CleanMyMac Review

Discover if CleanMyMac lives up to its promise as the ultimate Mac optimization tool. Explore its features, performance, and value in our in-depth review.

CleanMyMac Review

If you own a Mac, chances are you've come across ads for CleanMyMac - the first Mac cleaner app that does it all. Does it?

Ensuring your Mac runs smoothly might seem like an overwhelming effort, particularly when files accumulate, storage capacity decreases (especially the 256GB crowd living on the edge of storage), and the system begins to lag.

With just a few clicks, CleanMyMac version 5.0.3, the most recent version of MacPaw's flagship tool, promises to clean, optimize, and protect your Mac. Owing to its intuitive interface and abundance of functions, it promises to be an all-in-one solution for everything from malware removal to system cleanup.

But is it just another overhyped app, or does it live up to its reputation as the best Mac optimization tool? This review will examine its features, performance, and value for money so you learn exactly whether to make the purchase.

Quick Summary

If you don't have time to read this entire CleanMyMac review, here's the TL;DR version.

Overall Rating

• Features: 8/10 - Robust but not revolutionary.
• Price: 6/10 – Expensive for casual users.
• Ease of Use: 9/10 – Simple enough for beginners.
• Support: 8/10 – Helpful documentation and responsive support team.

Pros	Cons
Intuitive and user-friendly interface.	Expensive compared to alternatives.
Effective at clearing system junk and unused files.	Some features overlap with built-in macOS tools.
Built-in malware detection and removal tools.	Requires full disk access for complete functionality, which raises privacy concerns.
A comprehensive set of features in one app.	Mixed reviews on performance improvement claims.
Regular updates to keep up with macOS changes.

Who is CleanMyMac Best for?

CleanMyMac is ideal for novice Mac users who prefer an all-in-one solution to clean and optimize the Mac without navigating manual settings. It can also be helpful for those of you who own an old Mac and experience performance problems.

Who Doesn't Need CleanMyMac?

CleanMyMac could be an unnecessary tool for seasoned Mac users familiar with macOS's built-in features. However, you might not require it if you feel more at ease with native tools like Activity Monitor or Terminal.

Detailed Review of CleanMyMac

CleanMyMac is a feature-rich tool that claims to secure, optimize, and clean your Mac. But does it live up to the hype? 

In this in-depth review, we'll walk you through each of the app's primary modules, discuss test findings, and assess its functionality to help you determine whether it's the ideal tool for your requirements.

1. Smart Scan: The All-in-One Solution

Overview

When you launch CleanMyMac, the first function you see is Smart Care. This all-purpose utility scans for malware, garbage files, and optimization opportunities with just one click. It provides a simple starting point and streamlines the entire cleansing process for beginners.

Test Results

On a 2021 MacBook Air (256 GB SSD), Smart Scan took approximately 1 minute to complete. It identified:

• Over 7 GB of system junk.
• 5.5 GB of large, old files.
• No threats.
• 1 vital update.

What We Like

• Efficient and easy to use.
• Combines multiple tasks into a single workflow.
• Results are categorized for better clarity.

What We Don't Like

• Requires full disk access, which may concern privacy-conscious users.
• Some items flagged as "junk" (e.g., cached files for specific apps) might still be needed.

Verdict

Smart Scan is ideal for users seeking a rapid and efficient system overview. Make sure to carefully review the suggested deletions to prevent deleting the data you need.

2. Cleanup: Clear the Clutter

Overview

The Cleanup is a system junk feature that targets unneeded files, such as log files, out-of-date temporary files, system caches, and unused languages. This is very helpful for those with limited storage space.

Test Results

After scanning, the module identified:

• 7.6 GB of junk files
• 6.9 GB of system junk.
• 2.5 GB of unnecessary language files.
• 860 MB of log files.

After removing the suggested clutter, the Mac's storage capacity rose to 8 GB.

Analysis

Although macOS automatically manages caches, CleanMyMac offers an in-depth examination by pointing out files that macOS could miss. For instance, over time, language files for programs you never use may accumulate a sizable quantity of storage space.

What We Like

• Effective in freeing up clogged space.
• Swiftly identifies hard-to-locate files.
• Enables users to select individual files to delete.

What We Don't Like

• Some features may overlap with macOS's built-in tools.
• Advanced users may prefer manual cleanup using Terminal.

Verdict

Users with storage issues who would rather not deal with manual file management may find this module very beneficial.

3. Protection Malware Removal: Basic but Useful

Overview

CleanMyMac's Protection is a malware removal program aiming to identify and eliminate all kinds of harmful threats and vulnerabilities, particularly files like trojans, spyware, and adware. It offers a basic level of security but is not as strong as specialized antivirus software.

Test Results

The module identified:

• Swiftly identified threats.
• Quickly identified temporary files found on the browser.
• Identified recent items to remove traces of recent activities such as recently accessed servers, launched applications, and documents.

What We Like

• Quick and efficient scans.
• Detects common threats like adware.
• During scans, there is no observable impact on system performance.

What We Don't Like

• Limited database compared to dedicated antivirus solutions.
• It is not a substitute for comprehensive security software.

Verdict

Although the malware removal tool is a good backup defense, it should be used with a specialized antivirus tool for complete security.

4. Optimization and Maintenance: Boosting Performance

Overview

This module contains Maintenance Tasks, Login Items Manager tools, and Background Items. They work together to enhance system stability and performance.

Test Results

• Maintenance Tasks: Enables flushing DNS cache, reindex spotlight, repair disk, and speed up mail.
• Login Items Manager: Detected 1 startup app, reducing boot time by 10% after removal.
• Background Items: Enables you to manage a list of processes and applications running in the background.

What We Like

• Significant gains in performance following the use of these techniques.
• Simple to use and easy-to-understand recommendations.
• Enables selective action for advanced users.

What We Don't Like

• Users with more recent Macs (2023 or 2024) or SSDs might not benefit greatly.
• Periodic background activities on macOS overlap with certain maintenance operations.

Verdict

This module is especially useful for sluggish machines or older Macs (2021 or older).

5. Uninstaller, Updater and Leftovers: Manage Your Apps

Overview

Under the Applications module, uninstaller, updater, and leftovers are coupled together. The uninstaller removes applications and their associated files. At the same time, the Updater checks for outdated apps and updates them in one place, and the leftover enables you to manually remove an application file, aand ll of its related items that remain on your Mac.

Test Results

• Uninstaller: Successfully identified 23 apps with 5 unused apps.
• Updater: Identified 1 application that needs to be updated.
• Leftovers: Identified 1.2 GB of unused DMG files and over 25 MB of leftover files.

What We Like

• Deletes all contents of uninstalled apps.
• Enhances the updating experience by centralizing app updates.
• Easy to use, even for beginners.

What We Don't Like

• Restricted to applications that CleanMyMac can identify.
• The updater occasionally needs human involvement.

Verdict

This module saves time and effectively handles tasks connected to the app.

6. Clutter: Secure File Deletion

Overview

The Clutter module sorts through storage enabling you to permanently delete files, making them unrecoverable and minimizing mess. It enables users to free up unnecessary space, potentially slowing their Mac.

Test Results

• Detected over 500 files to sort through.
• Swiftly identified duplicate files and browser downloads.
• Deleted gigabytes in mere seconds.

What We Like

• Ensures secure deletion of sensitive files.
• Simple drag-and-drop interface.

What We Don't Like

• Limited use case for everyday users.

Verdict

Clutter is ideal for users who handle sensitive data regularly.

Our Thoughts After Testing

We believe that CleanMyMac delivers its claim of being the ultimate Mac maintenance tool. Each module has been carefully crafted with features that appeal to both beginner and expert users. 

Although certain features are similar to those of macOS's built-in utilities, most users find the app useful due to its ease and all-in-one approach. 

That being said, here's our summary of findings:

• Best Features: Smart Scan, Cleanup, and Clutter.
• Room for Improvement: Malware detection, Pricing.
• Overall Performance: Excellent for cleaning, optimization, and organizing files.

FAQs

Who created CleanMyMac?

CleanMyMac was developed by MacPaw Inc., a Ukrainian firm established in 2008. Initially, CleanMyMac was a simple cleaning application designed to assist Mac users in getting rid of unwanted files. Over time, it has evolved tremendously, adding features like virus detection, storage visualization, and system optimization.

🌟Read more: Is CleanMyMac a Legit App That Is Safe to Use

Why Does CleanMyMac Get So Many Mixed Reviews?

Expectations differ, which causes opinions to differ. Some users experience significant gains in storage and performance, particularly on more recent Macs, while others find the advantages insignificant.

Does Apple Recommend CleanMyMac?

No. Apple does not officially support CleanMyMac and other third-party programs. However, since Apple has approved the app, it is considered safe.

Is It Safe to Give CleanMyMac Full Disk Access?

Yes, but proceed with caution. CleanMyMac requires full disk access to operate correctly, which gives the program extensive control over your computer. Before giving the app access, make sure you trust it.

What Is the Best Alternative to CleanMyMac?

Alternatives like CCleaner and DaisyDisk can be better for customers on a tight budget. MacOS's built-in utilities are also helpful for advanced users.

Final Verdict

CleanMyMac is a slick, powerful tool that simplifies Mac maintenance, particularly for beginners. It excels at convenience and ease of use, combining several tools into a single application. 

However, tech-savvy consumers find it less tempting due to its expensive cost and overlap with native macOS functionality. Consider CleanMyMac if you're a casual user who prefers ease of use and simplicity.