If you’re experiencing issues with your Mac, such as slow performance, frequent freezing, or low storage space, you should consider installing a cleaning app. In fact, a cleanup tool can be your best companion in resolving these problems. It’ll also keep your computer running smoothly and help you stay organized.
In this article you will find the following:
Before we start:
The market offers many cleaning apps, but one stands out above the rest—MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup. This tool is designed specifically to help you remove old files you no longer need, and most importantly, junk and temporary files that are taking up too much storage on your Mac.
Here’s how to use MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup:
- Download and launch the MacKeeper app on your Mac.
- Choose Safe Cleanup at the top of the sidebar.
- Click Start Scan.
- Wait until the scan is finished.
- Select the files and folders you want to delete, then click Clean Junk Files.
Avast Cleanup Premium is a great tool to help you clean up a MacBook, optimize its performance, and recover disk space. However, there are several other alternatives available.
What is Avast Cleanup Premium
Avast Cleanup Premium is a cleaning tool that allows users to enhance the performance of their Macs. It works by detecting and removing unnecessary files and programs, freeing up space, and optimizing the system.
Developed by Avast Software, a multinational cybersecurity company based in the Czech Republic, this program can help optimize your Apple device’s performance. To do so, the software shuts down background processes that consume too many resources, removes bloatware that slows down your device, and cleans up your browsers. It also allows you to set up automatic updates for your installed apps.
What are Avast Cleanup Premium features and tools
Here are Avast Cleanup Premium’s main features:
- Disk Cleaner
- Photo Cleaner
- Duplicate Finder
- App Uninstaller
- Browser Cleaner
- Bloatware Removal
- Automatic Maintenance and Updates
- Sleep Mode
- Registry Cleaner
- Shortcut Cleaner
What are the alternatives to Avast Cleanup Premium
Here are the best alternatives to Avast Cleanup Premium:
- MacKeeper
- Norton
- Surfshark Antivirus
- Bitdefender
- Czkawka
- CleanMyMac X
- CCleaner
- Cleaner One Pro
- MacClean
- TuneupMyMac
- Mac Optimizer Pro
- OnyX
- Panda Security Cleanup
- iBoysoft DiskGeeker
- TotalAV
1. MacKeeper
MacKeeper is a cleaning app exclusively for macOS devices and is currently owned by Clario Tech. With over a decade of experience, it’s one of the best programs in the industry and has received good reviews from some of the leading tech publications. Overall, it’s a comprehensive software suite that includes tune-up functions, as well as security and privacy features.
MacKeeper pros & cons
Pros:
- Many performance and optimization features available
- Speedy on-demand virus scan
- Privacy tools are a plus, such as a built-in VPN
- User-friendly and good-looking interface
- Fast customer support
Cons:
- Some of its features are available on free software
- Premium services require a separate subscription
Hint from our experts:
MacKeeper is a helpful utility that offers cleaning and security features in a single app. It also provides excellent value, making it a fantastic solution for Mac users.
Here’s how to use Safe Cleanup:
- Open the MacKeeper app on your Mac or MacBook.
- Select Safe Cleanup from the left sidebar, under Cleaning.
- Click the blue Start Scan button.
- You can follow the progress while MacKeeper is scanning your device.
- When the scan is complete, you should see five categories: Logs, Caches, Trash, Languages, and Mail Attachments.
- Select one category, then review the results on your right.
- Choose the items you want to delete or select the Check All option.
- Repeat steps 6-7 with all categories.
- Click the Clean Junk Files button.
- Click Empty Trash to confirm.
2. Norton
Norton is well-known for its antivirus programs, such as Norton 360 and Norton Antivirus Plus, but it also offers an app for cleaning Macs. Norton Clean helps you remove junk files, duplicates, and other types of documents that can slow down your computer, although it may not be the best to clear recent on Mac. The current version runs on Mac OSX 10.10.5 or later.
Norton pros & cons
Pros:
- Gets rid of huge amounts of temporary, installation, and other types of junk
- Automated and customizable cleaning features
Cons:
- Doesn’t scan connected devices
- No lab testing by independent organizations
- Can slow down your computer
3. Surfshark Antivirus
Surfshark VPN is considered one of the best on the market. This Netherlands-based company also provides other cybersecurity products. While it may not have as many cleaning features as other programs on this list, Surfshark Antivirus can still effectively eliminate malware and enhance your Mac’s performance.
Surfshark Antivirus pros & cons
Pros:
- Good real-time protection
- Nice additional features such as a VPN or an ad-free search engine
- Excellent customer support
- User-friendly macOS app
Cons:
- No performance optimization tools
- No firewall
- No free plan available
4. Bitdefender
Bitdefender is a cybersecurity company based in Romania. Established in 2001, it has built a strong reputation in the industry by providing comprehensive and effective products. While it doesn’t currently offer a standalone cleaning app, the OneClick Optimizer feature within Bitdefender Total Security serves as a good alternative. Besides being able to delete Time Machine backups, users can use this app to speed up their devices.
Bitdefender pros & cons
Pros:
- System tune-up function that works well
- Many additional features, including a VPN
- Practically no performance impact
- Affordable and diverse pricing
Cons:
- Full VPN access requires a separate subscription
- macOS version lacks some features seen in the Windows app
5. Czkawka
Czkawka is a cleaning application developed by Polish developers that allows you to remove unwanted files and folders from your computer. It’s a cross-platform program, which means it also supports macOS devices.
Czkawa pros & cons
Pros:
- Multiple tools to use to remove duplicates, temporary, and big files
- Privacy is ensured by being offline and not gathering user data
- Easy-to-use and fast software
- Free app
Cons:
- Unattractive design
- Not a well-known company, so its reputation could be questionable
6. CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X is the flagship program of MacPaw, a Kyiv-based company also responsible for the ClearVPN and Gemini apps. It’s comprehensive software that includes dozens of tools to help you solve all sorts of problems on your Mac, from deleting junk and unnecessary apps to protecting it from malware threats.
CleanMyMac X pros & cons
Pros:
- Many effective tools available to clean and tune up your Mac
- Quick malware scan against virus
- Colorful and attractive user interface
- Very easy and fast to install
Cons:
- No lab test results
- Malware removal can produce mixed results
- Not the best value
7. CCleaner
Another alternative to free up space on Mac is CCleaner. It’s considered one of the best cleaning tools for PC, but the app developed by Piriform Software also has a Mac version that works just as well. It also offers useful features to make your online browsing more private.
CCleaner pros & cons
Pros:
- Can clean up gigabytes of cache, browser history and other large files
- Great and expansive customization tools
- Good option if you’re on a budget
Cons:
- No security or VPN features
- User interface can be a little clunky, and it’s not as eye-catching as some of its rivals
- Limited features on the free version
8. Cleaner One Pro
Trend Micro is an American-Japanese cybersecurity company with over 35 years of experience. It’s the company behind Cleaner One Pro, a top cleaning app that simplifies organizing and optimizing your Mac’s disk.
Cleaner One Pro pros & cons
Pros:
- Highly effective and quick disk cleaner for Mac
- Useful File Shredder feature to securely delete personal files
- Minimalist and easy-to-use software
Cons:
- No malware protection unlike direct competitors
- Other rivals offer a wider range of features
9. MacClean
iMobie is a company that has been providing cybersecurity and cleaning products for Mac since 2011. One of their products is MacClean, which offers a wide range of features and tools to enhance the performance and speed of your device. Now, it also includes privacy and security functions.
MacClean pros & cons
Pros:
- Good range of tools dedicated to system junk
- Users can optimize most of the cleaning features
- Clean and easy-to-use interface
- Built-in antivirus
Cons:
- iMobie is better known for its mobile apps
- Some security features require additional downloads
- Other rivals offer a bigger number of junk types
10. TuneupMyMac
TuneupMyMac is an Indian-based company founded in 1999 that specializes in simple yet effective solutions. Its namesake program allows users to quickly optimize and clean their devices and even find duplicate photos on Mac. Although there are more well-known options on the market, TuneupMyMac offers good value for money.
TuneupMyMac pros & cons
Pros:
- Great system junk removal and large files detector
- Includes a privacy cleanup tool
- Excellent duplicate file cleaner
Cons:
- No malware removal tools
- No Mac speed-up tools
- Not notarized by Apple
11. Mac Optimizer Pro
Mac Optimizer Pro is a handy application designed to help users speed up their Mac and free up disk space. On top of that, it also securely deletes files to protect your personal, professional, and financial information.
Mac Optimizer Pro pros & cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive tools to clean your Mac
- Successfully removes unwanted login and cache files
- Frees up disk space to improve your Mac’s performance
Cons:
- Not a well-known software, so reputation could be questionable
- Expensive subscription plans
12. OnyX
OnyX, developed by Joël Barrière (a.k.a. Titanium), is a popular cleaning utility, which is best known for its maintenance and optimization tools. Despite its great set of features, it’s completely free to download.
OnyX pros & cons
Pros:
- Powerful set of maintenance tools for Mac
- Good level of customization
- Free to use
Cons:
- User interface needs time to learn
- Deleted files can’t be reviewed
- Users need the specific app for their macOS version
13. Panda Security Cleanup
Panda Security is a software company founded in Spain in 1990. Since then, the firm has developed several cybersecurity products, offering privacy and performance solutions. However, performance solutions, such as Panda Cleanup, are only available for PCs.
Panda Security Cleanup pros & cons
Pros:
- Impressive tools to clear browsing history
- Includes features to speed up your device
- Prevents operating system errors
Cons:
- Not available for macOS devices
- Customer support needs improvement
14. iBoysoft DiskGeeker
Mac users can also benefit from iBoysoft DiskGeeker, a utility that offers a wide selection of functions to manage internal and external disks. Despite not being its main goal, this app can also be used to clean drives.
iBoysoft DiskGeeker pros & cons
Pros:
- Good range of disk management tools
- Improves and optimizes Mac performance
- Doesn’t use many system resources
Cons:
- Not as many cleaning apps as other direct rivals
- Expensive starting price
- Outdated interface
15. TotalAV
TotalAV isn’t specifically dedicated to cleaning your Mac disk. However, it can still be used for that purpose to some extent. Total Cleaner is available for PCs, while Apple users will have to manage with the antivirus, which can get rid of malware traces that can occupy precious space on your Mac.
TotalAV pros & cons
Pros:
- Impressive real-time antivirus protection
- Can be used to optimize your Mac
- Easy-to-navigate user interface
Cons:
- Lacks specific cleaning tools
- Slow installation process
The ultimate Avast Cleanup Premium alternative
The market for cleaning utilities is filled with excellent options that offer top-notch maintenance and optimization tools. Avast Cleanup Premium is one of them, but at least 15 other alternatives compete with Avast’s solution to be the best cleanup app.
Some of the top cleaners include CleanMyMac X, MacCleaner Pro, OnyX, and CCleaner. However, MacKeeper stands out as the most comprehensive suite.
In particular, MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup tool outperforms all the alternatives mentioned. It’s easy to use and incredibly effective at detecting items you no longer need, such as temporary files, junk data, or old photos. Cleaning up your Mac disk and reclaiming precious storage space has never been easier.