Top 5 Best Cleaner Software to Speed Up your Mac

Macs are loved for their reliability and polish. But, like all computers, even Macs tend to slow down with age. When that happens, many people choose the nuclear option: a complete system reinstall. There are cases when a full reinstall is really the best course of action, but using the best Mac cleaner apps is much faster and often just as effective.

Testing most Mac OS X cleaners available, we’ve selected our top 5 favorite free and paid cleaners for your Mac.

Top 5 Best Mac Cleaner Apps in 2022

A great Mac cleaner must support the latest version of Mac OS X, it must be easy to use, and it must deliver on its promises. As much as we like free Mac cleaner apps, we’re not excluding paid cleaners from this list. Often, paid cleaners come with the best features and the most reliable support. Paying a relatively small amount of money for a Mac cleaner makes a lot of sense if it can extend the life of your Mac computer for another year or two.

1. CleanMyMac X 🥇

CleanMyMac X offers a limited free Mac and MacBook cleaner that can automatically clean 500MB of data from your computer. The free version of the tool does allow you to run unlimited scans from which you can determine which files should be manually deleted. Maintenance tools and modules can be run once using the app’s trial mode.

This Mac cleaning software can help you get rid of system junk and speed up your machine. It builds an interactive map of your disk storage that makes it easy to see what’s using up the most space. The tool can also erase messenger chats and browser history to protect your privacy. You can filter on specific file types when scanning and cleaning for a more efficient process.

• Free ability to run unlimited disk scans
• Malware removal
• Privacy protection
• Visual map of disk storage

2. Disk Drill 🥈

Disk Drill offers a free Mac storage cleaner as part of the trial version of the software package. The cleaner quickly scans your computer’s disks and maps the storage so it can be viewed in multiple ways. This allows you to find the files that are taking up space on your drive and determine which ones should be deleted. With just a couple of clicks, your disk will be free of unwanted junk files.

In addition to being one of the best Mac cleaning software solutions, Disk Drill is a comprehensive data recovery and protection tool. It helps users recover from all kinds of data loss scenarios affecting virtually any type of disk-based storage device. Extra features include a data shredder, the ability to find duplicate files, a byte-level backup tool, and a free safe eraser.

• Fast and efficient disk cleanup
• User-friendly interface with a simple, clickable cleaning procedure
• Offers a free Mac cleaner app
• Extra data management and protection tools
• Superior data recovery capabilities

3. MacKeeper

This tool can clean your Mac and help prevent it from slowing down as it ages. The software frees up space in a variety of ways and helps manage your Mac’s memory by controlling background processes. Monitor resource-intensive apps and free up RAM with a click.

One issue users may have with this tool is that it is sold on a monthly subscription basis. You cannot make a one-time purchase of the software. If you’re ok with that, the Mac cleaning and other functions of this solution will help you keep your machine in optimal shape.

• Monitors and frees up RAM
• Adware cleaner
• Uninstalls apps and all related files

4. AppCleaner

AppCleaner is a simple tool that concentrates on doing one job. Its functionality is limited to uninstalling Mac applications and all of the files associated with the apps. While not technically a storage cleaner, the tool can help you get back lost space on your Mac’s disk.

Most apps uninstall cleanly, but when they don’t they can leave large irrelevant files behind. AppCleaner can get rid of those files and give you back more space for information that is more important to you.

• Removes stubborn left-over installation files
• Freeware tool
• Simple uninstallation procedure

• Only performs app uninstalls
• Limited OS support
• Not recently updated

5. Onyx

Onyx is a multifunction tool that can help clean your Mac, verify the startup disk, and run other maintenance tasks to keep your machine running smoothly. The developer offers regular updates to keep in touch with new features in versions of macOS.

It takes some time to become comfortable navigating the complex UI, but patience is rewarded by the rich set of utilities available in the tool. While it might be too complex for an average user looking to save some space, technically-savvy users will enjoy the tool’s power and customization options.

• Freeware
• Powerful multifunction tool
• Supports all old and new versions of the Mac operating system
• Regularly updated

• Complex user interface
• It may be hard to find specific features

What Is Mac Cleaner and How It Works

A Mac cleaner is an app designed to speed up your Mac computer, making it as fast as brand new. To understand how Mac cleaners work, you need to understand why Macs become slower with age:

☁️ Lack of Free Storage Space

Perhaps the most common cause of Mac slowdowns is the lack of free storage space. It’s, unfortunately, no secret that Apple charges a premium for large storage devices. Base models are usually offered with much less storage space than comparable Windows or Android devices. The Mac OS X operating system alone takes around 10 GB of space, and large apps and games such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, World of Warships, or War Thunder make the number skyrocket.

Without any free storage space, Macs have nowhere to store temporary files, which can cause the entire operating system as well as all apps to come to a crawl.

Mac cleaners address this problem by deleting the leftover system and app files. They also help users identify large files and folders and either delete them or move them elsewhere.

📁 Stale Caches and Temporary Files

The Mac OS X operating system stores a lot of information locally to improve loading times and make websites and apps more responsive. Sometimes, the locally stored data become outdated, potentially causing all sorts of issues. This most commonly happens when browsing the Web.

Most Mac cleaners allow you to quickly and easily empty stale caches and delete old temporary files, which causes websites and apps to send you the latest copies of data. You could, for the most part, achieve the same results even without a Mac cleaner, but it would take you a long time to accomplish what Mac cleaners do with a press of a button.

🔀 Startup Background Processes

Every time you boot up your Mac computer, multiple critical, as well as non-essential system processes, load in the background. The problem is that some apps are designed to behave in the same way — even if there’s no good reason for them to start automatically in the background! What’s more, these apps continue to run in the background until you manually close them, eating up your precious hardware resources.

If you want a clean Mac, make sure to identify all processes that automatically start in the background and only keep those you really need. A good Mac cleaner can identify startup processes with a significant negative impact on the boot time and disable them.

How do you clean out your Mac to make it run faster?

A Mac cleaner is a software solution that scans your computer’s disk storage to identify the items that are taking up space. The objective of a Mac or MacBook cleaner is to find unnecessary files that are no longer needed to run your applications so they can be deleted to free up disk storage.

Let’s look at how Mac cleaning software works. We will demonstrate the steps required to run a Mac disk cleaner using Disk Drill, one of the best free Mac cleaners available.

1. Download and install Disk Drill on your Mac. The free trial version of the software is all you need to run the cleaner app.
2. Launch the program and select the Clean Up option from the left-side panel.
3. Select the partition you want to scan and clean up and then click the Start scan button.
4. The free Mac cleaning software scans the drive and returns a window displaying a mapping of storage used on the disk.
5. Using the options in the left-side panel, you can sort the disk mapping by file type, size, or date of last modification. These parameters allow you to easily identify files that may be eligible for deletion.
6. Open folders and subfolders to identify specific files. Check the box to the left of the files and folders you want to delete from your Mac.
7. When you are finished making your selections, click the Remove button in the lower-right corner of the app’s window.
8. Click OK on the confirmation prompt to perform the deletion or cancel if you want to rethink your selections.
9. A message will be displayed showing the number of deleted files and the space they previously occupied.
10. On your Mac, these files should now be in the Trash, so to fully recover the space immediately you need to manually empty the Trash.

Summary

Using a Mac cleaner can help extend the life of your computer and hard drive by enabling you to free up space used by unnecessary files and folders. This allows you to download more programs, save more information, and optimize your Mac’s performance. Using a disk cleaner regularly can help keep your Mac running at top speed by increasing its efficiency.

FAQ

What is the best Mac cleaner?

There are many paid and free Mac cleaner solutions available. Some of the best Mac cleaners are:

1. CleanMyMac X
2. Disk Drill
3. DaisyDisk
4. AppCleaner
5. Disk Doctor
6. Onyx
7. Drive Genius
8. MacKeeper

How do I clean my Mac of junk for free?

Use the following procedure to use a free Mac file cleaner and return valuable disk space to your system.

1. Download and install the tool.
2. Run the Mac file cleaner and allow it to scan your disk.
3. Review the disk map and reports generated from the software.
4. Select files to be deleted.
5. Instruct the software to delete the selected items.

Are Mac cleaners safe?

Yes, if they are from reputable software developers. Since the goal is to delete data from your system, you want a trustworthy tool that provides reliable information. You also want to exert some control over the process and choose which files should be deleted. Caution is recommended when using an automated Mac cleaner.

7 Best FREE Mac Cleaners for 2024

Have a look at the 7 best free Mac cleaners that can reduce your cost but clean up your Mac! Also don’t miss Macube Cleaner, which you must have a try for a free, simple but powerful Mac cleanup!

Is it a time when you find it pressing to clean up your Mac to boost its performance? It’s usually a tough task – you must consider freeing up the memory, tidying up the desktop, uninstalling unused apps, or clearing malware infections.

As the time that you have got your Mac computer goes by, you would have a huge need for a reliable Mac cleaner to help them optimize and clean Macs without hassle. Hence, this blog will introduce the 7 best free Mac cleaners for Mac users to maintain a clean Mac with ease without paying a penny. Through detailed testing, we also collected some pros and cons of all these Mac cleaners. Now, follow me and grasp a look!

Part 1: 7 Best FREE Mac Cleaners for 2024

We downloaded 7 well-known Mac cleaning software from the whole network and made a comparison table according to their characteristics. After real practice, we made a score according to the experience for your reference.

It starts at $29.95

You can change the default application for a specific file type.

One Mac-$19.90; the family pack-US$64.65.

1. Macube Cleaner

As the top-ranking software, Macube Cleaner delivers pretty easy-to-grasp functionality for users to tidy up and optimize Mac in a simple way. With 8 cleaning modes available, you are available to remove system junk, duplicates, unused large and old files, uninstall apps with all related files, erase browsing data to protect privacy, etc. with only this one multifunction software.

With an intuitive interface, Macube Cleaner enables you to process the Mac cleanup without going through complicated operations. Simply select a mode from the left panel, and it takes only two more steps to scan the device and delete the files or data you don’t need at all. Additionally, by offering the 7 days free trial, you are able to access the full features of Macube Cleaner and clean up Mac for free! You won’t need to pay for anything during this period as it will be completely free to use.

• Once the 7 days free trial ends, users are able to get started with the monthly subscription at US$8.95/mo or pay it once for all at US$69.95

Pros and Cons of Macube Cleaner

Pros

• Intuitive interface with 8 cleaning modes easy to select and clean up Mac;
• Fast Mac scanning and cleaning speed to boost efficiency;
• 100% secure in-app performance and privacy protection guaranteed.
• Compatible with the latest Mac systems such as the M1 and M2;

Con: The free trial is only available for the first 7 days.

2. CleanMyMac X

With a straightforward interface, CleanMyMac X is another helpful Mac cleaner available for users to monitor and optimize the Mac performance without hassle. Once the installation is completed, CleanMyMac X will also perform to process real-time malware protection to prevent malicious attacks from unknown applications and bring hidden dangers to your Mac devices.

CleanMyMac X is equipped with the most practical modes to remove system junks, mail attachments, malware, files in trash bins, etc. with very simple clicks. Also, the powerful application uninstaller and file shredder are both able to free up a space on your Mac. As a free recommendation, everyone can get started with CleanMyMac X for free if you only consider removing 500 MB data and files from Mac. But to further unlock this limitation, you will need to upgrade to its registered version.

• The free trial only allows users to clean up 500 MB space on Mac. To unlock this limitation, you are able to select the yearly subscription spending at US$39.95 or the lifetime plan at US$89.95 for using the features forever.

Pros and Cons of CleanMyMac X

Pros

• Malware monitor to protect the Mac from malicious attacks instantly;
• Smooth in-app performance to clean up Mac quickly;
• A comprehensive tool list available to optimize Mac from different aspects.

Cons: The price to upgrade to the registered version is expensive.

3. DaisyDisk

While comparing and seeking a free Mac cleaner, we discover DaisyDisk also a reliable software program you can give a try. The software mainly focuses on helping to free up disk space when your Mac is running out of storage and doesn’t have sufficient space anymore. On its main interface, you will quickly grasp the storage condition of your Mac and press the “Scan” button to process the storage usage analyzing right away (however, the delete feature will be disabled unless you upgrade to the registered version). Based on this, you are able to clean up your Mac quickly without hassle and save a lot of time!

• The free trial only allows users to clean up 500 MB space on Mac. To unlock this limitation, you are able to select the yearly subscription spending at US$39.95 or the lifetime plan at US$89.95 for using the features forever.

Pros and Cons of DaisyDisk

Pros

• Overview storage info provided on the main interface;
• Available to quickly start scanning your Mac right away;
• Preview mode available to select items to clear quickly;
• Cloud storage scanning is also supported.

Cons

• Duplicates and junk files are only available to be cleaned manually;
• The desktop scanning process is a bit time-consuming.

4. MacKeeper

Aiming at providing efficient services to clean up Mac, MacKeeper has been equipped with the speed up techniques to enable faster speed in processing both the desktop scanning and cleaning to save your time. As one of the free Mac cleaners, you will find it completely free to get started with MacKeeper. Simply install it to your Mac computer, and you are able to process the Mac cleaning by selecting any cleanup modes on the left panel.

You won’t be required to manually process the Mac cleaning process as MacKeeper will do it all for you! Simply by submitting the scanning, as the detected items and data are listed, choose those you desire to remove and hit the “Clean” button, MacKeeper will do the rest and return a cleaned and optimized Mac to you once again.

• MacKeeper limits certain functions such as protecting Mac from viruses or blocking adware and pop-ups. To access the full features, you are able to get started with its monthly subscription at US$10.95/mo or the annual plan at US$71.40.

Pros and Cons of MacKeeper

Pros

• Available to clean up files and data of different types to free up storage on Mac;
• Out-performing antivirus protection supported to keep your Mac secure;
• Intuitive interface enabling easy setup and quick navigation;
• Most Mac cleanup tools are available in the free version.

Cons

• Too many pop-ups and dialog boxes affecting the usage experience;
• Take higher expense to access the premium features.

5. CCleaner for Mac

Released in 2004, CCleaner for Mac is also a free Mac cleaner that users can quickly get started with to clean up Mac without hassle. The software offers the powerful Mac scanning ability to specify detecting the files and data you desire to clean up just in one go.

From browser data, trash, useless documents, and so on, CCleaner for Mac is able to complete the scanning within a few seconds. Its free version has already covered most basic cleanup tools that are sufficient for you to tidy up the Mac without going through complicated processes.

• To access the full functionality of CCleaner for Mac, you only need to pay for US$29.95/year to get started.

Pros and Cons of CCleaner for Mac

Pros

• Most cleanup tools are available in the free version;
• Previewing mode available to select items before processing the Mac cleanup;
• Security protection is available to prevent any data disclosure from happening.

Cons

• Incompatible with the latest Mac systems;
• The software update is not frequent at all, thus causing some incompatibility errors while running on newer Mac systems.

6. App Cleaner & Uninstaller

App Cleaner & Uninstaller is specially designed to manage applications on Mac with powerful functionality. It is able to uninstall apps from Mac with easy clicks, and also detect to remove all its related files to absolutely clean up the applications without leaving any data on Mac. Besides uninstalling apps, App Cleaner & Uninstaller is also able to clean up the Mac system install files, widgets, system extensions, and so on.

On the first 7 days, you are able to use App Cleaner & Uninstaller completely for free. But once the trial period is over, payment is required to access the full features for cleaning up Mac.

• App Cleaner & Uninstaller provides lifetime license to access the full features without any limitation after purchase. To use it on one single Mac, it only costs US$19.90. For using on more Macs, the family pack only costs US$64.65.

Pros and Cons of App Cleaner & Uninstaller

Pros

• Effortless access to uninstall apps on Mac;
• Auto tracing the related files with the uninstalled apps to clear them completely;
• System widgets and extensions are available to delete with ease.

Cons

• Less clean up features than its competitor;
• The free version is only available for the first 7 days.

7. Onyx

As a freeware program, Onyx won’t require you to take any cost for cleaning up Mac with the software. With all practical features provided, Onyx is perfect to clean up disk space and remove useless files simply by giving several easy clicks. The software is even able to help resolve disk errors and rebuild databases through simple operations that everyone can handle. Hence, no matter if you desire to process in-depth Mac cleaning or maintain and optimize your computer, Onyx can be an economical choice as it is absolutely free to use.

Pros and Cons of Onyx

Pros

• Absolutely free to use;
• Accurately detect junk files for cleaning up within seconds;
• Available to resolve disk and other system errors to optimize Mac performance.

Cons

• Lack of security protection features;
• Sometimes the cleaning process can be slow.

Part 2: How to Free Your Mac Memory in three Steps?

After the comparison and summary of the above 7 software, I believe you have the answer in your mind. The safest and most efficient way to optimize Mac performance is to use Macube Cleaner software. Here is how to use Macube Cleaner to quickly clean system garbage in your Mac.

Step 1: Start Macube Cleaner and select the Smart Scan function. Macube Cleaner will quickly and automatically scan your disk for junk files, whether it is cache, browsing history, video, pictures, zip packages, or mysterious “other storage”, will be quickly screened out.

Step 2: After the scan, you will be previewed with details such as the name, size, date of each junk file. If you are not satisfied with the results of the scan, you can choose a deep scan for secondary screening. Then select the file you want to delete and click Clean.

Step 3: Wait for the clean up to end, you will get a refreshed Mac, fast operating experience, rich Mac storage space, let’s try it.

Part 3: How to Quickly Clear the Mac Storage Manually?

If you want to try cleaning up your Mac storage manually, no problem, here are some ways to free up a lot of Mac storage.

1. Try to Empty the trash on your Mac

Step 1: Open the Trash, make sure there are no files in it that you will need again, and click the Empty button in the upper right corner.

Step 2: Click the button to confirm that you want to Empty Trash.

2. Uninstall the application on your Mac

Step 1: Tap the Launchpad icon and you’ll see all the downloaded apps on your Mac.

Step 2: If you want to uninstall an app and free up space, hold down the Option key, or you can click and hold one of the apps, just as you would with a long press on an iPhone or iPad.

Stpe 3: The app icon will have an X. Tap the X and click Delete. Some applications cannot be removed because they are required for macOS, but you can try using Macube Cleaner to solve the puzzle for you.

3. Delete Downloads folder

Step 1: You can easily access and manage the Downloads folder from the sidebar of the Finder. If you don’t see it under Favorites, open Finder and click Preferences, and then check Downloads in the Sidebar. You can also click “Go to” and “Download” (Option+Command+L) to quickly access it.

Step 2: Drag files your don’t need into Trash.

Part 4: FAQs About the Free Mac Cleaner

What is the best Mac cleaner free?

As you can see, this have collected and reviewed on the 7 best Mac cleaning tools, but the selection of the best free Mac cleaner finally depends how you need a tool to clean up your Mac. Considering the versatility of features, the easiness of use, and the limitations of the free version, our best recommendation is Macube Cleaner.

Does Mac have a built-in cleaner?

No, Mac does not have a built-in cleanup software program. But instead, it offers some cleaning features at About My Mac > Storage > Manage > Recommendations, which you can use to quickly sort out and reduce clutter files on your Mac. If you want to clear some system files, caches, or some app files, using a third-party Mac cleaner is a better choice.

Verdict

On the Mac cleaner market, there have been various excellent software developed for Mac users to free up Mac and optimize the computers without hassle but in an efficient way. Through testing a batch of them, we have selected these 7 best Mac cleaners that are available to freely use for you. Now, just take a moment compare and pick your ideal choice from them to tidy up your Mac!

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