Best Mac Cleaning Software 2020



Mac Cleaner is a utility application which helps you remove unwanted files and optimizes your Mac. It usually comes with features such as RAM cleaner, Junk a. After testing multiple Mac cleaning and speed-up software for several weeks, CleanMyMac X undoubtedly made it to the top position. We believe it’s the best solution you have at cleaning and tuning up your Mac experience to something better. CleanMyMac X is an all-in-one maintenance software available for macOS devices.

We clean our rooms and clothes so why not our Macs? But who can waste the entire day digging through folders and files? There are so many places like music, videos, apps and email downloads, and countless more locations on your Mac where junk and clutter accumulates. In 2021 cleaning your Mac is easier than ever. Which is why millions of people download free and low-cost Mac cleaning software.

To start off, we've made a quick comparison chart about the best Mac cleaners for Mac.

RatingNameFeaturesInfo
1CleanMyMac XBest cleaning and antimalware functionality in one toolLink
2Disk DoctorQuick scan and deep cleaning of all kinds of junkLink
3Gemini 2Finds duplicate and similar files everywhere on your Mac, including Photos, iTunes, and external drives.Link

A handy cleaner may prove that your Mac is still alive and can actually perform at its best. In this article we’ve brought together some of the best Mac cleaning solutions around to clean, optimize, and maintain Macs that are available in 2021.

Top 12 best cleaners for Mac: Free and premium versions

1. CleanMyMac X

CleanMyMac X takes the first place with good reason — this cleaner combines features of both cleaning software and antimalware tool. Its Smart Scan promises a “nice and thorough scan of your Mac.” It does what it says, detecting junk like user cache files and system logs, checking your Mac for malicious software, and speeding up your MacBook. Looks like, there is a threat in my system, that I need to get rid of:

Frankly speaking, CleanMyMac X is Tesla Roadster among other Mac cleaners. And it does a great job revealing your junk and other clutter, uninstalling unneeded apps and their leftovers, and keeping your Mac’s system clean and optimized. Another pro is that CleanMyMac X is Apple-notarized, which means it’s safe for your Mac. You can download its free version right here.

Price: $39.95
Free version: Available here

2. Disk Doctor

Disk Doctor is developed in the UK and was awarded the 'Mac Gem’ award by MacWorld in 2013. CNET and other tech journalists also praise functionality. As of 2021, it still looks like a useful tool for Mac cleaning that removes junk slowing down and reducing the computing power of your Mac.

Price: $2.99
Free version
: N/A

3. Gemini 2

Gemini 2 is the duplicate finder that allows you to free up gigabytes of storage and organize your files. In just a few minutes.

It quickly scans every corner of your Mac and weeds out useless copies. No matter what type of file it is: a photo, music track, or a doc… Gemini will definitely find it. And once the scan is done, you can remove the duplicates in a click. Or review results to make sure nothing important gets deleted.

If you remove something by accident, it takes just a click to put it back. And to make sure things like that never happen again, you can exclude specific files and folders from scan. Try out the free version right here.

The app has seen a major update in 2021 which included a real-time duplicate monitor. This new tool notifies you of duplicates the moment they are created on your Mac.

Price: $19.96
Free version
: Available here

4. DaisyDisk

DaisyDisk gives you a visual representation of your Mac folders, making it easy to see what is taking up space and delete the folders you don't need. All you need to do is select a drive, DaisyDisk will scan it, then you can delete everything that is wasting valuable space. It comes with a free and premium version.

Price:$9.99
Free version
: Trial version available

5. AppCleaner & Uninstaller

If you only need to uninstall apps on Mac, AppCleaner is a good pick. AppCleaner only removes applications, plugins, and widgets, which are again, small apps. AppCleaner works in a familiar drag & drop mode. Its interface is also clean and easy to understand for a newbie.

After feeding the apps to AppCleaner, you should visit the Leftovers section of the app to erase their remains. Why we place AppCleaner & Uninstaller among free Mac cleaner tools? Because it is 100% free. Whether you will fully clean your Mac using it, is a different question.
AppCleaner & Uninstaller is created by FreeMacSoft, also the makers of LiteIcon, an icon customizer for Mac.
Price
: Voluntary donation

6. Smart Mac Care

2020

If you launch Smart Mac Care, it will look hauntingly familiar to other free Mac cleaner apps. Not only features will be called the same, everything up to the fonts, will be identical to some other app you’ve just used. That’s not a minus, though. You can still free up a lot of space with Smart Mac Care.

Smart Mac Care operates by a logic of “scans.” There is a Junk Scan, Malware Scan, Privacy Scan, etc. Just like Mac Booster, Smart Mac Care removes duplicates scattered in various locations on your Mac. There’s also a Memory Optimizer feature that promises to free up RAM on your Mac. In a word, Smart Mac Care resembles every other generic product whose only difference is in packaging. This is supported by the fact that we couldn’t find any credible third-party reviews for this app.

On another skeptical note: to uninstall Smart Mac Care you have to enter your admin password. This is not the case with other Mac cleaners we’ve used.
Price
: $56.62 per year
Free version
: Demo available

7. Drive Genius

Drive Genius is labeled a “Mac monitoring software.” It’s a whole suite of tools that provide powerful disk diagnostics. It’s hard to list a thing that this software doesn’t do. You can scan for malware, secure-erase files, customize icons — it’s dozens of apps in one body. What makes Drive Genius unique is, probably, its search for corrupted files and inconsistencies on your drive. If your Mac is an old one, keeping it in good health will be easier with Drive Genius.

In a free version, you can use just a fraction of tools, notably a DiskPulse utility. This is an automatic Mac health checker that notifies you before your hard drive fails. Unlike Mac cleaners that merely scan, it is able to repair damage on your disks, which makes it a real deal. Be prepared that hard drive scan may take some time, but the results are worth it. The latest version of Drive Genius released in 2020 adds long-awaited support for macOS Big Sur.

Price: $299 for Professional edition
Free version
: Limited Lite edition is available

8. CCleaner

Originally created in 2004 by Piriform, CCleaner comes with a free and professional version, focusing on businesses and business customers. CCleaner is a cross-platform tool, for PCs, Macs, Android, and it has a Cloud, Network and Technician tool, depending on what you need and the platform/software you use.

The premium version comes with a lot more features, including real-time alerts, free updates, and dedicated support. Although created for PCs in the early days, CCleaner does well to identify unwanted files on a Mac, so that users can select and delete the files and folders they don't need to free up space. As a cleaner for Mac, customers are pretty happy with the results of CCleaner.
Price: $19.95
Free version
: Available

9. Sensei

The Sensei app is a relatively new app on the market, but it can be another useful tool for your Mac. The Sensei software developers call the app “Pro Mac Cleaner” on their website. I would call it a performance controlling tool.

Sensei presents a detailed picture of how your Mac performs. In the Dashboard, you can find out information about your MacBook, check your CPU’s current temperature, and see how much of your RAM is used. Cooling gives you exact information on your Mac’s fans' speed.

Its Clean option helps to get rid of user cache, logs, large files, etc. The Uninstaller feature allows you to delete apps from your Mac and remove their traces. It doesn’t list pre-installed apps from Apple, such as Safari or Calendar, but it shows every app you have installed on your Mac.

Surely, you can clean up your Mac manually, but using dedicated software will save you tons of time.

Price: $29 per year
Free version
: Available

Free Mac cleaners review

The following Mac cleaning apps are either completely free or donation-based. You won’t find any trial limitations here. If you’re looking for a no thrill basic cleanup, these free Mac cleaners might help you.

10. Onyx

OnyX is a french Mac cleaning solution developed by Titanium software. It weighs only 5 MB but that doesn’t mean its capabilities are limited. OnyX is a tool that programmers will have a lot of fun with. With it, you can peek under the hood of your macOS and automate a whole list of jobs, like disk cleanup and cache removal. You can even tweak the color of folders on your Mac, and even make them invisible. Deservedly, it's among the best free Mac cleaners.

OnyX is one of the best Mac cleaners because it cleans many specific under-the-surface files, like inner databases and logs. If you know what is XPC cache is, you’ll probably like this app. But for us, ordinary Mac users who came here for the design and glossy buttons, OnyX will require some learning time.
Those who use OnyX say it is stable and reliable. There is no dedicated customer service (because OnyX is free software), but you shouldn’t be worried. The only likely damage is you accidentally deleting files by yourself.
Price
: Free cleaner

11. Clean me

This open-source app that only exists in the form of GitHub download is good enough for cleaning caches and logs. It’s so small its ZIP file weighs only 1.3 MB.
Clean me shows the size of each category of cache files. It analyzes such junk as Application Cache, User Cache, and more temporary files


The developer recommends that you start your cleanup with auto-selected options. Otherwise, you may delete something valuable by accident. So treat is as an analyzer and you’ll be safe.
Price: Free cleaner

12. Native macOS cleaner (Optimize Storage)

Your macOS has its own cleaner of sorts. You’ve probably come across it when checking your occupied disk space.
Go to Apple menu.
Now, click About this Mac > Storage > Manage.

In the sidebar you’ll see the main categories of files on your Mac. Going through Documents is likely to be the most fruitful option. Check the Size and click on Last Accessed. Now you’ve found all those movies gathering dust in your Downloads.
In the same way you can delete some old apps. This feature is could be an alternative to a free Mac cleaner; the only problem is it works largely on the surface. You won’t be able to remove System Junk or analyze the grey areas occupied by “Other.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t my Mac clean itself?

Your macOS also has a built-in Mac cleaner, which Apple called Optimized Storage. Though its capabilities are limited, it gives you basic directions on where to start the cleanup. But for a thorough system cleanup and removing malware, you’ll need a dedicated Mac cleaner app.

Can Mac cleaner apps delete my important files?

Typically, best Mac cleaner apps have a protection built-in. They will usually select only those files that are safe for deletion.

Will Mac cleaners slow down my Mac?

Some cleaners try to get into your Login items, thus creating an extra burden on the processor. On a flip side, the reliable Mac cleaner apps might even speed up your Mac. They remove all the outdated junk files giving your Mac an extra boost.

Mac cleaning apps you should avoid

Above we've touched the trusted Mac cleanup solutions but there are many that work on the dark side. Malwarebytes lists Advanced Mac Cleaner Pro and similar tools as unwanted applications. Here are some signs that should warn you against using scam Mac cleaners.
Signs of Mac cleaner scam:

  • 'Your Mac is infected' intrusive message
  • An app is installed as part of different app
  • An app finds 2323 (the number is an example) threats on your Mac
  • Mac cleaner redirects your search engine page

Be safe and happy cleaning.

By Adela D. Louie, Last updated: May 8, 2020

Are you currently experiencing a slow Mac? Does it already have a full space on your disk storage? Looking for a tool that can help you with all these? Well, here, we are going to show you the best free computer cleaner that you can actually have for your Mac.
As we all know, once that you have bought a Mac, everything on its system may seem fast. It can only take you a few clicks and voila, a certain application can open up in an instant and booting up your Mac will just take you a few seconds. Because everything is happening so fast on your Mac, there is nothing that you can complain about it.
However, as time goes by that you are using your Mac, when you have stored a lot of files and applications in it, you will notice that things just don’t run as it was before you first bought it. You will be able to notice that things are actually taking some time for it to start. Boot ups may take a few minutes and your applications may seem like it is taking forever to start. And worst case is that you may also see a message that says “not responding”.
With this, no matter what model of Mac you are getting, as long as you have been using it over time, you will still have this experience. This is because the storage of your Mac is actually filling up. This is actually because of the personal files that you have been storing through time. It can also be some of your business files or some of the files from a family member. This may all seem important but not all for your Mac.
This is because there are a lot of junks that you actually stored in your Mac too that is associated with the useful files that you have on your Mac. These junks that we are talking about comes from those files that are usually saved in duplicates. Also with all those extensions that actually comes from the applications that you have on your Mac, your broken downloads, old applications and so much more.
Because of all these issues that you are having with your Mac, we have here some of the best computer cleaners that you can use. You can go ahead and may a choice on which one you are going to get.

Part 1: The New Best Mac Cleaner in Town!

Aside from the Mac Cleaners that we have mentioned above, there is a new Mac Cleaner that you will love to have on your Mac. And this is the FoneDog Mac Cleaner.
The FoneDog Mac Cleaner will be able to help you in speeding up your Mac with just a few simple clicks. It also has the ability to scan your Mac quickly but thoroughly and have all your junk files cleaned in no time. It also has the ability to check the system status of your Mac’s system which includes your disk usage, your CPU status, your memory usage and so much more.
Aside from this, the FoneDog Mac Cleaner also has the ability to find all the same pictures that you have on your Mac and as well as some other identical files that you do not even know that it exists. The FoneDog Mac Cleaner can also scan all of your files and will give you the result in a sorted way such as according to size, by time, and more.
The FoneDog Mac Cleaner comes with eight powerful features that you will not see in any other Mac Cleaner out there. Its feature includes System Status, Mac Cleaner, Similar Image Finder, Duplicate Files, Mac App Uninstaller, Extension Manager, Browser Privacy Cleanup and the File Shredder. As you can see, there are a lot of ways on how you can use the FoneDog Mac Cleaner and not just by merely removing all of your junk files.
Now, for you to know how easy to use the FoneDog Mac Cleaner is, here is a guide for you that you can follow.

Step 1: Download and Install

The first thing that you need to do is to go to our official website, www.fonedog.com and have the FoneDog Mac Cleaner be downloaded from there. After that, go ahead and have it installed on your Mac.

Step 2: Launch the FoneDog Mac Cleaner

Once that the installation of the FoneDog Mac Cleaner is complete, go ahead and run it on your Mac. On the main interface of the program, you will be able to see the system status of your Mac.

Step 3: Choose and Action

Then, if you are going to notice at the top of your screen, you will be able to see three option. From there, go ahead and choose “Mac Cleaner” for you to start cleaning up your Mac.

Step 4: Choose A Module and Scan

Best Mac Cleaning Software 2020 Online

Best

Once that you have chosen an option, you will be able to see on your screen the things that the FoneDog Mac Cleaner can clean up. You will see System Junk, iPhoto Junk, Email Junk, Similar Photo, iTunes Junk and more. From there go ahead and choose a certain module.
Once that you have selected a module, the FoneDog Mac Cleaner will then ask you to scan the folder. All you have to do from here is to click on the “Scan” button. And the scanning process will start. From here, all you have to do is to wait until the process is done.

Step 5: Review and Choose Items to be Cleaned Up

Once that the scanning process is done, the FoneDog Mac Cleaner will then show you all the items that each module contains. If you are going to try and click on a certain folder, the FoneDog Mac Cleaner will show you all the items that it contains. You will see this on the right side of your screen.
From there, go ahead and review everything just to make sure that everything there is no longer needed. Because once that you deleted them, you can no longer recover them.

Step 6: Cleaning Up Done

Once that you have reviewed all of the items, and you are clearly satisfied with it. You can go ahead and click on the “Clean” button. Once that the process is complete, all of your unnecessary files will then be deleted from your Mac. Though there will be some folders that will be marked as “Zero KB”. This only means that those folders are auto recreated folders.
So, there you have it! That is how easy to use the FoneDog Mac Cleaner is.

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Part 2: The Best Free Mac Cleaners

No matter what is the operating system that you have on your Mac, here are top best Mac Cleaners that you can choose from. All of which will be able to help you in cleaning up your Mac and freeing up some more space for your new files and applications. All you have to do here is to decide which one are you going to have.

1. CleanGeeker

If we are going to talk about cleaning the junk files on your Mac, removing some duplicated files, and having to optimize your Mac for you to have a better experience using it, the CleanGeeker can be of service.
The CleanGeeker is known to have a very strong sense when it comes to perfection that is why it is preferred by many Mac users. It also carries some of its best built-in features such as removing all of your junk files, duplicated files, large files, and so much more. This tool also uses a RAW algorithm which is a good help when it comes to the scanning process. You can also use the CleanGeeker for you to be able to uninstall any apps that you no longer use and manage those system add-ons and their extensions.
This Mac Cleaner comes with four core functions such the ones that we are going to mention below.
Junk Clean – This tool can actually clean up to 12 junk files on your system and Apps. This includes your app cache, log files, language files, broken login items, browser cache, your old backups, trash files, downloads, and more.
Duplicate Finder – This feature of the CleanGeeker can help you in scanning your entire Mac system as well as your iTunes and will locate all the duplicates data that you have. This includes your music, videos, files, pictures, and more.
Large Files Clean – Once that you have made a quick scan on your Mac, it will be able to find all of the large files that you have. Also, they will be categorized in a well-mannered and can sort them as well by size and have them reviewed.
App Uninstaller – And the last feature of this tool is that it can uninstall any applications that you no longer need. It can remove any application that won’t uninstall.

2. CleanMyMac X

Now, if we are going to talk about removing all the malware that you have on your Mac, as well as your junk files, and monitoring the performance of your Mac system. Then the CleanMyMac X is the one that you should have. This tool will be able to help you in searching every corner of your Mac system. This way, it will be able to find all the duplicates that you have, your junk files, your caches, and more and from there, you will be able to remove them completely from your Mac.
Aside from things that we have mentioned, the CleanMyMac X can also help you in managing your applications and your files. And the good thing about it is that it actually asks permission before it proceeds to delete a file.

3. Drive Genius

Mac Cleaning Software Reviews

The Drive Genius is also one of the tools that you can trust when it comes to cleaning up all the junk files that you have on your Mac. And the best thing about this tool is that it can also check up your Mac within your drive and finds out if you are having some issues such as your duplicate files. Then it will go ahead and move your duplicate files directly on your trash or it can also have them replaced.

4. MacCleanse

If what you are aiming for is trying to have an all-in-one solution, then what is recommended for you is the MacCleanse. This tool will offer you several files erasing option. This includes cleaning up your cookies, cache, browsing history, logs, and more. You will then be able to be surprised once that you see how much space you can actually get by removing all of these files.
You can also have a preview of all the content that is made by any applications. And once that you have deleted a certain data using the MacCleanse, then that means there is no turning back because everything will be done permanently. Even hackers will not be able to recover them.

5. AppCleaner

The AppCleaner is the best solution that you can ever get if you remove a certain file completely from your Mac. Once that you have decided to install this tool, then that means that it will be able to delete all of the unnecessary extra files that you have on your Mac. This way, you will be able to have more space on your hard disk.

Best Mac Cleaning Software 2020

Part 3: Conclusion

Best Mac Cleaner Software

As you can see, there are a lot of Mac Cleaner that you can actually rely on when it comes to cleaning up all the junk files that you have on your Mac. All you have to do is to choose which one will actually suit you.
But for this, what we highly recommend is to have the FoneDog Mac Cleaner because clearly, this one is the best of the best. It can do all the things that other Mac Cleaners can do. It can also make your life easier by having the FoneDog Mac Cleaner installed on your Mac.

Best Mac Cleaning Software 2020 Free

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