A new Mac always seems to be lightning quick. But then it might slow down up to 17% when its disk is near full (confirmed by MacWorld in a test). And there we got a whole world of Mac optimization apps. Some of them are good enough that even Apple employees use them (Guy Kawasaki, for one). So here are some absolutely essential Mac optimizers to check in 2021.
These are top 3 optimizers that look most optimistic to us (sorry for the pun). We've chosen these among hundreds of others mentioned on Mac Forums.
| Rating | Name | Features | Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CleanMyMac X | Includes tools for optimizing your Mac, securely deleting files, and scanning for malware. | Link |
| 2 | AVG | Quick scan and deep cleaning of all kinds of junk | Link |
| 3 | Onyx | Allows you to adjust parameters that would normally need to be set in Terminal | Link |
All three are aimed at basic Mac housekeeping. And now, let's dive into these options and then we'll analyze a few more relevant alternatives.
The new CCleaner onboarding experience fully supports NVDA screen reader and meets WCAG AA requirements Tab navigation order through different sections of the app window is now more consistent Improved Search Field labelling for NVDA Fixed an issue where Disk Analyzer would hang. CCleaner is a well-known multi-purpose cleaning tool that works on macOS, Windows, and Android devices. It identifies unwanted and junk files on your Mac computer, deleting them to help you free up space. It also optimizes your Mac's performance by reducing the workload on the RAM.
Best Mac Optimizer software reviewed
Made by independent macOS developer, MacPaw, this app tops our chart.
1. CleanMyMac X
This app, which is notarized by Apple, is absolutely gorgeous visually. But it also sports 49 tools to optimize a Mac in one app. It has a free version you can download and play around with.
Inside, you’ll find a full range of tools that will declutter your Mac, make it run faster, and even scan it for malware and remove whatever it finds. One of the great things about CleanMyMac X is that you choose how much control you take over what it removes.
In terms of Mac optimization, you can:
- Free up RAM memory
- Disable heavy memory consumers
- Run Maintenance scripts
It’s worth checking, anyway if you want to improve your Mac’s performance.
2. AVG Cleaner
AVG Cleaner has two functions — to find and remove “junk”’ files one you Mac and to identify duplicate files and make it easy to remove them. The files AVG Cleaner tracks down include cache files from web browsers, apps, photos, and videos; log files; download history; broken downloads; and Trash contents.
When you launch the app, you’ll see it has a clean, modern interface that gives you the option of scanning your Mac for files to clean, or scanning for duplicates. Once you’ve chosen the Disc Cleaner and the scan is complete, you can press a button to clean up the files it has found or view them in more detail and decide which to delete and which to keep. If you choose to scan for duplicates, AVG Cleaner will ask you which folders you want to scan and then show you what it found.
AVG Cleaner is free, l looks great, and works well. However, compared with CleanMyMac X, it lacks many features. These include a malware removal tool, secure file deletion, optimization tools and an app uninstaller.
3. OnyX
Like most of the apps listed here, OnyX is more than just optimization software for your Mac. It also has a number of tools for cleaning your Mac. However, OnyX also does something that no other tool listed here does: it allows you to adjust settings on your Mac that are otherwise only available through the Terminal app. It’s more of a customizer for your macOS.
Mac Optimization Ccleaner Download
Whether you want to rebuild a database or index, or just changed the default location or file format for screenshots, you can do it in OnyX. In terms of optimization tools, OnyX can clean up system files and browser data, rebuild Spotlight and Launch Services databases, run maintenance scripts and clean up recent items lists.
It doesn’t have a secure file deletion tool or malware scanner, however. And it’s nowhere near as user friendly as tools we’ve described above. If you like playing around with settings and getting under the hood of your Mac, though, it’s a good choice.
4. Drive Genius
Drive Genius started out many years ago as a tool for monitoring the performance of your drive, warning you of any potential problems and allowing you to fix them. It has evolved into a tool for optimizing performance and cleaning up drives, as well as keeping it safe.
Some of its features, such as re-partition, rebuild, and de-fragment, don’t work on APFS drives, but the others do. Those other tools include a malware scanner and removal tool, a secure erase utility, and tools for finding and removing duplicate and large files. In addition to those, Drive Genius still has tools for identifying potential problems that could lead to drive failure and allows you to fix them.
It’s not as user-friendly as similar apps, and doesn’t include an application uninstaller and tools for removing login items and launch agents.
5. macOS Manage Storage
Manage Storage is a feature that’s built into recent versions of macOS. To access it, click on the Apple menu, then About this Mac> Storage> Manage Storage.
When you do that you’ll see a list of categories on the left-hand side of the window that opens. At the top is Recommendations. This is where macOS helps you easily free up storage space by recommending what to get rid of. For example, it might recommend that you store files in iCloud and only keep recent ones on your Mac, or that you allow the OS to delete Apple TV downloads you’ve already watched.
The other categories cover things like Mail attachments, Garageband sound libraries, podcasts, and iOS backups. You just click on each section in turn and follow the advice in the window.
Manage Storage is a very useful tool and can certainly help free up storage space. However, it is not a replacement for a tool like CleanMyMac X because there is no app uninstaller and there are no tools to remove junk files or optimize performance.
6. CCleaner
CCleaner is one of the oldest cleaner tools around, having been available on the Mac for nearly a decade and on Windows before that. It offers tools to get rid of junk files cluttering up your Mac, remove cookies, history files, and other web browser data, and disable login items and launch agents. It also has an app uninstaller, and the professional version offers real-time protection against potentially harmful files you may download.
Like most tools here, you can choose to follow its recommendations and remove files with just a few clicks, or review the files it finds and choose which to remove yourself.
CCleaner has many of the tools available in CleanMyMac X. However, it’s not as easy to use, in our opinion, thanks to its less friendly user interface. It also doesn’t have a tool to allow you to quickly see what files are occupying space on your Mac, like CleanMyMac X’s Space Lens, or a way of securely shredding sensitive files.
7. Disk Clean Pro
Disk Clean Pro offers many of the same tools as the other cleaners here. You can use its automated utilities to quickly get rid of junk files, logs, crash reports and partial downloads. And you can also use it to identify and remove duplicate files, old files, large files and old downloads. There are also tools to remove browser files, aloud backups and mail downloads.
Like CCleaner, however, its interface isn’t the friendliest. Also, there are no tools for scanning for malware, securely deleting files, or uninstalling apps.
Does Mac optimization involve cleaning?
Many of the tools above belong to the category of cleaners, so why place them here? To answer that, we should define “optimization” more clearly. If optimization means improving the performance, it does entail a bit of cleaning that is improving something by elimination. To optimize any computer, one should start with removing blockages, massive unwanted objects, and apps that eat up a lot of memory.
There are lots of applications that can optimize your Mac’s performance and make it run more smoothly. Most of these apps are paid, but you can get away with a free version in some cases.
We would rather pick CleanMyMac X for the sheer number of features and its looks but the choice is yours.
As we all know that there are loads of free cleaning apps for Mac is available. Among all, are you not convinced with the CCleaner for Mac? Then check out this post on best CCleaner alternatives for Mac OS X and go with your best.
Any household items or electronic gadgets or automobiles needs consistent maintenance for its proper functioning. Likewise, cleaning up your mobiles and PC is significant to extend its life and performance. Cleaning your Mac system is not only to free up its disk space. It is also crucial to maintain its faster performance. Moreover, it is advisable to clean up the system regularly, to keep it safe from malware and virus attacks.
Hence, the tool we are using must be the best Mac cleaner app. Through this post, you will get an opportunity to explore the features of various paid and free Mac cleaner tools. It’s time to switch over to a best Mac cleaner software from CCleaner.
Need For Best Mac Cleaner Software In 2021
Certainly, recent Mac books will have solid state drives. In case, it always alerts you that ‘the disk is almost full’, then it’s time free-up the space. It is significant to keep your Mac hard drive clean. There are no industry tests that using cleaning utilities on your Mac system will directly boost its performance. Still, de-cluttering your disk space can help you maintain your Mac files, and app active and updated. Why to waste your disk space for unused or obsolete files?
That’s why you need powerful cleaning apps for Mac to free up huge disk space – it’s just a matter of minutes. Make sure to go for a multi-purpose utility for disk cleanup, virus scanning and removal, disk cloning, data recovery, etc. Installing separate software for every purpose would again kill your disk space.
In case, you don’t use any Mac cleaners or frustrating using CCleaner, then this best CCleaner alternatives for Mac article is for you.
Why Best CCleaner Alternatives For Mac OS X?
Though CCleaner is devoted to detect unnecessary junk files and clear it to free up the disk space. The typical tool that is easy to use and available for Windows, Mac, and Android. Still, why Mac users are not happy with CCleaner and looking for best Ccleaner alternatives for Mac OS X?
CCleaner is not the fastest cleaner app for Mac. The junk removal tools are very basic. The tool rarely detects only common entries that can easily be handled manually. Hence, writing this post on best alternative to CCleaner for Mac OS X.
Contents
Best CCleaner Alternatives For Mac OS X – Paid & Free Mac Cleaners
Being a Mac user, I love to dig my life into it. Hence, I wanted to keep my Mac in a proper condition to accompany. For which, I have been using a few cleaning apps to clean my Mac and other Apple products that I have. Also, I wish you to try these tools to make your PC clean and refreshed ensuring the best performance and long life. Anyways, you don’t need to invest more in this. I am sharing here a few of the free cleaning apps for MacBook. Also, I am including some ultimately paid tools for incredible features and benefits. Go for it!
Important Note: Not just the cleaning apps for MAC. If you are looking for several other Mac products to get rid of duplicate files, set custom desktop backgrounds, unpack the archived files, discover and experience new apps every day, Mac drive management, protect your files with AES-256 encryption or even more – get it from MacPaw. The one-stop solution platform for MAC OS users.
#1. CleanMyMac3 – Best Mac Maintenance Software
CleanMyMac3 is the latest version of CleanMyMac cleaning program by Mac Paw. And, this is the Mac cleaning tool that I use and hence, I recommend. Since CleanMyMac3 is an all-in-tool tool for complete Mac protection and care. The tool detects every corner of your Mac system and removes junk in 2-clicks. It has all the built-in tools like full cleaning, health monitoring, optimization and much more to optimize your Mac OS for the challenging performance. CleanMyMac3 is not one among the best Ccleaner alternatives for Mac, but it is also a comprehensive Mac cleaning and maintenance app.
CleanMyMac3 outstands for its set of features –
- Multilingual cleaning program for Mac OS
- Take out the photo junk, unused language files, etc.
- Removes the local copy of email attachments and downloads
- Runs maintenance scripts for optimization
- Wash out DNS caches
- Get you alerts on your Mac health
- Monitors CPU usage & battery health
- Schedule your Mac cleaning
Pros
- 100% safe to remove files
- Deletes junk in just 2-clicks
- Free version available
- Extensions management
- Empty Trash and much more
User Opinion
“Works like a charm, simple & beautiful UI – CleanMyMac3 still the best way ever to make your Mac as speedy as heck. I’m so happy about it.”
#2. AppCleaner
AppCleaner is the most popular free cleaner program for Mac OS. This tool uninstalls or deletes the unwanted programs on Mac leaving no marks of it. It detects all its support files like cache, cookies, launching agents, etc. and removes completely. So that, you can avoid these obsolete files eating up your hard disk space.
You can simply drag and drop the software into it. The tool will start locating all its hidden files and notifies you before deleting. You can also remove the unnecessary browser extensions and add-ons with AppCleaner. AppCleaner is a free program, is highly preferred by users looking for best Ccleaner alternatives for Mac at no cost.
AppCleaner is popular with its incredible features –
- Free Mac cleaner tool
- Preview all installed apps
- Uninstalls programs with no trace
- Manages extensions
- Reset app preferences
- Blocks even banner ads
Pros
- Easy installation
- Drag & drop to uninstall apps
- Find the disk space statistics
- Supports multiple languages
Cons
- Serve only as a cleaner and uninstaller where other tools can do multipurpose
#3. Daisy Disk
Daisy Disk is a professional cleaning program for Mac users. While working on your Mac, you will create or download new apps or files every day. Unfortunately, you won’t be deleting the unwanted things. Finally, you will be lacking your startup disk space. Daisy Disk can show you real-time data of all your connected disks. It includes Macintosh HD, network storage, flash, Thunderbolt, etc. As a professional tool to boost your Mac performance, Daisy Disk deserves to be as the best Ccleaner alternatives for Mac.
Ccleaner Mac Review
Daisy disk scans your file and folders and previews the data as a visual interactive pattern. Daisy Disk is a choice of preference by photographers, IT professionals, filmmakers who deal with large-sized media files.
Set of features that determine Daisy Disk popularity –
- Latest version adds the Italian language
- Both stand-alone and Mac app store versions available
- Displays Purgeable space taken by local snapshots in the hidden space
- Compatibility with APFS and Mac OS High Sierra
Pros
- Featured in plenty of Mac App store
- Supports many languages
- Easy to access keyboard shortcuts
- Quick Scanning
- Free trial to experience its features
Cons
- It has multi-step file deletion phenomena
- Does not display file elements like date created or modified
#4. MacBooster 7
If you are a Mac user looking for a complete solution for your Mac maintenance or best Mac cleaner software, then it is MacBooster 7. The tool can detect and clean up 20 types of junk files. Moreover, MacBooster 7 removes the malware threats and virus to optimize the hard disk boosting your Mac speed and performance. You can it as your Mac performance booster. It has five built-in tools to clean up every edge of your Mac OS and ensuring it to function smoothly.
MacBooster 7 technically goes in-depth and resolve disk permission issues, high RAM consumption, and login startups.
Unbeatable features that MacBooster 7 can offer you –
- Real-time protection against malware attacks and viruses
- Free up space with deep cleaning
- Identifies and removes the duplicate files
- Fix disk permission issues to neglect 3rd party caches
- Lightning booster to improve the data read & write speed
Pros
- Has seven inbuilt tools
- Serves multipurpose
- Supports 14+ languages
- Single-click solution to clean up your Mac
- Cleans up around 20 types of junk files
- Acts as a Mac performance booster
Cons
- Compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 or later
- System requirement: 70+ MB free spaces
- Unregistered version has only limited functionalities
#5. AVG Cleaner
AVG Cleaner is an easy-to-use and fast hard drive cleaning software for Mac. The tool can smartly detect even hidden clutters that may slow down your system. With one-click, it can remove application caches, iphoto library trashes, trash bin, junk files and more.
The AVG cleaner tool can also identify hidden duplicate files that are sucking your space. It can either be photos, documents, music or video files. Though it is not a Mac maintenance program, you can use it as both hard disks cleaner and duplicate finder for Mac devices.
The features that AVG users admire by –
- Extremely fast scanning
- Clear overview of your hard disk storage
- AVG Zen panel integration to access your Mac from Windows PC remotely
- Guide on free performance tips to clean in a flash
- Protects your Mac against viruses and spyware
- Top rate by various popular Mac App Stores
Pros
- With a single-click, clean your hard drive
- Perfect tool to find duplicate files in any format
- Removes gigabytes of file within no time
- Detects and removes hidden clutters too
Cons
- No undo delete option. Hence, make sure before deleting any files
- Does not available for other languages
#6. Onyx
Onyx is a favorite Mac maintenance utility for most of the Mac users. Since the tool is available for free with abundant features. It is not only a Mac disk cleaner, but it is also a multi-specialty tool. You can verify the system file structures, run maintenance & cleaning tasks, configure parameters in Dock, Finder, and much more. Onyx allows you to uninstall the unnecessary Mac apps, delete caches, manage extensions, rebuild databases, and remove certain problematic files and folders.
Onyx has two individual applications named Maintenance and Deeper as a part of it for specific needs. I am sure that while using Onyx, you will admire with its set of features at no cost.
Onyx features that favor Mac users –
- Performs multiple tasks in addition to hard drive cleaning
- Runs maintenance tasks regularly
- Configure dock parameters too
- Deletes web caches and application caches
- Blocks malware and ads
- CrashReporter reports
- Confirm before closing multiple tabs in Safari
Pros
Ccleaner Professional For Mac
- Free Mac maintenance utility software
- Available in multiple languages
- No registration required
Cons
- The tool is translated into multiple languages by localized service providers and volunteers. Some translations might be incomplete
Recommendations
I love to use cleanMyMac3 by MacPaw to clean my Mac OS hard disk. Since, the tool can serve in multiple ways like offering complete Mac protection, monitoring storage spaces, etc. I just wanted my Mac readers to give out a try with it.
Before that, I was using AppCleaner like most of the Mac users. As it can serve only limited functionalities, I was about to switch over to CleanMyMac3. And, I am happy with it in terms of boosting Mac OS performance and speed. CleanMyMac3 proves its championship among other best Ccleaner alternatives for Mac.
Best CCleaner Alternatives – Frequently Asked Questions
The undeniable emperor of cleaning apps, the CCleaner have always been the world’s first choice to keep better their Mac Pc’s running smooth. But over the last years, we had some newer players enter the arena
In today’s FAQ, lets breakdown some of the most popular questions ever levied against these newest CCleaner Alt – apps
Read on;
1) Why replace CCleaner? What’s wrong with it?
Make no mistake: CCleaner is still an undoubtedly powerful tool. And for a mac user, it can always be a nice Go-to cleaner in every sense. However, with Mac getting more advanced with the last generation, CCleaner has had a terrible decrease in its speed. In other words, though it cleans well, the whole thing is now slow as a snail.
Besides that, many have complained CCleaner Junk kill tools to be basic. Plus, its malware detection too is anything but great.
2) Are these apps really safe?
Used by millions world over, every single Best CCleaner Alternative for Mac OS apps we’ve mentioned above are completely safe to use, with all boasting class-leading safety features and nicer functionalities.
After all, Apple is known to keep a tighter grip on their app stores in terms of malware protection/removal. So yeah, as long as you download it from official sources, we don’t reckon you’ll have any security issues whatsoever.
3) Paid Vs. Free – which is best for me?
Obviously, the paid ones are always better, as they offer increased security and features and better yet, nicer care support. That said, indeed, most everyday users can easily get by with a freemium or a free variant.
Still, always try & go with the premium ones, as they serve better in the long run.
4) Will these apps affect my important files?
No, they don’t. In fact, most of the popular Mac cleaners feature a manual review system where you can precisely pick and choose what files to keep & what to delete. Besides, they have smart algorithms that can also keep the junk killing teeth from getting to your important files but protect them instead – great, huh?!
That said, we’d advise always keeping a good backup of all your important files nonetheless, as it’s a good habit to get in too.
5) Will they slow down my computer?
No. with most being lightweight applications, we don’t reckon you’ll experience any slowdowns with your Mac whatsoever.
In fact, with all the junk cleaned, you can readily expect a speed jump instead.
Over To You: Best Ccleaner Alternatives For Mac
Don’t drag further to clean up your Mac system to maintain its smooth functionality. Don’t let such cluster of obsolete files to occupy your disk space and slow down your Mac OS X. Meanwhile, don’t pick your tools based on pricing. Though there are free cleaning Mac utilities available, prefer a tool that can help you in complete Mac maintenance.