CleanMyMac X Versus CCleaner for Mac – Review
Last updated on August 6th, 2025 at 3:12 am
Both CleanMyMac X and CCleaner are offered by renowned publishers and are well known for their advanced features and Mac optimization capabilities. Yet they differ from one another where CCleaner works on (Windows, Mac, Android) CleanMyMac X is built for macOS only.
Alongside the trial version of CleanMyMac X only cleans up to 500 MB of the junk while the free version of CCleaner offers unlimited cleaning. After reading this you might think CCleaner is better as you can use its trial version without any restriction. But trust us a Mac optimization tool is more than a free version. What makes it best is its features, the way it optimizes your Mac and notarization from Apple.
But which of the tools offers all this?
To know more about both the tools and what makes CleanMyMac X different from CCleaner here we will do a quick comprehensive comparison of both tools.
CleanMyMac X versus CCleaner for Mac
CCleaner’s compatibility with Android, Windows, and Mac while CleanMyMac’s X compatibility with the only macOS makes your fall for CCleaner. But CleanMyMac’s notarization by Apple makes it more trustworthy. Besides this, there are several other features that make CleanMyMac X better than CCleaner free unlimited trial version compatible with various platforms.
Feature Wise Comparison CleanMyMac X vs CCleaner for Mac
| Key features | CleanMyMac X | CCleaner |
| Overwriting of unused space | No | Yes |
| Login items removal | Yes | Yes |
| Malware Removal | Yes | No |
| Custom folders cleanup | No | Yes |
| Hung applications | Yes | No |
| Time machine thinning | Yes | No |
| Space visualization | Yes | No |
| Browser cleanup | Yes | Yes |
| Uninstaller | Yes | Yes |
| Personalized cleanup tips | Yes | No |
| Large & Old files cleaner | Yes | No |
| Updater | Yes | No |
| Application reset | Yes | No |
| Notarization Apple Notarization process confirms that an app is free from malicious files and is therefore safe to use. | Notarized by Apple | N/A |
| Reasons to choose | Helps recover enough storage space by cleaning junk files, offers Mac speedup tools. Besides, it offers malware removal and cleaning tools | Offers trial version using which you can delete browser junk and displays detailed folder wise information |
After looking at the above table you must have understood some of the features offered by both Mac optimization tools are similar. Yet there’s a difference and CleanMyMac focuses on every nook and corner of Mac. This means the tool is designed to thoroughly optimize Mac. Certainly, CCleaner has earned a name but for Windows, it does not specialize in Mac cleaning. To understand it better let’s look at a detailed comparison below:
CleanMyMac X VS CCleaner for Mac
CleanMyMac X:
System Requirements: macOS 10.10 and higher, 145 MB
Overall rating: 4.9/5
Starting Price: $34.95
Latest version: 4.6.2
Last update date: April 2020
CCleaner for Mac:
System Requirements: OS X 10.8 to 10.14 Mojave
Overall rating: 4.5/5
Starting Price: $19.95
Latest version: v1.17.603
Last updated date: Aug 2019
Optimization Features: CleanMyMac X VS CCleaner
Safety & Security
The free version of CleanMyMac X does not offer privacy protection but this does not mean it cannot optimize Mac. Using its trial version, you can scan your system for junk files and know how much space they occupy and you can reclaim after cleaning those junk files while the free version of CCleaner is unable to scan every corner of Mac for junk files. Although it comes with privacy protection that helps clean sensitive and confidential information stored in cookies.
Multi-functional
CleanMyMac X offers a full range of optimization features while CCleaner focuses more on privacy protection. Using CleanMyMac X you can optimize RAM, clean junk files perform customize scan, uninstall applications without removing any traces, shred files, manage browser privacy, and do a lot more.
CCleaner lets you purge leftovers of deleted files, manage startup, clean cache, log files, and speed up Mac.
Ease of Use
Though CleanMyMac offers extensive optimization features its interface is complex due to which most of the time useful features are overlooked. While CCleaner offers a neat interface, which is best for beginners.
Pros and Cons of CleanMyMac X VS CCleaner
Advantages of CleanMyMac X Over CCleaner
| Pros – CleanMyMac X | Cons – CCleaner |
| Offers Optimization module under Speed to deal with startup items and Smart Scan to clean and optimize complete Mac | Although it works on Mac, but is not as efficient as Windows version and it offers lesser optimization options |
| Allows managing installed and uninstalled applications via Uninstaller and Updater | Less configuration options |
| Using Shredder, you can delete files permanently without leaving a trace | |
| Junk file cleaner helps reclaim valuable storage and speed up Mac’ |
Advantages of CCleaner Over CleanMyMac X
| Pros – CCleaner | Cons – CleanMyMac X |
| Cleans unused, unnecessary files thereby speeding up Mac | 500 MB Limitations for the trial version. |
| Available on multiple platforms – Android, Mac, Windows | |
| Offers free version to delete browser junk and cache | |
| Helps clean system and monitor browser activities |
Benefits of CleanMyMac X
- Helps clean malware
- Removes privacy exposing traces
- One button Smart scan
- Swiftly deletes system junk
- Sorts out unused, hidden large files take unnecessary space
- Shreds sensitive data
- Manages startup items
- Reclaims gigabytes of disk space
Benefits of CCleaner
- Manages startup items
- Easy uninstallation of unwanted programs
- Cleans up old macOS update files
- Cleans cookies, Javascript that are a threat to data privacy
FAQs: CleanMyMac X VS CCleaner
Is CCleaner for Mac safe to use?
Unfortunately, CCleaner for Windows became a victim of cyberattack due to which people have doubts about CCleaner for Mac. But trust us this state-of-art solution is trusted by millions and is designed to keep your system sage and optimized. It is one of the best cleaning tools.
Is CleanMyMac X safe?
As this tool is notarized by Apple, we can surely say it is safe to use. Rest after using the free version of CleanMyMac X you can see it yourself. Further, it removes malware and helps recover gigabytes of space on Mac.
Does CleanMyMac X clean duplicates?
No, it does not offer a module to clean duplicate files however, using the Photo Junk module you can discover the amount of space Photo app is taking. Once you remove them you can recover valuable disk space.
Which Mac cleaner is best?
Both CleanMyMac X and CCleaner are excellent Mac cleaner tools and they work exactly in the same manner as they claim. Based on your requirement you can pick any of the tools. However, if you ask us to suggest one then CleanMyMac X is our choice.
Verdict
Deciding which tool is best to keep your Mac optimized is difficult where one works as a maid for your Mac (CleanMyMac X) the other (CCleaner) works as a speed booster.
CleanMyMac X removes junk, unwanted files, and malware. CCleaner only focuses on privacy and junk file cleaning, it does not shield your Mac from malware threat. Not only this, CCleaner is not notarized by Apple. Now, it’s up to you which tool you pick. Do let us know which tool you choose to use and why.
Author Bio:
Dinesh Lakhwani 
Dinesh Lakhwani, the entrepreneurial brain behind “TechCommuters,” achieved big things in the tech world. He started the company to make smart and user-friendly tech solutions. Thanks to his sharp thinking, focus on quality and the motto of never giving up, TechCommuters became a top player in the industry. His commitment to excellence has propelled the company to a leading position in the industry.
Popular Post
Recent Post
The Biggest AI-Run Cyber Attacks Of All Time
Artificial intelligence is now part of everyday technology. It helps people search faster. It improves medical research. It supports businesses in making better choices. But AI is not used only for good purposes. Cyber criminals have also learned how to use it. This has changed the nature of cyber attacks across the world. In the […]
Switch To a Dark Background Theme on Windows: Enable Dark Mode
People often like a screen that feels gentle on the eyes. A darker style softens bright areas and makes long computer sessions easier to handle. It also gives the desktop a cleaner and more modern feel. When you switch to a dark background theme in Windows, the colors shift to deeper shades that reduce glare […]
![Complete Guide on Managing Audio Input Devices [Latest In 2026]](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1280,h_765/https://www.techcommuters.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Complete-Guide-on-Managing-Audio-Input-Devices.webp)
Complete Guide on Managing Audio Input Devices [Latest In 2026]
People use microphones for meetings, games, classes, recordings, and voice chats, so any problem with the device can interrupt their work. Even a small system error can make the voice weak or stop it fully. This is why knowing the basics of managing audio input devices is helpful for new and experienced users. Windows includes […]
Resetting Audio Settings on Windows 11: Complete Guide
Sound problems can disrupt work, study, or entertainment. Many users face issues where the audio becomes too low, too loud, unclear, or does not play at all. A common way to solve these problems is by resetting audio settings to their original state. This helps Windows rebuild its sound setup from the beginning. Windows 11 […]
Troubleshooting Headphone Detection: Headphones Not Detected/Working
A lot of users run into sound problems at some point. A common one is when the computer does not pick up the headphones. You plug them in, but the speakers keep playing. This can break your focus during work, movies, music, or calls. It also causes confusion because the reason is not always clear […]
How To Re-Pair Bluetooth Earbuds For Stereo Sound on Windows
Wireless earbuds are often paired with computers for rich stereo sound, but things don’t always go smoothly. Sometimes, the system defaults to mono audio or fails to activate the correct playback mode. This can disrupt music, calls, or gaming, making the sound feel flat and lifeless. These glitches usually stem from improper setup. Windows might […]
How To Manage Camera Permissions for App On Windows: Complete Guide [2026]
Many users run into issues when trying to join video calls or online meetings—their camera simply won’t turn on. This can happen for a few reasons: Windows might be blocking access, or the app may not have the correct permissions. These hiccups often lead to confusion and frustration. Fortunately, Windows provides straightforward tools to help […]
![Help With Color Management In Windows Complete Guide [2026]](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_webp,q_glossy,ret_img,w_1280,h_768/https://www.techcommuters.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Help-With-Color-Management-In-Windows-Complete-Guide.webp)
Help With Color Management In Windows: Complete Guide [2026]
Color often decides how we experience a picture, a video, a website, or even a simple chart. Many users feel confused when colors look different on each screen. A monitor may show a softer shade while a laptop shows a sharper one. This creates doubt and slows down work. It can also lead to mistakes […]
How To Install Pending Windows Updates Easily On Windows 11
Windows updates keep your computer healthy. They fix problems and improve security. Many people ignore updates because they worry about errors or slow performance. In most cases, the process is simple. You only need to follow a clear routine and give your computer enough time to finish the job. A regular update habit saves you […]
How to Set Up a Secure VPN Connection on Windows In 2026
A VPN helps protect your privacy each time you go online. It hides your real location. It protects your data from unsafe networks. It also keeps your browsing away from unwanted eyes. Many people use it to keep their work safe. Others use it to guard their regular internet use. Windows offers good support for […]
