Is CleanMyMac a Legit App That Is Safe to Use?

(Main interface of CleanMyMac 5)

If you're a Mac user, you've likely encountered ads or promotions for CleanMyMac, a tool that promises to free up storage, enhance performance, and keep your device safe from malware.

I've been providing Mac data management services for the past decade, and when it comes to Mac cleaning software, I've seen it all. The reputation of cleaning and optimization apps has been tarnished over the years, and with all the hate surrounding these types of apps, it can be easy to say they are universally bad. But there are still a select few programs with no malicious intent.

CleanMyMac is an app I've had great luck with after several years of use on my own. As a tech enthusiast, I was quick to investigate how the program works and whether there is any reason to distrust it. 

So, in this article, I will unpack the truth about CleanMyMac without the sugar coating. 

Let's get into it.

CleanMyMac Safety Concerns

Given the safety concerns surrounding many cleaning apps, you want to ensure you're not inadvertently downloading malware when you come across something like CleanMyMac.

Is it safe to download?

Yes, CleanMyMac is safe to download. However, the safety of downloading any software depends on where you get it from. CleanMyMac is 100% safe to download from MacPaw or Setapp's official website, and it is also listed on the Mac App Store. 

Is it safe from malware?

As long as you download CleanMyMac from a reputable source like the ones mentioned above, you have nothing to worry about. It features malware removal tools that have been tested and reviewed by users across tech forums, including MacRumors and Apple's own discussion boards.

Is it safe to use?

While many less reputable tools might not be healthy for your computer, CleanMyMac is one of the safer options. The app uses a system of permissions that asks for your approval before deleting any files, which helps prevent the accidental removal of important data.

Is the app available on the Mac App Store?

Yes. You can find CleanMyMac available for download on the official Mac App Store.

(CleanMyMac currently gets 4.6 out of 10K ratings in the Mac App Store)

Legitimacy Concerns on CleanMyMac and MacPaw

I've done some digging to find the source of this program, and to see how its history has developed - and whether it is from a legitimate developer or some fly-by-night company.

Is it a legitimate app?

Yes, CleanMyMac is a legitimate app developed by MacPaw, a reputable Ukrainian software company known for several well-regarded apps. Plus, since it is on the Mac App Store, a platform that requires a rigorous app review process by Apple before listing, there are ever fewer reasons to be suspicious.

Is MacPaw legit?

Yes, MacPaw stands as a legitimate company with a solid track record. It has been in the business for over a decade, developing various software solutions not only for Macs but also offering solutions like Setapp, a subscription service that provides Mac users with access to a suite of applications.

Does Apple support CleanMyMac?

While Apple doesn't officially endorse third-party cleaning tools, the presence of CleanMyMac in the Mac App Store indicates that it complies with Apple's security and performance standards.

Controversy about Using Mac Cleaning Software

Despite its proven effectiveness, some users remain skeptical about Mac cleaning software due to past controversies with similar apps. Critics argue that macOS is capable of managing its resources efficiently without third-party software. 

The main idea across many Mac forums is that even if a program is not malicious, it is still largely unnecessary. The consensus is that Macs, and many computers in general, simply don't get anything useful out of these optimization apps.

In my opinion, it depends more on the user than the computer. If you're someone who loves tinkering with the inner workings of your computer, programming, or customizing software, then you won't find much value in Mac cleaning software. You'll know how to manually perform all of the maintenance tasks that the app can do for you, and you may even enjoy it!

On the flip side, if you don't know your way around system files and the inner workings of the operating system, you'll find value in using a Mac cleaning app for managing cache files, uninstalling apps, and performing system maintenance tasks. 

CleanMyMac Main Features & Tools

CleanMyMac includes 6 main tools:

• Smart Care: quick system scan to get a quick audit and overview of your Mac.
• Cleanup: finds and removes unnecessary files such as System Junk, Mail Attachments, etc.
• Protection: employs Moonlock technology to detect and eliminate malware and vulnerabilities.
• Performance: helps optimize startup items and manage background processes for better performance.
• Applications: manages your existing apps and removes unused apps and redundant leftovers. 
• My Clutter: finds duplicate or similar files, large & old files that are safe to remove (after reviewing by yourself).

(Under Cleanup, a quick scan found 49.8 GB of junk files on my Mac)

Misconceptions about CleanMyMac

There are several misconceptions about CleanMyMac, here are a few common ones along with my reasons.

Tips for CleanMyMac Safe Usage

Besides only downloading the from the MacPaw website or the Mac App Store, there are a few more tips to help you get the most out of the app:

• Take advantage of CleanMyMac's Health Monitor feature in your system tray, which alerts you to hardware issues like temperature spikes or high disk usage.
• Regularly update the app to ensure it has the latest security measures and optimizations.
• Keep the malware monitor turned on to continuously check for and alert you about any malware, ransomware, or adware risks.

You'll get the most out of CleanMyMac if your Mac is set to load it on startup. Luckily, this is the default setting, so your system will always be on the offensive for any potential problems.

(The CleanMyMac Menu gives a quick overview of your Mac's health)

Is CleanMyMac Worth It?  

CleanMyMac is worth considering if you're non-techy or don't have the time to scrub through your system manually. Generally, anyone who is looking for a reliable tool that protects against malware, optimizes performance, and maintains privacy. 

If you're a programmer or technician, it might not be worth it since you'll likely know how to do all of the regular maintenance tasks manually. With that said, you might still get some use out of the speed and ease at which CleanMyMac handles many optimization tasks.

FAQs

How much does CleanMyMac cost?

The pricing varies, depending on how many Macs you want to install it on. At this time, you can get a one-year subscription for one Mac for roughly $35. Or, you can skip the subscription and make a one-time payment of $99 - with no expiration.

Why does CleanMyMac get mixed reviews?

Some expect dramatic improvements in performance after using the app, especially if their Mac is heavily cluttered or slow. CleanMyMac can significantly help in cleaning up unnecessary files and optimizing the system, but the extent of performance enhancement can vary greatly depending on the initial state of your Mac and specific issues it might have (such as hardware problems - something CleanMyMac can't help with).

Conclusion

CleanMyMac is a legitimate, safe-to-use tool designed to enhance your Mac's performance. While it may not be essential for every user, its features are ideal if you prefer a hands-off approach to system maintenance. 

But like any Mac cleaning tool, its effectiveness will depend on your individual user needs and the specific conditions of your Mac's software environment.