CleanMyMac X is MacPaw’s flagship utility for decluttering your Mac, freeing up space and keeping it running smoothly.
It combines junk removal, malware scanning, app uninstallation and system optimization in one intuitive dashboard.
In this CleanMyMac X review you’ll discover how each module works, the real pros and cons, and why getting CleanMyMac X through Setapp is a safe and cost‑effective choice.
For broader context on the subscription, check out my Setapp review.
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CleanMyMac X is a Mac maintenance and optimization utility from MacPaw designed to remove junk, uninstall apps cleanly, run maintenance tasks, scan for malware, and give you a quick health overview of your Mac.
Inside Setapp, CleanMyMac X is one of the anchor apps that can justify the subscription on its own if you use it regularly—especially on older or heavily used Macs with limited disk space.
CleanMyMac X is a polished utility that can safely clean space and streamline maintenance if you use it thoughtfully. It’s great value via Setapp, but you should still review proposed deletions and avoid blind aggressive cleanups.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- All-in-one utility: junk cleanup, uninstaller, maintenance, malware scan, menu-bar monitor.
- Convenient and safe when used conservatively, especially for non-technical users.
- Always review deletions; keep backups and avoid blind aggressive cleanups.
- Best value via Setapp since it comes with a broader toolkit you’ll likely use.
- Power users can do it manually, but for many, time saved justifies using CleanMyMac X.
Full Review
What Is CleanMyMac X?
CleanMyMac X frees disk space, uninstalls apps with their leftovers, runs maintenance tasks, scans for malware, and provides a menu-bar health dashboard. Via Setapp you get the full app as part of your subscription.
You could do most of this by hand with time and know-how; CleanMyMac X adds convenience, guardrails, and a unified UI.
Key Features and Modules
Smart Scan — combines junk cleanup, malware check, and performance tips; expand results before running.
Cleanup & Space Saving — system junk, mail attachments, trash bins, large & old files for quick GB-level wins.
Applications & Uninstaller — remove apps with leftovers, batch updates, manage extensions.
Protection — malware scan and some privacy cleanups (not a full security suite).
Performance/Maintenance — free RAM, run maintenance scripts, rebuild caches/Spotlight, spot heavy login items.
Menu-Bar Monitor — CPU, RAM, disk, battery (MacBooks), temps/fans, network speed, quick actions.
Is CleanMyMac X Safe to Use?
Generally safe if you keep backups, review deletions, and avoid aggressive cleanups in areas you don’t understand. It is not a replacement for enterprise security tools.
Problems usually come from deleting blindly. Slow down, inspect, and keep backups.
Pros and Cons of CleanMyMac X
Pros: all-in-one UI, great uninstaller/leftovers cleanup, polished and easy, menu-bar monitor, strong value via Setapp.
Cons: third-party system tool; power users can do it manually; aggressive use can cause issues; not a full security suite.
How to Use CleanMyMac X on Setapp
- Install from Setapp, then launch.
- Run a conservative first Smart Scan; expand results and deselect anything unsure.
- Free obvious space: trash, system junk, synced mail attachments, large files you recognize.
- Use Uninstaller instead of dragging apps to Trash to remove leftovers.
- Use the menu-bar widget daily; run deeper cleanups every few weeks/months as needed.
Get CleanMyMac X via Setapp and start your 7-day trial →
Who Should Use CleanMyMac X (and Who Should Skip It)
Good fit: non-technical or busy users; people with large projects (photo/video/dev) needing space; those who want a single dashboard; anyone already using Setapp.
Maybe skip: extremely risk-averse; very advanced users who prefer manual cleanup; those with highly curated separate tools.
If you regularly run out of space or feel slowdowns, try it. If your Mac is always roomy and minimal, you may not need it.
Alternatives to CleanMyMac X
Manual cleanup (Finder/Disk Utility/Terminal), single-purpose tools (uninstallers, duplicate finders, antivirus), or doing nothing and relying on macOS housekeeping. CleanMyMac X’s advantage is unifying these under one interface.
Final Verdict on CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X is not magic, but it’s a capable maintenance utility that can free space, simplify app removal, and provide a helpful health overview. Used with backups and common sense, it’s a solid choice—especially via Setapp where it’s part of a larger toolkit.
Install CleanMyMac X via Setapp and run your first Smart Scan during the free trial →
FAQ
About the Author
Joseph Nilo has been reviewing, blogging, podcasting, and creating video content about Mac Apps for over 20 years.
Both on a consumer / Mac fan level for his various podcasts and blogs about Apple, and professionally as the cofounder of HiLo Media, the premiere video production company for app developers.
He as created thousands of videos, blog posts, podcasts, and reviews about Mac Apps in his 20+ year career.