Cleanmymac x review
What It Does & Recent Updates
All‑in‑one Mac maintenance suite that cleans junk, protects from malware, optimizes performance, manages apps, and finds clutter and duplicates.
The newest CleanMyMac 5 (formerly X) launched in October 2024 with a refreshed interface and needed features brought back, like Space Lens for visualizing storage .
As of April 29, 2025, version 5.0.8 is the latest stable release
PROS AND CONS of Cleanmymac X
Pros
- Useful tools: uninstallers, duplicate finder, malware scanner, disk indexer
- Fast Smart Scan that tidies junk, performs malware checks, and optimizes RAM in ~30 sec
- Intuitive, sleek interface; beginner-friendly
Cons
- Occasional user concerns around unneeded deletion or overreach — some recommend free alternatives like Onyx and AppCleaner
- Subscription price (~$39.95/year); lifetime license
€119.95 ($129) - Some features duplicate built-in macOS tools
- Malware protection is lighter than dedicated AV; failed EICAR tests
Full Guide: How to Use CleanMyMac
1. Installation & Setup
- Download from MacPaw or Setapp and grant Full Disk Access and accessibility permissions when prompted—CleanMyMac needs this to scan deeply
2. Run “Smart Scan”
- This flagship feature combines Cleanup, Protection, and Performance in one scan (~30 secs). Review results, then click Clean .
3. Explore Modules
- Cleanup: Remove system junk, cache, mail attachments, browser leftovers. First run can free tens of GB .
- Protection: Malware removal powered by “Moonlock Engine” with quick, balanced, or deep scans – note it’s not full AV protection .
- Performance: Cleans RAM, runs maintenance scripts, resets indexes, speeds up startup and apps
- Applications: Uninstall apps cleanly, manage leftovers, update installed software
- My Clutter (Duplicates/Main Folder Cleanup): Identify large, duplicate, or forgotten files with tools like “Duplicate Finder” and “Space Lens”.
4. Enable Menu Bar Monitor
- Turn on the CleanMyMac menu bar utility for quick insights into CPU, RAM, disk, battery, and network.
Safety Considerations & Alternatives
- Malware: Don’t rely on it as your only AV — consider pairing with dedicated tools like Malwarebytes or Avast for full protection
- Over-cleaning: Review what it plans to delete; avoid removing files you might need .
- Free Options: Onyx (maintenance scripts), AppCleaner (app cleanup), Onyx/Terminal offer deep cleaning at no cost
Summary Table
| Area | CleanMyMac Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Frees GBs quickly via Smart Scan | macOS built-in Storage tools are free alternatives |
| Malware | Good safety net via Moonlock Engine | Not a full AV — missed EICAR tests |
| Performance | RAM, indexer, script automation simplified | Can replicate manually via macOS Terminal |
| Price | Lifetime or annual license options | Subscription can feel pricey |
| Ease of Use | Award-winning UI (Red Dot & iF awards) | Too much automation may delete useful system files |
Final Verdict
CleanMyMac offers a polished, all‑in‑one toolkit for most Mac users, especially those wanting simple clicks instead of Terminal commands. Its standout Smart Scan, sleek UI, and comprehensive cleanup & performance tools earn high marks—especially for beginners or time‑short users.
However, privacy-conscious or advanced users may feel it duplicates free Apple tools. Its malware scanner won’t replace full AV software, and its price may not suit occasional use.
Recommendation: Try the free 7‑day trial. Use it monthly for Smart Scans and app cleanup, but pair with a dedicated antivirus. If you’re confident managing macOS via free utilities, consider Onyx + AppCleaner instead.
FAQs
CleanMyMac X is an all-in-one macOS utility app by MacPaw. It helps clean junk files, uninstall apps, detect malware, manage system performance, and optimize storage visually with tools like Space Lens and Smart Scan.
Partially. CleanMyMac includes a malware scanner that can detect and remove known macOS malware, adware, and spyware.
BUT: It’s not a full antivirus and failed some industry test files (like EICAR). For full protection, use it alongside a dedicated antivirus (e.g., Malwarebytes, Bitdefender).
Yes — but only in CleanMyMac 5 (2024–2025 version), which reintroduced a duplicate file finder.
Older versions (X) required this feature via Gemini 2 (a separate app).
CleanMyMac X was the 2018–2024 version
CleanMyMac 5 is the 2024 rebrand/update with:
Revamped UI
Reintroduced “Space Lens”
Improved malware engine (Moonlock Engine)
Performance improvements for macOS Sonoma and newer
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Hi, this is Masab, the owner and founder of the PC Wire. I’m a PC enthusiast who loves to talk about computers. I have been testing PC hardware for several years now, and I hope my knowledge would answer your queries thoroughly.