Has your Mac been taking longer to load recently? Well, that’s probably because your Apple device requires a good ol’ clean up. There is nothing more infuriating than a slow Mac especially if you’re trying to carry out a highly technical research for your place of work, or if you’re trying to create a scientific presentation. For instance, how would you feel if you were reading an extremely complicated paper on say, brain prints or the effects of radiation on the human DNA, and your Mac suddenly crashes?
This article offers top Mac cleaners and explains how they work for current Mac owners and those who are thinking of buying a Mac.
What are Mac Cleaners?
Mac cleaners are essential tools designed to optimize Mac speed and performance. They help remove unwanted files like cache, temporary files, old logs, and duplicate files. Most cleaners are easy to use and help keep your Mac running smoothly by targeting unused data. Whether you need to speed up your Mac, free up storage, or just want a cleaner system, these tools are a great option.
Top Mac Cleaners 2025
When choosing a cleaner, consider tools known for efficiency and reliability. We have also added some pros and cons based by looking at the Reddit comments and Google reviews by users:
1. CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X was created by MacPaw, it’s a powerful tool that combines everything you need to keep your Mac in top shape, without needing a separate app for each task. From cleaning out junk files to managing apps and even protecting against malware, CleanMyMac X covers it all. If you’re already using Setapp, you can give it a try at no extra cost.
It’s definitely not the old MacKeeper everyone warned you about. But, just a heads up: it’s not a magic fix for old Macs that are struggling with storage and memory issues. However, it can still help keep things running smoother and free up valuable space.
Key Features
- Mail Attachment Cleaner
- Automatic Trash Remover
- Malware Removal & Real-Time Protection
- Privacy Enhancer
- App Uninstaller & Updater
- Startup Manager
- System Extensions Manager
- Large File Manager
- File Shredder
And then there’s the Optimizer, which includes:
- Freeing up RAM and purgeable space
- Running maintenance scripts
- Reindexing Spotlight
- Thinning out Time Machine backups
Pros
1. All-in-One Powerhouse: CleanMyMac X combines features from several apps (think DaisyDisk, MacUpdater, and AppCleaner), so you don’t need a dozen separate tools cluttering your screen.
2. Simple to Use: The interface is designed to make cleanup and system optimization super easy, even if you’re not a tech expert. Plus, the menu bar widget keeps quick tools (like RAM monitoring and speed tests) just a click away.
“I also find the menu bar widget really useful, especially for instant speed tests and RAM usage monitoring.” — u/Decaf_GT
3. Thorough App Removal: The uninstaller digs deep to ensure all parts of an app are removed—often better than standalone tools.
“The app uninstallation is better than AppCleaner.” — [deleted]
“I use it to clear disk space, and it helped me gain more than 8 GB of space.” — [deleted]
Cons
1. Not All Features Are Game-Changers: Some tools, like freeing up RAM, are only temporary fixes. And if you’re savvy with Mac commands, a few features are easy to do manually.
“Some of these tasks, like freeing up RAM, are only temporary fixes, and it’s questionable how much benefit it provides.” — u/amerpie
2. Mixed Feelings on the Optimizer: While some users like having the maintenance tools, others feel it’s not essential.
“The description of verify and repair PC files is pretty vague… running the optimizer is not going to hurt your computer.” — u/amerpie
3. Subscription Cost: CleanMyMac X isn’t free, so if you only need a couple of features, you might prefer free alternatives like OnyX.
2. Mac Cleaner OnyX (Free)
Since 2003, Titanium Software’s OnyX has been a go-to free Mac cleaner. OnyX has been updated for every major macOS version—right now, there’s a solid version for macOS Sonoma and even a beta for Sequoia. If you’re running an older system, you’re covered too; you can still get versions as far back as Jaguar, Mac OS 10.2.
The latest Mac cleaner OnyX version brings a ton of powerful features to the table:
- System File Check
- Maintenance and Cleaning
- Custom Settings
- Cache Cleanup
- File and Folder Removal
- Database and Index Rebuilding
Pros
1. Trusted Reliability: Many users have counted on Mac cleaner OnyX for years because it just works.
“Been using it since the first release… it’s a great tool to tweak and maintain the system.” — u/dualqconboy
2. All-In-One Tool, Free of Charge: OnyX packs in a lot of powerful features that other apps charge for.
“My goto since Cocktail got crazy expensive.” — u/macanJimmy
3. Advanced Control for Power Users: Mac cleaner OnyX also includes advanced features, like access to UNIX files, hidden system utilities, and detailed file management options.
4. Stays Updated with macOS Releases: OnyX keeps up with the latest macOS updates, including stable and beta versions.
Cons
1. Restart Needed After Maintenance: Some users find it inconvenient that Mac cleaner OnyX requires a restart after certain tasks.
“The only thing I dislike about OnyX is the forced restart after the maintenance routines are done.” — u/NotNitewolf
2. Potential for System Instability: Mac cleaner OnyX is a powerful tool, but using it incorrectly can lead to unexpected issues.
“I’ve used OnyX twice… both times, whatever it did caused my computer to run wrong to the point where I did a full erase and reinstall to fix it.” — u/Shejidan
3. Complex for Non-Tech Users: With all its advanced features, OnyX is best for users who are comfortable with technical setups. Beginners or those unfamiliar with macOS internals might find it a bit confusing without guidance.
3. DaisyDisk
DaisyDisk is a fast, visual disk space analyzer that makes cleaning up your Mac a breeze. With its interactive circular map, it highlights space hogs and allows quick deletion of large, unnecessary files. Known for its elegant design and speed, DaisyDisk scans both local and cloud storage efficiently.
Key Features
- Innovative Interface
- Incredibly Fast Scans
- QuickLook Integration
- Simultaneous Disk Scans
- Live Disk Info
- Broad Compatibility
- Cloud Storage Access
- In-App Deletion
- Retina Display Ready
Pros:
1. Speed & Efficiency: The speed allows for quicker diagnostics, especially on large drives, and its ability to cache data minimizes the need for repeated scans.
“The fastest disk space analyzer I’ve ever tried.” — Whovian Omega
2. Intuitive Interface: Visually appealing and user-friendly for managing storage.
“Fast and beautiful… I can’t recommend it highly enough.” — MWJump
3. Seamless Access to Hidden Files: Users appreciate DaisyDisk’s ability to locate and delete hidden or inaccessible files. This feature makes it useful for those who face low storage issues due to hidden files.
“Accessed 3TB of hidden files and saved me from buying a new computer.” — LastSlash
4. Deep Scanning for External Drives: Reliable with any drive size or type.
Cons:
1. Limited Hidden Space Detection: Even with full permissions, certain hidden files may remain inaccessible due to macOS restrictions.
“Can’t always identify contents of ‘Hidden Space’.” — Whovian Omega
2. No Free Version: Limited features compared to free alternatives.
3. Unintuitive for Smaller Folders: Users may find it difficult to interact with smaller files in the circular map.
“Needs a zoom toggle to focus on smaller files.” — knmorgan
4. OmniDiskSweeper
OmniDiskSweeper is yet another free Mac cleaner that allows users to scan their hard drives in-depth, organizing files by size to help identify and clear out unnecessary data. With a simple interface, it offers users a clear view of how their storage is being used and provides an efficient way to manage disk space.
Features
- Comprehensive Disk Scan
- Customizable Folder View
- Color-Coded Size Indicators
- Direct File Deletion Option
- User-Friendly Interface
Pros
- Completely Free: No cost, ads, or limitations.
- In-Depth Scans: Allows access to otherwise restricted storage areas like ‘System’ and ‘Other.’
- Lightweight and Secure: The app is safe, lightweight, and doesn’t affect storage space.
Cons
- No Preview Feature: Lacks file previews, which could lead to accidental deletions if users aren’t careful.
- Minimalist Design: Basic interface without many visuals.
- Mac Only: Exclusively available for macOS, with no PC version.
How Do Mac Cleaners Work?
Let’s break down how they work step-by-step for complete beginners.
1. Scanning Your Mac for Junk Files
Over time, your Mac accumulates files that aren’t needed, like system logs, app caches, duplicate files, old downloads, and unused applications. These files pile up and can slow down your computer.
A Mac cleaner scans your system, including folders, apps, and storage, to find unneeded files, like temporary app files and items in the Downloads and Trash folders that you may have forgotten to delete.
2. Analyzing Storage and Performance
Most Mac cleaners provide an overview of your Mac’s performance and storage use to help you understand how much space is taken up by documents, apps, system files, and photos.
Some cleaners also check if your Mac’s CPU (the processor) and RAM (memory) are being overused, which can affect speed. For instance, running too many apps at once or having several startup items (apps that open when your Mac starts) can slow down your system.
3. Cleaning Up Junk Files
After scanning, Mac cleaners list junk files that are safe to delete. Some cleaners offer categories to help you decide what to remove, such as:
- Caches
- Logs
- Unused Language Files
You can usually pick specific items to remove or let the cleaner handle everything.
4. Freeing Up Disk Space by Removing Large Files and Duplicates
Cleaners often identify large files that may be taking up valuable space. Some Mac cleaners come with a duplicate finder to scan for copies of files that you might not even know are there. Duplicate files take up storage and are usually safe to delete once you know where the originals are.
5. Uninstalling Apps and Their Associated Files
When you uninstall apps by simply dragging them to the Trash, some associated files can still linger on your system. Mac cleaners come with an uninstaller tool to delete both the app and its associated files.
6. Managing Startup Programs
Startup programs are apps that automatically open every time your Mac starts up. Too many startup programs can slow down boot time.
Mac cleaners let you manage which apps open during startup, helping to speed up your Mac’s startup time by reducing the number of programs that launch automatically.
7. Privacy Protection and Security Features
Cleaners often come with options to clear browser history, cookies, and cache, which also helps protect your privacy. Some cleaners can scan for tracking cookies that websites place in your browser.
8. Running Maintenance Scripts and Optimizations
Your Mac already has built-in maintenance scripts that run periodically, but if your Mac is turned off or asleep, they might not run on schedule. Mac cleaners can run these scripts for you, optimizing system processes.
Bottomline
If you need to know how to clean up Mac, the best Mac cleaners offer an easy solution. By managing cache, junk files, and unused data, these tools can bring significant improvements in speed and stability. Just choose one that suits your needs and has good reviews, so you don’t face any downsides.
If you want to learn more about such technologies, be sure to check out Yaabot’s blog.
FAQs
1. Is using a Mac cleaner safe for my data?
Yes, most reputable Mac cleaners are safe to use. However, there’s always a small risk of accidental deletion, especially with aggressive cleaning settings. For example, cleaners that don’t offer a preview feature might accidentally delete files you want to keep. To minimize this, choose cleaners which allows you to review the files before deletion, or OnyX, which lets you set custom cleaning options to avoid removing essential data.
2. Do I need a paid version, or will a free Mac cleaner work?
Mac cleaner’s free versions often provide basic cleaning like cache and temporary file removal, which may be enough for most users. However, paid versions typically offer advanced features, such as malware protection and deep cleaning options, which may be useful if you need frequent, thorough cleanups.
3. How often should I use a Mac cleaner?
75% of Mac users believe deep cleaning is needed less frequently than other computers. For most users, cleaning your Mac once a month is typically enough to maintain speed and efficiency. If you store a lot of large files or regularly work with media-heavy apps like Final Cut Pro, you might want to run a cleaner every two weeks to keep your system running smoothly. The key is to avoid waiting until your system starts to slow down; regular maintenance can prevent performance drops and unnecessary file buildup.
