MacKeeper 5 vs CleanMyMac X: Which one is better for your Mac?

Things only MacKeeper can do

All-in-one Tool

The best thing about MacKeeper is that you don’t need to buy dozens of separate apps. Everything is already available in their single app:

• Duplicates Finder removes useless file copies and helps you reclaim your disk space
• VPN encrypts your connection and hides your browsing data
• StopAd blocks ads and site trackers for faster webpage loading. It will also mute those pesky browser notifications
• ID Theft Guard alerts you to any exposed passwords, and monitors for new data breaches 24/7

MacPaw does offer these tools, but as separate apps that cost extra. If you want to remove duplicates, you’ll need to purchase their Gemini app. To use a VPN, purchasing their ClearVPN will be necessary

Security Driven

In March 2023, it was independently certified by AV-TEST and scored 6.0 out of 6.0—the highest in all 3 categories (Protection, Performance, Usability), and found 99.7% of the most widespread malware.

Premium Support

MacKeeper offers extended, unlimited tech support, but not just for Macs—for virtually any device you own. The service is called MK Premium Services and it fixes software issues via remote connection. Phones, tablets, laptops—their technicians will try to fix any issue with any device that connects you to the internet—including weird ones like solar panels or smart microwaves.

Please note that the MacKeeper subscription doesn’t include Premium Services, it’s a separate subscription starting at $25/month.

What makes CleanMyMac special

Versatile Cleaning Toolset

CleanMyMac owns more cleaning tools. It detects 14 types of junk files, including cache, logs, languages - and some more obscure ones (old updates, Xcode junk, document versions).

If you like to manually manage your disk space, CleanMyMac has many tools to review your files. It shows large and old ones, and displays which folders take up the most space (Space Lens). There are also some pro tools like Shredder to erase files forever.

Maintenance

Picky Mac users will love the variety of performance tools CleanMyMac has tucked away behind the scenes. Aside from freeing up RAM, CleanMyMac offers multiple pro features like running maintenance scripts, speeding up Mail, rebuilding launch services, reindexing Spotlight, and even repairing disk permissions.

Interface

Apple sets the design bar really high, so any macOS app should at least match it. CleanMyMac does a great job in providing a visually appealing, smooth, and fluid interface. It even won an iF Design Award in 2020.The design looks sleek and professional, like any macOS app should.