Is CleanMyMac safe and worth it? Here are the facts

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CleanMyMac only removes clutter like outdated cache files, unneeded user logs, incomplete downloads, and other items that are not system-related. Thanks to an extensive Safety Database — remove-or-keep reference book of cleaning rules, exceptions, and app-specific instructions — anything that's crucial for macOS stays untouched. CleanMyMac cleans out over 81K GB of junk every minute. Just imagine it!

Privacy protection

CleanMyMac comes with several tools that allow you to stay on top of your privacy more effectively. You can manage application permissions (like access to camera or microphone), erase browser data (history, cookies, or autofill), and control background processes and login items. 

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.

Note: The Moonlock Engine successfully passed a quality check by AV-TEST, detecting 93.3% of the malicious samples provided in the test. It means that CleanMyMac powered by it may not detect some threats, but these instances are rare since the database of malware against which suspicious apps/processes are compared is updated regularly (signature-based detection).

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 would like to learn more about CleanMyMac version history, check out this entry from MacPaw.

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. Except for that, do not click suspicious links, avoid freeware, and do not fall for apps that overpromise. These simple rules will make your software usage safer, whether you are trying to get a Mac cleaner or any other app.

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 that will cost you $39.95/annually. It will auto-renew each year. There is also a one-time purchase option at $119.95, which allows you to use the software forever — it includes updates and fixes for your current major version of CleanMyMac.

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

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. With the subscription or one-time purchase, you get access to the following tools and features:

• Smart Care: remove system junk and malware, run recommended maintenance tasks, delete duplicate downloads, and install vital app updates
• 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
• 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. 

Common myths about CleanMyMac

#1. You do not need CleanMyMac; you can use built-in tools or free cleaners

Built-in tools allow you to manage your personal files and reclaim some space. If you want to remove unnecessary system data, you will need some tech knowledge or a dedicated cleaner tool that automates the job. Yes, you can try a free app like OnyX, but it is also for tech-savvy users. CleanMyMac, on the other hand, is for all users, regardless of their level of tech expertise.

#2. CleanMyMac does more harm than good

Thanks to the Safety Database, CleanMyMac does not remove vital system files or your personal items. It is also Apple-notarized, meaning it is malware-free. So, as long as you download it from the official website or the App Store, it is an absolutely safe and effective way to declutter and maintain your MacBook.

#3. CleanMyMac is not good at protecting user privacy

The truth is that in addition to privacy tools listed above (app permission management, malware protection, and browser cleanup), CleanMyMac respects user privacy by not reading or selling your personal files. It does need full disk access to scan and remove system junk, but it collects basic, non-identifying diagnostics and usage data to improve performance, while storing local data strictly on your device.

#4. You do not need CleanMyMac if you use a Mac with Apple silicon

Macs with Apple silicon are better at self-maintenance and optimization. However, the truth is that, just like Intel-based Macs, they quickly get cluttered with system files. Also, app uninstallation has not changed: dragging an app to the Trash is still not enough for a complete app removal. Besides, Mac-specific malware is becoming a more common problem for Mac users, even those with Apple silicon. These are the areas in which CleanMyMac can be really useful for owners of these Macs.