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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 2020 cleaning your Mac is easier than ever. Which is why millions of people download free and low-cost Mac cleaning software.

1. Apr 14, 2015  In my opinion, only about 20 percent of an app’s features should be considered premium features that users should have to pay for. However, In most cases, users really only need the other 80 percent of features which should be free. But, to get those useful 80.
2. Jan 27, 2020  Now, let’s check out some of the best Mac cleaner apps on the market. Starting with the best one: Best Mac Cleaner Software in 2020: CleanMyMac X. CleanMyMac X grabs the winning spot with its multi-faceted features and intuitive dashboard. Not surprisingly, since the developers knows the ins and outs of how a Mac works, and how it can be.

Mar 23, 2020  I really like Onyx and it is free but I just tested Clean My Mac X and to be fait it is a great piece of software for Mac maintenance. I am always having cache issues when working on my sites and the cache cleaning feature comes really handy at times.

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

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 2020.

Top 10 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 2020, 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. MacBooster

MacBooster is a popular app that is developed at IObit. It cramps so many features under one interface it hardly fits into a “cleaner” niche. What makes it different is the duplicate file remover — an extra option to free up space on Mac. According to the developer, you can altogether delete 20 types of junk files with MacBooster.

MacBooster, in its version 8 rendition, offers real-time Mac protection, which makes it also an antivirus, although, quite a basic one. For example, you can remove malicious browser cookies to evade intrusive advertisements on your Mac. It doesn’t belong to free Mac cleaner apps per se, although a free trial is available. Unlike CleanMyMac, it doesn’t allow you to remove any junk for free in its trial version. To get the taste of MacBooster, you only have to rely on a free scan.

You should know that even when you uninstall MacBooster, some parts of the app may remain on your drive.

Price: $59.95 for Premium version
Free version: Available

4. 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 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Smart Mac Care

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

8. 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. Also note that Drive Genius is not available for macOS Catalina (as of the beginning of 2020).

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

9. 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

10. 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

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 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 page

Be safe and happy cleaning.

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What Is A Mac Cleaner App?

Mac Cleaners are dedicated utilities designed to scan, monitor, and manage your Mac machines from stray files that occupy unnecessary storage space & eventually slow down your computer. These include – caches, logs, duplicates, partial downloads, localization files, old backups, large/unused programs, and other residues. Using the Best Mac Cleaner Applications, you can keep an eye & eradicate these files & apps which may hog your memory & finally some cleaning appeals monitor for viruses & other vulnerabilities.

Cleaning your Mac regularly is an essential task as with time junk files accumulate on your Mac, making it slow. The junk files include unnecessary cache files, log files, temporary files, trash items, duplicate files, and more. Cleaning all this junk manually is time-consuming. Also, it doesn’t even guarantee accurate results. The best solution available to clean this junk is to use advanced apps to clean Mac. So wondering which are the best Mac cleaning software available in the market? Let’s discuss.

Top 3 Mac Cleaners and Optimizers

Best Free Clean My Mac Software Mac

7 Best Mac Cleaning Apps 2020 (Free & Paid)

Mac cleaner software is capable of removing junk, optimizing disk storage and enhancing the performance of your Mac. Here, we have listed some of the best apps to clean your Mac. The list includes free and paid versions available in 2020.

1. TuneupMyMac

Price: $49.95

Ratings: 4.9

Compatibility: OS X 10.7 or later

Free Version: Trial Available

• Offers one-click cleaning to save time
• Deletes confidential and sensitive data to keep your data security intact
• Compatible with older Mac versions as well as latest macOS

Your search for the best Mac cleaner ends today with TuneupMyMac. This advanced cleaner for Mac helps you deep scan your system storage to find and clean all junk effectively. You can use TuneupMyMac to optimize your system for better performance and seamless user experience. You can download its free version to explore various features of this powerful cleaning app for Mac. Read full review

Features of TuneupMyMac

• It offers 4 effective cleaning modules. These modules include cleaning, optimization, manual cleaning, and security features.
• Its file shredder feature helps you permanently delete secret files and folders.
• You can try its free version to explore various cleaning and optimization features.

2. CleanMyMac X

Price: $34.95

Ratings: 4.9

Compatibility: OS X 10.10 or later

Free Version: Trial Available

• Multi-language support
• One-click cleaning & optimization
• Protects against malware and online threats.

Best Free Cleanmymac Software

• Not compatible with older Mac versions.
• Free version only removes up to 500 MB of junk.

CleanMyMac X is next best Mac cleaner you should try in 2020. It helps you clean megatons of junk and makes your system run faster than ever. Technically, it removes the need to install dozens of cleaning and optimization software as it comes loaded with all necessary features. It works as a macOS cleaner, a malware remover, a performance monitor, Mac optimizer, and more. It chases junk in all corners of your macOS and helps you deep clean it to free up GBs of disk space.

Features of CleanMyMac X

• Helps you clean and fixes all performance issues in just one click to save time. For effective & safe cleaning, it always asks you for confirmation before deleting anything.
• Works as a malware remover and protects your online privacy.
• Comes with an app uninstaller and updater to keep all apps & programs up to date.

3. CCleaner for Mac

Price: $19.95

Ratings: 4.8

Compatibility: OS X 10.6 or later

Free Version: Available

• Offers real-time monitoring
• With scheduled cleaning helps you save time
• Automatic updates for complete cleaning

• Missing security features
• Fewer features compared to other leading Mac cleaner tools

CCleaner for Mac is all-in-one Mac optimizer that is designed to clean and optimize your system for better performance. It deep scans your system storage to find & clean junk even from the remotest corners of your Mac. It offers one-click cleaning to make your Mac run faster and smoother. To help you reduce clutter, it cleans Trash items, temporary files & folders, broken permission entries, and more.

Features of CCleaner for Mac

• Offers full customization to give you greater control over the cleaning process.
• Cleans browsing history, cache files and cookies to keep your online privacy intact.
• Additionally, it offers real-time monitoring, automatic updates, scheduled cleaning, and more.

4. IObit MacBooster 8

Price: $39.95

Ratings: 4.3

Compatibility: OS X 10.9 or later

Free Version: Trial Available

• Works as a best Mac cleaner and system protector
• Priority customer support
• Lite version is available

• No priority support with the basic version
• Hard to navigate through features.

IObit MacBooster 8 is a powerful cleaner for Mac that is meticulously designed to clean and protect your device. It helps you clean up to 20 types of junk files and effectively removes malware and virus threats. Its smart algorithms help you optimize Mac hard disk for an excellent performance boost. With smart security features, MacBooster helps you protect your data and system privacy. It works seamlessly to clean Mac even if you are using a smaller SSD or hard disk on your system.

Features of IObit MacBooster 8

• In addition to cleaning other junk, it also helps you find and remove duplicate files.
• Working as a startup optimization tool, it helps you speed up your boot process.
• Offers effective Internet security and malware protection.

5. EaseUS CleanGenius for Mac 5.0

Price: $35.34

Ratings: 4.0

Compatibility: OS X 10.7 or later

Free Version: Trial Available

• One-click cleaning to save time.ation
• Works as a duplicate file finder, app uninstaller, and more.
• Keeps privacy & security intact.

• Compatibility issues with latest macOS versions.
• Limited features in comparison to its competitors.

If you are using older Mac OS X 10.7 or later version, then EaseUS CleanGenius is one of the best cleaning software for Mac. It is designed to work tirelessly to keep your system clean of junk and helps you free up tons of disk space effortlessly. The best part is, it also works as a security and privacy protector. Its smart security features keep your system safe against malware and online threats. Read full review

Features of EaseUS CleanGenius for Mac

• Being one of the best Mac cleaning utility, it helps you speed up your Mac in a few clicks.
• Offers features like duplicate file cleaner and app uninstaller to keep your system in good shape.
• Protects you against malware and online security threats.

6. Avira Optimizer for macOS

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.0

Compatibility: OS X 10.12 or later

Free Version: Available

• On-demand privacy and storage optimization.
• Schedule cleanup option.
• One-click cleaning

• Lacks on batch cleaning functionality
• Offers limited features

Being one of the best Mac cleaning software, Avira Optimizer for macOS brings effortless cleaning and Mac optimization. It is a state-of-the-art solution that offers on-demand privacy and storage optimization. You can use this powerful Mac cleaner to make room for more files with a single click. It not only helps you clean up GBs of disk space, but it also improves overall Mac performance. This efficient Mac cleaner tool is trusted by millions of users around the world.

Features of Avira Optimizer for macOS

• For efficient cleaning and protection, it offers on-demand privacy and storage optimization.
• Allows you to schedule cleanup to save time.
• Offers one-click cleaning and optimization for effective results.

7. AVG Cleaner for Mac

Price: Free

Ratings: 4.3

Compatibility: OS X 10.8 or later

Free Version: Available

• Helps you deep clean hidden clutter.
• Works on an interactive interface.
• Cleans & protects Mac from a single dashboard

• Doesn’t suit to advanced users.
• Hard to navigate through features.

AVG Cleaner for Mac is the best free Mac cleaner that gives you the detailed information of all junk files. For better control, it allows you to select files for deletion. You can even keep them if you want. You can preview these files before you delete them to avoid accidental deletion. You can use this advanced Mac optimization tool to delete cache files, log files, leftover junk, temporary files, duplicate files and more. It deep scans your Mac for effective cleaning.

Features of AVG Cleaner for Mac

• Helps you clean up hidden clutter in addition to other junk files. Here, it cleans downloaded file history, log files, uninstalls leftovers, cache, Trash contents, and more.
• Allows you to preview files before you delete them.
• With its AVG Zen network feature, you can remotely overview your Mac and control its performance.

Conclusion

The complex task of cleaning junk on your Mac and optimize it for better performance could be easily performed using best Mac cleaner tools. Here, we have tested & reviewed some of these best options. Do try them and share your experience in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions: Top Mac Cleanup Solutions (2020)

Q1. Are Mac Cleaners Worth It?

The short answer is Yes! Just like any other computer, your Mac machine requires some clean-up work done once in a while. Consider using a Mac Cleaner App when your Mac isn’t performing up to the mark. Scanning your machine with a legit Mac Cleaning Software can certainly help you restore the past performance. Also, having privacy & overall protection is an excellent reason one should consider before using a computer cleaning utility.

Q2. Is There Any Free Mac Cleaning App?

Yes, there are several free cleaning software for Mac, all claims to clean and optimize your Mac while only a few of them hold the potential to keep your Mac machine free from all the junk, viruses & other vulnerabilities. We suggest using TuneupMyMac free version that offers advanced cleaning methods to deep clean your computer & frees it from memory hogging resources for better performance & seamless user experience.

Free Mac Clean Up Software

Q3. Does App Have A Mac Cleaner?

Well, yes, your macOS has a built-in Mac Cleaning Utility called Optimized Storage. It lets user’s free up storage space by making the system keep things in iCloud automatically. Though its capabilities are limited, you can use the Optimized Storage feature for basic system cleanup. For extra flashy features & through protection, you are required to switch to a dedicated Mac Cleaning Software.

Q4. How Often Should You Clean Your Mac?

Best Free Clean My Mac Software Version

Well, all the aforementioned Mac Cleaning Utilities are capable of cleaning & optimizing your Mac machine as an when required. However, it is equally important to take care of your MacBook externally. It would help if you gave your Mac machine a quick clean every two days using a microfibre cloth to keep it safe from low-dust environments.

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