Apple Store closures make sense to Apple, but not to the community
Apple sometimes closes retail stores. The company always has private and public reasons why, but the communities and workers that are impacted don't care much about what they are.Apple Trumbull - Image Credit: AppleOn April 9, it was revealed that Apple was preparing to close three of its stores in the United States in June. The group consists of Apple North County in Escondido, California, Apple Towson Town Center in Towson, Maryland, and Apple Trumbull in Trumbull, Connecticut.After the initial shock of the closures, people are still expressing their feelings about the store closures. However, as usual, nothing is straightforward in the court of public opinion. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iOS 26 has new Home Screen setting for app icons, here’s how to use it
Apple has added a lot of new ways to customize your iPhone in recent years. One of my favorites is a Home Screen setting in iOS 26 for your app icons that tints the icon color to match that of your iPhone or its case. Here’s how to use it. more…

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Apple Watch Activity badges: Earth Day and International Dance Day
Macworld Achievement badges are a funny thing. You know they’re just a simple little bit of visual flair, they don’t even do anything, and yet for some reason you just have to collect them. Gamification can be a great motivator, and the achievement badges for the activity tracking on the Apple Watch have inspired many users to get more exercise. If you want to maximize your badge count, you’re going to want to chase down as many activity achievements as you can. Most are available year-round, but there are also some time-limited special events to grab, too. Here’s a list of all the activity achievements for the Apple Watch and how to unlock them. Updated April 14, 2026: Earth Day is coming on April 22, and International Dance Day will be here on April 29. Apple Watch Series 11 Price When Reviewed: From $399 Best Prices Today: $299 at Amazon | $329 at Walmart | $377.73 at Best Buy US Standard achievements Most of the achievements can be earned year-round. If you open the Activity app on your iPhone, then head over to the Achievements tab, you’ll see some of them listed even before you earn them (in which case they will be represented by a grey outline). However, there are some achievements that are not shown until you earn them. Past and future monthly challenges, for example, won’t show up, nor do all the various individual exercise workouts. Here is a list of all the standard badges you can get. First [exercise] Workout The first time you perform a new exercise for at least 5 minutes, you’ll get a achievement badge. Every workout type that does not fall under the “Other” category is eligible for this badge: from walking to yoga to HIIT to hiking and more. Activities with both indoor and outdoor variants, like Cycling and Walking, are bundled together; you can do either activity to get the badge, and can only get it once. [exercise] Workout Record Every time you beat your previous best record for calories burned in any of the exercises listed above, you get this badge. There is one caveat: You must complete five workouts of that type first. If you want to game the system, make sure your first four workouts of each type are short and easy, so it won’t take much effort to beat them. You get a badge the first time you do each major exercise type, and when you break a record. 7-Workout Week Simply complete any workout of at least 15 minutes every day of the week. Note that the week is Monday-Sunday, and you have to do a workout on each of those days (you can’t simply do any seven days in a row). If you start a walking workout whenever you walk outside, you can achieve this easily. New Move Record Any day that your Move ring goes further than ever before (meaning you burned more calories in a day), you’ll earn this award. There’s one catch: you have to use your Apple Watch for 10 days before you can complete this. New Exercise Record This is just like the Move Record achievement, only for the green ring. This one is based on minutes of exercise, not calories burned, so it’s really easy to get. Just like the Move Record achievement, you have to use your Apple Watch for 10 days first. Move Goal 200%, 300%, 400% You earn this when you exceed your calorie target (the red Move ring) by 2x, 3x, or 4x, respectively. In other words, it’s given for making the red activity ring go around two, three, or four times in a day. It’s easy to get if you just set your Move goal very low. Double, triple, and quadruple your Move ring goal. Reduce your goal if you’re having trouble. New Move Goal Every time you change your daily Move goal, and then exceed that new goal, you get this achievement. You can change your Move goal by opening the Activity app on your Apple Watch and force-pressing the screen. Longest Move Streak When you hit your Move goal (close the red ring) several days in a row, that’s a “streak.” You get this award when your streak finally ends, if it’s longer than your previous best streak. Perfect Week This is given out for four categories: Move, Exercise, Stand, and All Activity. For the first three, simply close the rings (red, green, or blue) every day of the week. To get the Perfect Week (All Activity) badge, close all three rings every day for an entire week. You can earn this multiple times, though it only shows one badge. Remember, one week in the Activity app is from Monday-Sunday! Close those rings every day from Monday to Sunday to earn a handful of badges. Perfect Month Unlike Perfect Week, there are not multiple different Perfect Month badges for the different color rings. The lone Perfect Month achievement is for closing the red Move ring every day of the month. There’s a separate Perfect Month badge for every month and every year, though. So you can earn this in February and again in March, and again in February in the next year. Monthly Challenge Each month has its own unique fitness challenge. If you have notifications set for the Activity app on our Apple Watch, you’ll see the goal presented at the beginning of the month, but you’ll also see the current month’s challenge in the Achievements tab of the Activity app on your iPhone. It will be a grey outline before it’s completed, but you can tap on it to see what the challenge entails. The monthly challenge may task you with burning a specific number of calories, working out a number of times, or traveling a certain distance. There’s no telling what each new month will bring, you just have to look! There’s a different challenge every month, so check your Activity app. 100, 365, 500, 1,000 Move Goals When you hit your daily Move goal (close the red ring) 100 times, you get an achievement badge. You get another for hitting it 365 times, 500 times, and 1,000 times. These do not need to be in a row; it’s just the total number of times you’ve ever hit the goal. Close the Move ring often to unlock a series of badges. Set the Move goal low if you want to make it easier. Apple Watch Ultra 2 Read our review Price When Reviewed: $799 (base) Best Prices Today: $649.99 at Best Buy US | $799 at Apple | $799.99 at Target Limited Achievements Apple offers multiple one-off challenges per year that are only available for a limited time. Often, they’re only around for one day or one weekend. Some are limited to the U.S. because they’re based on U.S. holidays. You’ll get a notification on your Apple Watch when one of them is coming up (make sure you have notifications enabled for the Activity app, using the Watch app on your iPhone). International Dance Day (April 29, 2026) Apple Show off your dance moves for International Dance Day. Earn this award by recording a Dance workout of 20 minutes or more on April 29. Record it with the Workout app or any app that adds workouts to Health. Earth Day (April 22, 2026) Apple This Earth Day, April 22, record any 30 minute workout with the Workout app or any app that records workouts to Health to earn this award. The earth will think the world of you. Heart Month challenge (February 14, 2026) Foundry Close your exercise ring on Valentine’s Day, February 14, to earn this award. Your heart will love you for it. New Year 2026 (January 2026) Foundry Start the year strong and stay active! Earn this award by closing all three Activity rings for seven days in a row in January. World Meditation Day (December 21, 2025) Foundry Time to celebrate World Meditation Day! On December 21, record five mindful minutes or more with the Mindfulness app or any app that adds mindful minutes to Health to earn this special badge. Veteran’s Day (November 11, 2025) Foundry Earn this award on November 11 by doing any workout for 11 minutes or more. Record your time with the Workout app or any app that adds workouts to Health. World Mental Health Day Challenge (October 10, 2025) Foundry Record 10 minutes of mindfulness or meditation with any app that adds mindful minutes to Health to get this award. National Parks Challenge (August 24, 2025) Foundry The anniversary of the founding of the U.S. National Parks is on August 25. Every year, Apple celebrates this is a global National Parks badge (on the 24th this year, since the 25th is a Monday). Just do a workout of 20 minutes or more on August 24 with any app that records workouts the the Health app to earn this badge. Global Running Day (June 4, 2025) Apple Apple’s description says: “Let’s run this one together. On June 4, record a running workout and go at least 5K (3.1 mi) to earn this special badge. Record it with any app that adds workouts to Health.”

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Bogus crypto wallet on App Store steals $9.5M
Multiple cryptocurrency users have lost approximately $9.5 million after a fake Ledger Live app on the macOS App Store drained their funds.A fake version of the Ledger Live macOS app has stolen $9.5M in cryptocurrency.The world of cryptocurrency has always carried significant risks, and even iPhone and iPad users aren't immune to its dangers. Now and then, malicious actors find ways to steal money, be it via outright hacking or through a cams designed to drain cryptowallets.In April 2026, Mac users were hit with the latter after downloading a fake version of the Ledger Live app from the macOS App Store. The fake app was submitted by the publisher "Leva Heal," which has nothing to do with Ledger SAS, the owner and developer of the real Ledger Live app. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple releases revamped Business app with Apple Vision Pro support
Last month, Apple announced plans to unify its enterprise tools into a free suite called Apple Business. The unified Apple Business platform officially arrives today, and it includes a revamped Business app. more…

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Apple boosts foldable display orders by 20% ahead of iPhone Fold launch
Apple is showing strong confidence in its upcoming foldable iPhone by ramping up orders for foldable display panels. According to a… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple Watch getting two new Activity challenges later this month
Apple Watch has two new challenges coming this month that encourage users to hit certain Activity goals on Earth Day and International Dance Day. Here are the details. more…

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AirPods Pro 3: Better today than at launch [Video]
Apple released the AirPods Pro 3 back in September of 2025. I have been living with them and using them every single day since then. I have used them for everything from workouts and runs to Zoom calls, travel, and just everyday listening. What has truly stood out to me isn’t how good they sound for the size, or how they are just about as good as their $550 AirPods Max 2 counterpart, but how Apple has actually improved them over the last 7ish months of owning them. Here is how they have held up, how they’ve improved, and what Apple can still add to them. more…

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This fall’s iPhone 18 launch lineup has one big wildcard remaining
Rumors about this fall’s new iPhone 18 lineup keep coming, but there’s one key detail that’s still a big question mark: how many iPhones will Apple launch? more…

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This fall’s iPhone 18 launch lineup has one big wildcard remaining
Rumors about this fall’s new iPhone 18 lineup keep coming, but there’s one key detail that’s still a big question mark: how many iPhones will Apple launch? more…

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This fall’s iPhone 18 launch lineup has one big wildcard remaining
Rumors about this fall’s new iPhone 18 lineup keep coming, but there’s one key detail that’s still a big question mark: how many iPhones will Apple launch? more…

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This fall’s iPhone 18 launch lineup has one big wildcard remaining
Rumors about this fall’s new iPhone 18 lineup keep coming, but there’s one key detail that’s still a big question mark: how many iPhones will Apple launch? more…

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This fall’s iPhone 18 launch lineup has one big wildcard remaining
Rumors about this fall’s new iPhone 18 lineup keep coming, but there’s one key detail that’s still a big question mark: how many iPhones will Apple launch? more…

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Apple Business tools are now available to download for free
Apple has made its newly refurbished business tools available for download, giving businesses ways to manage company devices, employees, and more.The newly refurbished Apple Business| Image credit: AppleIn late March, Apple announced that it would be releasing a consolidated version of its business tools. Formerly spread across three apps, the Apple Business platform aims to provide helpful tools to businesses of any size.As promised, Apple has released Apple Business to the App Store on April 14. To download, you'll need a Mac with macOS 12.0 or later, or an iPhone or iPad with at least iOS 15 or iPadOS 15, respectively. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple TV users get $2/month Peacock, as bundle expands to new places
Apple TV lets subscribers add Peacock Premium for just $2/month, and now a similar bundle offer has just launched through Prime Video for anyone who prefers to subscribe directly through Amazon. more…

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Google announces ‘Skills’ for Gemini in Chrome to quickly run custom workflows
Gemini in Chrome on desktops is getting a new Skills feature that lets you quickly run frequently used prompts. Besides saving time, this capability helps educate users about what Gemini can do when given a webpage. more…

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Apple seems confident that folding iPhone will be a hit
Apple apparently increased orders for a critical folding iPhone component, signaling confidence in future consumer demand. (via Cult of Mac - Your source for the latest Apple news, rumors, analysis, reviews, how-tos and deals.)

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Apple releases public beta 2 for iPadOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and more
Yesterday Apple released beta 2 of iPadOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and more for developers, and now today the public beta version has arrived too. more…

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Anthropic adds ‘repeatable routines’ feature to Claude Code, here’s how it works
Anthropic’s Claude Code has a new repeatable routines feature that works even when your Mac is offline. more…

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Apple to report Q226 earnings on Thursday, April 30th
Apple will report FY26 Q2 earnings on Thursday, April 20, 2026 after market close.Apple’s conference call to discuss second fiscal quarter… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple releases iOS 26.5 public beta 2
Apple has released the second iOS 26.5 public beta. The release follows iOS 26.5 beta 2 for developers, which added an Apple Maps ads explainer. more…

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Apple’s huge MacBook Pro overhaul is coming soon, here’s what we know
Apple just released a MacBook Pro update last month, but there’s more coming soon. Apple is expected to debut one of its biggest MacBook Pro updates ever later this year. Here’s everything we know so far. more…

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New report explains how Apple will solve the iPhone Fold’s crease problem
Macworld Later this year, according to multiple sources, Apple will finally enter the foldables market with a device called either the iPhone Fold or the iPhone Ultra. And there may be a good reason why the company has waited this long: it wants to get foldables right first time. One of the biggest issues with folding phones is the visible “crease” which can commonly be seen, or which starts to appear after prolonged use, up the middle of the screen. Fixing this problem is central to Apple’s planning: last summer it was reported that the company intended to use crease-free displays from Samsung, based on laser-drilled metal plates which “distribute and control bending stress.” But while important, this measure alone may not be enough to meet Apple’s exacting standards. A new report published this week outlines further details of Apple’s plan to combat the crease. According to TrendForce, two elements will be key to the iPhone Fold’s success: ultra-thin glass (UTG), and optically clear adhesive (OCA). UTG has appeared in smartphone displays before now, but as the analysts note, it serves principally as a protective top layer. Based on Apple patent activity, however, UTG will be promoted to a more structural role in the iPhone Fold. “A variable thickness design combined with chemical strengthening [will allow] the folding area to be locally thinned at the bending axis to improve bendability,” TrendForce predicts. Non-bending areas of the screen will remain thicker for impact resistance. A more important role, however, will be played by OCA. It isn’t merely a glue to hold things together; rather, the material’s unusual physical properties are perfectly suited to the peculiar demands of a folding device. “OCA,” the report explains, “now exhibits pronounced viscoelastic properties through optimized modulus design and material composition… An optimized OCA enables dynamic modulation of the panel’s mechanical response. It remains soft during gradual bending to reduce fatigue stress, while under sudden external force, its modulus temporarily increases to provide localized structural support.” Those without a background in materials science may struggle with some of the terminology, but the gist is that the presence of specifically optimised OCA reduces stress concentration during bending. The report adds that it also helps to fill micro-cracks created through long-term use and thereby prolongs the life of the device. The iPhone Fold (or iPhone Ultra) is currently expected to launch in September, although some pundits have speculated about potential delays. To keep up with all the latest news and rumors, make sure to bookmark our regularly updated iPhone Fold superguide.

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Best Mac Cleaner Apps 2026: Tested & Compared
Macworld If your Mac is slowing down, freezing, running out of RAM or storage, and just not behaving like it used to, a good Mac cleaner app can help. This article will guide you in choosing a safe and reliable Mac cleaner for everyday tasks like reclaiming storage, removing duplicate and leftover files, uninstalling apps cleanly, and handling light system maintenance. Our recommendations are based on hands-on testing, evaluating scan usefulness, cleanup safety, uninstall effectiveness, disk tools, and overall value. While macOS includes built-in tools for basic upkeep, some readers may be better served by those options or a lighter utility. For others, a dedicated cleaner can be a safer alternative to manually digging through system folders, where deleting the wrong file could cause problems. Later in this article, we explain how we test Mac cleaning software, whether Mac cleaners are safe, and what to check before using a Mac cleaner, and answer common questions. PROMOTIONMake Your Mac Fly with CleanMyMac CleanMyMac is the ultimate solution for a faster and cleaner Mac. It smartly identifies and removes junk, deletes unnecessary files, optimizes performance, and protects your Mac machine against common threats. Unleash your Mac’s full potential and enjoy a smoother experience with CleanMyMac. Try 7 days Free Best Mac Cleaner 2026 We like MacPaw’s CleanMyMac because there is the choice of a yearly subscription or a one time purchase price if you think you might want to keep it for the long haul. It’s also one of the most comprehensive and user-friendly Mac cleaners. Since our original roundup, CleanMyMac has added new features including a redesigned UI and expanded cleanup tools for cloud storage in 2025. Another option we really like is Parallels Toolbox which offers a bundle of handy tools for just about everything. There are also some cheaper options including Cleaner One Pro and Nektony’s App Cleaner & Uninstaller and free options such as Onyx and CCleaner. Ultimately, the best cleaner is one that fits your budget and requirements. For a comprehensive, all-in-one solution, CleanMyMac is a top contender, while Cleaner One Pro offers great value. For those who want deep, technical control, MacCleaner Pro is a strong choice. Below you can read about the Mac Cleaners we have reviewed. Read on to find out why we rate these options so highly. 1. MacPaw CleanMyMac – Best Mac cleaner for ease of use Pros Very easy to use Comprehensive all-in-one toolkit Fast, effective cleaning results Cons Expensive compared to rivals Duplicates macOS built-in tools Occasionally flags needed files Price When Reviewed: Basic (1 Mac): $9.95 per month; $47.50 per year; $119.95 one time fee. Plus (1 Mac): $15.95 per month; $71.40 annually; $195.95 one time fee Best Prices Today: Retailer Price MacPaw (Basic: annual, 1 device) $47.40 View Deal MacPaw (Basic) One Time Purchase $119.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who CleanMyMac is best for: CleanMyMac is a good option for everyday Mac users and beginners who want simple, all-in-one maintenance without technical knowledge. Power users can still dig deeper, but it’s designed for convenience. Why we like CleanMyMac: We like CleanMyMac X because it makes complex Mac maintenance simple, fast, and accessible in one polished app. CleanMyMac’s main strength lies in combining multiple tools into one package. It offers cleaning, optimisation, and maintenance features through a very user-friendly interface with clear summaries. Users can quickly reclaim storage, manage apps, and visualise files using tools like Space Lens, which provides an intuitive overview of disk usage. The app includes a wide range of tools: Smart Scan (which combines cleanup, malware checks, and optimisation), system junk and cache removal, an app uninstaller and updater, large and old file finder, malware and privacy tools, and performance optimisation features such as RAM management and maintenance scripts. Space Lens stands out as a particularly useful visual feature. CleanMyMac is very beginner-friendly, offering one-click cleaning alongside more detailed file review options for greater control. Scans are fast and effective, often freeing up gigabytes of space by removing junk, unused apps, and leftover files. It is generally accurate and safe to use. In terms of performance, it can improve responsiveness and free up storage, particularly on slower Macs. Compared to similar apps, it is more polished and easier to use. However, there are some drawbacks. Certain features overlap with built-in macOS tools, and the software carries a premium price compared to competitors. It can also occasionally flag files that users may want to keep, meaning some manual checking is advisable. There is no built-in duplicate finder and the antivirus capabilities, though a nice addition, are not best-in-class like some of the options in our Best Antivirus for Mac round-up. A free trial is available, but cleaning is limited to a maximum of 500MB. You can purchase from MacPaw’s website or via the Mac App Store – though that version lacks some features due to Apple restrictions. MacPaw is running a 30% discount for students – submit your university email address and receive a download code here.  You can get CleanMyMac here. Read our full CleanMyMac review 2. Parallels Toolbox – Best all-in-one toolkit Pros Huge tool variety Very easy to use Handy everyday utilities Cons Annual subscription required Many tools unnecessary Price When Reviewed: $24.99 per year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Parallels Toolbox Free 14-day Trial Free View Deal Parallels (1 year, 1 Mac) $24.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who Parallels Toolbox is best for: Parallels Toolbox is good for Mac (and Windows) users who want a wide range of simple utilities in one place – especially beginners or casual users who prefer convenience over deep control. Why we like Parallels Toolbox: We like it because it combines dozens of genuinely useful everyday tools into one simple, polished app without overwhelming the user. Parallels Toolbox brings together more than 50 tools – including cleaning, media, and system utilities – into a single, easy-to-access app with a clean interface and menu bar integration. Useful features such as Clipboard History, video downloading, duplicate finding, screen recording, and app uninstalling make it a practical everyday toolkit. The main strength of Parallels Toolbox is its breadth and simplicity. It offers a broad mix of tools across system, file, and media categories, all designed to be quick and lightweight. Tools launch almost instantly and require little to no setup, making the software highly beginner-friendly. However, this simplicity comes at the cost of limited advanced control, which may frustrate more experienced users. Its cleaning capabilities are solid for basic maintenance, allowing users to remove cache files, duplicates, and unnecessary data, as well as uninstall apps with leftover file cleanup. It is generally accurate, focusing on obvious junk files and avoiding risky deletions. While it can help free up storage and slightly improve system responsiveness, it is not a deep optimisation tool. On the downside, many of the included tools may feel unnecessary for some users. Additionally, the software is subscription-based, which may not appeal to everyone. Compared to specialist apps like CleanMyMac, Parallels Toolbox is less powerful in individual areas but stands out as a versatile, all-in-one utility suite. Parallel’s Toolbox is included free of charge along with Parallels Desktop but you can also purchase it as a standalone product for both Mac and Windows, with an annual subscription fee. There’s also a free 7-day trial that will actually delete files, free memory and do all those other useful things without you buying the app. You can get Parallels Toolbox here. Read our full Parallels Toolbox review 3. Cleaner One Pro for Mac – Simple and fast Mac cleaner Pros Fast, stable, responsive performance Clean, easy-to-use interface Useful duplicate and cloud cleanup Cons Interface could use refinement Lacks advanced/security features Slightly less thorough cleaning Price When Reviewed: $19.99 a year for 1 device (usually $24.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Trend Micro (1 year, 1 Mac) $19.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who Cleaner One Pro is best for: Cleaner One Pro for Mac is a good option for Mac users who want a simple, reliable cleanup tool without complexity or all-in-one bloat. Why we like Cleaner One Pro: It’s a well-balanced, fast, and easy-to-use cleaner that delivers reliable results without overwhelming users. Cleaner One Pro delivers fast, stable performance with smooth navigation, making it particularly appealing for everyday users who value simplicity and efficiency. The interface is well designed, easy to customise, and highly beginner-friendly, with guided scans that make it clear what’s safe to remove while still offering enough control for more confident users. The app includes a solid set of core tools: a junk file cleaner, duplicate file finder, large file scanner with disk map, app manager for removing leftover files, startup manager, system monitoring tools, and a standout Dropbox scanner for identifying unnecessary cloud-based files. This Dropbox integration is relatively rare among competitors and adds useful functionality for users managing both local and cloud storage. In terms of performance, Cleaner One Pro is quick to scan and responsive in use. It effectively removes junk files, duplicates, and app leftovers, helping to free up storage and improve system responsiveness. It is also generally accurate, avoiding overly aggressive file flagging, which reduces the risk of deleting important data. Its lightweight design means it has minimal impact on system performance while running. However, it does have limitations. Some interface elements could be refined, and it lacks broader features such as antivirus protection or bundled extras like VPNs. Compared to more comprehensive competitors, its cleaning can be slightly less thorough, and it is not as feature-rich overall. Despite this, Cleaner One Pro holds its own with competitive pricing, strong core functionality, and a more focused, less bloated experience than many alternatives, making it a solid choice for users who prioritise ease of use and speed over advanced features. Cleaner One Pro offers is available on subscription. There is also a free version with basic scanning and no usage limits, making it easy to try without payment details. It’s also available on the Mac App Store and there’s also an iOS version on the iOS App Store.  Read our full Cleaner One Pro for Mac review 4. MacCleaner Pro – Impressive tools at a good price Pros Frees significant storage space Wide range of utilities Beginner and advanced modes Cons Split into multiple apps Clunky interface Price When Reviewed: $29.95/a year for 1 Mac, or $74.95 for 1 Mac (one time purchase) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Nektony (1 year, 1 Mac) $29.95 View Deal Nektony (one time purchase, 1 Mac) $74.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who MacCleaner Pro is best for: MacCleaner Pro is a good option for Mac users who want an all-in-one cleanup toolkit that offers both simple and more advanced controls. Why we like MacCleaner Pro: It offers powerful cleaning tools via an straightforward interface. MacCleaner Pro from Nektony is a comprehensive Mac maintenance suite that combines a core cleaning app with several dedicated modules, including App Cleaner & Uninstaller, Disk Space Analyzer, Duplicate File Finder, Memory Cleaner, and Funter. Together, these tools provide a broad set of utilities in one package, helping users reclaim storage space and manage system performance without needing technical expertise. The core app performs overall disk cleaning, while individual modules offer more targeted control. The App Cleaner & Uninstaller is particularly strong, allowing users to remove apps alongside all associated files, manage startup programs and extensions, and track down leftover files. Duplicate File Finder provides precise filtering by file type, while Memory Cleaner highlights RAM usage by apps and processes. Funter adds visibility into hidden files, rounding out a feature-rich toolkit. Ease of use is a key strength. The interface is clear and beginner-friendly, with a “Fast Cleanup” option that quickly removes unnecessary files, while advanced users can access deeper controls. In testing, Fast Cleanup cleared 11.4GB of space, while Deep Cleanup reclaimed an impressive 65.4GB, demonstrating strong cleaning effectiveness. Scans are generally fast, though deeper operations can take longer and may require user input. The software is accurate and safe to use, focusing on clearly removable files such as caches, duplicates, and leftovers, though some manual judgement may be required during deeper cleaning. It can improve available storage and overall responsiveness, although intensive scans may temporarily impact performance. However, MacCleaner Pro has some drawbacks. Its multi-app structure can feel fragmented, and occasional UI quirks – such as unnecessary system prompts – can interrupt the experience. It also lacks built-in malware protection, a feature offered by some competitors like CleanMyMac. A free trial version is available, offering full functionality for two days. The app can be purchased via subscription or as a one-time license, making it a flexible option for users seeking an effective, all-in-one Mac cleanup solution. There is a free trial version that is fully functioning for two days. You can purchase MacCleaner Pro via a monthly or yearly subscription, or as a one-time purchase, making it a flexible option for users seeking an effective, all-in-one Mac cleanup solution. Read our full Nektony MacCleaner Pro review 5. Avast Cleanup Premium – Best for deep cleaning with customization Pros Fast performance Good customization options Wide range of tools Cons Can be overly aggressive Promotional opt-ins enabled Not very innovative Price When Reviewed: $29.88 a year for 1 Mac (usually $65.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Avast (first year, 1 device) $29.88 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who Avast Cleanup Premium is best for: Avast Cleanup Premium for Mac is best suited to general users who want an all-in-one, affordable Mac cleaning tool with some customization, rather than power users seeking highly advanced or specialised optimisation tools. Why we like Avast Cleanup Premium: It combines strong cleaning performance with a broad set of tools and fast operation, making it a practical all-in-one maintenance utility. Avast Cleanup Premium for Mac is a well-rounded cleaning tool offering a broad set of utilities, including Quick Clean, duplicate finder, photo analysis, app uninstaller, startup manager, and a detailed system monitor. Its standout features include hardware monitoring and granular duplicate sorting, though it doesn’t introduce anything particularly new compared to competitors. It delivers fast performance and effective cleaning, capable of digging deeper into system files to remove clutter, reclaim storage, and improve overall responsiveness. However, its cleaning can be overly aggressive if left unchecked, meaning users should review settings and results carefully to avoid removing more than intended. The app is easy to install and generally beginner-friendly, with a clear interface, but also offers a good level of control and customization within each module. This balance makes it accessible while still allowing more hands-on management if desired. In terms of accuracy, it works well but relies on user oversight, as some items flagged for removal may not always be ideal to delete. There’s no noted negative performance impact—instead, it can help improve system speed by freeing up space. Compared to similar apps, it’s a solid all-rounder rather than a standout leader, matching competitors in functionality without significantly surpassing them. A 30-day free trial (sometimes as long as 60-days during promotions) unlocks full functionality, allowing users to test all features before committing to a subscription. Read our full Avast Cleanup Premium for Mac review 6. CCleaner Pro – Good cleaning control Pros Strong customization and control options Effective at clearing storage clutter Wide range of cleaning tools Cons Clunky and dated interface design Less polished than competitors Not for beginners Price When Reviewed: Free; Pro version: $39.95 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Piriform Software (annually) $39.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who CCleaner is best for: Piriform Software’s CCleaner for Mac is suited to intermediate to advanced users who want detailed control over cleaning and storage, rather than a fully automated, beginner-first experience. Why we like CCleaner: It delivers effective Mac cleaning with a high level of control, making it reliable for users who want to manage exactly what gets removed. CCleaner for Mac is a flexible cleaning tool aimed at users who want more control over how their system is managed. It offers a range of modular features, including Quick Clean, Clean Clutter, Clean Browser, Find Duplicates, Analyze Photos, Uninstall Apps, Startup Manager, System Monitor, and storage statistics, making it more than a simple one-click cleaner. Its main strength is the level of customization available. Users can target specific files such as caches, duplicates, large files, and browser data, helping to free up storage effectively. The software provides a clear analysis before deletion, improving accuracy and giving users confidence in what is being removed. Overall, it performs well at cleaning and can improve system responsiveness by reducing clutter, without causing noticeable performance issues. However, the interface feels somewhat dated and less polished than competing apps. It lacks the visual refinement and automation found in alternatives like CleanMyMac or DaisyDisk, and achieving the best results often requires manual input. While installation and basic use are straightforward, the software leans toward a more hands-on approach, meaning advanced users will benefit most from its features. In terms of performance, scans and analysis are reasonably quick, and cleaning speed depends on user selections. CCleaner stands out for its granular control and detailed tools, but falls short in offering a more modern, streamlined experience. A free version is available with basic cleaning functionality, while more advanced features are locked behind the Pro version. Read our full CCleaner Pro review 7. Onyx – Excellent free option Pros Excellent utility Good customization Reliable bug fixes and updates Cons Scheduling feature needs refinement Intimidating Price When Reviewed: Free Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Titanium Software (Donationware) Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who OnyX is best for: Suited to users who want deep access to macOS system tools – particularly power users and more experienced Mac owners. Why we like OnyX: This is. a long-standing free utility that provides powerful tools for macOS maintenance, cache cleaning, and running maintenance scripts. OnyX provides easy access to the powerful underlying tools within macOS, allowing users to run advanced, customizable maintenance scripts for tasks such as checking volume structures, repairing permissions, cleaning system databases, and accessing low-level system specifications. It also simplifies access to complex system functions like security settings, login options, Display Calibrator, and Keychain Access, making it a highly capable utility. The depth of functionality makes OnyX an indispensable tool for everyday and power users alike, but its real strength lies with those comfortable going beyond basic cleaning. Its extensive customization and ability to work with low-level system features appeal most to users who want control, understand system settings, or are willing to learn. Our main criticism is that the Scheduling feature is a bit vague and seems to only function around specific days, hours, and minutes. While capable everyday users can benefit, the lack of tutorials and slightly vague scheduling feature mean it can feel intimidating for beginners, and support responses may be slow. For that reason, OnyX is best suited to power users and technically confident Mac users, though others can benefit if they’re prepared to spend time learning its features. Onyx is Donationware, with users asked to send along whatever they believe the program is worth. Read our full Onyx review 8. Daisy Disk – Nice one off price Pros Quickly scans storage and finds large files Graphical representation File name previews Can check cloud storage Cons Some user-interface quirks Price When Reviewed: $9.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Software Ambience (One time purchase) $9.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who DaisyDisk is best for: It’s best for users who want a simple, visual way to understand and manage their storage, rather than a full all-in-one cleaning suite. Why we like DaisyDisk: It is a visually appealing disk analyzer that helps you understand what’s taking up space on your Mac. Rather than a fully automated cleaning tool. DaisyDisk focuses on helping you clearly see what’s taking up space and gives you full control over what to delete. At its core, the app uses a clean, engaging interface to visualize data across local, network, and even some cloud-based volumes, mapping out files so you can quickly identify large, space-hogging items. It supports a wide range of file systems, disk images, and network volumes, and can scan almost any accessible storage. Users can also connect services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Box to track down old files, though there are some limitations – Google Drive access issues were noted, and iCloud Drive can only be scanned locally due to Apple restrictions. See our round-up of the best cloud backups for Mac. DaisyDisk is well suited to those who prefer manual control and clarity over automation. It does one job very well: helping you find and remove large files efficiently. You can scan entire drives or specific folders, and deletions are entirely user-driven, with a short countdown window to prevent mistakes. It’s also ideal for users who want a tool that’s easy and even enjoyable to use, thanks to its intuitive, visually appealing design, rather than something complex or overloaded with features. While it lacks the automation of some competitors, its focused approach and transparency make it highly effective for reclaiming storage space – often freeing up significant amounts of data in the process. Unlike so many apps you don’t have to sign up for a subscription package: the app retails for a one off fee of $9.99/£9.99, which is excellent value.  Read our full Daisy Disk review 9. Klarity Disk – Visual disk analysis Pros Clear and intuitive visual interface Fast scanning and responsive performance Simple, focused and lightweight tool Cons Limited features beyond disk analysis Lacks automation and smart cleaning Not as powerful as rivals Price When Reviewed: $6.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Klarity $6.99 View Deal Mac App Store 6.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Who Klarity Disk is best for: Klarity Disk is suited to users who want a simple, visual disk analysis tool with a focus on understanding storage rather than full system cleaning. Why we like Klarity Disk: It provides a clean, easy-to-understand way to visualise and manage disk space without unnecessary complexity. Klarity Disk is a lightweight Mac utility designed to help users understand and manage storage through a clear, visual interface. It uses treemap-style graphics to map disk usage, making it easy to explore folders, identify large files, and navigate storage. Basic file management tools are included, allowing users to locate and manually delete unwanted files. Its biggest strength is simplicity. The app provides a clear visual breakdown of storage, helping users quickly find large or unnecessary files. It’s lightweight, focused, and avoids unnecessary extras, offering good value. Klarity is beginner-friendly, with an intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate. At the same time, it offers high manual control, as users decide what to delete. Scanning is fast and responsive, quickly highlighting problem areas without slowing the system. In terms of cleaning, Klarity is effective at identifying large and unnecessary files and does allow file removal. However, it relies entirely on user decisions rather than automated suggestions, which contributes to its high accuracy and low risk of deleting important files. It can help free up storage and may improve responsiveness indirectly, with no noticeable performance impact. However, it lacks the broader functionality of full system cleaners, with no automation, advanced cleanup tools, or deeper optimisation features. Compared to alternatives like DaisyDisk, it offers a similar visual approach but with fewer refinements. Against full-featured cleaners, it is more limited but also simpler and more focused. It’s a paid app with a low one-time of $6.99/£6.99, available on the Mac App Store or from Klarity. Read our full Klarity Disk review 10. MacPaw Gemini – Dependable duplicate deleter Pros Capable of finding multiple duplicate types Excellent search customization Handy preferences and options Cons Lack of additional filters makes sorting located duplicates tedious Needs a scheduling feature Price When Reviewed: From $19.95 for 1 Mac, annually Best Prices Today: Retailer Price MacPaw (1 year, 1 Mac) $19.95 View Deal MacPaw (one time purchase, 1 Mac) $44.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why we like MacPaw Gemini: While not a comprehensive Mac cleaner that handles system junk or malware, it excels at its specific task of duplicate removal. Though not strictly a Mac cleaner, like other apps in this round-up, MacPaw’s Gemini 2 can certainly help you get back some disc space. It is a duplicate removal tool that focuses specifically on reducing the thousands of duplicate photos in your Photos library. It also hunts down duplicate files within Apple Music and across the macOS operating system. The app is available through Apple’s App Store and MacPaw’s SetApp application, which grants access to Gemini and other apps for $9.99 (£7.60) a month. It is easy to install and offers a seven-day free trial in exchange for either your credit or debit card information. The app includes scripts for easy scanning of the Photos library and your Music library, as well as custom folders and external volumes that can be chosen from a menu or dragged, dropped, and quickly scanned. Other features include Menu Bar elements, whitelists that can be created that are exempt from being scanned, and a Duplicate Monitor feature that helps compare files and heads off duplicates before they begin to pile up. In testing, Gemini 2 quickly sought out duplicates, offered the option to remove them, and eradicated them from our hard drive. This also applies to music files and other document types, and the Duplicate Monitor warns you about possible duplicates that have been carried over to your hard drive. However, there are some caveats, such as confusion about account registration and permissions after downloading and installing Gemini 2 from the App Store. MacPaw is urging its clients towards SetApp subscriptions, which offer full access to the company’s apps for a given rate per month. While Gemini 2 runs well, a scheduling feature for folder or volume scans would not go amiss. An improved filter for locating duplicate items would be more helpful. Despite some minor hurdles, Gemini 2 is well-written, sharp, helpful, fast, works well with all kinds of duplicates, and lends a good feature set to the macOS operating system without being overbearing. It hones in on its tasks and performs them well enough to earn the trust of users. Read our full MacPaw Gemini review 11. AVG TuneUp Premium Pros Good speed and performance Great level of customization and ability to add whitelists as needed Reasonable price point and (currently) good offer Cons Buggy – main window couldn’t be set to full screen or resized The Uninstall Apps module required multiple authentications Bad Photo feature in the Analyze Photos module functions on vague criteria Price When Reviewed: $65.99 per year for one device; currently $34.99 for 10 devices (usually $79.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price AVG $65.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why we like AVG TuneUp Premium: This app works as advertised to reclaim disk space and offers a high level of customization. It suffers from some user interface bugs, such as a main window that cannot be resized. AVG’s TuneUp Premium for Mac claims to reclaim lost space by removing junk data, duplicate files, and poor-quality photos, improving Mac performance. The software is divided into modules: Quick Clean, Clean Clutter, Clean Browser, Find Duplicates, Analyse Photos, Uninstall Apps, Manage Startups, System Monitor, and Statistics. Each module runs quickly, has a user-friendly interface, and effectively removes common detritus, recovering gigabytes of lost drive space. The modules work as advertised, with AVG adding customisation to filter files, folders, drives, and volumes. The Clean Browser module lets users create a Cookie Allowlist to avoid conflicts. The Find Duplicates application categorises found documents and allows adding folders or external drives for sorting. Utilities like Uninstall Apps and Manage Startups also worked well. Manage Startups provides deeper insights into startup load than macOS Settings, with easy toggling of settings. The System Monitor module offers system information, including CPU/memory usage, sensors, disk usage, battery usage, and life, and is available from the Menu Bar. However, there are issues. The Uninstall Apps module required two Touch ID authentications, which seems odd. The user interface is polished but doesn’t allow full-screen mode or resizing. The Bad Photos feature in Analyse Photos is vague, and the few images it found didn’t seem damaged, blurry, or out of focus, but rather oddities that didn’t fit into the Photos Library. AVG TuneUp Premium for Mac offers a good program with excellent customisation, allowing users to add exceptions and whitelists before applying large-scale filters and cleanup routines. The software focuses on its core tasks, such as antivirus protection, without attempting to do everything else. However, there’s room for improvement. Read our full AVG TuneUp review 12. Intego Washing Machine Pros Reclaim drive space and remove duplicate files Good customization, filters, and settings Cons Annoying pop-ups Installation difficult Price When Reviewed: $19.99 for one Mac for first year (usually $49.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Intego (1 year, 1 Mac, 60% off) $19.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why we like Intego Washing Machine X9: It’s a straightforward utility for reclaiming disk space and removing duplicates. While effective, it doesn’t offer groundbreaking features compared to its competitors and its “Organize” tool is seen as a superficial fix for messy folders. Intego’s Washing Machine X9 is a handy cleaning utility for the Mac that focuses on reclaiming disk space via the Reclaim tool, removing duplicate files on your Mac’s hard drive with the Duplicates tool, and organizing folders using the Organize tool. As is standard, the software (compatible with macOS 13 High Sierra or later) requires that you grant it full access to your hard drive though your Mac’s Privacy and Security settings. Less standard was that we had to locate the Intego Washing Machine X9 app in the Applications folder and drag it into Full Disk Access in Privacy and Security settings to get it to function. It is more common that an installer will add an easy icon that can be dragged into the macOS Full Disk Access pane to complete the installation. There’s a good level of customization. Like similar applications, the Reclaim tool can chase after caches, downloads, language files, logs, and trash files to help clean up disk space. The initial run cleared approximately 24GB of drive space from my M2 MacBook Pro’s SSD. The Duplicates tool took about five hours to create an initial index for my 1TB SSD. It offered control over duplicates that can be selected and specific options and naming filters. The Organize feature can help organize messy folders into a Snapshot folder for reorganization later. This tool can work with specific folders such as the ever-messy Desktop folder, your Home folder, and macOS’ Smart Folders, and help pull things into order. This Organize feature does feel like slapping a band-aid on the larger problem of a folder’s disorganization though.The Scheduling option only allows for a specific week or month to be chosen, and it would have been nice to be able to schedule a process for a few minutes from now, as is common with similar software. While it’s nice to be able to reclaim a few dozen gigabytes of drive space and have control over the duplicate files on your Mac, Washing Machine offers nothing groundbreaking. With the current discounts and its attractive user interface it’s worth a look though. Alternatively, Intego’s Washing Machine X9 is bundled with Intego’s larger security suite so you could take advantage of that and get a Mac Cleaner with Intego’s Antivirus solution. The Mac Premium Bundle includes VirusBarrier, NetBarrier, Content Barrier, and Personal Backup solutions. Read our full Intego Washing Machine X9 review 13. Nektony App Cleaner & Uninstaller Pros Friendly interface, good performance Cheap option Cons Mediocre update utility Problems with Remaining Files module  Price When Reviewed: $14.95 a year for 1 Mac Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Nektony (1 year, 1 Mac) $14.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Why we like App Cleaner & Uninstaller: It offers a user-friendly interface and can dig deep into macOS to find and remove leftover files and unwanted extensions. App Cleaner & Uninstaller simplifies the process of removing unwanted applications, startup programs, extensions, remaining files, and updates. The Applications module indexes all applications and allows users to easily find and remove even the remnants of software. The Startup Programs module provides a convenient list of startup applications, categorised into All Programs, Active, and Disabled, and lets users select which to remove. The Extensions module categorises Mac extensions into Installation Files, Web Browser Extensions, Screen Savers, Settings Panes, Internet Plugins, and Widgets, making it easy to locate and remove specific extensions. Unfortunately, App Cleaner & Uninstaller’s Remaining Files and Updater elements are problematic. The Remaining Files module, though useful, offers a generalised ‘Remove’ feature that can remove critical system elements like the App Store, affecting your Mac’s functionality. During testing, it targeted Adobe Creative Cloud applications and files, removing file systems and requiring reinstallation of several Adobe applications. While a generalised cleanup is possible, the Remaining Files module should be used carefully to avoid removing critical elements. The Updates feature missed major updates like ff-Works, Slack, and Microsoft Office.  Read our full Nektony App Cleaner & Uninstaller review You may also like to consider: Disk Doctor, $2.99/£2.99 a year. Tuneup for Mac, $65.99/£54.99 a year. We have also looked at MacBooster, find out why we don’t recommend it here: MacBooster Review: it’s no surprise people think it’s malware. For more information about why a Mac cleaner app could be useful read: Why your Mac needs a cleaner app. We also discuss Tips for cleaning up your Mac. What are the best free Mac Cleaner options? If you prefer not to pay, several reliable free Mac cleaners exist, ranging from completely free utilities to limited free versions of premium software. While macOS includes built-in storage management tools, they require more manual effort and carry the risk of deleting important system files if you’re not careful. You should only use macOS tools if you are confident that you are not deleting critical system files. While macOS includes protections to prevent you from easily damaging the operating system, manual deletion of certain folders can lead to application errors or system instability. Third-party apps often provide more automated ways to clear caches, logs, and unneeded system data. The following are the most effective free options we have tested for maintaining a Mac. OnyX: A long-standing, completely free utility that provides powerful tools for macOS maintenance, cache cleaning, and running maintenance scripts. Options like OnyX are suited to technical experts troubleshooting persistent system issues. CCleaner: This well known tool offers a free version with useful cleaning features, though a professional version is also available. Avira Free Security: While primarily an antivirus, it includes a Junk Cleaner module that can clear out gigabytes of unnecessary files, though many other features are behind a paywall. Several premium cleaners offer trials that allow you to clean your Mac for free for a limited time or up to a certain data limit: Nektony App Cleaner & Uninstaller: This software is available as a two-day free download. It excels at finding Remaining Files from previously deleted applications. CleanMyMac: Is highly recommended for its user-friendly interface, which allows you to know what needs fixing without bombarding you with confusing information. It offers a free trial that shows how much space can be freed, though full cleaning may require a subscription. DaisyDisk and MacCleaner Pro: Also offer free trials that provide a way to clean your system without immediate cost. How to choose the best Mac Cleaner Choosing the best Mac cleaner depends on your needs, budget, and comfort with system tools. Some apps focus purely on freeing up disk space, while others offer broader features like app uninstallation, RAM management, system optimisation, and even antivirus protection. If you just want to reclaim storage – perhaps to install a macOS update – a simple, low-cost cleaner may be enough. These tools are usually easy to use and focused on quick results. For many users, a standalone app uninstaller can be a smart middle ground. Leftover files from deleted apps are a common cause of clutter, and tools like Nektony’s App Cleaner can remove these without the complexity of a full suite. If you want more comprehensive maintenance, including performance improvements, deeper system insights, and added security features, a full-featured cleaner is worth considering. Ultimately, the best Mac cleaner is the one that fits your requirements and budget. Any app included in this roundup that matches your criteria comes recommended. Most Mac cleaners include tools such as: Duplicate finding: Locate identical files to free up space. Startup management: Disable apps that slow boot times. Browser & privacy cleaning: Remove cookies and tracking data. System monitoring: Track RAM, CPU, and overall performance. How Macworld tests Mac Cleaning software To test Mac cleaning software, Macworld’s experts run the applications on a test system and perform real-world evaluations to assess their performance in typical use cases . The review process focuses on several key criteria to determine the software’s effectiveness and value. The primary steps and evaluation criteria include: Scanning and File Removal: The software is first used to scan a test system for junk files, caches, and temporary files that can be deleted. Success is measured not just by the amount of space the app frees up, but also by ensuring the cleaning process doesn’t cause data loss or performance slowdowns. Module Effectiveness: Beyond simple file cleaning, the evaluation extends to the various modules included in each app. This includes testing the efficiency of features like app uninstallers and RAM management tools. User Experience and Value: Our reviewers also assess the software’s ease of use and overall value for money. For example, CleanMyMac is noted for simplifying its scan results into a series of tiles for a quick summary. Features and Innovations: New and updated features are also a point of focus. For instance, a 2025 update to CleanMyMac introduced a “Purgeable Space” option to scan for old files and a “Space Lens” feature that provides a visual guide to storage usage, which were highlighted in its review. Our goal is to provide unbiased recommendations based on real-world testing. Our approach is to use the products ourselves, running real-world tests to accurately assess how the software will perform in typical use. Why you should trust Macworld Macworld’s Mac cleaner app reviewer, Chris Barylick, is an Apple-Certified Macintosh Technician with more than twenty years of experience fixing Macs and in this time has seen just about every scenario that can be conceived of. You can trust the unbiassed recommendations and buying advice of Macworld’s team of experts because we use the products ourselves, running real-world tests to accurately assess how the software will perform in typical use. FAQ 1. Can you clean your Mac without using a Mac Cleaner? macOS doesn’t have a built-in system cleaner, but with a little knowhow you can do the job yourself. It is possible to clean your Mac for free, however there are risks involved. There’s a reason why Apple doesn’t let you access the contents of System Data: if you delete the wrong thing it could bring down your whole Mac! However you can follow the steps in this tutorial to free up space without spending anything: How to delete System Data on a Mac. 2. Is it worth paying for a Mac Cleaner or can I clean my Mac for free? There are several options available that offer free trials or are completely free. Free Trials: Some Mac cleaner apps, such as CleanMyMac, DaisyDisk, Parallels ToolBox and MacCleaner Pro featured above, offer free trial versions that allow users to clean their Mac for free for a limited period. Free Versions: CCleaner has a free version with useful cleaning features. OnyX is a free utility that provides access to powerful tools for cleaning and maintenance of the macOS operating system Some of these trials will merely show you how much space you can free up, but several are essentially free Mac Cleaners that will allow you to clean your Mac for free, albeit for a limited period. While some of these options may have limitations or time restrictions, they provide a way to clean your Mac without immediate cost. 3. Is there a totally free Mac cleaner? CCleaner and OnyX are the best options if you are looking for a free Mac cleaner. Alternatively you can use Apple’s built in tools to help you find ways to make more space and delete data you don’t need. See: How to check a Mac’s free hard drive space and How to clear disk space on a Mac and How to find and delete duplicate files on Mac. 4. Why use a Mac cleaner Using a Mac cleaner application can be beneficial for system maintenance and performance, especially if a Mac is slowing down, freezing, or frequently running out of RAM. One of the primary reasons to use a cleaner is to identify and remove “cruft” – unnecessary files that accumulate over time and consume significant disk space. These apps are particularly effective at targeting “System Data” (formerly “Other” storage), which includes large caches, logs, and temporary files that are often difficult to locate manually. By using these tools, users can safely clear gigabytes of data, such as: Application Leftovers: Files remaining after an app is dragged to the Trash. Duplicate Files: Identical documents, photos, or downloads that waste space. Language Files: Unused localization data for languages the user does not speak. Large/Old Files: Scanners that visually map out storage to highlight forgotten space-hogs. Beyond just freeing up space, Mac cleaners can improve overall responsiveness by optimizing how the system handles resources. Many suites include performance-specific modules that allow users to: Manage Startup Items: Disable unnecessary background apps and “launch agents” that slow down boot times. Free Up RAM: Identify and shut down memory-intensive processes to reduce freezing. Maintenance Scripts: Run routine tasks like clearing DNS caches or re-indexing Spotlight to speed up search results. While macOS includes some built-in tools for basic upkeep, dedicated cleaning software often provides a more comprehensive and user-friendly way to handle deep system maintenance without requiring technical expertise. 5. Who should use a Mac cleaner? Mac cleaners are best for users who want to maintain their system without technical knowledge. They provide a simple, all-in-one way to manage storage and performance. Non-technical users: Ideal for those unfamiliar with manual maintenance, as they simplify complex tasks. Limited storage users: Disk analysis tools help identify large files, duplicates, and clutter to free up space. Frequent app installers: Dedicated uninstallers remove leftover files that standard deletion misses. Pre-update users: Useful for clearing clutter before major macOS upgrades. 6. Who should not use a Mac cleaner? For some users, Mac cleaners are unnecessary or not the best option. Power users: Those comfortable with Terminal or manual file management can do similar tasks for free. Budget-conscious users: Many top tools are paid, while free options like OnyX or CCleaner may suffice. Security-conscious users: Avoid cleaners found via suspicious ads, which may lead to malware. Users with basic needs: macOS already includes built-in protections, and some cleaners offer limited security features compared to dedicated antivirus tools. 7. What should you do before using a Mac cleaner? There are a few things you should do before you use a Mac cleaner to make any changes to your Mac. Make a backup: Whether you use a Mac Cleaner, or try to delete things like caches and system files yourself, we strongly recommend that you make a backup first. Things can go wrong and you will be glad to be able to ‘undo’ what you did should a problem arise. Do some housekeeping: Before you use a Mac Cleaner, see if you can clear some space with a little bit of a tidy up. Delete old downloads from your downloads folder; open the finder and delete any largest files you don’t need; empty your trash. Check Apple’s recommendations: Also take a look at Apple’s own suggestions of ways to free up space in Settings > Storage, these are likely to include using iCloud and deleting things like Messages and Mail with large attachments. Get advice: Read our guidance on How to clear disk space on a Mac and How to delete System Data on a Mac. 8. Is it safe to use a Mac Cleaner Using a Mac cleaner is generally safe – and often helpful for maintaining performance – provided you choose reputable software and use it carefully. While macOS already includes built-in protections, third-party cleaners can help reclaim disk space and remove files that are difficult to locate manually. However, not all Mac cleaners are trustworthy. You should avoid tools discovered through suspicious ads, especially those posing as “how-to” guides that encourage you to run Terminal commands. These can sometimes install malware or give attackers remote access to your system. Even legitimate cleaners come with some risk. Most require Full Disk Access, which gives them deep access to your files. This is necessary for functionality, but it also means you should only install apps from trusted developers. There are a few key things to watch out for: System integrity risks: Some advanced cleaning modules can remove important files if not configured properly, potentially affecting macOS features or apps. Malicious ads and fake tools: Be cautious of deceptive search ads that redirect to fake support pages or unsafe downloads. Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs): Some cleaners have poor reputations for aggressive behaviour or misleading prompts. To stay safe, always download software from official websites or the Mac App Store, and avoid granting permissions unless you trust the app. It’s also strongly recommended to back up your Mac before running any cleaning tool, as certain actions can be difficult to reverse. Used responsibly, a good Mac cleaner can be a safe and effective way to free up space and keep your system running smoothly. Related Articles How to clear cache on a Mac How to clear RAM on a Mac How to speed up a slow Mac How to clean install macOS on your Mac

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