Is CleanMyMac safe and worth it? Here are the facts

6 min read

Even the most powerful and efficient Mac computers can be affected by clutter, intensive background processes, potentially unwanted apps, and malware. That's why software like CleanMyMac is popular: it takes over macOS optimization and maintenance to make sure your Mac always runs smoothly.

As this app deals with system junk files and your data, a question arises: Is CleanMyMac safe to use? In this article, we break down everything there is to know about the safety and legitimacy of CleanMyMac.

Does Apple recommend CleanMyMac?

Before diving into the thorough analysis, let's remind ourselves what CleanMyMac does. CleanMyMac is macOS maintenance utility that helps clean up, optimize, and monitor your Mac's health, ensuring your computer is always efficient and fast. The app has collected many awards — like the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Award — for its sleek design and easy-to-use interface and has been praised by many tech publications.

Apple doesn't endorse any third-party software, so you won't find a list of apps Apple recommends on their official website. However, all apps available on the App Store undergo thorough testing and verification before being published.

While CleanMyMac is a third-party software developed by MacPaw, it is available on the App Store. It has been reviewed and verified by Apple, so you can rest assured that it is safe and secure to use on your Mac.

Is CleanMyMac safe to use?

CleanMyMac is considered safe as it's a legitimate and widely used software utility. Let us shed more light on the CleanMyMac safety with a few facts:

Safe scanning & removal

CleanMyMac only removes clutter like outdated cache files, unneeded user logs, incomplete downloads, and other items that are not system-related. Anything that's crucial for macOS stays untouched. CleanMyMac cleans out over 81K GB of junk every minute. Just imagine it!

Welcome to CleanMyMac

Robust malware protection

Powered by the intelligent antimalware technology called Moonlock, the Malware Removal feature in CleanMyMac helps identify and remove even the most recent types of malware. Along with real-time malware monitoring and background scans, CleanMyMac provides top-notch malware protection: on average, it detects and deletes over 235K threats from Macs annually.

Malware removal module of CleanMyMac

Regular updates

The CleanMyMac developers regularly release updates to address bugs, improve performance, and enhance the app security. By updating CleanMyMac as soon as the new updates are available, you can be sure it's always safe to use on a Mac.

If you're concerned about your Mac safety, don't skip macOS updates, too: these can contain important security patches and fixes.

Is CleanMyMac a legitimate app?

CleanMyMac is a legitimate application created by MacPaw, a reputable software developer. The app has been keeping Macs clean, optimized, and secure for more than 15 years, proving its efficiency and reliability.

However, you should only download CleanMyMac from the official website (get your free trial here) or the App Store. We advise you to stay away from the cracked versions of the app as they can pose security issues and risks.

Is MacPaw legit?

MacPaw is a legitimate software development company known for creating various utilities for macOS and iOS devices. With over 500 specialists on board and more than 30 million users worldwide, the company is the maker behind CleanMyMac, Setapp, ClearVPN, CleanMy®Phone, and other award-winning software.

Is CleanMyMac a scam?

CleanMyMac is a paid application that offers a free 7-day trial to let you test out all the tool and features. It is not bundled with any unwanted software, and you can remove it anytime if you don't find it helpful.

Additionally, CleanMyMac is notarized by Apple and is compatible with the latest macOS, making it safe for your Mac.

Is CleanMyMac worth it?

As for its worth, CleanMyMac offers a one-year subscription costing $40.20 for Basic plan and $65.40 for Plus. It will auto-renew each year. There is also a one-time purchase option for $119.95 for Basic and $195.95 for Plus, which allows you to use the software forever. If your friends and family use Macs, purchasing a plan for multiple computers will help you save money, as there are quantity discounts available for plans of two and five Macs. Considering that CleanMyMac provides Mac cleanup, optimization, maintenance, and protection in one app, it is a fairly priced application.

Can CleanMyMac be trusted?

We've already listed some of the arguments that prove that CleanMyMac is a safe app. Another thing to note is that CleanMyMac has been consistently maintained and updated over time. It reflects the company's commitment to providing a reliable and trustworthy product.

MacPaw actively interacts with its user community: you can follow CleanMyMac on social media to stay updated on product news and future plans. Additionally, there is a responsive customer support service available to help you with any questions, issues, or suggestions that you may have (including refunds and canceling your subscription).

CleanMyMac review: main features and tools

CleanMyMac offers two plans: Basic and Plus. The features you get depend on the plan you choose. Before we cover the main tools, here's a quick overview of what CleanMyMac can help you do to your Mac.

CleanMyMac in numbers

Keeps Macs junk-free: on average, users find and remove 10.5 GB of safe-to-delete junk files after the first Smart Care scan
Detects Mac-specific threats: on average, users delete 1 malware after the first scan
Helps keep Macs clutter-free: on average, users remove 4 duplicates and 5 similar images
Cleans and maintains ~51K Macs daily

Now, to the features.

Basic

With the Basic plan, you get access to the following tools and features:

Cleanup: detect and remove system junk (like cache and log files, trash bins, and mail attachments)
Performance: run maintenance tasks (free up purgeable space, flush DNS cache, and thin Time Machine snapshots + manage login items and background extensions)
Applications: uninstall, reset, and update apps
My Clutter: find and remove large and old files, duplicates, and similar images
Menu App: monitor and improve Mac health with an easy-to-read dashboard

Plus

The Plus plan includes all the features that come with the Basic plan and the following extra tools:

Protection: find and remove Mac-specific threats and manage privacy (remove browser data, empty recent items lists, and manage app permissions)
Space Lens: build a visualization map of your Mac's drive and remove unnecessary stuff with a few clicks
Cloud Cleanup: manage cloud storage (iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox)

For a more detailed review, check out this article here — it describes all the tools and features more thoroughly.

Frequently asked questions

Is CleanMyMac available on the App Store?

Yes, CleanMyMac is on the App Store, and it means that it complies with Apple's policies and standards (including security and performance standards). In this way, Apple considers CleanMyMac safe-to-use and malware-free. So go ahead and download the app from the App Store to start your free trial.

How to cancel CleanMyMac subscription?

It all depends on whether you've installed CleanMyMac via the official website or from the App Store. Check out this guide from the knowledge base to learn what to do for your version.

How to scan CleanMyMac installer for malware?

As long as you download CleanMyMac from the official website, there is no need to scan the installer for malware. It is already legit and malware-free.

Should I use a Mac cleaner app like CleanMyMac on my Mac?

Using Mac cleaners is controversial, but macOS generates a lot of cache files and other junk. You can remove these files manually, but it involves diving deep into the System and Library folders, which is not always safe. Running a cleaner app (like CleanMyMac), on the other hand, automates this cleaning process, making it absolutely safe. The same goes for uninstalling apps: if you just drag an app to the Trash, numerous files are left behind, but a cleaner app removes all app-related files with a click. So, if you want to keep your Mac in top shape, such apps are worth giving a try.