Top 5 DaisyDisk Free Alternatives to Optimize Mac Space 2025

If you're looking to analyze, manage, and free up your Mac's disk space, there are several alternatives to the popular DaisyDisk. Whether you’re seeking a free, open-source solution or a feature-rich application, this article will cover the best DaisyDisk alternatives in detail, with pros, cons, and our editor’s review.

In the following content, we will roughly divide DaisyDisk alternatives into two types: free, open-source disk space analyzer, and paid applications, which often come with free versions. You can have a quick overview here:

Free DaisyDisk Alternatives for Mac - Recommended for Pros

Free alternatives to DaisyDisk often come with the benefit of being open-source and completely free to use, but they might lack the intuitive interfaces and ease of use that many new users seek. If you are familiar with macOS, the following DaisyDisk alternatives are worth trying.

1. SquirrelDisk - Fast, Modern Disk Usage Analyzer

A sleek, cross-platform disk usage analyzer built with Rust and TypeScript (via Tauri), SquirrelDisk presents a modern and responsive alternative to tools like DaisyDisk. As one of the best DaisyDisk free alternatives, it emphasizes speed and simplicity.

Pros:

• Thanks to its Rust core and efficient design, SquirrelDisk offers blazingly fast scans.
• Real-time detection of external drives makes it possible to analyze newly connected devices immediately.
• Intuitive visualization using Sunburst charts, letting you spot large files or directories at a glance.
• Similar to DaisyDisk, SquirrelDisk has a drag-and-drop deletion queue, enabling a convenient ‘collect then delete’ workflow within the app.
• Free and open-source, with the source code available under AGPL-3.0.

Cons:

• Still marked as not fully stable, as some users encounter bugs or rough edges in the current release.
• Relatively young project, with limited documentation and uncertain long-term maintenance. With the new macOS coming up, this might be a major problem.
• No built-in cleanup routines beyond deletion, and limited filtering or reporting tools.

Editor's Review: 4/5

SquirrelDisk delivers a sharp, efficient, and visually driven disk analysis experience across all major desktops. Its combination of Rust-powered speed, drag-and-drop cleanup, and real-time external drive detection makes it a strong contender for users looking for a no-frills, open-source alternative to DaisyDisk. That said, its relative infancy means you might encounter stability quirks or lack more sophisticated features offered by mature, paid apps.

2. GrandPerspective- Open-Source Treemap Visualizer for macOS

Released under the GNU General Public License, GrandPerspective stands out as a powerful, open-source disk usage analyzer for macOS, with features like treemap visualization and fast, lightweight drive scanning.

Pros:

• GrandPerspective employs a treemap layout, where each file is represented as a rectangle proportional to its size.
• The application is optimized for performance, providing quick scans without consuming excessive system resources.
• The developer, Erwin Bonsma, has consistently updated the software, with the latest version released in May 2025, ensuring compatibility with newer macOS versions.

Cons:

• Unfortunately, GrandPerspective doesn't offer built-in tools for file deletion or cleanup, requiring users to manage files manually through Finder.
• On drives with numerous small files, the treemap can become densely packed. Users find it difficult to identify individual items without zooming in.
• The application doesn't differentiate between local and cloud-stored files, which can lead to confusion when analyzing disk usage.

Editor's Review: 4/5

GrandPerspective is a great choice for users who prioritize a visual approach to disk space analysis and are comfortable managing files manually. Its open-source nature and regular updates further enhance its appeal, making it a valuable tool for macOS users. However, if you prefer integrated cleanup tools, GrandPerspective is just not for you.

3. OmniDiskSweeper - Simple, Free Disk Space Analyzer

While not being open-source, OmniDiskSweeper is another completely free disk space analyzer for macOS that offers a straightforward approach to identifying and removing large files on Mac. Its column-based interface, reminiscent of Finder's view, presents an intuitive way to navigate and manage disk usage.

Pros:

• The iconic column view layout makes it easy to navigate through directories and identify large files.
• Allows users to delete files directly from the application, bypassing the Trash.
• The application is regularly updated to ensure compatibility with the latest macOS versions.
• You can try it for free.

Cons:

• Unlike some other disk analyzers, OmniDiskSweeper does not provide graphical representations of disk usage, which might make it harder for some DaisyDisk users to visualize space allocation.
• While it identifies large files, it doesn't offer tools for cleaning up system caches or other temporary files.
• Deleting files directly without moving them to the Trash can possibly lead to accidental loss of important data if not used carefully.

Editor's Review: 4/5

OmniDiskSweeper is a reliable and efficient tool for users who want a straightforward, no-cost solution to free up disk space on their Mac. The column-based layout and direct file deletion feature are good to go, but the lack of visual aids makes it less suitable for users who want a more comprehensive tool like DaisyDisk.

Best Commercial DaisyDisk Alternatives - For Beginners & Pros

Open-source DaisyDisk alternatives, while being completely free, all have limited functionality in terms of Mac cleanup and more. So, if you are looking for a richer set of cleanup features, commercial Mac cleaning tools are a better choice. These Mac cleaners often come with a free version that allows you to experience the disk management process. Here are some of the best paid alternatives to DaisyDisk:

1. BuhoCleaner - Best Overall DaisyDisk Alternative

BuhoCleaner is a highly effective and user-friendly Mac cleaning tool that offers powerful disk analysis and cleanup features. It stands out by providing users with a powerful free version that covers average Mac cleanup needs. Let’s explore what makes it the best overall DaisyDisk alternative.

Pros:

• Unlike many other commercial Mac cleaning tools that offer only disk scanning without actual cleanup, BuhoCleaner’s free version allows you to clean up 3 GB of data. It is one of the few tools that offer such robust features in its free version.
• A wide set of disk optimization and cleanup options. Whether you want to uninstall unwanted apps, remove large files, or get rid of duplicate images, BuhoCleaner covers all.
• Highly integrated with the Mac menu, this DaisyDisk alternative allows for real-time monitoring and frees up Mac space in one click.

Cons:

• Missing the iconic disk space visualizer of DaisyDisk, but the table layout of BuhoCleaner works the same.
• Higher price than DaisyDisk, but much more affordable than most third-party Mac cleaners.

Editor's Review: 4.5/5

BuhoCleaner is a professional Mac cleaning tool that offers a powerful free version for disk analysis and cleanup. Its user-friendly interface, combined with the ability to free up Mac space in various ways, makes it a valuable tool for maintaining Mac storage without needing to upgrade.

2. CleanMyMac X - Comprehensive Mac Cleaning Tool

CleanMyMac X is an all-in-one Mac cleaning and optimization tool that offers a complete suite of features designed to enhance your Mac’s performance. It’s worth noting that the Space Lens feature works quite similarly to the disk usage visualization of DaisyDisk, which also makes CleanMyMac X a perfect alternative.

Pros:

• Space Lens uses a treemap to visually display your disk space usage in a hierarchical structure. This allows you to easily navigate through folders and subfolders, zooming in or out to identify which files or directories are consuming the most space.
• With one-click cleaning options and smart scanning, CleanMyMac aims for a more automated experience without manual intervention.
• In addition to professional cleaning features, this tool scans for known malware and adware applications. If any malware is detected, CleanMyMac offers a safe removal process.

Cons:

• Due to the wide range of features, some users may find it a bit overwhelming, especially those looking for a tool focused solely on disk space cleanup.
• The free version of CleanMyMac X has significant limitations, and many of the powerful features are only available with the full paid version.

Editor's Review: 4/5

CleanMyMac X is an exceptional Mac cleaning tool that goes beyond disk space management. While it is on the expensive side, its comprehensive functionality justifies the cost for those seeking an all-in-one solution. However, casual users or those just looking to clean disk space may find it too feature-rich and costly for their needs.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best alternative to DaisyDisk depends on your personal preferences and requirements. For users who prefer simplicity and free solutions, OmniDiskSweeper and GrandPerspective are excellent options. If you need more powerful features, including thorough disk cleanup and real-time monitoring, then commercial tools like Buhocleaner offer robust alternatives, albeit at a higher price point.