If Optimized Storage relocates junk to iCloud, costs for extra storage may nickel and dime you to death as you babysit trash. AppCleaner and CleanMyMac have gained a foothold in Apple’s turf as maintenance tools. While AppCleaner specializes in foolproof uninstallation without leaving residual behind, CleanMyMac’s rich features and super-sleek interface have won over many hearts.
However, both manifest sharp contrasts as AppCleaner offers you no-frills software and CleanMyMac has a multi-tool suite for all-around aftercare. So, which is the best and free cleaner for Mac?
AppCleaner vs. CleanMyMac: A comparison of their interfaces, safety, range of optimization options, or advanced tools in detail helps depict the winner in this showdown.
Part 1. AppCleaner VS. CleanMyMac: A Contrast of Core Features
Design
CleanMyMac sports a polished user interface that is a strong selling point for this product. It has orbed edges, glorious icons, faux crystal-clear backdrops, and suffusion of ochre effects. It’s simply charming and keeps everything at your fingertips without adding complications.
AppCleaner has a straightforward drag-and-drop interface. It’s equally easy to use and intuitive. The interface branches off into three key tabs: Cleaner, Options, or Tools. Under Cleaner, it integrates four more tabs where you can cherry-pick the file categories you want to spruce up such as browser cache.
Functional Capabilities
AppCleaner lacks the revolutionary features defining its counterpart but it comes with plenty of cleanup and maintenance utilities. It wipes away widgets, plugins, temporary files, illegitimate Registry keys, and browser caches. It tops off the suite with a dedicated uninstaller tool. However, it cannot reclaim the acres of space freed up by top-of-the-line tools developed by MacPaw.
Conversely, CleanMyMac uses powerful algorithms that hive off system junk, photo clutter, mail attachments, and iTunes litter. It cleverly splits off user cache files, system log files, language files, obsolete updates, user log files, and macOS localizations. Interestingly, MacPaw incorporates a malware remover to shield you against cyber threats. It will smoke out prying eyes by removing trojans and autofill data.
Optimization
When it comes to speed boosters, CleanMyMac blows its rival out of the waters with superior optimization. It toggles off hung apps that hog down your Mac’s memory to launch it like greased lightning. The tool displays Login Items or Launch Agents to maximize your Mac’s speed when it’s turned on. Paired with a system health monitor, app updater and maintenance utilities, it fuels your computer to maximum performance.
Price & Availability
AppCleaner enjoys large following because of its free and readily available version. It also carves out cross-platform software compatible with Windows. The newly-upgraded CleanMyMac X comes with a free but limited version. You’ve to fork out $39.95 per annum or a one-off price of $89.95.
Part 2. Pros & Cons of AppCleaner and CleanMyMac
CleanMyMac
Pros
- Stunning interface
- Easy and safe processing
- A broad array of cleaning features and advanced instruments like maintenance
- Intelligent file monitoring provides full control
- Superior optimization and speedup tools
- Reclaims gigabytes of storage space
Cons
- Priciest option available
AppCleaner
Pros
- Simple and no-frills application
- Powerful uninstaller tool
- Free and downloadable product
- Cleans up apps, widgets, and plugins
- Uncluttered interface
Cons
- Inferior features
- Not suitable to reclaim storage space