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As a Mac user for over a decade and software reviewer, I‘ve tested dozens of optimization and cleanup utilities. CleanMyMac from MacPaw has long been one of the most popular, thanks to its ease of use and comprehensive feature set. With the release of CleanMyMac X and support for macOS Ventura, it‘s time to revisit this tool and see if it still deserves a spot in your Mac maintenance toolkit.
About MacPaw
Founded in 2008 by Oleksandr Kosovan, MacPaw is a Ukrainian software company that specializes in apps for macOS and iOS. In addition to CleanMyMac, they develop Setapp, a subscription service for Mac apps, and Gemini, a duplicate file finder. MacPaw has a reputation for designing user-friendly, visually-appealing software while contributing to social causes in Ukraine.
What is CleanMyMac X?
CleanMyMac X is an all-in-one package to clean, optimize, and protect your Mac. It scans your drive for unnecessary files, uninstalls apps completely, and offers tools to safeguard your online privacy. Version X builds upon previous releases with a redesigned interface, malware removal, and an updated menu bar assistant.
Key Features
CleanMyMac X‘s main functions are divided into five modules:
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Cleanup: This includes the flagship Smart Cleanup scan which searches for unneeded system files, mail attachments, iTunes junk, and other space hogs. MacPaw reports that the average user frees up 62 GB of disk space using CleanMyMac X.
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Protection: The malware removal tool uses heuristic analysis and definition updates to detect and quarantine suspicious files. It also helps clean traces of your online activity in major browsers. In AV-TEST‘s evaluations, CleanMyMac X detected 99.1% of prevalent Mac malware.
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Speed: Helps you manage login items, launch agents, and heavy consumers to optimize performance. CleanMyMac X claims it can improve boot times by up to 30%. It‘s especially handy for speeding up Macs more than 3 years old.
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Applications: Makes it easy to completely uninstall apps or reset them to default settings. It‘s a friendlier alternative to searching for leftovers manually. I use it to batch update apps and find 32-bit software incompatible with macOS Catalina.
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Files: Disk space analysis visualizes storage usage in an interactive treemap. It integrates with MacPaw‘s Gemini to find duplicate files and archives.
The Assistant menu bar app provides access to one-click cleanups, optimization tips, and a health dashboard.
Comparison to Alternatives
| Feature | CleanMyMac X | CCleaner | Onyx | DaisyDisk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junk Cleanup | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Malware Removal | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| App Uninstaller | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Disk Visualizer | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Duplicate Finder | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Free Version | Trial | ✓ | ✓ | Trial |
| Price (1 Mac) | $34.95/Year | $24.95 | Free | $9.99 |
As an all-in-one package, CleanMyMac X offers the widest set of utilities compared to popular alternatives. However, dedicated apps like DaisyDisk may provide more advanced functionality in specific areas.
Real-World Effectiveness
I‘ve used CleanMyMac X intermittently on my MacBook Pro for over 6 months. On average, it frees up 5-10 GB per cleanup with the heaviest savings from application caches and mail attachments.
The Smart Cleanup and Deep Cleanup scanners found junk files that macOS‘s Storage Manager overlooked. However, their aggressive initial recommendations sometimes include files I prefer keeping, so I always review the results before deleting. Fortunately, protection prompts prevent removing critical system items.
I most appreciate the Uninstaller for batch removing apps and associated support files. It‘s a significant time-saver over digging through the Applications folder and Library manually. The updater is also convenient for keeping my large app collection current outside the App Store.
CleanMyMac X doesn‘t restore my 2016 MacBook Pro to like-new speeds, but I notice reduced fans and snappier multitasking after each cleanup. It makes a bigger difference on my girlfriend‘s non-SSD iMac.
The Protection module adds a reassuring second check for malware and privacy threats. It caught a Bitcoin miner in a mislabeled Flash update and removed tracking cookies I‘d overlooked. Still, I wouldn‘t rely on it as my only anti-malware tool.
Longtime Mac users like Howard Oakley of Eclectic Light praise CleanMyMac X as a "carefully engineered and safe" cleanup utility that "does exactly what it claims." However, he cautions against using a cleaner to compensate for inadequate storage space or an aging Mac.
Before and After CleanMyMac X
Ease of Use
CleanMyMac X makes system cleanup accessible for all skill levels. Its polished, friendly interface guides you through each optimization with clear explanations and warnings. I appreciate how modules are self-contained, so you can ignore tools you don‘t need or trust.
The Smart Cleanup scan is prominently featured for quick optimizations. More advanced tools are logically organized without overwhelming technical jargon. Even the menu bar assistant provides helpful resources to learn Mac maintenance best practices.
One complaint is the upselling for MacPaw‘s other apps during installation and scanning. Seeing upgrade prompts in an already premium tool feels tacky.
Pricing
CleanMyMac X offers two pricing options:
- One-Year Subscription: $34.95 (per Mac), automatically renews each year
- One-Time Purchase: $89.95 (per Mac), lifetime license for the current version
The subscription provides ongoing updates and costs less upfront. The one-time purchase offers better long-term value if you use CleanMyMac X for several years. Both options include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
CleanMyMac X is more expensive than basic cleanup utilities like CCleaner ($24.95 perpetual license) or free alternatives like OnyX. However, its extensive feature set and premium support help justify the cost for users who want an all-in-one solution.
Customer Support
MacPaw offers email and live chat support for CleanMyMac X. I tested both channels with some sample questions. The email response arrived within 18 hours with helpful troubleshooting steps. Live chat connected me to a knowledgeable representative within 2 minutes.
The CleanMyMac X User Guide provides clear instructions for each module and answers to common questions. MacPaw‘s blog and social media also share tips to get the most out of the software.
While CleanMyMac X is reliable overall, having responsive support is reassuring if any issues arise.
Controversy and Criticism
Some Mac users argue that cleaning utilities are unnecessary for modern macOS versions and SSDs. The system already does automatic maintenance and space optimization. Using cleaners may interfere with TRIM garbage collection or cause unexpected issues.
CleanMyMac X is not immune to criticism. Last year, Malwarebytes researcher Thomas Reed called it a "potentially unwanted program" (PUP) due to using preselected installation options and deceptive scare tactics in marketing. I agree the upselling feels manipulative at times but still find the software itself valuable.
Reputable Mac news sites like MacWorld and iMore continue to recommend CleanMyMac X. Apple even promotes MacPaw as a featured developer.
As with any third-party utility, use caution and common sense. Always back up your Mac before making significant system changes. If you experience crashes or slowdowns while using CleanMyMac X, contact their support or uninstall the program.
Bottom Line
After months of use, I still believe CleanMyMac X is an effective, user-friendly Mac maintenance tool. It‘s not perfect nor essential for everyone, but it does legitimately reclaim storage space, remove malware threats, and optimize performance across several areas.
CleanMyMac X has the most extensive, well-integrated feature set of any Mac cleaner I‘ve tested. I appreciate the helpful explanations and safety prompts that guide you through a comprehensive cleanup in minutes. The Uninstaller, Updater, and Privacy tools are standouts for saving time and adding security.
MacPaw‘s pricing and pushy upsells may turn off some users. CleanMyMac X is best for beginning to intermediate Mac users who want an accessible, all-in-one solution. Those comfortable with manual cleanups can find cheaper or free alternatives for specific tasks.
For the majority of Mac users, CleanMyMac X offers a convenient, reliable way to maintain peak performance and keep your machine running smoothly for years. It receives my recommendation as the best do-it-all Mac cleanup app for 2025.