Best duplicate file finder for macOS

In 2026, what are the best duplicate file finders on Macs? If you’ve let your storage get a little out of hand and are looking for ways to claw back space, ridding your device of heavy duplicates is a great place to start. But what are the options, and where to start? This article breaks it all down.

Does macOS have a built-in Mac duplicate file finder?

Good question, and the answer is, kind of. The Photos app has a Duplicates album that spots identical or near-identical items in your library. So great if your issue is with thousands of duplicate images, not so great if you’ve got a build-up of PDFs, DMGs, or those stray Premiere exports.

Some technical users try Terminal one-liners to hash files, which works if you are careful. But it’s not something I would recommend; a single wrong delete, and you’ll run into issues. For most people, a dedicated tool is safer and faster.

The best duplicate file finders for Mac in 2026

Here are four Mac duplicate file finders tools I’ve tested recently.

1. CleanMyMac

CleanMyMac takes the top spot because it combines speed and safety. It’s My Clutter feature scans the folders I select, groups results by type, and most importantly, lets me preview everything before I remove and delete anything. So, I can save time and relax in the knowledge that its safety database avoids system areas and focuses on user-generated files. There is also a Similar Images category that shows look-alikes, so I can keep the best frame and ditch the rest.

2. dupeGuru

Open source, quick, and honest about what it finds, dupeGuru is a great option for those who don’t want to spend on a third-party tool. The Picture mode spots resized or rotated variants, and the Music mode understands tags. Yes, the interface is somewhat basic, but if you like free and you are comfortable reviewing results, it earns its place on this list.

3. Nektony Duplicate File Finder

The tool is well known for its strength in comparing entire folders and showing what will remain if you merge. The Duplicate File Finder tool from Nektony is handy when two project folders drift over time. The free version easily finds duplicates, but you’ll need to upgrade for smarter removal and tools like similar folder cleanup.

4. Photos Duplicate Cleaner

Focused tool for Photos libraries. If your mess is entirely in Photos, this is an easy way to reduce bloat without affecting the rest of your disk. It is not for PDFs or DMGs. Keep expectations tight, and it does its job.

Exact matches and finding similar clutter

Locating exact duplicates is easy. The harder problem is near-identical. Files with almost the exact same name, just a character of letter difference, or ten frames from a burst where only one is sharp. A tool that offers some kind of smart logic will really help in these near-identical scenarios, think:

• Visual grouping of images so you can quickly preview without needing to manually open every file

• Smart selection that groups smaller copies, lower resolution, or older timestamps for easier sorting

• Tells you how much space you’ll save once removed or merged

For me, I lean on CleanMyMac’s Similar Images tool, as it looks at the picture itself, not just the name, which catches the look-alikes my manual pass misses.

Safety first: What is safe to delete

Whatever duplicate file finder for Mac you go with, knowing how to differentiate between user-generated files (safe) and system/application files (unsafe) is key. Here’s how I break it all down.

Safe items

• Exports

• Duplicate downloads

• Old DMG installers

• Multiple renders of the same clip,

• Any user documents you knowingly duplicated.

Risky Items

Anything inside:

• /System

• App bundles

• Unknown files under /Library or ~/Library

Basically, if you did not create it and do not recognize it, do not delete it manually.

Two habits keep me out of trouble:

1. Preview before removal. Thumbnails and quick looks save regrets.

2. Send to Trash first. Live with the change for a few days, then empty.

Best duplicate file finder for Mac: How to choose the right tool for you

It all comes down to personal preference. Here are a few things I always consider:

✅ Are you only removing duplicate photos?

✅ Do you prefer manual review, or are you looking for an automated all-in-one?

✅ Do you want to pay, or are you looking for a free tool?

✅ If you keep projects on USB or cloud-synced folders, confirm the tool can scan those safely.

If you figure out your answers to these questions, then you can narrow down your choice. Personally, I prefer a tool that can handle duplicates, large files, updates, login items, and general clutter. One scan, one review, fewer surprises.

So, now you know your options when it comes to free duplicate file finder Mac and paid.