CleanMyMac 2025 Update: Is It Still Worth Using?

For years, CleanMyMac has positioned itself as the go-to utility for keeping macOS machines clean, optimized, and responsive. With the updates of CleanMyMac in 2025 and the rapid adoption of macOS Sequoia, the question arises: do you still need a third-party app like CleanMyMac in 2025?

Let’s dive into what’s new, what’s improved, and whether it’s still worth having on your Mac.

What’s new in CleanMyMac 2025?

MacPaw dropped the “X” from the name and rolled out a redesigned interface that feels lighter, more modern, and more aligned with macOS Sequoia’s aesthetic.

Key additions:

• Mac Health Score: A new, at-a-glance metric showing overall Mac performance and security.
• Duplicate File Finder: Helps clean out space-hogging clones that are otherwise tedious to track manually.
• Streamlined Smart Scan: Now faster and smarter at detecting junk, potential threats, and performance issues.

What’s gone?

• The File Shredder tool didn’t make the cut in version 5, which may disappoint some privacy-focused users.

Verdict on the update? A welcome refresh. The UI is cleaner and more intuitive, and the new features add real value—especially for users who want less manual maintenance and more automation.

Core features that still shine

Despite the update, CleanMyMac retains its signature modular approach:

• System Junk Cleanup: Frees up gigabytes of hidden files, app leftovers, and system clutter.
• Malware Protection: Powered by Moonlock, CleanMyMac now includes robust scanning and threat removal, along with privacy auditing tools.
• Performance Boosters: Maintenance scripts, login item managers, and background task control help reclaim system resources.
• App Manager: Easily uninstall or update apps, even those installed outside the App Store.
• My Clutter: Locate and remove large or duplicate files eating up your SSD.

Combined, these features make CleanMyMac more than just a cleaner—it’s a well-rounded optimization suite.

What’s Next for CleanMyMac

MacPaw isn’t slowing down. Their mission to empower Mac users continues, and future updates to CleanMyMac are focused on making digital life even more organized, clutter-free, and secure.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in development:

• Space Organization & Cleanup: Smarter tools to help you manage storage with more precision.
• Advanced File Search & Management: Find what you need faster, and handle it more efficiently.
• Photo, Video & Screenshot Cleanup: Automatically detect and clean up redundant or bloated media files.

These upcoming features aim to make CleanMyMac not just a cleaning utility—but a full-fledged digital management assistant.

macOS Sequoia: do you still need CleanMyMac?

Short answer? Yes—if you want more control and automation than Apple’s built-in tools provide.

macOS Sequoia (version 15) is one of the most crucial releases of macOS version we’ve seen in years. It brings a redesigned UI, performance improvements, and smarter system tools. But while Apple has added polish and power to macOS, some things remain unchanged under the hood.

Everyday usage still leads to clutter:

• Browsers like Chrome continue to leave behind cache files and web cookies.
• Uninstalled apps can leave behind orphaned files and logs.
• System junk, crash reports, and old backups accumulate—especially on Macs used for creative work, testing, or heavy multitasking.

Related: How to Fix Slow Mac After new macOS Update

Yes, macOS Sequoia has improved, but it still lacks:

• One-click cleaning
• Malware scanning
• App leftover removal
• A Mac Health Score
• Menu bar monitoring
• Automated maintenance tasks

CleanMyMac fills in all these gaps, making it an ideal companion for Sequoia-powered Macs. And MacPaw has updated the app to align well with Sequoia’s look, feel, and performance standards.

So if you want deeper cleaning, smarter optimization, and more control than what’s built into macOS, CleanMyMac is still very much worth having on your dock in 2025.

Real-world use: does it actually help?

In daily use, CleanMyMac continues to impress:

• Startup is faster, especially on older Intel Macs.
• Free space was reclaimed easily, often several gigabytes after a single scan.
• The menu bar tool is genuinely useful—it gives live readouts of RAM, CPU, network, and more.

Whether you run CleanMyMac on an M2 MacBook or a 2017 Mac mini, the experience is snappy and non-intrusive. And for those wondering—CleanMyMac doesn’t hog system resources. You can disable background monitors if preferred, and the app stays lightweight in most workflows.

Is it safe and trustworthy?

Yes—CleanMyMac is:

• Apple-notarized
• Built with GDPR compliance
• Uses a Safety Database to ensure important files aren’t mistakenly deleted.

MacPaw also has a strong privacy policy and doesn’t harvest your personal data.

Pricing and availability in 2025

CleanMyMac isn’t free, but it offers flexible pricing:

• $39.95/year for a single Mac
• $89.95 one-time license
• Setapp availability, if you’re subscribed to the app bundle

There’s also a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

MacPaw also offers CleanMyMac Business, a solution designed for small and medium-sized businesses and managed service providers. It brings centralized Mac maintenance, malware protection, and fleet-wide health monitoring—all powered by the same technology behind CleanMyMac.

MacPaw: a developer worth supporting

Beyond CleanMyMac, MacPaw has become a leading voice in the macOS software ecosystem. Headquartered in Ukraine, the team has built a reputation not just for clean, user-friendly utilities—but for thoughtful, ethical software development.

In 2025, MacPaw was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies—a recognition of their commitment to user-first design, privacy, and purposeful innovation.

But their impact goes beyond product innovation. Through the MacPaw Foundation, the company has raised over $12 million to support humanitarian and recovery efforts in Ukraine, including rebuilding access to education in war-affected areas.

Their dedication to users and community alike makes MacPaw a developer truly worth rooting for.

Final verdict: is CleanMyMac still worth it in 2025?

Yes, especially if:

• You want to keep your Mac running like new.
• You prefer an all-in-one utility over a collection of separate tools.
• You value great UI and automation.
• You’re running macOS Sequoia or earlier and need advanced cleanup, app removal, or malware protection.

It might not be for you if:

• You only use your Mac for browsing and email.
• You’re comfortable using free tools and Terminal commands.
• You want hyper-specific apps for each use case.

TL;DR

CleanMyMac is a thoughtful update that modernizes the app without dumbing it down. It’s still one of the most comprehensive Mac utilities available, and in 2025, it continues to justify its spot in your Applications folder.

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