 

  • Monitor your browser cache, unneeded downloads, log files, and crash reports.

Cons:

  • Malware scanner and removal tool is offered as a separate, but free, product.

  • No monthly payment option.

Pricing plans:

  • Free 30-day trial (no credit card needed).

  • $44.99 annual subscription.

Free Download: https://www.avast.com/cleanup-mac#pc


Part 5. Frequently Asked Questions about Mac Cleaner


Can’t my Mac clean itself?

Your macOS has a built-in Mac cleaner, which Apple calls Optimized Storage. Despite its limited functionality, it provides you with basic directions on where to start cleaning up. But for a thorough system cleanup and removing malware, you’ll need a dedicated Mac cleaner app.


Is Mac Cleaner Safe?

Yes, using a mac cleaning software, whether it’s a free mac cleaner or a paid one, is safe. You just need to ensure that the concerned Mac cleaner app is installed from a trusted source.

Usually, Mac cleaners are similar to antivirus and speed optimization software we install in Windows PCs. Thus, they’re made to boost the performance of your macOS computer.


How Much Space Can I Free Up With a great Mac Cleaner App?

As much as you like, it depends on which Mac cleaning software you choose to optimize your Mac. In our recommended list, some software has more cleaning features, while others are more focused on user privacy and security. Learn about each cleaning solution, and then decide which one is more suitable for you to to reclaim maximum space.


Will Mac Cleaner Apps Delete My Important Files?

The major purpose of Mac cleaners is to remove unnecessary files from your system. Thus, important files won’t be removed from your computer. Best Mac cleaner apps have a protection built-in, which mechanisms allowing them to sift unnecessary from important data.


Will Mac cleaners slow down my Mac?

There are cleaners who actually get inside the system’s Login items. This uses up much of the computer’s memory thus placing a heavy burden on it. Fortunately, trusted Mac cleaners can optimize your Mac’s system and speed up its performance by removing unnecessary junk.


Is CleanMyMac Recommended By Apple?

Apple does not recommend cleaning software (because of the built-in Optimized Storage), if you use the wrong software, you will risk conflicting with Mac’s own built-in security.

However, as we said before, there is a lot of junk left!

We have used CleanMyMac and other cleaning software in the list on all our MacBooks, and we have seen good results.


Mac cleaning apps you should avoid

Above we've touched the trusted Mac cleanup solutions. Unfortunately, not every tool out there is the same. There are those who use shady tactics that damages your system.

For instance, Malwarebytes says that you have to be cautious about using “Advanced Mac Cleaner Pro” and other tools similar to it.


How To Clean My Mac Manually?

If you clean your mac drive carefully, you can easily improve its performance & speed up mac. Once you figure out what is making your mac running slow, you can start removing useless & unwanted items to boost speed & enhance performance.

Things To Clear To Speed Up Mac:

  • System Trash

  • Duplicate Files

  • Old Disk Images

  • Large Old Files

  • Mail Downloads & Partial/Failed Installs

  • Uninstall Unnecessary Apps

  • Caches, Login Items, Plugins, Junk Files & Other Residues


Part 6. Conclusion - What is the best Mac cleaner for me?

We hope that the information provided above about the different best Mac cleaning software will help you get the best cleaning utility for your Mac.

Remember: the best Mac cleaner is a cleaner that meets your needs!

First of all, determine the features you need. If you often use Mac to store a large number of files and photos, then you need more advanced cleaning software. If you have a lot of online office or school work, you may see a more complete tool with a collaboration suite to better prepare for multitasking.
Users of Internet data will need an attractive protective tool that provides additional security for system files. Basic Mac users will find a simple cleanup utility with a one-click cleanup function.

Then, you should understand the price of the programs you like and evaluate how much you are willing to pay for the services provided. Some software offers free trials, and you should always seize the opportunity before buying.

We want you to make the best decision and choose the ideal long-term solution to achieve the best health, speed, and performance of your Mac.

If you still don’t know how to proceed, here is the answer!

According to our analysis and research, CleanMyMac is the best cleaning tool today. With reasonable prices and fully effective tools that can meet the needs of most Mac users, we think this product is definitely worth the money.

Another one on par with CleanMyMac is MacKeeper 5, which comes with an additional free VPN, but the subscription cost is slightly more expensive, but the application is smaller than CleanMyMac, so it is worth considering!

If you need all the basic Mac enhancements (cleaning and performance), then CleanMyMac X and MacKeeper 5 are good choices. However, if you are looking for a more affordable Mac cleaning software, then Ccleaner should be enough.

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