Stellar Data Recovery is one of the most prominent names making those promises.

To see if it actually delivers, we put its professional version a test.

The testing environment

Before getting into the performance results, take a look at the system we tested the software on. Because outcomes tend to vary based on the rig you are using.

What exactly is Stellar Data Recovery?

Stellar Data Recovery is a Windows and macOS recovery utility designed for logical data loss scenarios.

In simpler terms, it helps recover files when:

• files were deleted accidentally
• drives were formatted
• partitions disappeared
• systems failed to boot properly
• storage corruption made files inaccessible

Importantly, this is not forensic-grade recovery software for physically dead drives. If a drive has mechanical failure or severe physical damage, software recovery tools alone usually cannot help.

But for logical recovery situations, Stellar aims to provide a relatively approachable recovery experience without requiring advanced technical expertise.

The interface

Recovery tools often lean heavily toward technical users.

Some look outdated.
Some feel intimidating.
Others bury important functions behind complicated workflows.

Stellar Data Recovery Professional felt more approachable than expected.

The interface is relatively clean, and the workflow is straightforward:

• select recovery type and file type
• choose the drive
• scan
• preview recoverable files
• recover them elsewhere

That simplicity matters because most people use recovery software while stressed.

One feature that caught our eye the most was the “Add Raw File Format” option at the end of the left sidebar. If the software doesn’t recognize a specific file type, you can use this feature to add its signature. This is very useful when you are working with less common file formats.

Quick scan vs deep scan

The quick scan behaved largely as expected.

During testing, the deleted image file (motion.png) from a recently modified drive appeared fairly quickly, and recovery itself was straightforward. The scan simply completed within 3-4 seconds, and we found our file in the list.

And in our experience, for recently deleted documents and media, the process was fast enough that we could see casual users relying entirely on the quick scan mode.

The deep scan was where things became more interesting.
And much slower.

On our partially filled 585GB drive with roughly 396GB free space, the deep scan took around two hours to complete during our testing.

Another thing we noticed in our deep scan run was the unusually high CPU usage. For us, it went up to 65% at one point.

Keep in mind that our test rig utilizes a budget, 4-core Intel i3 processor. If you are running a modern Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor, you will likely see significantly faster scan times and lower overall CPU utilization percentages.

Overall, deep scans feel less like “searching for deleted files” and more like excavating the storage history of a drive.

But if you were to ask whether it’s worth it or not. It depends. If you are looking for some long-lost files that are very precious to you, then this waiting time and the high CPU usage won’t be a problem.

Formatted drive recovery

Initially, we expected Stellar to perform reasonably well with recently deleted files.

The formatted drive recovery test was the moment that genuinely surprised us.

We tested the software using a freshly formatted NTFS USB drive that originally contained two PDF files before formatting.

After formatting the drive completely, we ran a recovery scan through Stellar’s “Recover From” workflow.

To our surprise, the scan successfully identified both previously deleted PDF files. After recovering them to a separate drive location, both files opened normally without corruption.

What made this test more interesting was that this was no longer a simple deletion scenario. The files had already been wiped during formatting, yet Stellar still managed to reconstruct them successfully.

That was the point where the software started feeling considerably more capable than a basic undelete utility.

Partition Recovery

After testing formatted drive recovery, we became curious about Stellar’s partition recovery capabilities.

This workflow was handled through the “Can’t Find Drive”option inside the recovery panel. Once the scan completed, Stellar listed available partitions and allowed us to scan specific targets individually.

Again, the software recovered the partition data more successfully than we initially expected.

And honestly, this became a recurring theme during testing:

• the quick scan was good.
• the deep scan was impressive.
• but the partition recovery workflows were where Stellar started feeling genuinely powerful
  Especially for non-technical users.
• Because normally, partition recovery sounds intimidating.

Here, the process felt surprisingly manageable.

The workflow details

Oddly enough, some of the most useful features were not the flashy recovery modes.

Instead, it was smaller workflow details that made longer recovery sessions less frustrating.

For example:

• pause-and-resume support for deep scans
• stable performance during long operations
• SMART drive monitoring
• read-only scan behavior
• recovery previews before purchase

The pause-and-resume feature became more useful than we expected during multi-hour deep scans. Recovery sessions can become mentally exhausting, especially when you are anxiously waiting to see whether important files still exist.

Meanwhile, the read-only scanning approach is extremely important for safety. Stellar does not write data onto the scanned drive during recovery operations, which reduces the risk of accidentally overwriting recoverable sectors.

These are the kinds of practical details that matter far more in real-world recovery situations than marketing screenshots.

Where Stellar still struggles

Despite the strong recovery results overall, the software was far from perfect during testing.

The biggest weakness was speed.

Deep scans on larger drives were slow, and resource usage became noticeable during prolonged sessions. On older or lower-powered systems, this could become frustrating fairly quickly.

We also encountered:

• missing WEBP previews
• occasional corrupted image or video recoveries
• inconsistent results with certain media formats

That last point is important.

Recovery software can often locate deleted files that are technically recoverable but still partially corrupted when opened afterward. Stellar was not immune to this problem.

And while the software is powerful for consumer recovery scenarios, it is probably not the ideal choice for forensic-level IT professionals needing every recoverable fragment from damaged storage devices.

Pricing plan

Stellar currently separates its recovery plans into multiple tiers depending on recovery complexity and business needs.

Who actually needs the pro edition?

One thing we appreciated is that Stellar’s licensing tiers are relatively easy to understand.

And honestly, not everyone needs the Professional edition.

If you simply deleted a few files accidentally from a healthy drive, the Free or Standard versions may already be enough.

The Professional version sits between the simpler consumer editions and the much more expensive enterprise-oriented Technician and Toolkit plans.

For most individual users dealing with accidental deletion, formatting, or partition issues, the Professional tier is likely the practical sweet spot.

Final verdict

We approached Stellar Data Recovery Professional with fairly cautious expectations.

After testing formatted drives, quick/deep scans, and partition recovery workflows, Stellar proved considerably more capable than we initially expected.

Not flawless.
Not especially fast.
And not suitable for physically dead drives.

The quick scan works just as it’s intended to: fast and accurate. For the deep scan, we were thoroughly impressed by the results, as it brought to light everything that had ever existed on the drive. The drawback is that it’s time-consuming and resource-consuming.

But for logical recovery situations, especially involving formatted drives or lost partitions, the software delivered genuinely impressive results during testing.

You can start for free and run a scan. Only get the license when it starts listing your lost files.

Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026, by TheSweetBits Team

<p>The post Stellar Data Recovery Pro: It’s capable beyond simple file recovery first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

• CleanMyMac combines cleanup, performance, and basic malware protection into a streamlined Mac care workflow.
• Some features overlap with built-in macOS tools, but are packaged into a faster, more intuitive experience.
• Best for users who want to simplify routine maintenance without juggling multiple utilities.
• Starts at $9.95/month, you can get exclusive 15% discount using code THESWEETBITS15.

It’s a popular myth that Macs don’t slow down. However, most people realize this idea is wrong after using a Mac for more than a year. Like other devices, Macs also slow down over time, and part of it is software. It can be frustrating that you cannot easily upgrade your RAM or storage as this happens.

So, what do you do when you have an old, slowed-down Mac? CleanMyMac claims to deal with this issue.

What CleanMyMac Really Does

Developed by MacPaw, CleanMyMac is a comprehensive macOS cleaning and optimization suite. It helps remove junk, enhance performance, and protect your Mac—all in one easy-to-use tool.

You get multiple modules to manage different aspects of your Mac, such as Cleanup, Protection, Performance, Applications, etc. This way, CleanMyMac aims to get your Mac working at full speed so that you can avoid a pricey upgrade.

With this tool, you can:

• Detect and remove junk, temporary files, universal binaries, and other avoidable stuff from your Mac.
• Use the Moonlock engine to detect and remove malware from your Mac and schedule scans.
• Speed up your Mac, including the startup time and multitasking experience.
• Monitor, remove, and update the apps you installed on your Mac.
• Visualize how the storage space on your Mac is used through interactive methods with Space Lens.
• Get rid of large, duplicate, and unnecessary files from your SSD.
• Access and clean up connected cloud storage accounts with the new Cloud Cleanup.
• Keep track of your Mac and its health, thanks to on-time notifications and quick overviews.

Oleksandr Kosovan, founder & CEO of MacPaw, noted:

“Having developed macOS software for over 16 years, we’ve learned that every Mac holds a unique universe within. To help our users to gain more control over their digital world, we’ve transformed CleanMyMac into a comprehensive Mac care solution.

The new CleanMyMac 5 introduces the most significant change we’ve made in the last six years, offering a fresh, modern design more attuned to users’needs. This is more than just a visual refresh, though, it’s the foundation for the product’s future.”

Our Hands-on CleanMyMac Review

MacPaw positions CleanMyMac as a must-have macOS app for everyone. Since we specialize in the Apple ecosystem, we put our MacBook Air M4 to the test with heavy multitasking and frequent app installs. At any given time, we’re testing a number of apps that we have to write about. Among other things, this situation results in a lot of temporary files and junk. We often have to install apps that are not available on the App Store as well.

By these standards alone, our situation allows us to check whether all the modules on CleanMyMac work as they claim to. We can also help you understand the real-world impact of the tool by comparing how snappy our Mac is after using CleanMyMac for weeks.

We’ll also tell you whether CleanMyMac can replace the many utilities you may need to speed up your Mac.

The Setup

Installing and setting up CleanMyMac is a simple process for the most part. The installation is effortless, and the app does not ask for unnecessary permissions. Instead, individual modules will ask for respective system permissions when you open them. It’s a nice touch to see from a privacy standpoint. You also get to choose whether CleanMyMac runs in the background. You can also launch the app whenever necessary.

The Interface

CleanMyMac has had a great UI design from the beginning. However, the latest update has brought a sense of simplicity to the game. The entire app is easy to navigate, and the user does not have to choose between too many options. Instead, we felt the UI improved the overall workflow.

When you get started, you can either go for Smart Scan or choose a specific module. Either way, you would need to wait for a few seconds as CleanMyMac scans your Mac. After these scans, you get a bunch of steps that you can review and execute. As we said, you may need to provide the permissions or quit some apps.

Smart Scan is a great option when you want to do everything to speed up your Mac. You get an overview of actionable data through a single click. CleanMyMac lets you review every step, and this feature makes a lot of sense when you want to remove apps/files or control what changes are made. After the review, you can sit back and relax while CleanMyMac does its job.

In a few seconds, you will have a faster, cleaner Mac. We feel the UX design is as straightforward as it gets.

The Core Features

Here’s what we thought about the core features of CleanMyMac.

• Cleanup

The Cleanup module of CleanMyMac searches your entire Mac to find potential elements that slow down performance and take up storage space. It does not address user files. Instead, you get an idea about things like system junk, caches, trash bins, additional binaries, document versions, etc. CleanMyMac also gives you an estimate of how much space you can save with each element.

This module does a great job of shrinking the System Data folder, which you may have seen. It has been a space-saver from day one. Whenever we feel the storage space is low, we run the module, and it almost always lets us save a couple of GB of space.

• Protection

The Protection module on CleanMyMac can protect your Mac from malware consistently. You get to choose between three scanning modes: Quick, Balanced, and Deep. Your option depends on how effective you need the scan to be and the time you want to spend. But the Protection module does more than detect malware.

It conveniently provides data such as the number of apps with mic and camera access, temporary files, and recent items. You can easily revoke these permissions and restore your peace of mind. We cannot provide our experience here, as my Mac has remained malware-free most of the time.

However, given how Macs are becoming the new target of malware attacks, it does not hurt to scan your Mac once in a while. We loved the options to configure the Scan Mode, Scan options, and the preferences for malware monitoring.

We’re better off knowing that the malware monitoring system will be scanning the DMG files and attachments we come across.

• Performance

The Performance module essentially recommends maintenance tasks that can speed up your Mac and boost its multitasking performance. Sure, you can do all these tasks manually, but that process would take more than a few minutes. Instead, you can use the module to run maintenance tasks, select login items, and get rid of background items.

We always find the interface better than the macOS Preferences page. This module arguably offers the most significant performance boost, particularly for older Macs.

• Applications

The Applications module of CleanMyMac will scan your Applications folder and suggest options for removal and updates. It can also help you remove unused applications and application leftovers. We use this feature the most because we end up installing too many apps but forget to remove them. This module offers a quick overview of what needs to be done.

It’s further impressive that you can update apps that you installed from non-App Store sources. This feature is a real time-saver for many. We often use this module to remove application leftovers and installation files that stay on our Mac.

• My Clutter

My Clutter is another super-useful module of CleanMyMac. This single module can help you get rid of large, duplicate, and similar files from your Mac. We recommend using this module more frequently if you deal with photos or other media formats. This core feature is quite effective in finding duplicates even if you have used different names and file sizes.

Overall, this module is great for reclaiming storage and tidying up scattered files.

• Space Lens

We found the newly re-introduced Space Lens to be better than previous versions. It integrates the new UI that CleanMyMac debuted in October 2024. Like other modules, Space Lens starts with a thorough scan of your Mac’s hard drive. You can also choose to scan a specific folder if you wish.

In a second, CleanMyMac will show a visual representation of how the storage space is used. On the right-hand side, you can see bubbles that represent directories and the space they consume. The left-hand side shows a list of folders based on their size.

You can click on these bubbles to explore subfolders and directories. This interactive method makes it easy to understand the storage space hogs on your Mac. For instance, our Application Support folder takes up lots of space, and we need to do something about it. It is easier since we can select and delete many folders at once.

During testing, Space Lens quickly flagged our Application Support and Mobile Sync/Backup folders as massive space hogs—these are areas even power users often forget. We appreciated how the zoomable map allowed us to drill down and remove unwanted device backups from long-gone iPhones.

Whether you’re a digital neat freak or just looking to free up storage for a big project or upgrade, Space Lens’s latest iteration makes decluttering a breeze.

• Cloud Cleanup

Cloud Cleanup is a groundbreaking new feature, launching as part of the new Plus plan and available starting July 29, 2025. This powerful module provides secure, centralized access to your connected cloud accounts, including iCloud, Google Drive, and OneDrive.

Cloud Cleanup helps you gain a clear view of all your cloud storage in a single dashboard, check how synced files take up space on your local disk, and then remove unnecessary files to improve sync times and free up space.

• My Tools

My Tools is one of the more subtle but meaningful additions in recent version, it turns CleanMyMac into a personal Mac workflow system.

Instead of navigating through multiple modules like Cleanup, Performance, or Applications, this feature lets you pin and access the tools you use most in one place. For example, you can group tasks like cache cleanup, login item management, or maintenance scripts into a single, reusable workflow.

This changes how CleanMyMac is used in practice. Rather than relying only on one-click scans, you can build a more controlled, repeatable maintenance routine tailored to your needs.

The Menu

If you don’t want to shift back and forth between an app and CleanMyMac, you can have CleanMyMac run a menu bar widget. It’s called CleanMyMac Menu and offers quick access to common tasks, such as freeing up RAM and clearing up storage. It also provides some quick info, such as network speed, battery life, and a list of connected devices.

We recommend checking out this feature if you like a quick-and-easy way to keep track of your Mac’s specs as well as performance.

The Performance Impact

As expected, different modules of CleanMyMac impact performance in different ways.

In our workflow, we tend to launch the app whenever our MacBook Air starts to feel slightly sluggish rather than keeping it running constantly in the background. In most cases, a quick scan and cleanup session leads to noticeable improvements.

In our testing, a typical cleanup freed up 3–8 GB of space. Disabling unnecessary login items also resulted in faster startup times, while app launches felt slightly more responsive after clearing background clutter.

These improvements are more apparent on older or storage-constrained Macs, where accumulated junk and background processes have a greater impact on system responsiveness.

On newer, high-spec Macs with ample RAM and storage, the difference is less dramatic—but still helpful for maintaining consistency over time rather than delivering dramatic speed boosts.

The Pros

• Comprehensive cleaning tools effectively free up disk space.
• New Cloud Cleanup feature streamlines cloud storage management.
• Revamped Space Lens provides intuitive visual storage analysis.
• User-friendly interface accessible to all technical levels.
• Performance optimization enhances system responsiveness.
• Simplifies application uninstallation and updates.
• Privacy protection features maintain user confidentiality.

The Cons

• No real-time antivirus scanning like traditional security software.
• The performance boost may be minimal on newer Macs.
• Some tools overlap with what macOS already offers.
• Subscription model may not appeal to users who prefer one-time utilities.

The Pricing

CleanMyMac is a paid utility, available via monthly or annual subscriptions as well as a one-time purchase option.

Here is the current pricing breakdown for a 1-Mac license:

• 1 Month: $9.95
• 1 Year: $39.95
• One-Time Purchase: $119.95

Multi-Mac licenses (supporting 2 or 5 devices) are also available at discounted per-device rates across all three payment tiers. Note that if you choose the one-time purchase option, major version upgrades in the future may require a separate, discounted upgrade fee.

For TheSweetBits readers, MacPaw is offering an exclusive 15% discount. Simply use the coupon code THESWEETBITS15 at checkout here.

If you’d like to try the app first, a 7-day free trial is available, providing access to all features. MacPaw also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to request a refund if CleanMyMac doesn’t meet your expectations.

Alternatively, CleanMyMac is also available through a Setapp subscription, which includes over 250 other apps.

Are there free alternatives?

Yes — advanced Mac users can piece together similar workflows using tools like Onyx, AppCleaner alternatives, or newer open-source projects like Mole or PureMac.

But what makes CleanMyMac appealing is convenience.

Instead of juggling multiple utilities or terminal commands, it combines cleanup, app management, storage visualization, performance optimization, and basic malware monitoring into a single polished interface that’s accessible to non-technical users.

For many people, the value is less about “unlocking hidden performance” and more about simplifying ongoing Mac maintenance. CleanMyMac is still worth it. As we discuss in Is CleanMyMac Still Worth It in the Age of AI-built Mac Utilities, the real debate today isn’t whether free alternatives exist—they clearly do. It’s whether you prefer a collection of specialized tools or a mature, integrated Mac care platform.

Who It’s Best For

Best for:

• Power users with limited storage
• Those who install many third-party apps
• Users seeking a one-click maintenance solution

Not ideal for:

• Basic users only doing light browsing
• Those prefer manual tools like Onyx and Activity Monitor.

Tech Specs & MAS Differences

System Requirements:

• Operating System: macOS 11 Big Sur (or later)
• Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon processor
• Minimum Free Disk Space: 320 MB
• Minimum Screen Resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels

Supported macOS Versions:

• Tahoe 26
• Sequoia 15
• Sonoma 14
• Ventura 13
• Monterey 12
• Big Sur 11
• Catalina 10.15 (Not Supported)

Note Regarding Mac App Store Version

The Mac App Store version of CleanMyMac offers various cleaning and optimization tools, but it has limitations due to Apple’s App Store guidelines, which restrict certain features:

• The Speed scanner is replaced with a Large & Old Files scanner.
• Categories like Xcode Simulators, System Logs, and Language Files are unavailable.
• Management of Wi-Fi Networks and Safari Cookies is restricted.
• You can view Launch Agents and Login Items, but enabling or disabling them is not permitted.
• It cannot remove binaries of App Store applications but can reset them.
• Certain hardware monitoring features and real-time malware monitoring are unavailable.

For full access to all features, consider purchasing CleanMyMac directly from the MacPaw Store or Setapp.

FAQs

Is CleanMyMac safe to download and use?

Absolutely. CleanMyMac is safe to download from reputable sources such as the MacPaw website or the Mac App Store. It has been verified by Apple and has a solid track record of reliability among users.

Is it safe to give CleanMyMac Full Disk Access?

Yes, granting CleanMyMac Full Disk Access is completely safe. The app is notarized by Apple, which ensures it is from a trusted developer and free from malicious code. This access allows CleanMyMac to perform essential cleanup tasks effectively while keeping your data secure.

What safeguards are in place during cleanup?

CleanMyMac employs a comprehensive Safety Database that contains rules and exceptions tailored to different macOS versions and applications. This database is continuously updated to prevent accidental data removal, ensuring that only unnecessary files are targeted during cleanup.

Can I trust CleanMyMac with my important files?

Yes, CleanMyMac is designed to keep your important files intact. By default, it only suggests removing automatically generated system or app-related data, ensuring no personal files are deleted unless you explicitly choose to do so.

How does CleanMyMac protect my privacy?

MacPaw respects user privacy and does not transfer personal data beyond your Mac. While it collects analytic data to improve the app, this is done in accordance with GDPR and a strict Privacy Policy. You can use the Protection module to erase unwanted traces of your online activity without affecting your actual files.

Is CleanMyMac effective against malware?

Yes, CleanMyMac features robust malware protection powered by the Moonlock Engine. This tool scans for various types of malware, including viruses and adware, ensuring your Mac remains secure. Regular updates to its malware database help protect against emerging threats.

Final Verdict

CleanMyMac has evolved far beyond a simple cleaner. It now combines cleanup, performance optimization, and basic protection into a cohesive, well-designed Mac care platform.

Its biggest strength isn’t any single feature—it’s how everything works together. Instead of juggling multiple utilities, you get a streamlined workflow that makes regular maintenance easier and more consistent.

It won’t be essential for everyone. If you’re comfortable with macOS built-ins and free utilities, it may offer only incremental benefits for newer machines.

But for most users—especially those managing storage, testing apps, or maintaining older Macs—CleanMyMac remains one of the most polished and practical all-in-one solutions available today.

Last Updated: April.12, 2026, by TheSweetBits Team

<p>The post CleanMyMac: From cleaner to full Mac care (2026 review) first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

Among the many tools you can find for this purpose, MacKeeper is one of the popular ones. This app claims to help you take care of your Mac in terms of security, privacy, performance, and other sorts of optimization.

We wanted to test this and help you decide whether to go with this option.

What is MacKeeper?

MacKeeper is an all-in-one optimization suite that claims to remove viruses, ads, and junk from your Mac while also boosting its performance. A product from Clario Tech, MacKeeper offers several utilities across four sections.

You can use these utilities to remove viruses, clean up your Mac’s storage space, get rid of duplicates, clean RAM, manage login items, securely browse the web, and protect your online identity.

As we said, these are bold claims, but we’d like you to know the reality.

Our Hands-on MacKeeper Review

At TheSweetBits, we use an M2 MacBook Air for software testing, research, browsing, and entertainment. We installed MacKeeper on this MacBook Air, running the latest version of macOS Tahoe. We made a point of not using any other Mac cleaning apps for a week so that MacKeeper would have work to do.

The Interface: User Experience

It didn’t take us long to install and set up MacKeeper. As MacKeeper is not available on the Mac App Store, we had to get it from the official website. During installation, the app requested Full Disk access. Apart from this, everything was smooth.

We found the general UI to be easy to navigate. You can use the sidebar to access specific tools or perform a system-wide scan for security, cleaning, performance, and privacy. This overall scan may take up to a few minutes, depending on the system. You also need to create an account for full functionality, and we found this a bit unnecessary.

Another part of the user interface is on the menu bar. This menu bar widget is a quick way to see what’s happening with your Mac. For instance, you may want to clear RAM or toggle VPN. This is pretty handy when you think about it, because you don’t have to open the entire interface all the time.

The Features: Full Breakdown

We shall now share some insights from using the many utilities built into MacKeeper. We’ve arranged them into four categories.

However, if you want to perform a complete system scan without accessing individual pages, you can use the Find & Fix interface. We also tested the Daily Scan function, which performs a scan at a scheduled time. This is great if you generate a lot of junk files/install apps every day. If you think your Mac is in grave danger, you can also seek premium professional support.

If you want to address specific issues, like performance or privacy, you can do it.

1. Security

We tested both modules in the security section: Antivirus and Adware Cleaner.

• Antivirus

Setting up the Antivirus Module in MacKeeper required additional effort because we had to download the necessary software and definitions for the system. Once the setup was complete, we enabled the antivirus, which also offers real-time protection. It also lets you scan the entire Mac or custom scans for individual folders/directories.

We weren’t surprised to find that the antivirus tool found no threats on our Mac, since Mac-based viruses aren’t common. Anyway, the real-time protection feature is something we had an issue with. This consumes a lot of resources, slowing down your entire Mac. If you have a Mac like ours with 8 GB of RAM and an older Apple silicon processor, we do not recommend enabling real-time protection.

• Adware Cleaner

The Adware Cleaner module does a decent job of scanning your Mac for adware. It detected an application from Wondershare as adware, but it seemed like a false positive. However, we believe it is still worth having an anti-adware module for the future.

2. Cleaning

During the review, we regularly tested all three components in the Cleaning section: Safe Cleanup, Duplicates Finder, and Smart Uninstaller.

• Safe Cleanup

The Save/Cleanup option in MacKeeper helped us clear 9.17 GB of junk. This consisted of logs, caches, trash, language files, and installation files. The app lets you clear everything or choose which items to remove. In both cases, the removal process was quick. We found this an effective way to clean up storage space on our Mac.

However, we also noted that it doesn’t chuck certain types of junk, such as universal binaries, older versions of documents, and developer junk. This would have been a nicer addition.

• Duplicates Finder

The Duplicates Finder module helps you scan the entire Mac or a specific folder for duplicates. For context, we knew there were duplicate photos and documents on our Mac. We also tested the same folder using a third-party tool called Gemini.

We found that MacKeeper could not locate any duplicates, despite spending 3x-4x as much time as Gemini did. After trying this out for a while, we’d conclude this is an unworthy addition to MacKeeper.

• Smart Uninstaller

The Smart Uninstaller module lets you uninstall applications, plug-ins, and other extensions installed on your Mac. It can also help you remove leftover items from other applications. The UI is pretty straightforward and lets you find unused apps.

We really like the option to expand each app and understand which components are consuming storage space. It would have been nicer to see options to sort these applications by other factors, like vendor or app store.

3. Performance

The performance section of MacKeeper probably has some of the most useful utilities we found in the app.

We particularly loved Memory Cleaner, which lets you clean and manage your Mac’s RAM usage. Instead of simply offering you a click option, you get a very detailed coverage of what is using your memory. You can also quit or remove components that access memory.

The Update Tracker module becomes a centralized place to update many of the applications you have installed. This is particularly useful if you install more apps from non-Mac App Store sources. In our case, we found a quicker way to update many options. It doesn’t update all apps, though.

The Login Items manager is also a great way to improve your Mac’s performance. It helps you understand which of the apps start up when you open your Mac. If your Mac takes a long time to stabilize after booting, you may want to remove certain login items.

In our case, it detected 38 login items, but we had already configured them, so there was nothing to remove.

4. Privacy

We found all three modules in the Privacy section—ID Theft Guard, Private Connect, and StopAd—to be highly valuable.

The ID Theft Guard feature identified 300+ breaches that affected many of the email addresses we use. It offered a quick way to understand what could have been affected and some suggestions to improve the situation. The custom way to add an email address was also impressive.

Private Connect from MacKeeper is a VPN service we tested; it offers access to several servers, but it’s not comparable to a dedicated VPN service. Yet this VPN helped us unlock region-locked content and avoid ads. There was a noticeable lag with Netflix, though.

StopAd is not a fully-fledged ad-blocker, though. Instead, it works via Chrome and Safari extensions. We found the Safari extension decent, but the app should either offer extensions for other browsers or a full-system ad protection plan. As of now, this is very reductive.

Dig deeper: The Best Ad Blockers for Mac and Safari 

The Independent Lab Test Results

Here’s what independent lab results say about MacKeeper:

Major versions of MacKeeper Antivirus starting with 5.0 have been tested by AV-TEST and certified. It means the antivirus program does a decent job of protecting your Mac from viruses and other malware. Tests from AV-TEST revealed that the app detected 100% of the 842 samples it was supposed to detect.

In addition, MacKeeper is notarized by Apple and approved by AppEsteem for software transparency. Hence, you don’t have to worry about the security aspect of MacKeeper.

The Performance Impact

Note: We are talking about the impact MacKeeper had on our Mac while using the app, not the impact of its tools in the Performance section.

During our testing, we noticed minimal impact on the multitasking performance of our Mac. MacKeeper does a great job of keeping a low profile, even when we use the scanning options. The only exception was the real-time protection mode, which almost made our Mac unusable when enabled, so we had to turn it off.

Therefore, if we exclude this real-time protection option, we think we are okay with the performance impact of MacKeeper.

The Customer Support

We were consistently impressed by MacKeeper’s customer support. You can reach their tech support team via live chat and an international toll-free number. Crucially, you can be assured you’re talking to a real person at the other end – a fact we rigorously tested and confirmed.

Beyond standard support, MacKeeper offers a ‘Premium Services’ section within the app itself. If a ‘Find & Fix’ session doesn’t resolve your issue, this feature allows you to schedule a one-on-one appointment and get personalized solutions for your Mac.

We tried this, and MacKeeper’s tech support was remarkably quick to transfer our chat to a live technician. It’s impressive to chat with an expert directly from within the MacKeeper app. The expert also offered to set up a remote connection to analyze our Mac better and resolve the issue.

While the remote connection was helpful, we personally prefer the support team to listen more carefully to the user’s initial problem description before initiating a remote access request. Nevertheless, the overall responsiveness and efficacy of the support were highly commendable.

MacKeeper Pricing

You can choose between Free and Premium plans from MacKeeper.

The free plan from MacKeeper offers limited antivirus protection but allows you to scan for malware. You can get antivirus protection for a week, scan for junk files, and remove them once. It also lets you quit RAM-draining applications and get tech support.

Here’s a breakdown of the standard pricing:

• 1-month plan: $10.95 (monthly billing)
• 12-month plan: $5.95/month (annual billing)
• 12-month plan for 3 Macs: $7.45/month (annual billing)

Given the impact they have on improving performance and storage space on your Mac, we think these pricing plans are reasonable indeed. You must also consider that this subscription includes a VPN, online security, an ad blocker, and antivirus protection.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• All-in-one solution for cleaning, optimization, and security.
• Easy setup and minimal system impact.
• Comprehensive privacy tools (VPN, ad blocker, ID theft protection).
• Affordable pricing for premium features.
• Responsive customer support with live chat and remote help.

Cons

• Background processes, especially real-time protection, can affect the Mac’s performance and stability.
• Some features, like the duplicate scanner, seem to need more work as they often miss the targets.

Is MacKeeper Safe to Use?

After reviewing multiple third-party sources and our own testing, we found that MacKeeper is safe to use. For one, this app has been notarized by Apple and undergone third-party testing, which means you don’t have to worry about security or privacy.

As for features, they are also well optimized to avoid interfering with your Mac’s important aspects.

The Final Verdict

Here’s what we think after using MacKeeper for over a week:

MacKeeper remains one of the best ways to keep your Mac running at peak performance and protect it from viruses and other malware. It remains quite lightweight and has little impact on the system’s multitasking performance, except for the real-time protection feature.

We found it pretty useful, and it offers some handy features like VPN, ID Theft Guard, and an ad blocker. So, if you need a reliable way to protect and optimize your Mac, you may consider MacKeeper.

Updated on March 12, 2026, by TheSweetBits Team

<p>The post MacKeeper: One app for Mac security, privacy, and performance first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

About TG Pro

TG Pro is a Mac utility that lets you check the internal temperature of your device and control the fans speeds on your Mac. Its automation features also increase the productivity of your Mac by enabling smart cooling.

• Compatible with Intel & Apple Silicon
• Real-time temperature monitoring
• Full fan control + auto boost
• Smart logs and diagnostics
• Menu bar access for quick actions

From the Developer

“I believe Mac users have always been interested in performance and making sure their hardware running at optimal speed and temperatures, especially with the introduction of the Apple silicon models, beginning with the M1 and now with the new M5 based models.” Read the story behind TG Pro here.

Our Hands-on TG Pro Review

Despite how complex it is, TG Pro employs a simple installation process. We completed the installation in a few minutes. Quite surprisingly, the TG Pro app does not demand many permissions on your Mac. It is also a relief that TG Pro is notarized by Apple.

That is, Apple has verified that TG Pro does not contain any type of malware.

Anyway, once you complete the installation, you can see the fully-fledged interface of TG Pro.

The interface

It’s one thing that TG Pro is an advanced utility. Surprisingly, the developers made sure that the overall interface of the tool doesn’t trouble much, even if you’re a beginner.

The main interface contains everything you need, from the temperature information to fan controls. A quick look at the left end will land you on a series of options. You can shift between sections and explore advanced information.

Overall, even if you have never used fan control tools before, TG Pro will be a piece of cake.

We shall now look at some of its unique features.

Smart diagnostics

Smart Diagnostics is one BIG reason to get TG Pro.

During testing, TG Pro even flagged a rare improper shutdown we hadn’t noticed—turns out, a spike in CPU temperature was to blame. That level of detail gives you real insight into what’s happening under the hood.

To be honest, we’re not the kind of guys who rush into things, and putting our Mac to sleep is no exception. For that matter of fact, TG Pro listing that one rare session explains how well it is optimized to do its job. In our case, a spike in CPU temperature was indeed the culprit behind the unexpected shutdown.

Moreover, the tool is capable of providing a normally functioning fan and sensor diagnostics. Its ability to create new logs for varied administrators is indeed a promising approach to regularizing the tasks. Here is how it might help you.

You cannot always keep an eye on the optimal temperature of your MacBook components. However, with the help of TG Pro, you can automate this process. The app will keep track of essential temperature sensors and tell you if there is a problem.

In this case, we’re notified that the CPU overheating was the reason for the shutdown.

Auto boost

Of all TG Pro’s standout features, Auto Boost might just be our favorite.

As the name suggests, turning on the feature will allow the tool to automatically tune up the speed of your Mac’s fan whenever the temperature reaches a certain level. And yes, you get to define what that “certain level” means—it’s fully customizable.

You can even use Auto Boost to test how different tools behave under load by observing fan responses. Well, we did the same, especially on those who weren’t working great for me before. So, if you have a basic idea about power-intensive tasks on your Mac, you can set up smart schedules for fan control.

One thing we can say is that the Auto Boost algorithm is far better than the automatic fan control decisions by macOS. macOS tends to throttle the performance when there is higher heat. On the other hand, TG Pro will optimize the fan speed to give you better performance without hardware damage.

Both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs support

TG Pro is compatible with devices that operate on macOS 10.13 or higher (including macOS Tahoe), irrespective of its release date. In other words, whether it be the classic Mac from 2008 or the most powerful ones known to date, Apple silicon Mac from M1 all the way to the latest M5 models, TG Pro supports them.

Your M2 MacBook Air doesn’t have a mechanical fan, so you can’t control fan speeds—but TG Pro still gives you deep insight into internal temperatures. But, having TG Pro by your side can help you understand when the temperatures go overboard.

Single view from macOS menu bar

The menu-bar utility of TG Pro also offers great convenience. A single click lets you quickly switch between System, Max, and Auto Max settings, for times when you need an instant cooling boost.

Apart from giving you a quick shortcut to the different fan speed control options, you also get a full-view display of temperatures at which the different components are operating.

Other uses for TG Pro

We must also mention how TG Pro can double as other utilities.

For instance, if you have a fan-less Mac, you won’t need fan controls. In these instances, you can use TG Pro to keep track of Mac temperature. Compared to system monitoring apps in the category, the calculations from TG Pro are accurate and reliable. It also goes the extra mile to provide temperature sensors from sub-sections.

On our M2 MacBook Air, which does not have a fan, we use TG Pro to keep track of overheating issues. That is, if an app slows down the entire system, we check whether it is shooting up the temperature sensors. It is an effective way to keep your Mac healthy.

As one of our editors put it: “TG Pro saved our Mac from constantly overheating during 4K editing sessions.” And we couldn’t agree more.

Minor Drawbacks

Learning curve

The information that the tool provides can be overwhelming for new users and some options are placed deep below various windows. Overclocking the fan speed without knowing what you’re doing is quite easy, but in most cases, this won’t cause any damage.

When it comes to slowing down the fan speed, there are multiple safeguards in place in the form of warning pop-ups, so there won’t be any critical hardware failure at any point. Unless you ignore these warnings, you will have a smooth journey.

Installation conflicts

Although not frequent, a handful of users have reported installation issues with TG Pro. As claimed by users, an attempt to download and install from the official website landed them an error message.

That said, we didn’t run into this issue during our review. We did notice that the TG app on the App Store is outdated, but you get upgraded to the latest version of TG Pro even if you purchase the older version.

However, we’d urge the developers to avoid these potential conflicts during installation.

TG Pro PROS & CONS

Pros

Real-time temperature monitoring across all Mac sensors
Fan control customization for better thermal management
Works with Intel and Apple Silicon Macs
Helps prevent thermal throttling and overheating
Sleek, Mac-native UI with menu bar integration
Email and notification alerts for overheating
Works great with external displays and clamshell mode

Cons

May be overkill for casual users or light workloads
No companion mobile app for remote monitoring
Fan settings need careful adjustment — not beginner-proof

TG Pro Pricing

TG Pro offers a one-time purchase license, not a subscription (a rare win these days!):

• Standard License: $10 (Save 50% – was US$20.00)
• The license can be used on up to 3 personal or 1 business use Mac(s).
• Includes free updates for all minor versions.

You can get TG Pro with a free trial to explore its full features before committing.

TG Pro FAQs

Is TG Pro safe?

The temperature monitoring tool TG Pro is designed with all the security measures in mind. Being notarized by Apple itself, TG Pro is something you can trust. TG Pro uses the Hardened Runtime and offers a specific and unassailable fan control service.

Who is TG Pro best for?

Ideal for power users, developers, content creators, or anyone pushing their Mac to its limits—especially in hot environments.

Is TG Pro compatible with old Macs?

TG Pro is compatible with almost any variant of Mac. No matter if you own the brand-new M1 Pro 16-inch MacBook, or you’ve been operating on the 24-inch iMac, you can buy and install TG Pro with no issues whatsoever. But make sure your device runs macOS 10.13 or higher.

How does a fan control app improve MacBook performance?

The internal processor of the Mac, similar to any other computer, will work at peak performance when the temperature is low. While Apple has designed the MacBook to keep itself cool when under constant workload, external temperature can also affect the performance. TG Pro is recommended for users who reside in tropical or arid regions where the external temperature is higher.

TG Pro vs Macs Fan Control?

After taking a closer look at the biggest competitor to TG Pro in the fan speed control apps space for Mac, here’s what we found out about Macs Fan Control:

Similar to TG Pro, Macs Fan Control also offers a menu bar view with advanced fan speed controls, but the user interface takes a while to get used to.

Comparing the two price-wise, the TG Pro costs less ($10) compared to the Macs Fan Control ($14.95).

While Macs Fan Control is a solid free alternative, TG Pro’s rich diagnostics, Apple Silicon support, and auto-boost features make it well worth the upgrade for serious users.

Is TG Pro free?

TG Pro does not have a free version but does offer a free trial. The app is usually available for $20, but you can get this tool for 50% off, only $10, thanks to the sale that has been running for days now.

Verdict: Is TG Pro Worth It?

In the end, we love everything that TG Pro offers. The feature-set is impressive and you don’t need to be a geek to understand how the tool works.

In particular, we love the option to choose between intelligent automation and manual control over the fan speeds. It is handy for those who are learning the ways of optimizing their Mac.

What else? Considering the same feature set, the 50% off sale seems reasonable as well.

<p>The post TG Pro: The Mac cooling tool you need (2026 review) first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

iStat Menus 7 aims to solve this problem by bringing system monitoring modules into your menu bar.

What is iStat Menus 7?

iStat Menus 7 is essentially a system monitoring tool for macOS. However, instead of displaying monitoring data in a complex window, iStat Menus makes it available in your menu bar. Depending on what you want to monitor on your Mac, you can set up the corresponding menu bar widget.

You should keep in mind that iStat Menus does more than show sensor data. The latest version, iStat Menus 7, also brings a full reboot, starting from design. More importantly, this system monitor seems to focus the most on customization.

“Our goal is still to show all the important stats in a well-made app. Even if a lot of the details have changed, that vision has remained constant.”

Marc Edwards, Founder and Designer of iStat Menus. Discover more in our interview.

Features Highlight

• iStat Menus 7 lets you access accurate system monitoring statistics right from the menu bar.
• It speeds up your Mac by identifying which apps are secretly hogging CPU and memory.
• Get alerts before disk space runs out and causes your Mac to freeze during critical work.
• Monitor which apps are consuming your bandwidth.
• Monitor temperatures and set up custom fan curves to prevent overheating.
• S.M.A.R.T. monitoring alerts you to potential hard drive failures before they happen.

iStat Menu Review

Understanding their impact on system resources is an integral part of reviewing apps. So, ever since we started testing macOS apps, we have been using Mac system monitoring utilities.

However, most of the tools we have used do not offer the convenience and integration we need. So, when we saw iStat Menus a couple of years back, we tried it. Since then, it has been our go-to choice to monitor and manage macOS system performance continuously.

We have been testing the latest version, iStat Menus 7, for a few months. Here’s what we have found.

Installation and Setup

You can download iStat Menus from three places: the official website, Mac App Store, and Setapp. No matter which method, the installation package is small, and the process does not take more than a few seconds.

When you first open iStat Menus 7, it might take a few seconds to load the components. But, depending on your menu bar preferences, you may see one or two active modules out there. Nothing to worry, though. It is all customizable.

We also noticed that iStat Menus doesn’t require many permissions. However, you may have to install a helper to enable data from sensors/components.

Interface and Experience

There are two components to the iStat Menus 7 User Interface design: menu bar items and the iStat Menus window.

As soon as you start the program, the enabled menu bar items will appear on the menu bar. You’d have an option to add, remove, or modify these entries. Each menu bar entry will expand into a pane, where you can find the required system monitoring data. You can easily rearrange the menu bar entries based on what you want to see where.

Then, we have the iStat Menus window. This is where all the magic happens, and you get maximum control over what appears where. The UI is pretty intuitive, and you can move between multiple modules, including Global, Rules, Weather, Processor, Disks, Network, Sensors, Power, and Combined.

The Global tab lets you customize the system accent color for iStat Menus 7. You can choose between many designs and also pick dark/light mode. More importantly, this tab lets you control how frequently the iStat Menus engine will update system data and choose between Normal and Compact menu bar spacing.

In the same way, you can customize the many system monitoring modules.

System Monitoring Modules

Let’s take a look at the core system monitoring modules of iStat Menus 7 and what they can do.

• CPU & GPU: You’ll find accurate sensor data, such as the clock speed, temperature, etc. There are dedicated sections to track processes, GPU performance, load, and uptime. All these metrics will help you identify heavy-duty apps and background processes on your Mac.
  
• Memory: Given the importance of RAM when it comes to multitasking, everyone will benefit from the Memory module of iStat Menus 7. You can use this menu bar entry to monitor the pressure, memory usage, processes, and SWAP usage.
• Disk: As the name suggests, you can use this module to get monitoring data from the disks on your Mac. You get to see the storage capacity, read/Write speed statistics, and see a list of processes using disk resources.
• Network: This module provides you with all the necessary network-related metrics. These include real-time download/upload speeds, Wi-Fi name, public IP addresses, Ping, and processes that take up network resources the most.
  
• Sensors: This module can provide real-time numbers from the many sensors on your Mac. You get to know the CPU temperature, fan speed, power input, voltage, and frequency.
• Power: In this module, you can find details such as the battery percentage, battery health, current energy mode, keyboard brightness, and apps using up significant energy.

In addition to these, iStat Menus 7 also brings a few useful menu bar entries.

• Weather: This one lets you find compact/detailed information about the weather in an area.
• Time: You can use this module to replace the conventional clock. It comes with a fully customizable calendar interface as well.

These modules are powerful enough to replace a few menu bar apps you may already have.

Rules & Controls: Beyond Monitoring

iStat Menus 7 does more than let you monitor the vital system statistics of your Mac. Instead, you get a few controls that can keep your Mac running at its finest.

First, we have Rules and Notifications. Rules are automation instances that track your Mac’s performance. It is easy to create and manage these rules, thanks to the dedicated tab. Here, you can either customize the existing ones.

For example, you can ask iStat Menus to notify you when the CPU usage is high or the sensor temperature has been through the roof for some time. We have also set up a few banners to track changes to the network. It is nice to customize the type of notification—Banner or Alert—based on the data.

iStat Menus 7 also brings adaptive fan controls to your Mac. You can use Rules to customize the fan speeds at specific instances. For instance, you can put the fans to full speed when the CPU temperature is overboard. The latest version also lets you set up custom fan curves to efficiently manage the system temperature.

These automation options, combined with rich notifications, make it easy to keep track of your Mac without opening the menu bar entries often.

The Customization Factor

iStat Menus 7 is not the first system monitor to provide in-depth data in easy-to-understand formats. Nor is it the only app with menu bar entries. So, what makes this system monitoring suite worth all the praise? It’s customization.

You get to customize almost every aspect of iStat Menus, starting with what appears on the menu bar. On the other hand, if you have less menu bar real estate, you can use the Combined module, which packs crucial stats from different modules. But this is only the tip of the iceberg.

You will understand the extent of customization potential when it comes to the different modules. As we said before, you can change the color scheme of the module and rearrange what appears where. Moreover, iStat Menus lets you add multiple menu bar icons (entries) from a module.

For instance, you can use one entry from CPU & GPU to show the CPU resource consumption percentage. At the same time, you can have separate entries to show the display FPS or system load average. You can also choose different ways—graphs or bars—to show the same metric.

Depending on the module, you may get advanced customization options too. For instance, the Time module lets you choose from calendar viewing options.

Accuracy and Performance Impact

The latest version, iStat Menus 7, brings many customizations exclusive to Apple Silicon Macs. If you got one of these, you would love the support for frequency monitoring and data from additional sensors. Its options for fan control have also become better by a long shot.

Accuracy and Speed of Updates

iStat Menus 7 might very well be the most accurate system monitor we have come across. we noticed the overall difference, but something more for specific modules like Network Activity. Since we get to control the update frequency, the menu bar entries reflect changes quicker than many alternatives we’ve tried.

In this particular case, we used to have an app called Bandwidth+ to show network statistics on the menu bar. Though we’re pleased with what it did, the Network module of iStat Menus showed us the drastic change in speed.

Impact on System

This system monitoring app surprises us in terms of performance impact as well. Considering the countless customization options it provides, iStat Menus can reasonably consume much more system resources. But, interestingly enough, it doesn’t.

Even when it is set to update details as frequently as possible, iStat Menus 7 retains its minimal footprint. It means you only have to worry about the space on your menu bar.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• You get comprehensive system monitoring modules
• Entirely customizable, from the menu bar to each section
• Well-integrated with macOS and its workflows
• Minimal impact on system resources/performance
• Multiple purchase options (one-time and subscription)
• Excellent support and maintenance

Cons

• It may cause menu bar clutter based on usage
• Fewer options to take action/fix system issues

Pricing and Availability

You can get iStat Menus from the official website for $11.99 (Personal license) or $14.99 for the Family pack. Both these rates are pretty reasonable compared to other Mac system monitors. You can also get iStat Menu 7 and further upgrades through a Setapp subscription, which costs around $10 a month but also offers access to 250+ other apps.

A note on Mac App Store version limitations

The Mac App Store version of iStat Menus, while convenient, has some limitations:

• Lacks weather information
• Cannot control fan speeds
• Cannot show CPU frequency
• Requires the iStat Menus Helper for certain statistics

For the full feature set and customization options, getting iStat Menus directly from the official website or through a Setapp subscription is recommended. It can replace multiple individual apps, offering significant value for the price.

Tech Specs

• 14-day free trial.
• macOS 11+ required.
• Support frequency monitoring on Apple Silicon Macs.
• Support for early 2023 Mac Studio, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro, Mac minis and 15-inch MacBook Air.
• Fully localized for over 30 languages.

Safety and Security

Is iStat Menus safe to use?
Yes, iStat Menus is considered safe to use. It is developed by Bjango, a reputable company known for creating reliable software for macOS. The application does not require excessive permissions and is designed to run efficiently without compromising system security.

Does iStat Menus collect any personal data or send information to third parties?
No, iStat Menus does not collect any personal data or send information to third parties. All monitoring data is kept locally on your Mac, and the app operates without requiring an internet connection. Privacy is a key focus for the development of iStat Menus.

More FAQs

How does iStat Menus monitor CPU and GPU performance?
iStat Menus provides detailed real-time monitoring of both CPU and GPU performance. It tracks core usage, frequency, temperature, and other key metrics. For Apple Silicon Macs, the app includes advanced frequency monitoring, offering you insights into CPU performance under different load conditions, such as during idle or heavy tasks.

How customizable is iStat Menus?
iStat Menus is highly customizable. You can rearrange menu bar items, combine multiple metrics into single entries, and choose different display styles (graphs or bars). Additionally, you can set rules for notifications and adapt fan speeds based on CPU temperature.

Is iStat Menus a free or paid app? Can I use it on multiple Macs?
iStat Menus is a paid app, but it offers a 14-day free trial to let you explore its features before purchasing. Once the trial expires, you’ll need to purchase either a Standard License or a Family Pack License to continue using the app. The Standard license allows installation on up to 3 computers primarily used by the purchaser, or 1 computer if the computer has no primary user. Family license allows installation on up to 5 computers within a single residential household.

Final Notes

iStat Menus 7 transforms your Mac’s menubar into a live dashboard of everything happening under the hood — CPU, GPU, memory, disk usage, network, power, sensors, battery, time and more — all beautifully displayed, all in real time. Download iStat Menus free trial now and use it for a couple of weeks. We think you’re going to really like it.

Updated on Nov.11, 2025, by TheSweetBits team

<p>The post iStat Menus 7: The app monitors your Mac system with ease first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

This is exactly where Moonlock — MacPaw’s new security app — comes in.

What’s Moonlock?

Moonlock is a powerful new protection and antivirus app for macOS, and it’s designed for anyone who wants to keep their Mac and personal data safe online. The tool packs multiple utilities to protect your Mac from system and network threats, including anti-malware protection.

“Cybersecurity shouldn’t feel like a maze of fear and complexity. With Moonlock, we want to turn the anxiety into confidence — giving people powerful protection that feels simple, human, and reassuring.”

– Oleksandr Kosovan, CEO and Founder of MacPaw.

Here’s a features overview of Moonlock for Mac:

• Real-time protection that monitors files, downloads, apps, external drives, and network behavior.
• On-demand malware scanning with quick, balanced, and deep scans.
• Built-in VPN with encrypted browsing and a kill switch.
• Network inspector with country-level connection blocking.
• System protection audit that checks and guides macOS security settings.
• Security Advisor with best-practice guidance for safer device and account usage.
• Privacy-first design with optional telemetry and a strict no-logs VPN policy.
• Lightweight, Mac-native interface with minimal performance overhead.

How It Works? (getting started)

You can install and set up Moonlock in just a few minutes. The installation was straightforward, and the app requires only minimal system-level permissions. During setup, you can configure various features, including real-time threat monitoring.

Once the setup is done, you can access Moonlock’s dashboard by opening the icon from the dock. The Home interface of the app provides a quick overview of your Mac’s security. It lets you know whether your Mac is safe, infected, or weakened.

This terminology is pretty effective when you want to know the condition without going into the specifics. We found it quite intuitive. You can then explore different sections from the sidebar to see how your Mac is doing in terms of security and privacy.

What Makes It Sweet? (core features reviewed)

As we mentioned, we wanted to assess the effectiveness of Moonlock in keeping its promises. Ultimately, we wanted to know if we could rely on Moonlock for anti-malware and network protection needs. To reach a conclusion, we have been testing the latest version of Moonlock on our M2 MacBook Air running the latest version of macOS Tahoe.

Personalized Protection Dashboard

When you open Moonlock, you get an instant overview of your Mac’s protection. Instead of jargon or graphs, Moonlock uses visual, simple-to-understand metrics. Best of all, it provides personalized recommendations on how to improve your defenses. It’s like having a security expert tell you exactly which button to click to fix a gap. This page is a great way to understand your Mac’s current performance status.

Deep Malware Detection

Moonlock offers some detailed options for malware scanning and detection. When you begin, Moonlock allows you to choose from three scanning intensity options: Quick, Balanced, and Deep. The Settings page for malware scanning allows you to further customize settings. For instance, you can decide whether you want to scan scripts or archives in real-time.

However, we noticed the lack of scheduling options. You can enable real-time protection, which helps protect your Mac against emerging threats. However, it would be better to have a feature that scans your Mac at a specific time. Nevertheless, the anti-malware protection features from Moonlock are impressive, indeed. It is a long-overdue security app for Mac in that sense alone.

Encrypted Browsing with Built-in VPN

The app includes a fully functional, built-in VPN (Virtual Private Network). This creates an encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic, securing your browsing and minimizing your exposure to cyber-attacks, especially on public Wi-Fi. It’s integrated seamlessly into your security hub, saving you the hassle of downloading and running a separate app.

Geographical Connection Blocking

Moonlock’s Network Inspector allows you to block your Mac from connecting to specific regions abroad. Why is this important? Many malicious apps or websites attempt to secretly send your data to servers in countries you’ve never even heard of. If you restrict those regions, any website or application trying to reach them will be instantly cut off from the internet, providing a high-level, unique layer of defense against data exfiltration.

System Security Checkup

Even a clean Mac can be vulnerable if its macOS system settings aren’t configured correctly. Moonlock solves this with its System Protection feature. It checks critical native settings for gaps—such as risky file-sharing permissions or outdated configurations—and lets you disable the hazardous ones while enabling those that keep you locked down tight. You don’t need to be a system expert; the app guides you every step of the way.

Educational & Habit Building

Moonlock knows that the human user is often the weakest link in any security chain. That’s why it acts as a partner, not just a guard dog, helping you learn cybersecurity fundamentals and build safer online habits. It empowers you by explaining threats and protection measures, making you more secure long after you close the app.

Editors note: Overall, the core security and productivity features from Moonlock are valuable additions for every Mac user. Whether the app makes meaningful changes to your Mac or guides you in the right way, the steps that you ultimately take by following Moonlock can improve your security.

Performance & Reliability

Nobody likes a security suite that slows down the computer, right? We wanted to investigate whether and how Moonlock impacts the performance of other apps on your Mac.

As a part of testing, we have been running Moonlock in the background for a few weeks. We did not notice any impact on the overall multitasking performance while dealing with resource-intensive tasks. Our MBA had no trouble handling intense browsing sessions even when features like VPN and network monitor were turned on.

Our testing concluded that Moonlock is a reliable option for protecting your Mac from threats.

Pricing and Availability

Moonlock is currently available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese, with MacPaw promising to add more languages in 2026.

You can try Moonlock with a 7-day free trial. If you love it, an annual subscription is available for $54. If you prefer not to use subscriptions, you can opt for a one-time purchase option that costs $150 per Mac. Please note that major upgrades made after your purchase may incur additional fees.

Importantly, if you are already a subscriber to MacPaw’s Setapp service, Moonlock is included at no extra cost. Also, keep in mind that the malware scanning/detection functionality of Moonlock is built into another app from MacPaw: CleanMyMac.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Features a beautiful, non-intimidating interface that feels native to macOS.
• Operates with very low system resource usage, ensuring your Mac stays fast.
• Includes a built-in VPN and a “Network Inspector” to block traffic to specific countries.
• Actively teaches you how to adjust macOS settings to improve overall system security.
• Scans significantly faster than the legacy engine previously used in CleanMyMac.

Cons

• Lacks advanced features like parental controls, password managers, or granular firewall rules.
• The built-in VPN often has slower upload speeds than dedicated VPN services.
• Lacks deep customization options for power users, such as complex exclusion rules.

Wrapping Up

Moonlock challenges the outdated notion that Mac users are safe by default. Instead, it offers a proactive, comprehensive, and easy-to-use solution designed specifically for the Apple ecosystem.

With its unique security checks, powerful malware scanning, and advanced network controls, such as Geo-Blocking, Moonlock provides the multi-layered protection every modern Mac needs. It’s a tool that protects you, teaches you, and gives you back control.

For more details and free trial, visit Moonlock official website.

<p>The post Moonlock: MacPaw’s new app that secures your Mac life first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

But you need more than a powerful recovery engine when you need to recover a variety of data types that you have deleted or lost from your Mac. Most importantly, you need an intuitive UI with additional utilities.

This is where Disk Drill comes into play.

What Does Disk Drill Do?

Disk Drill is a complete data recovery solution designed for Mac and Windows. A product from Cleverfiles, it enables you to recover data that has been deleted/lost/damaged from a variety of devices and drives. The Mac app is a great way to scan the macOS drive or your iPhone/Android smartphone.

Compared to the typical data recovery utilities we come across, Disk Drill offers a refined set of features. For starters, you get an intuitive UI that everyone can use without any prior experience.

Key Features

You get a comprehensive set of features with Disk Drill for Mac. All these improve your chances of getting data back from a compatible device.

• Disk Drill for Mac enables the recover of a variety of file formats, including documents, photos, music, video, compressed files, etc. It can scan for and reconstruct over 400 file formats.
• You can recover data from your Mac or external storage devices, including HDDs, SSDs, tablets, iPads, memory cards, digital cameras, and RAID arrays. Many of these devices have dedicated interfaces.
• A Scan and Preview option makes Disk Drill suitable for recovering specific files from an entire drive. It means you do not need to recover anything you don’t need.
• Thanks to session management and categorization options, Disk Drill for Mac can handle additional data recovery tasks easily.
• Disk Drill for Mac also ships with additional utilities such as Disk Health, Mac Cleanup, Data Backup, Data Protection, and Recovery Drive.

Key Specs

• macOS 10.15.7– 26 (macOS Tahoe ready), with just 60.0 MB of space required. For older systems, use Disk Drill 1/2.x/3.x/4.x (compatible with OS X 10.5+).
• Supports recovery from internal and external storage devices, including iOS, iPadOS, Android, and sources with ReFS 3.14 file systems.
• Fully optimized for both Intel-based Macs and the latest Apple silicon, including M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips.
• Premier solution for recovering deleted data from external drives and system disks, even on Macs with Apple T2, M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips.
• Improved RAM allocation and more stable SSH connections for seamless operation.

Our Hands-on Disk Drill Review

Disk Drill claims reliable data recovery rates thanks to these features. The latest version 6 also introduces several new features, including dedicated camera recovery. At first look, this data recovery tool is a cut above the typical finds in the market. However, we need to see how this performs in real-world applications. So, we have been testing the latest version of Disk Drill for Mac for over a week.

During this time, we installed Disk Drill 6 on an M2 MacBook Air and tested the multiple options for recovery and disk management. In particular, we attempted to recover data from various devices like USB drives and external SSDs. Based on this experience, we have added our insights into the following aspects.

# Setup & getting started

Installing, setting up, and getting started with Disk Drill 6 is pretty effortless. Of course, you need to provide the app with permissions, such as Full Disk Access and Accessibility, to ensure seamless functionality. Once this part is complete, you are ready to proceed.

We noticed that Disk Drill 6 has minimal impact on the RAM/CPU power of the Mac. So, even when the data recovery utility is running in the background, you can multitask efficiently.

When you open Disk Drill 6 for the first time, you can see a list of connected devices. If you haven’t connected any external device, you will still see your Mac’s hard drive. You can also see a detailed sidebar on the left, which offers easy access to connected devices and features.

You will find this sidebar handy while handling multiple device types, such as smartphones, tablets, and USB storage drives. Because Disk Drill 6 lets you recover data from Time Machine backups and some other rare sources, those options are also present in the quick-access sidebar. The latest version features a dedicated set of enhancements, including Advanced Camera Recovery, and supports both iOS and Android devices.

Overall, you don’t need any prior experience to get started with Disk Drill 6. Instead of worrying about tech-savvy terms or concepts, you can use the intuitive UI design to navigate between the options. In a minute or two, you can start the data recovery process.

# The data recovery experience

You already know that Disk Drill 6 is primarily a data recovery tool. Therefore, the package contains multiple features that help you recover the most data from your Mac, removable drive, iPhone, or digital camera. You can get advanced options for some of these devices. To assess the effectiveness of the process, we utilized Disk Drill 6 to recover data from a broader range of devices that employ various file systems.

Compatibility

The compatibility of Disk Drill 6 with devices and file systems is pretty impressive. For one, you can recover data from sources other than your Mac. It could be your smartphone, tablet, digital camera, or USB drive. It also lets you import Time Machine backups to recover data from them.

The sidebar also helps you categorize all these options.

When it comes to file systems, Disk Drill 6 is compatible with almost every option you can encounter. The list has APFS, NTFS, ExFAT, HFS, HFS+, FAT, and EXT3/EXT4. The latest version also supports ReFS. So, even if you have a corrupted NTFS drive from a PC, you can use Disk Drill 6 to recover data from it on your Mac.

The Advanced Camera Recovery option deserves special mention! Disk Drill 6 has optimized this feature to recover only photos and videos from camera-related sources, such as memory cards and other storage devices. Compared to the base recovery option, Advanced Camera Recovery better reconstructs and protects videos/pictures.

Performance

By the term’performance’, we refer to how well the data recovery process works. To begin the process, select a device from the available options and start the Scan. Disk Drill 6 provides ample information about the drive before you begin. Once you hit the Search for Lost Data button, the scan will begin.

An area where we found Disk Drill truly impressive is how it recognized a drive that we were sure was corrupted. We had dropped this HDD, and it was not getting detected on my PC. When we connected it to my Mac, Disk Drill 6 recognized the drive, despite it being an NTFS drive. We really loved how effective the scans were. However, it is something else that data recovery from that corrupted drive took a few hours.

The app was able to scan for recoverable data on all the devices we tested. It conveniently shows multiple sections: Existing and Reconstructed. So, you get to know what is already in the drive and what Disk Drill 6 has recovered.

The data recovery success rate estimates from Disk Drill 6 were also accurate. For every file that appears, you can see the chance of recovery: High, Average, or Low. Files with a lower chance of recovery were not available for Preview. It offers a preview for other files. This feature helped me save time because we didn’t have to attempt to recover files that wouldn’t have worked anyway.

We loved how well-arranged the recovery process is. It offers options to recover data that was deleted by users or other applications.

Recovery Success Rates

Full disclosure: Ultimately, recovery success rates depend on many factors, including the status of the drive. You face a low recovery rate while attempting to recover data from corrupted drives or lost partitions.

So, what we share below is based on the drives/devices we tested.

In our testing, Disk Drill 6 showed impressive data recovery success rates. It was able to recover data from both the removable drive and the Mac’s internal drive. In both cases, Disk Drill successfully provided an overview of recoverable files, which accounted for approximately 90%. The quality of recovery from special devices, such as cameras, was also impressive.

However, as we said, the success rates and required time for corrupted drives were quite different. In the case of most corrupted/damaged drives, we had to wait more than a few hours for the scan to finish. Even so, Disk Drill 6 was able to recover only a fraction of the data.

However, only 70% of files were given a High chance of data recovery. The others had a Low rating, meaning that we were not able to recover those files. On the bright side, Disk Drill 6 successfully recovered files that we had removed from the Trash, which makes it worthwhile in itself.

We had a better chance of recovering data such as contacts and calendars. General data recovery tools for Mac often struggle to handle platform-specific files. However, Disk Drill 6 dealt with these files quite well. But some advanced algorithms are available only with its premium version.

Overall, Disk Drill 6 does an incredible job of recovering data from various devices. But it offers more.

# Additional utilities

Additional utilities built into Disk Drill make it powerful enough to replace multiple apps. Here, you have an overview of what you get from the package.

• S.M.A.R.T. Monitoring keeps track of what happens on a storage device, including power cycle count, HDA temperature, SSD Life, etc. Disk Drill presents all this data in an easy-to-understand design as well.
• The Data Protection module offers you guaranteed data recovery even after deleting the files from a system. You can also go for Recovery Vault, which will retain the metadata of deleted files, thus offering better recovery rates.
• You also get a macOS Installer module, which lets you create a bootable drive that installs macOS on a system. The process is easy and wants you to locate the package, choose the destination, and wait for a few minutes.
• Byte-to-Byte Backup is another impressive function of Disk Drill. This feature makes use of patented algorithms to create an accurate clone of your drive/device. However, the options may differ based on whether your Mac has a T2 Security Chip.
• Boot Drive is another addition to Disk Drill 6. If you want to recover data from a drive that you can’t open using an OS, you can create a bootable recovery tool. However, recent versions of Disk Drill allow you to do this via the macOS Recovery Mode option.
• Erase Free Space is an interesting addition to the collection of utilities. It lets you delete free space from a drive so that others cannot recover deleted information. It works better than shredding since you cannot shred files that you’ve already deleted.
• Disk Drill offers a super-useful Duplicate Finder utility as well. It works as great as the many other duplicate finders we have come across. You can choose between multiple options and use the sidebar to navigate through the options.
• We also loved the Clean Up function. This tool in Disk Drill scans various parts of your macOS drives and displays what is occupying your storage space. This is an excellent option for those who want to maximize storage space.

That is, Disk Drill can easily replace 7-8 separate apps you may need on your Mac. In particular, the cloning and duplicate finder utilities were impressive.

Pricing

You can download Disk Drill 6 for Mac for free; however, it comes with a limited set of features. For instance, the free version lets you preview the files you can recover, but you need to upgrade for the actual recovery. Yet, you have full access to additional features, including a duplicate finder, disk space eraser, and macOS installer.

To access all the full features and content recovery, you need to purchase Disk Drill Pro, which costs $89. You can ensure lifetime upgrades by paying an additional $19. Disk Drill 6 also offers further discounts for students and those upgrading from a previous version. This single license allows up to 3 simultaneous activations.

We want you to remember that you get at least six different utilities in this package. So, no matter how you look at it, Disk Drill is a worthy investment for most.

FAQs

Is Disk Drill safe to use?

Disk Drill is generally considered safe to use. It’s developed by a reputable company, CleverFiles, and doesn’t contain any known malware. However, as with any software that accesses your hard drive, it’s always a good idea to download it from the official CleverFiles website or a trusted source like TheSweetBits to avoid potentially harmful modified versions.

How does Disk Drill work?

Disk Drill works by scanning your hard drive (or other storage devices) for lost or deleted files. It uses various scanning methods, including Quick Scan and Deep Scan, to locate recoverable data based on file signatures and remaining file system information. The success of data recovery can be affected by the condition of the disk.

Is Disk Drill really free?

Disk Drill offers a free version that allows you to recover up to 500MB of data. This is great for small file recoveries or for testing the software’s capabilities before committing to a paid license. For larger data recovery needs, you’ll need to upgrade to the Pro version.

How does Disk Drill compare to other data recovery tools?

Disk Drill offers a user-friendly interface, robust scanning capabilities, and extra features like data protection and disk health monitoring. For a detailed side-by-side comparison of Disk Drill with a popular alternative like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, check out our in-depth analysis here.

Our Final Take

After thorough testing, we can confirm the helpfulness of Disk Drill 6. For those who regularly deal with data loss and recovery, it is a must-have investment. Even otherwise, we found it helpful enough to be kept on a Mac. So, whether it is about finding duplicates or shredding files, Disk Drill 6 will be a great thing to have on your Mac. It’s also impressive that the developers are adding worthwhile features to the package.

<p>The post Disk Drill: This Mac data recovery tool that actually works first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

So, when you want to run Windows 11 on your Mac, your only solution is virtualization. The problem? Most virtual tools are still cumbersome to use, nor are they optimized for performance on Mac. Parallels Desktop, a modern virtualization tool, solves the problem in the smartest way possible. While at it, Parallels Desktop for Mac offers incredible integration and some handy options.

Our Tryst with Parallels Desktop

As people who daily drive a Mac but occasionally need access to Windows, we have always relied on virtual machines. We started with VirtualBox before making our way to VMWare Fusion and other options.

However, since we came across Parallels Desktop, it has been the go-to option for running Windows on Mac. Its latest version, Parallels Desktop 26, brings a lot of optimizations and additional features.

Parallels Desktop 26: What’s New?

Here’s a quick overview of what the latest version, Parallels Desktop 26, brings to the table.

• macOS Tahoe introduces some new rules for background processes. The latest update ensures that Parallels Desktop aligns with these rules. It means we can expect the same incredible performance that Parallels offers.
• The update has also polished how Parallels Desktop engages with the revamped UI of macOS. You’d notice how the icons and other elements appear on the Dock and other aspects of the macOS UI.
• The version also changes how Windows VMs can access information about the storage space left on the Mac. It is said to reduce the frequency of unforeseen errors.

As you can see, the changes include visible and under-the-hood ones. Prashant Ketkar, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Parallels, stated:

“With Parallels Desktop 26, we’re delivering compatibility with Apple’s latest macOS, and powerful new tools for the IT teams and developers who rely on Parallels every day. This release reflects our ongoing commitment to Apple innovation and our focus on enabling enterprises and IT admins to securely manage and scale their Mac environments.”

Parallels Desktop: Hands-on Review

In this review, we shall see how Parallels Desktop works and feels with macOS Tahoe. We have used a MacBook Air M2 running the latest version of macOS Tahoe for testing.

Installation & Setup

Installing Parallels Desktop on a Mac is effortless. You can either get the installer from the official website or install Parallels Desktop from the Mac App Store. However, we should warn you that the Mac App Store version is limited. You may not have access to all the features.

Either way, the installation does not take more than a few seconds.

It is impressive that an app that can create and manage seemingly full virtual computers on your Mac takes up less than 1GB of storage space on your Mac. So, even if you have a Mac with, say, 128GB of storage space, you won’t have trouble running Parallels Desktop.

When you open Parallels for the first time, it will ask you to enter the license code. Following this, you would come across the interface to set up the first VM. As you can see, Parallels Desktop suggests some options to consider.

You can use these methods to set up a Windows 11 VM or other options like macOS, Ubuntu Linux, Fedora Linux, Kali Linux, etc. The full list of compatible Operating Systems is large, though. However, you get the full power of Parallels Desktop only when you use it to run Windows on macOS.

Once you select the OS you want to set up, Parallels Desktop will download the necessary files and complete the installation. Overall, you need only a few minutes to set up your first virtual machine using this nifty tool on a Mac.

Personal Take: If your Mac does not have enough storage space for all the VMs, you can store them on an external drive. We use a portable SSD to keep all our VMs.

UI & Ease of Use

We must also commend the UI and ease of use of Parallels Desktop. As you saw, setting up Parallels Desktop and your first VM is an effortless task. The intuitive UI design makes it easy to navigate the different parts of creating and maintaining virtual machines on your Mac.

You get to control all your Parallels VMs from the Control Center interface. As you can see above, the Control Center lets you open any available Virtual Machine or access its settings page. Opening and pausing virtual machines is as easy as clicking the Play/Pause buttons.

Compared to the many virtualization tools we have come across, Parallels Desktop keeps everything super-easy. We must give it to Parallels for this well-optimized and easy-to-navigate UI. We love how the tool keeps room for customization but arranges everything neatly.

Windows on macOS: Two Great Methods

You are probably here to see how well Parallels Desktop can help you run Windows on macOS. As we already mentioned, Parallels offers some additional features when it comes to creating and running a Windows VM. Most importantly, you get to choose between two options: Full Desktop and Coherence Mode.

Full Desktop

The Full Desktop mode, often called the classic virtualization mode, runs the guest OS (Windows in this case) on a separate window. You can maximize, minimize, or close this window as you wish. This option is great if you want the complete Windows experience on your Mac.

We must add that Parallels Desktop offers better optimization in terms of performance and compatibility compared to other VM tools that support Windows. You get access to most aspects of Windows, with a few limitations, of course.

Coherence Mode

Coherence Mode is where you see and feel the best of Parallels Desktop. This option lets you access Windows apps and some features without running the entire desktop. For instance, you can easily open the MS Paint app like you would open something on your Mac.

Parallels Desktop does a few things here. For instance, you can still access the Start Menu and a few other elements of the Windows OS. However, the best thing about Coherence Mode is that you can focus on a single app (probably something heavy-duty) without shifting back and forth between your Mac and the VM window.

Overall, Coherence Mode adds something unique and useful to the package. Keep in mind that the feature is currently available only for Windows. We would love to see the same feature available for Linux so that we can access those nifty Linux apps without keeping the entire VM window running.

Windows on macOS: Integration

We already told you how Coherence Mode changes the way you use the VM. Parallels Desktop 26 does more to enable seamless integration between your Mac and the Windows VM.

Parallels Desktop makes it easy to access your Mac files using the Windows VM. You can either use a Shared Folder or drag-and-drop the file from macOS to Windows. The shared clipboard function also works great in many cases. We also love the support it offers for syncing content from places like iCloud and Dropbox.

Parallels does an impressive job of mapping keyboard shortcuts and gestures to the VM as well. This means you can access features like swipe, pinch, and zoom on Windows apps. If you have a MacBook with Touch Bar, the control options appear on the Touch Bar as well.

You get handy system and device integration options as well. For one, you can access almost all devices you have connected to the Mac, including printers, USB drives, and other network devices. You even get support for game controllers and Bluetooth devices—a handy option when you want to game on Windows on a Mac.

If you prefer using the Windows VM in full-screen mode, you’d also love features like Time & Location Sync and Battery Sync. You can also access iCloud Keychain and other security features on your Windows VM. It also packs a bundle of utilities, called Parallels Toolbox, which is a valuable addition.

Windows on macOS: Performance

The performance you get while running Windows on macOS using Parallels Desktop depends on a few things, especially the Mac you use in the first place. All our testing was done on an M2 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of Storage.

The performance was impressive as we could use the Windows VM without any notable glitches. However, if something heavy was running in the background, the VM also became a tad slow. However, as per some of the other reviews we have come across, Parallels Desktop 26 works great on devices with M3/M4 chips.

We love that Parallels Desktop tries to optimize the background performance. You can set up all VMs to go to sleep after a specific period. More so, you get additional control over how many resources each VM can consume, including its background permissions.

Running Other OSs on Mac

During this testing session, we created multiple VMs using Parallels Desktop, and Windows was only one of the options. In addition to Windows, we tried a couple of Linux distros and a macOS version.

As you can guess, running other Operating Systems on Parallels Desktop is not as convenient as running the Windows OS. For instance, you lose many integration features, including Coherence Mode. You might not have access to 3D acceleration, and some manual setup may also be required.

Keep in mind that Parallels Desktop supports only a few OSs on Apple Silicon Macs. You can find the full list below:

• Windows 11 on ARM,
• Several Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Kali, CentOS, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux),
• macOS (Monterey and later).

Potential Downsides

Here are a few areas where we believe Parallels Desktop can improve.

• It would be great if Parallels Desktop could extend some of the integration features to non-Windows virtual machines. However, we understand the disproportionate demand for these solutions.
• Though Parallels Desktop 26 offers a way to run the x86 version of Windows, its performance is not comparable to what you can achieve via ARM virtualization.

Parallels Desktop vs. Alternatives

Here’s a quick table comparing Parallels Desktop with some popular alternatives.

It must be clear that Parallels Desktop 26 is miles ahead in terms of performance, integration, and its support for running Windows on Mac. Sure, many of these features aren’t available for non-Windows VMs, but those VMs also perform far better.

Pricing & Value Proposition

Parallels Desktop offers a 14-day free trial, during which you can access most features. After this period, you can choose between three plans.

• Parallels Desktop Standard costs $64.99 per year. This version gives you access to most features, but only 8 GB vRAM and 4 vCPUs are available for VMs. You won’t have access to advanced graphics options either.
• Parallels Desktop Pro costs $77.99 per year and supports up to 128 GB of vRAM and 32 vCPUs. It also includes advanced options like a command-line interface, extended graphics support, and system tools.
• Parallels Desktop Business costs $97.49 per year and adds business-focused features such as advanced provisioning and volume licensing.
• You can also purchase Parallels Desktop Standard as a one-time license for $219. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Students and educators can get up to 50% off through the Parallels Education Program.

The prices above reflect an ongoing 35% promotion tied to macOS 26 Tahoe, so they may change over time.

Considering how much time Parallels Desktop saves in the process of running VMs on Mac—especially Windows—the price feels reasonable. While you can find free or less expensive options, they often fail to deliver the same performance and convenience that Parallels consistently provides.

One last note: Parallels Desktop makes it easy to download and install Windows 11, but you’ll still need to purchase a valid license key from Microsoft to continue using the VM long term.

Final Words

In the end, we believe Parallels Desktop 26 is a great option for those who want to bridge the gap between macOS and Windows in the best way possible. The latest version has brought some impressive performance boosts, especially on macOS Tahoe.

Considering what you get from the package, what you pay for Parallels Desktop is quite reasonable as well.

Ready to try it yourself?
Download Parallels Desktop here and set up Windows 11 in just minutes.

<p>The post Parallels Desktop 26: Run Windows 11 on macOS, now even better first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

Wouldn’t it be awesome if this kind of software were available for free? Well, that was one reason to check out MiniTool Partition Wizard, which is available for Windows PCs. It claims to be a powerful alternative to the built-in disk partition utility on PCs.

What Is MiniTool Partition Wizard?

To quote the developer,

“MiniTool Partition Wizard is an all-inclusive free partition manager to organize disk partitions to get the best of your hard drive.”

For starters, it lets you reconfigure the partitions on your PC while also ensuring maximum security and performance. The package also includes a number of utilities that make disk management a breeze. For instance, you can count on MiniTool Partition Wizard when you want to convert disks to another file system or create bootable installation media for the partition manager.

In short, with MiniTool you can:

• Create, resize, move, merge, split, wipe, and copy partitions
• Convert file systems (FAT NTFS, exFAT, EXT, etc.)
• Recover lost/deleted partitions
• Build bootable partition manager media
• Benchmark disk performance
• Analyze storage space usage

Testing Out Core Features

We wanted to understand how MiniTool Partition Wizard fares when it comes to core functions and tools in the package. We tested the app on an HP laptop equipped with a Ryzen 3-series processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 500GB SSD.

Among the many versions of MiniTool Partition Wizard, we primarily tested the Pro version. Compared to the free version, the Pro version packs additional features, especially for disk management and utilities. However, we had to check another device running the Pro Platinum version to try recovery features.

Partition Management

Using MiniTool Partition Wizard to manage your system partition felt like a breeze, thanks to an easy-to-use UI design. We won’t say that it has the most modern design, though. Even so, you won’t have trouble when navigating the tool or its features.

When you launch MiniTool Partition Wizard for the first time, it will open the Partition Management module and show the details of the currently selected SSD/HDD. You get a list-based view of available partitions. It is then about using the right-click menu to access all available features.

This module offers a wide range of options for managing and optimizing disks and partitions, including:

• Creating new partitions
• Resizing existing partitions
• Editing existing partitions
• Moving partitions
• Wiping partitions
• Merging partitions
• Splitting existing partitions
• Copying current partitions
• Changing file formats (e.g., FAT, NTFS)

In short, MiniTool Partition Wizard lets you do everything you can with the built-in disk management utility. It will also let you do a few more things that require additional compatibility.

Disk Management

MiniTool Partition Wizard is also home to some handy disk management features you would love. You can use it to handle entire disks or specific partitions. For instance, you may want to move your OS and resources to a larger SSD for better performance. MiniTool Partition Wizard lets you do that without repeating tasks like formatting.

We also tested features like partition conversion and data recovery. The option to recover lost/deleted disk partitions is quite handy if you spend time tinkering with hard disks and OS installations. In our testing, the app could detect potentially lost partitions and recover them.

The engines used for data recovery are also good, as they were able to detect deleted/lost files from the selected partition. As you can choose one of the many partitions on a disk, you save time compared to scanning the entire drive.

We also liked the dynamic disk management module, which allows you to manage dynamic disks without needing additional tools. You can create, delete, format, or copy dynamic volumes without a hassle.

Bootable Media Builder

Bootable Media Builder is another feature built into MiniTool Partition Wizard. This is a convenient option when you want to make changes to disk partitions, when you cannot actually launch an operating system. So, you can use another device to create a bootable media and launch it from the boot menu.

This way, you’ll be able to make changes to the existing partitions and create a new one, and proceed with an OS installation later. This function allows you to develop WinPE-supported bootable media that works on almost all supported operating systems as well.

Miscellaneous Tools

We already mentioned the case of the Data Recovery module. However, MiniTool Partition Wizard adds two more tools to the package.

Disk Benchmark is a good tool for understanding whether the disk is performing as it should. It can let you go through multiple methods, including sequential and random test speeds for reading and writing on the disk. This is a great way to understand whether you have a functional disk that you can rely on for specific tasks, say, 4K rendering.

Space Analyzer is another utility built into MiniTool Partition Wizard. This is a great way to understand how the storage space on your disk is being consumed. It represents all the data in an easy-to-interact method, so you can quickly recognize and remove files or directories that you do not want to have on your disk.

We loved both these tools, as they give excellent value. You need them more when dealing with partitions and disks. Typically, you have to pay separately for these tools. Therefore, it is convenient and value-adding to find both these options built into MiniTool Partition Wizard.

Compatibility, Performance & Reliability

There is no reason to worry about the compatibility aspect of MiniTool Partition Wizard. It is designed to work on all PCs running Windows 7 or later, including the latest version of Windows 11. We tested it on a Windows 11 PC, and everything went smoothly.

As far as file systems are concerned, you get native support for FAT12/16/32, exFAT, NTFS, and EXT2, EXT3, EXT4, and so on. It supports internal HDDs, SSDs, SSHDs, external hard drives, USB drives, and even SD cards.

According to our testing, the performance of MiniTool Partition Wizard was also good. Of course, the speed of each module will vary depending on the type of disk that you’re using and the amount of data that it has to recover. Apart from the occasional rise in disk resource consumption, there was no impact on multitasking performance; that is, we were able to conduct most of our tasks even when MiniTool Partition Wizard was running in the background.

Overall, we found MiniTool Partition Wizard to be a pretty reliable option for managing your disk partitions and exploring tasks like data recovery, partition recovery, and, of course, the miscellaneous tools for disk benchmarking.

Pricing & Value Proposition

You can choose between different pricing plans and payment options when you get the MiniTool Partition Wizard package.

• Free — basic partition management (create, resize, format)
• Pro ($59/year) — adds OS migration, conversions, dynamic disk management
• Pro Platinum ($109/year) — adds partition/data recovery

In our opinion, if you want to change the size of the partition or create a new one, the free tool will be enough. However, if you’re looking for additional features, both the Pro and Pro Platinum options offer incredible value. For one, you get a pretty smooth utility for managing the A to Z of your disk drive. More importantly, you get access to features like a Space Analyzer and Disk Benchmarking.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy-to-use interface
• Wide file system and device support
• Handy extras (Benchmark, Space Analyzer)
• Bootable media option

Cons

• Free version is limited for advanced tasks
• UI design feels dated
• Some recovery tools only in higher-priced tiers

The Final Take

After thorough testing, we can confidently recommend that you check out MiniTool Partition Wizard for your PC. Whether you decide to go with the premium plan or stick with the free one, you get a super convenient way to manage disk partitions and drives.

When you go for the premium plan, you get a lot of value because you get access to an incredible set of disk management tools, starting with converters. Considering that many users struggle with the built-in disk management tools on Windows, this is a great option to consider.

<p>The post MiniTool Partition Wizard: Free & premium disk management for Windows first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>

EaseUS Partition Master for Mac not only solves these problems but also offers more features. It also claims to simplify the way you manage partitions on your Mac. We wanted to test out these claims, and we’ve had EaseUS Partition Master for Mac running on our M2 MacBook Air for the past week.

What is EaseUS Partition Master for Mac?

From EaseUS’s official website:

EaseUS Partition Master for Mac is an all-in-one Mac disk utility software designed for both Apple Silicon (M-series) and Intel Mac computers. It offers flexible and perfect cross-platform disk partitioning features, like Windows Disk Management, to support Mac users applying cross-platform disk usage, enhancing macOS performance, and optimizing work efficiency.

Upon opening EaseUS Partition Master for Mac for the first time, it automatically detects all connected disks and partitions. In our testing on an M2 MacBook Air, it immediately recognized the built-in SSD and presented a clear interface with shortcuts to core actions like Cloning, Resizing, and Disk Health Management.

The UI design is notably intuitive and non-intimidating, making it easier to navigate even when compared to Apple’s own Disk Utility – a significant plus for users new to pro-level system management.

As expected for an application making system-level changes, EaseUS Partition Master for Mac requests several permissions, including Full Disk Access, and often requires your Mac’s password upon launch. Our thorough testing confirmed these practices meet industry standards and are necessary for the app to function securely and effectively.

Testing Out Core Features

We shall now take you through how EaseUS Partition Master for Mac fares when it comes to core features. It must be noted that EaseUS Partition Master for Mac does not replace Disk Utility. Instead, it adds a number of features that make Disk Utility more reliable.

# Data & OS Cloning

EaseUS Partition Master for Mac makes it practically effortless to clone SSDs. It works great when you want to transfer your entire macOS installation to a larger-capacity SSD. Because it creates a total backup, you’d be able to use the new SSD to boot the OS from.

Since we did not have any bootable tasks, we used the Data Cloning feature to back up the SSD. This one-click clone backup was quick and effortless. We were impressed by the transfer speed and how effectively EaseUS Partition Master for Mac managed the file system conversion.

So, once you select the source and destination for the clone, you can sit back and relax.

# BitLocker Encryption Removal

You may come across BitLocker Encryption-enabled drives once in a while. However, handling these devices on your Mac can be a complicated affair. Fortunately, EaseUS Partition Master for Mac lets you remove BitLocker Encryption and access the drive without any issues.

We tested the unlocking process, and it was seamless to say the least. This feature lets you either enter the BitLocker password or turn off BitLocker encryption altogether and access the drive. The entire process of unlocking encryption was straightforward, thanks to intuitive hints.

EaseUS Partition Master for Mac was able to remove the encryption from a variety of drives, including USB drives and SSDs. Once the encryption was unlocked, we could quickly clone and back up the drive as well. It is a great feature when you come across a storage device that is close to dying.

# NTFS Read & Write

Accessing NTFS drives is another headache while using a Mac. EaseUS Partition Master for Mac packs a set of features that let you write on NTFS drives. There are other tools, including one from EaseUS, that allow you to bring this functionality onto macOS. Nevertheless, it is refreshing to find this feature in the package.

If you have gone through our guide on NTFS apps for Mac, you know that these apps need you to install a system extension. This remains the case for EaseUS Partition Master for Mac as well. Even then, it is nice to have all the options available through a single interface.

# FAT to exFAT Conversion

A common challenge for external drives is choosing the right file system for compatibility and larger file sizes. While FAT32 is widely compatible, it has a 4GB file size limit. EaseUS Partition Master for Mac addresses this by offering a direct conversion from FAT (including FAT32) to exFAT without requiring you to reformat the drive and lose all your data.

This is a significant time-saver and data protector, especially for external storage used across different operating systems or for storing large media files. We found this conversion process to be efficient and reliable in our testing.

# Additional Utilities

The additional utilities you get in the EaseUS Partition Master for Mac package are pretty awesome. The tools require no technical knowledge but deliver superb performance. Here’s an overview.

macOS Installer Creator lets you build a bootable macOS installer on a USB drive in a few seconds. You get to choose the macOS version and pick the USB drive, and the bootable media will be ready in a few minutes. It lets you use a local package instead of downloading the macOS software from Apple.

ISO Burner also comes in handy when tinkering with computers and Operating Systems. This utility lets you burn Operating System ISOs into bootable USB drives. You get pre-built options for Operating Systems like Windows, Ubuntu, and CentOS.

Disk Wiper works great when you want to remove everything from a drive. The things you remove this way will not be recoverable through typical tools. EaseUS Partition Master for Mac also packs a Speed Tester for drives. You can use this utility to check if your SSD delivers the same speeds it promises.

Performance and Reliability

As you know, the speed of disk cloning and ISO burning depends a lot on the disk itself. So, we don’t think it is fair to pass judgment. However, we can say with certainty that EaseUS Partition Master for Mac performs quite well. It does not stutter or show us the annoying beach ball when using features.

We also kept EaseUS Partition Master for Mac running in the background as it was cloning the Mac SSD to a portable SSD. While the device was heating up a bit, we did not see any noticeable lag while using other apps like Word and Arc.

The developers have done a great job optimizing EaseUS Partition Master for Mac for speed, stability, and performance. So, you can count on it when you want to manage disk partitions and more without taking a toll on your regular workflow.

Pricing and Value Proposition

EaseUS Partition Master for Mac offers a rather straightforward pricing plan that you can count on. You can purchase the premium version of EaseUS Partition Master for Mac in two ways.

The yearly plan will set you back $49.95; this plan gives you a license that can run on two Macs. EaseUS also bundles premium technical support with this plan.

The Lifetime plan will cost you $69.95, offering support for two Macs and also bundling premium support. If you are a student, you can get a 40% discount on both these plans, which is great.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• User-friendly interface for all experience levels.
• Robust toolkit for creating, resizing, merging, and formatting partitions.
• Enables NTFS read/write access on Mac.
• Advanced features like disk speed testing and S.M.A.R.T. monitoring.
• Supports various internal and external storage devices.
• Offers data backup and cloning capabilities.

Cons

• Some advanced features require a paid upgrade.
• Higher pricing than some competitors.
• There is a risk of errors or data loss if not used correctly.

Technical Specifications

OS Support: macOS 10.13 High Sierra and later (including macOS 15 Sequoia and macOS Tahoe beta).

Chip Compatibility: Works with both Intel-based Macs and Apple Silicon (M series chips).

File System Support: APFS, HFS+, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS (with full read/write support), EXT2, EXT3.

Supported Drives:

• Internal SSD/HDD
• External USB drives (USB 1.0/2.0/3.0, flash drives, memory cards, memory sticks)
• SD cards
• Fusion Drives
• BitLocker-encrypted volumes

Minimum System Requirements:

• Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon M-series chip
• RAM: 2GB or more recommended
• Disk Space: Approximately 200MB for installation

Our Final Take

Whether you’re migrating your macOS install, working with external drives, or handling bootable media, EaseUS Partition Master for Mac delivers reliable performance and pro-grade features in a beginner-friendly package. It’s more than just a Disk Utility alternative—it’s a complete disk management suite for macOS.

<p>The post EaseUS Partition Master for Mac: This disk utility upgrade your Mac needs first appeared on TheSweetBits.</p>