Review

CleanMyMac (MacPaw) review

Mac users who are running low on storage.

We check it out so you don’t have to.

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we believe are useful. Read our full disclosure.

What it is
Mac cleaning and maintenance app
Best for
Mac users who want to free up space and keep their Mac tidy
Price
All-in-One $39.95/yr for 1 Mac, checked October 26, 2026
Prices checked
October 26, 2026

We researched CleanMyMac (MacPaw)'s official pricing, plan terms, product pages and help documentation. We haven't used CleanMyMac (MacPaw) ourselves, so this is a research-based review, not a hands-on test.

Who it’s best for

  • Mac users who are running low on storage.
  • People who want a simple app to find large files, leftovers and duplicates.
  • Families with several Macs who want one plan.

Who should skip it

  • Probably not the best fit if you are happy using macOS built-in storage tools.

How it works day to day

This part draws on CleanMyMac (MacPaw)’s own product pages, help center and documentation, read October 26, 2026 (listed under Sources). We haven’t used CleanMyMac (MacPaw) ourselves.

Day to day, you run a Smart Care scan that looks for junk files, malware and speed issues, review the results, and clean up with one click. You can also uninstall apps fully and find large or old files.

Key features in use

  • Smart Care one-click scan.
  • System junk and large-file clean-up.
  • Malware removal.
  • App uninstaller and updater.
  • Menu bar monitor for memory and storage.

Setup and learning curve

You download CleanMyMac, run a free scan, and enter your license or subscribe in the app.

Integrations

CleanMyMac is a standalone Mac app. It is also offered through the Setapp app subscription.

Support

MacPaw has a support center, guides and email support.

Real-world use cases

  • A student frees up storage on a full MacBook.
  • A family keeps three Macs tidy on one plan.
  • A freelancer removes apps and their leftovers.

What it costs

Prices checked October 26, 2026, from CleanMyMac (MacPaw)’s own pricing page unless noted. Prices change often, so check the official page before you buy.

  • Essential Trio: $19.95 a year for 1 Mac.
  • All-in-One: $39.95 a year for 1 Mac, $63.95 for 2 Macs, $127.95 for 5 Macs.
  • Monthly: $9.95 a month (All-in-One).
  • One-time purchase: $119.95.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee. Needs macOS 11 or newer.

What we like

  • Easy scans that find junk, large files and app leftovers.
  • Malware checks and app uninstalling in the same app.
  • A one-time purchase option.
  • Plans for 1, 2 or 5 Macs.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.

What to watch for

  • macOS already has free storage tools for basic clean-up.
  • Yearly plans renew automatically.
  • Some features are only in the All-in-One plan.

The fine print

  • Subscriptions renew until you cancel.
  • Needs macOS 11 or newer.
  • Review what it suggests deleting before you remove it.

The main alternative: Bitdefender

Bitdefender is the pick if security is your main worry. Its Mac antivirus focuses on malware protection and web threats.

What it costs: See the official site

Read our full Bitdefender review

Pick CleanMyMac (MacPaw) if you…

  • want an easy way to free up Mac storage.
  • want malware checks and uninstalling in one app.
  • have several Macs.

Pick Bitdefender if you…

  • mainly want antivirus protection.
  • want one security plan for Mac, Windows and phones.

Our take

CleanMyMac is a polished, easy way to free up space and keep a Mac tidy, with a one-time option and a 30-day guarantee. If protection from malware is the main goal, look at Bitdefender.

Side by side

CompanyBest forStarting price
CleanMyMac (MacPaw) Mac users who want to free up space and keep their Mac tidyAll-in-One $39.95/yr for 1 Mac, checked October 26, 2026
Bitdefender Strong lab results, light on the system$59.99 first year (Total Security, 5 devices)

From our company records. Check the official pages for current prices.

What we checked

  • CleanMyMac (MacPaw)'s pricing page and plan terms, read October 26, 2026
  • Bitdefender's details: from our existing company record and review, not re-checked on October 26, 2026
  • CleanMyMac (MacPaw)'s feature, help and integration pages listed below (links checked October 26, 2026)

Sources

Visit CleanMyMac (MacPaw)’s official site

How we review

We read the company's own terms, test the sign-up or booking steps where we can, and compare it with alternatives. A commission never changes what we write. Read our disclosure.

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we believe are useful. Read our full disclosure.