MacCleaner Pro vs CleanMyMac: Which One You Should Use

When your Mac fills up with unnecessary files and starts to slow down, it is a clear sign that your Mac needs a good cleanup. Two of the most popular tools for the job are MacCleaner Pro and CleanMyMac. Both are packed with features to clean and speed up your Mac, but choosing between them isn’t always easy.

This article makes the decision simple. We have compiled an easy-to-read comparison table between MacCleaner Pro vs CleanMyMac and a clear breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses of each tool. Whether you need basic maintenance or advanced optimization, you will quickly find the right solution for your Mac.

MacCleaner Pro vs CleanMyMac X Comparison Table

MacCleaner Pro and CleanMyMac share many similar features, but there are also key differences between them. The table below clearly outlines their features and pricing to help you easily compare and choose the one that best fits your needs.

Expert Opinions on MacCleaner Pro vs CleanMyMac

Looking at the CleanMyMac vs MacCleaner Pro table, it’s clear that CleanMyMac stands out in terms of feature richness. If you’re looking for a comprehensive tool that includes cleaners, optimizers, and virus removers, CleanMyMac is the better choice. It offers a wide range of functions designed to keep your Mac running smoothly and securely.

However, if you only need cleaning features, both CleanMyMac and MacCleaner Pro are strong options. When it comes to cleaning large files, removing duplicate files, and clearing out system junk, both tools offer highly similar functions and deliver equally effective results.

For budget-conscious users, MacCleaner Pro may be the smarter pick. Even without purchasing the full version, you can still use many of its features within certain limits. It allows you to remove some junk files and perform basic optimization tasks, giving you a decent cleanup experience without the upfront cost.

Pros and Cons of MacCleaner Pro

This section takes a closer look at the pros and cons of MacCleaner Pro to help you determine whether it’s the right tool for your Mac cleanup and maintenance needs.

Advantages of MacCleaner Pro

A comprehensive set of cleanup tools

MacCleaner Pro offers a wide range of essential and advanced cleanup tools, making it a strong option for users who want more control over how they manage storage and system performance. It includes features for removing system junk, large and duplicate files, optimizing RAM, and managing startup items.

A fully functional free trial

MacCleaner Pro allows users to access all of its core features through a free app. This makes it ideal for cautious users who want to test the software before making a purchase.

User-friendly, Finder-like Interface

MacCleaner Pro features an interface that closely resembles the familiar layout of the Mac Finder app. This design choice makes it especially easy to navigate, even if you are new to cleanup software.

Flexible pricing options

MacCleaner Pro gives you several pricing options to match your needs and budget. You can choose to upgrade to the full Pro version for access to all features, or you can buy individual tools separately at a lower cost. For example, you can buy specific utilities like App Cleaner & Uninstaller, Duplicate File Finder, or Disk Space Analyzer on their own. This flexible setup is great for users who don’t need the entire suite and want to pay only for what they will actually use.

Disadvantages of MacCleaner Pro

Lacks security and privacy features

Unlike CleanMyMac X, MacCleaner Pro does not offer malware detection or removal, nor does it include features like a file shredder to securely delete sensitive data. This means users looking for all-in-one protection and cleanup will need to rely on separate software for security-related tasks.

Limited functionality for free trial

While MacCleaner Pro offers a free trial, it comes with several limitations. Key features such as browser cache cleaning, message and mail cleanup, and advanced file or app management are either restricted or not fully available.

Cleanup cap limited to 500MB

The free version allows you to clean only up to 500MB of data. This cap can be reached quickly, especially if your system hasn’t been cleaned in a while.

Pros and Cons of CleanMyMac X

The pros and cons of CleanMyMac X are quite clear. Take a moment to read through them and see which ones matter most to you.

Advantages of CleanMyMac

Unmatched features

CleanMyMac X is the most comprehensive Mac cleaning app on the market. It offers a wide range of tools, including system cleanup, malware removal, performance optimization, and privacy protection—all in a single package.

Fast and Effective Performance

CleanMyMac delivers fast and reliable results, thanks to its carefully crafted, in-house tools. Even with a large amount of storage to scan, it quickly detects junk files, duplicates, and other clutter. You can see noticeable performance improvements with just a few clicks.

Excellent technical support

As a CleanMyMac user, you can easily reach customer support through live chat or email. Whether you need help troubleshooting a problem or simply have a question, their support staff is quick to respond.

Disadvantages of CleanMyMac

Icon-heavy interface

CleanMyMac X received a major redesign in 2024, giving the app a more modern and visually polished look. The new interface replaces text labels with icons for each tool in the left panel. While this may look sleek, it can be confusing for new users who aren’t familiar with what each icon represents.

Bulky with too many Tools

With so many features packed into one app, CleanMyMac X can feel a bit heavy. While the wide range of tools might appeal to power users, casual users may find many of them unnecessary.

Frequent and unnecessary alerts

CleanMyMac X tends to display frequent alerts and reminders, which can become annoying over time. These include suggestions to free up storage, clear RAM, or run maintenance tasks—even when your system is running fine.

No standalone free version

To try CleanMyMac X, you are required to enter payment information, which might be a deal-breaker for cautious users.

Finding a Balance After Comparing MacCleaner Pro and CleanMyMac

After the MacCleaner Pro vs CleanMyMac comparison, you might be wondering if there’s a simpler, more affordable option that still gets the job done. If you are looking for a budget-friendly and lightweight Mac cleanup tool, BuhoCleaner is a great choice.

Why Choose BuhoCleaner

Free up Mac storage - BuhoCleaner includes all the essential tools you need to clear up space on your Mac. You can easily delete duplicate files, remove large and unnecessary items, clean system junk, uninstall apps, and analyze disk usage to manage and reclaim valuable storage.

Optimize Mac performance - BuhoCleaner offers tools like login item management, RAM cleanup, a real-time system monitor, and a secure file shredder. These features help improve speed and overall system performance.

Truly free Mac cleaner - BuhoCleaner is lightweight, free to download, and gives you full access to its features right away. You can clean up to 3GB of unwanted data at no cost.

Cheap lifetime plan - A lifetime license for one Mac costs just $19.99, making it a much more affordable option. It is about three times cheaper than MacCleaner Pro and up to six times less expensive than CleanMyMac.

MacCleaner Pro vs CleanMyMac: Which One Should You Choose?

Both MacCleaner Pro and CleanMyMac are excellent choices for disk cleanup and improving your Mac’s performance, and you will likely be happy with either one. CleanMyMac offers more advanced features like a file shredder, background process blocker, and malware detection. On the other hand, MacCleaner Pro gives you free access to essential cleanup tools and even lets you access hidden files.

If you are on a tight budget and only need the core cleanup and optimization features, BuhoCleaner is a smart alternative. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and lets you try it for free!