10 Best Mac Cleaners to Clean and Optimize Your Mac [2024]

Over time, your Mac can be piled up with unnecessary files and applications, which can be a time-consuming task to manage manually. Thankfully, third-party Mac cleaners simplify this process. With numerous Mac cleaning software options available, the question arises: which one is the best for you?

We tested popular Mac cleaners on the market for functionality, ease of use, and price on a Mac running macOS Sonoma, and compiled the 10 best cleaners worth checking out. Read on to find out what they are and choose the one that best meets your needs.

Top 10 Best Mac Cleaning Software and Apps

1. BuhoCleaner

At the top of our list is BuhoCleaner, a simple and user-friendly Mac cleaner. Optimized for macOS Sonoma and M3/2/1 chips, BuhoCleaner allows you to clean and optimize your Mac with just one click. Its easy-to-use interface, useful tools, and cost-effectiveness make it highly appealing.

Although it may not be as powerful as CleanMyMac, BuhoCleaner offers practical features that are sufficient for your daily needs. It includes junk file removal, app uninstallation, large file and duplicate file cleanup, startup item management, real-time system status monitoring, and one-click memory release. Additionally, BuhoCleaner supports over 10 languages, including English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Traditional Chinese.

If you're seeking a functional and affordable Mac cleaner, BuhoCleaner is an excellent choice.

Notable Features:

• Clears up your Mac in one click.
• Completely uninstalls unwanted apps.
• Quickly finds and deletes large files.
• Locates duplicate files and similar photos.
• Enables you to better manage your login items.
• Monitors system status in real-time.
• Offers more practical optimization and maintenance tools.

Pros:

• Simple and easy-to-use interface.
• Once-click Flash Clean.
• All tools are practical.
• Faster than similar products.
• Constantly updated.
• Lifetime license at an affordable price.

Cons:

• No malware protection.
• The free version only allows the removal of up to 3GB of files.

2. CleanMyMac

CleanMyMac is likely a familiar name to you. However, it is not at the top of our list due to its pricing and feature limitations. CleanMyMac offers robust features that not only clean up your Mac but also provide virus protection. While it offers a free version, its features are limited. To access all of its features, you must purchase the paid version. CleanMyMac offers annual and lifetime subscription options, starting at $39.95, higher than similar apps.

If you need a Mac cleaner with rich and powerful features, CleanMyMac is undoubtedly the best choice. However, for basic cleaning and optimization functions, a tool like BuhoCleaner is ideal.

Notable Features:

• Smartly scans junk files on your Mac.
• Uninstall apps without leaving traces.
• Offers a set of optimization and maintenance tools.
• Detects and removes malware.
• Visualizes your disk space usage.
• Removes large and old files.
• Deletes mail attachments.

Pros

• Feature-rich and powerful.
• Attractive user interface.
• Ability to scan and remove malware.
• Background scanning system.

Cons:

• Does not support duplicate file removal.
• The scanning speed is not very fast.
• Subscription plans are pricey.

3. Disk Clean Pro

Disk Clean Pro is a highly acclaimed app that is capable of removing junk files and redundant data from your Mac in a secure manner. It helps free up storage space with the help of powerful tools that help get rid of redundant files like redundant log files, crash reports, and even incomplete downloads as well. Disk Clean Pro also optimizes your Mac’s storage space by removing duplicates and large files, and even old files that are just sitting there on your Mac.

4. Advanced Uninstall Manager

Advanced Uninstall Manager is an application removal tool designed for Mac users. It efficiently deletes apps and their associated files, freeing up disk space on your Mac. What sets it apart from other uninstallers is its ability to keep a history of deleted applications. If you regret deleting an app, you can easily restore it using the History feature. Moreover, its Login Items feature enables easy management of startup programs for faster Mac startup.

However, please note that this tool requires a paid subscription. If the price is not a concern, it is worth giving it a try.

5. CCleaner

CCleaner, renowned as the standard for PC cleaning software, is also accessible to Mac users. Developed by Piriform, CCleaner is a professional and user-friendly tool that not only speeds up your Mac but also provides protection. While a free version of CCleaner is available with limited functions, advanced features such as photo analysis, automatic browser cleaning, and automatic trash emptying are unlocked in the paid version.

Notable Features:

• Remove unnecessary files in one click.
• Clear browser to protect privacy.
• Has a duplicate file finder.
• Ability to scan bad or similar photos.
• Enables you to preview deleted files.

Pros:

User-friendly interface.

Cons:

Limited features with the free version.

6. Disk Doctor

Disk Doctor is a useful tool for performing maintenance operations and optimizing your Mac's performance. It fixes errors and allows you to fine-tune hidden preferences. Additionally, it effectively removes junk files from your hard drive.

However, Disk Doctor only scans attachments from the Mail app and ignores various desktop email clients. Furthermore, it uses a basic program for file deletion, which means it cannot permanently delete files. It serves as a basic disk cleanup application without advanced features.

7. DaisyDisk

DaisyDisk is another unique disk space analyzer that efficiently scans your hard disk. It visually represents the occupancy of your Mac through a windmill-shaped disk, making it easy to locate and clean up large files. The tool also includes a built-in QuickLook preview feature, allowing you to see what you want to get rid of. With a collection drawer, you can temporarily store files before disposing of them. Simply browse and select the items you no longer need, and clear them with a single click.

However, keep in mind that DaisyDisk does not warn you when you attempt to delete any system-required applications or content. Exercise caution when using DaisyDisk.

8. App Cleaner & Uninstaller

Merely moving an app to the trash does not completely uninstall it from your Mac. App Cleaner & Uninstaller lists all associated files of the app you want to uninstall and ensures the removal of unnecessary traces, thereby optimizing your hard disk space for useful applications' data storage.

However, this tool solely focuses on app uninstallation and lacks malware protection features. If you require additional features, App Cleaner & Uninstaller may not suffice.

9. OnyX (FREE)

OnyX is a feature-packed Mac software ideal for tasks such as verifying the startup disk, structuring system files, and configuring parameters. With OnyX, you can clean disk errors, delete cache, and rebuild databases without the need to remember Terminal commands. It is a trusted Mac cleanup software that simplifies various operations.

Although OnyX is completely free to use, it is more suitable for individuals with programming skills. If you are a novice user, it may take some time to become accustomed to its interface and features.

10. AppCleaner (FREE)

AppCleaner is a free tool specifically designed for uninstalling apps on Mac. It helps you remove unwanted apps completely, leaving no traces behind. The process is simple: just drag and drop the app you want to delete into the tool and click the Remove button.

However, AppCleaner has limited functionality and is primarily suited for users looking to remove unused apps without any advanced features.

Conclusion

Now that you are aware of the 10 best Mac cleanup software options, it's time to choose the one that suits you best. Based on price and features, we believe BuhoCleaner could be your ideal choice. Give it a try for free and experience its functionality firsthand.