We Tested 20+ Mac Cleaner Apps-Here Are Our Favorites

Modern macOS does a lot of maintenance quietly in the background — but it doesn’t explain what’s accumulating, what’s safe to remove, or what’s better left alone.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to clean up your Mac—along with the best third-party Mac cleaner apps to help reclaim storage, boost speed, and keep your system running like new.

TL;DR: Top Mac Cleaning Software At-a-Glance

• DaisyDisk – Best for understanding where your space went
• CleanMyMac – Best for hands-off, all-in-one maintenance
• Sensei – Best if you care about what your Mac is actually doing
• App Cleaner & Uninstaller – Best for removing apps cleanly
• MacKeeper – Best for automatic cleanup and real-time protection
• OnyX for Mac – Best free tool for advanced users

What Redditors Say About Mac Cleaner Tools

Before diving into our picks, we checked in on what real users in Reddit’s r/mac and r/apple communities are saying. Here’s what the crowd thinks:

• Less is more: Lightweight tools like AppCleaner and OnyX are community favorites.
• Skepticism toward paid tools: Many users are wary of “bloated” or overly aggressive cleaners.
• Built-in tools praised: Some say Apple’s own storage management features are all you need.
• DaisyDisk gets visual love: Redditors appreciate its simple drag-n-delete interface to free up space fast.

macOS Built-in vs. Third-party Cleaners

macOS has some solid cleanup tools built-in:

• Storage Management (About This Mac > Storage > Manage).
• Finder Smart Folders to locate large or duplicate files.
• Activity Monitor for memory and performance.

These are solid for basic cleanup, but they lack depth and automation.

You might need a cleaner:

• You’re reclaiming space quickly but want visual explanations.
• You want safe app removal, including leftovers.
• You need duplicate file detection with previews.
• You want automation or scheduled cleanup.
• You want cleaning built into a broader performance or monitoring suite.

Verdict?

On macOS in 2026, most “cleaning” can be done without third-party software.

Apple includes built-in storage tools, and many tasks (junk files, caches, large attachments) can be handled manually or with free utilities.

Third-party Mac cleaners only make sense when you want automation, deeper cleanup, safe uninstalls, or visibility you otherwise lack — and even then, you should understand what they’re doing under the hood.

Evaluating and Testing the Mac Cleaner Apps

We tested 20+ apps on an Apple silicon MacBook Air M2 running macOS Tahoe, with real-world clutter from development tools, media caches, and long-installed apps — not a fresh system. Read the full rundown of how we select tools to feature on TheSweetBits blog.

Here’s what we considered:

• Is the app intuitive and easy to use?
• Is the app secure and safe to use?
• Does it offer a free trial? And, not come bundled with other apps installation?
• What cleaning features are included?
• Is it priced reasonably with respect to the powerful features/functionalities we get?
• Is it compatible with the latest version of macOS?

Important safety note:

Many “cleaner” tools ask for deep system permissions. Before granting full disk access, understand what the tool actually deletes — and back up important data. In 2026, some actions that claim to “clean” system caches can have unintended side effects. Trusted tools provide clear previews and selective cleanup options.

DaisyDisk: Best for quick cleanup

DaisyDisk is our first recommendation if you need an app to clean your Mac quickly. It works great when you want to free up space on your Mac. But it works better when you want to know why you have insufficient storage on your Mac. Compared to the Storage Settings utility, DaisyDisk presents things more clearly.

Things we love

DaisyDisk is a beautiful yet powerful disk space analyzer that scans the drives on your Mac and gives you a visual overview of what’s eating up space on your Mac. It displays files in a pinwheel-shaped disk map, letting you quickly locate and clean up large files.

You can also use the built-in QuickLook preview to see what you might want to get rid of (you can also reveal the files/folders in Finder to take a closer look). But the good part is that DaisyDisk will warn you if you are about to delete something important to the system.

DaisyDisk also understands that you may have to remove files/folders from different parts of the file system. So, there is a collection drawer to which you can add contents. Then, once you review everything, you can delete everything in a single click.

Compared to the other space analyzer tools we have tested, DaisyDisk is pretty intelligent. For example, on top of showing storage space consumption, the cleaning app also points out free and purgeable space. It means DaisyDisk can help you revive space that other cleaning apps do not even bother about.

In the long run, using DaisyDisk to clean up storage space on your Mac is a better option than most forms of storage space upgrade.

What could be better

Even though DaisyDisk does an incredible job telling us how to clean up storage space on Mac, it doesn’t go beyond that point. For instance, you do not get actionable information about issues like junk files or residual stuff from the system or third-party applications.

It would also be great if DaisyDisk were proactive about interactions with system folders. At this point, there is a higher chance of interfering with system files. But, again, it is not desired when relying on a dedicated Mac cleaner app.

Pricing

On the bright side, DaisyDisk does not cost much. You can purchase a single license of the app for just $9.99, which is nothing compared to what other storage upgrade solutions cost. It also offers a 7-day free trial.

TheSweetBits verdict: If you’re a visual thinker and want to clean up space fast, DaisyDisk gives you a stunning bird’s-eye view of your disk usage. Read our full DaisyDisk review here.

CleanMyMac: Best for comprehensive cleaning

CleanMyMac has been our go-to Mac cleaning app for years, and we love recommending this app to our readers. But it does not stop us from objectively reviewing what this Mac cleaner can do. And after testing the latest version of CleanMyMac on macOS Tahoe we believe it deserves this top position.

Things we love

To keep things as simple as possible, CleanMyMac contains everything you need to revive your Mac and keep it that way. We are talking about a combination of system junk cleaning, anti-malware protection, and speed optimization. So, it checks all the boxes you expect from this cleaner app.

On the Cleanup side, you get dedicated cleaners for System Junk, Mail Attachments, and Trash Bins. These utilities ensure that residual/junk files do not take up your Mac’s storage space. Finally, when we come to the Protection aspect, you get malware removal and privacy enhancement utilities.

CleanMyMac also packs dedicated utilities to deal with speed optimization and maintenance. They do a lot of tasks that can take you hours if done manually. You can restore your Mac to the best state possible with a single click. We also loved the dedicated tools for uninstalling and updating your installed apps.

The cleaning app also takes care of large files on your system. For instance, you can use the Space Lens option to see how your Mac’s storage space is used. Similarly, the Large & Old Files utility will help you eliminate unused/huge files from the Mac. Finally, the Shredder utility comes in handy while deleting confidential data.

The best part is that all these utilities work hand in hand. For instance, you can use the app’s smart assistant to carry out all these tasks. Moreover, if you do not want to keep the fully-fledged app open, a simple menu-bar app of CleanMyMac will give you timely updates.

What could be better

While we love how comprehensive CleanMyMac is, we cannot say it is perfect. For instance, the malware removal utility cannot replace a fully-fledged anti-malware program. So, it is an area where we would like to see some improvement.

It is also true that CleanMyMac can be a little expensive for some people. It would be nice if the developers could decrease the price to an extent. On the bright side, you can get the CleanMyMac app as a part of the Setapp subscription, which means you spend only a fraction of the amount.

Pricing

CleanMyMac uses a freemium model, where you can try the app before unlocking all features. So, when you go premium, you can find plans starting at $34.95 per Mac. CleanMyMac also offers 10% discount exclusively for TheSweetBits readers.

TheSweetBits verdict: If you’re short on time and want a cleaner, malware scanner, and performance monitor in one, CleanMyMac delivers convenience—especially for non-techies. Read our full CleanMyMac review here.

Sensei: Best for system monitoring and cleaning

If you think CleanMyMac does not offer much information about your Mac while reviving it, you may like to consider Sensei. The app is not just a cleaner — it’s a macOS performance dashboard with built-in cleaning utilities.

Things we love

When you get started with Sensei, it provides a comprehensive overview of your Mac. Depending on your machine, you can track the overall status of the SSD, RAM, CPU, GPU, and battery. Thanks to the intuitive UI throughout the app, you can understand if something is acting unusual.

But Sensei takes things further with the additional tool it packs. For instance, if you go to the Utilities section, you can find dedicated options to optimize your Mac, uninstall apps, clean junk files, or even trim your SSD. That’s right. If you have an old Mac with an SSD that could use the trimming feature, Sensei can help you.

You can also get an insane amount of monitoring data from your hardware components. For instance, there are dedicated sections for Storage, Graphics, Cooling, and Battery. So, if you want to know how much stress you are putting on your CPU or GPU, you can do it with Sensei.

More importantly, Sensei presents every critical piece of data simply. So, for instance, when you want to check the temperature of different system parts, you can see it in simple graphs. And if you want to keep an eye on what is happening with your Mac, you can keep the Sensei Monitor on your menu bar.

Overall, if you need a system monitor that also fixes many issues with your Mac, you cannot go wrong with Sensei. It is also great that Cindori, the developer, does a great job updating the app for the latest Mac desktops and notebooks.

What could be better

Even though Sensei works excellently with the latest macOS versions, we cannot say the same about backward compatibility. For instance, you cannot run this app on a Mac running a version older than macOS Catalina. So, if you plan to revive a considerably old Mac, you need something like CleanMyMac.

Similarly, although the cleaning options with Sensei are pretty comprehensive, you do not get many options for scheduling or notifications. It means you must keep an eye on where the RAM and disk usage are, for instance.

Pricing

You can download Sensei for free from the official website and use it for 14 days as a part of the free trial. After that, it costs you $29 per year or $59 (regular) per license, which you can use on up to three Macs.

TheSweetBits’ verdict: For users who want deep insights into their Mac’s performance alongside powerful cleaning and optimization, Sensei offers a great blend of system monitoring and practical utilities. Read our full Sensei review here.

App Cleaner & Uninstaller: Best for app uninstalling

Sometimes, you do not need a comprehensive tool like CleanMyMac or Sensei. Instead, you need a more specific choice. In those instances, you can consider App Cleaner & Uninstaller by Nektony. This Mac cleaner app is designed to help you remove apps, system extensions, and leftover files.

Things we love

App Cleaner & Uninstaller by Nektony offers a few advantages of being a dedicated Mac cleaner for removing apps and extensions. Therefore, you get multiple sorting/filtering options in each section. For instance, in the Applications section, you can sort your apps based on size and usage.

On the other hand, when you move to Startup Programs, you can see a simple-to-edit list of apps you have set up for startup login. Editing these login agents using App Cleaner & Uninstaller by Nektony is faster and more efficient than going to System Preferences.

In the same way, you can deal with extensions and remaining files. These two features are great if you install too many apps on your Mac for work or personal use. In addition, the ability to remove extensions will help you keep your browsers clean and optimized.

With the correct permissions, App Cleaner & Uninstaller by Nektony can make things even easier by changing the default apps for different file formats. This task is usually tedious because you have to locate other file formats individually. But with this app cleaner, you can do it from a single screen.

What could be better

Honestly, we do not find anything problematic with App Cleaner & Uninstaller by Nektony. Judging it as one of the dedicated apps for removing apps, it does more than what it is supposed to. And the developers are great when it comes to keeping the UI and features up-to-date.

However, you may be disappointed if you expect App Cleaner & Uninstaller by Nektony to clean your entire Mac system. There are some areas where you need external help. For instance, the app does help you get rid of system junk.

Pricing

You can either subscribe to the app for $11.95 or pay $49.95 as a one-time purchase fee. Before you do either of these, you can use the app in the free trial mode for 14 days.

TheSweetBits’ verdict: If your primary need is thoroughly removing unwanted applications and their lingering files, App Cleaner & Uninstaller is a highly effective, dedicated solution.

MacKeeper: Best for automatic cleaning

If you want cleaning features along with automation, you might want to check out MacKeeper. In many ways, MacKeeper is similar to CleanMyMac, but some of its features make it suitable for this position on this list.

Things we love

MacKeeper checks almost all boxes when considering the features you need for cleaning and speeding up your Mac. For instance, you can easily quit memory-conscious apps and remove system junk files. It also has a malware-scanning utility that works just fine.

This app does a great job of helping you stay away from annoying things like adware and pop-ups. And it goes a step further by monitoring potential data leaks. But, again, it is a feature we do not see on Mac cleaners. You also get a built-in VPN, which does an incredible job.

The app does not hold back in terms of cleaning utilities. For instance, you get a duplicate finder and a smart uninstaller. Similarly, utilities in the Performance section come in handy when freeing up RAM or updating all your apps.

In addition, you can use the MacKeeper cleaner app to stay on top of your digital life. There are a bunch of premium services that you may want to check out. And the tech support from developers is incredible on most days.

What could be better

While we appreciate the richness of features on MacKeeper, we did notice the lack of intuitive design. So, if you want to sit back and relax, the results from the app can be a little overwhelming. So, we would keep that in mind when buying this app.

Rest assured, MacKeeper does everything it can to ensure the best condition for your Mac. And it can be a good solution if you want to make the extra effort to keep your Mac that way.

Pricing

You can get the 12-month plan of MacKeeper for $7.49 per month. There is also a free version, but it does not offer many features that make MacKeeper different in the first place.

TheSweetBits’ verdict: MacKeeper is a solid choice for users seeking an all-in-one solution that includes automated cleaning, real-time protection, and additional privacy features like a built-in VPN. Read our full MacKeeper review here.

OnyX for Mac: Best free cleaning tool

OnyX for Mac is a small and free utility that can verify your startup disk, run a variety of system scripts for cleaning tasks manually and rebuilding your Mac. The developer offers specific OnyX versions for every major version of macOS. When a new version of macOS comes out, you have to revisit the OnyX site and grab the latest release. Every version is free and very small. So, you won’t waste space.

It’s handy for deleting caches, removing redundant and excessive files and folders, rebuilding databases and indexes, and making your machine run more smoothly and with added disk space. Just be careful playing with these settings. They’re helpful and can improve your Mac’s performance, but if you don’t know what a given setting is supposed to do, you’re probably best off not changing it.

TheSweetBits’ verdict: We think it’s excellent for tech-savvy and experienced Mac users to take significantly more time to get around and find what you need, then learn how to use it, but the result pays.

Honorable Mentions

Here are the other Mac cleaner apps we tested for this review. Not every app we tested is listed here, but these are the ones worth mentioning.

CCleaner Professional

For years, the standard in PC cleaner software has been CCleaner. Now, Mac users can benefit from the experience that the Piriform developers bring to the table. CCleaner Professional is quick and easy to use the program, which speeds up your Mac and secures it. Although CCleaner has a free version, there are only some basic features aimed at a faster Mac and privacy protection.

At the premium level with a price of $24.95, you have Automatic Clutter/Browser Cleaning, Duplicate/Large file Cleaning, App Uninstalling, and what they call “Bad Photos Remove Support”. These five cleaning options inside CCleaner can help you remove junk files, trash files, unused data, unwanted files, and software

Though CCleaner Professional has many helpful features, it lacks some options. For instance, it always stays as a simple tool for cleaning temporary files and internet cache.

MacBooster

MacBooster from IObit is a powerful Mac maintenance tool for cleaning up Mac computers and offers proper functionality for its class. MacBooster and Mackeeper have quite similar functionality, offering users several cleaning options and tools: system cleanup, finding duplicates, deleting large files, uninstalling applications, protecting your Mac from virus and malware, etc.

Start by clicking Clean and Boost, for example, and four sections – Internet Security, System Cleanup, System Optimization, and Disk Clean – are scanned for errors, threats, and redundant files. After a quick review, you can simply click the Fix button and proceed. We also liked MacBooster’s performance boost tool, which shuts down low-level services to speed up your Mac further.

MacBooster gives the 14-day trial a whirl, but the trial version of this app can only complete the preliminary steps of each function.  After that, it requires a $2.49/month subscription.

Cleaner One Pro

Cleaner One Pro (formerly known as Dr. Cleaner) does many things that DaisyDisk does not, but you need to make some compromises. So, if you need more than quick cleaning, you may consider this app.

Because it is the Pro version of Dr. Cleaner, a popular app from Trend Micro, you can expect advanced control over your Mac. It deals with other elements like big files, duplicates, app manager, etc. You also get to decide what you remove from the Mac. It is better than clicking a single button and worrying about what the app may delete.

Even though we love the quick cleanup, it does not quite cut it for advanced users. For instance, you need to use an app like Finder to understand where your most enormous files are located. Then, it simply lists the files matching the criteria.

You can purchase Cleaner One Pro for $19.99 from the official website or download it from Mac App Store for free.

Disk Diet

Disk Diet is a tool that automatically scans your Mac’s storage drive and cleans it by deleting all trash files. You don’t have to do a thing. The app will automatically look through the cache and the drive to keep it clean and optimized.

The UI is minimal, and you don’t even have a clear breakdown of the storage space. It features a one-click optimization tool, and you can clean all the trash by just clicking the “Diet” button. Of course, we have included Disk Diet as a limited alternative only. It cannot be compared to DaisyDisk or CleanMyMac on any day. But, if you prefer a tiny tool, Disk Diet helps you with the baby steps.

Disk Diet is a paid Mac app with a price tag of $5. It also offers a limited free trial version that helps you clear 500 MB of trash files.

Hyperspace

This utility takes a different approach to reclaiming disk space by leveraging APFS (Apple File System) technology. Instead of deleting files, Hyperspace identifies duplicate files and optimizes storage by creating “clones” that share the same data while maintaining separate metadata. This non-destructive process ensures that your files remain fully accessible and intact.

Hyperspace is ideal for users who want to save space without risking data loss, especially those with large media libraries or older Macs.

It’s available for a free scan, with pricing options starting at $9.99/month.

FAQs

Are Mac cleaner apps safe to use?

While we cannot talk about all Mac cleaner apps out there, the Mac cleaning software we have recommended on this list are 100% safe to use. We have personally tested these apps and have been using them for months, if not years. So, you do not have to worry about security while choosing any of these apps.

Do I really need a Mac cleaner?

Just like Windows, macOS also generates temporary/junk files over time. If you use your Mac for simple tasks like web browsing or checking email, this won’t be a problem. If you use your Mac for intensive tasks like development, software testing, video editing, or research, you need one of the best Mac cleaner apps.

Does Mac have a system cleanup?

Mac’s got your back on basic cleanup! Use Optimize Storage (Apple menu › About This Mac › Storage › Manage) to follow Apple’s own recommendations for offloading large files, old media, and unused apps. Use Spotlight and Finder to hunt down forgotten apps, bulky files, and obvious duplicates. Use Activity Monitor (Applications › Utilities) to find resource‑hogging processes and shut them down. Advanced users can carefully explore the Library (Finder › Go › Go to Folder) to remove app leftovers—but always back up first.

System Data in modern macOS is intentionally opaque and not meant for casual one‑click deletion, so treat anything touching it with caution and prioritize Apple’s built‑in storage recommendations instead.

What is the best free Mac cleaner?

If you want to stick with trusted free tools, OnyX and App Cleaner & Uninstaller (free mode) stand out.  For many people, combining them with macOS’s own Storage Management is enough for regular maintenance. You can also look at simpler utilities like CCleaner Free for Mac or Disk Doctor, but they’re more limited and don’t offer the same level of control or transparency.

Final Words

On modern macOS, a dedicated cleaner isn’t always necessary. For many people, built-in tools + app-specific utilities like App Cleaner are enough.

When you do want deeper automation, smart scans, and performance tidying — and you understand what’s being changed — tools like CleanMyMac and Sensei earn their place.

Heavy all-in-one suites like MacKeeper add extras like malware scanning and VPN, but with additional complexity and privacy consideration.

Knowing when not to run a cleaner is as important as knowing which cleaner to choose.

* Readers like you help support TheSweetBits. When you buy something through the links in this article, we may get a small commission at no extra charge to you.

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