MacPaw today announced the launch of CleanMyMac X, an updated version of the CleanMyMac software that's designed to help users get rid of unwanted files and clean up space on their Macs.

According to MacPaw, CleanMyMac X offers up a new Malware Removal option along with 14 tools for optimizing macOS. It also offers a Menu app for quick access to CleanMyMac X options, an extended Safety Database, and personalized cleanup tips.

cleanmymacx1
A Smart Scan feature offers up a quick, complete scan of the Mac with options for Cleanup, Protection, and Speed to remove unnecessary system junk and malware while also offering performance optimization tips.

Scanning with CleanMyMac X is up to three times faster than the previous CleanMyMac 3 software, while the newly implemented Malware Removal tool will check for vulnerabilities and get rid of suspicious files.

An optimization module provides tools for managing login items, launch agents, and apps that are absorbing too many system resources, and a built-in assistant will provide explanations, reminders for regular checkups, and additional optimization steps that are meant to improve performance.

cleanmymacx2
All of these tools are run when using the Smart Scan option, but there are also individual controls for cleaning up system junk, photo junk, mail attachments, trash bins, and iTunes junk.

Malware scans can also be conducted individually, as can optimization scans, and there is a built-in uninstaller and updater for application management.

MacPaw is charging $39.95 per year for a subscription to CleanMyMac X, or $89.95 for a one-time purchase, but the new software is also included in Setapp, MacPaw's Mac software subscription service priced at $9.99 per month.

Setapp offers more than 100 apps for the $9.99 per month price tag, including titles like iStat Menus, Bartender, Ulysses, Canary Mail, and more.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with MacPaw. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Top Rated Comments

keysofanxiety Avatar
91 months ago
I'm a big fan of this site and understand you need to make ends meet, but there needs to be a point where your editorial ethics take hold.

This is a crap program and you should, if anything, be discouraging people from using it. I don't care if you're an affiliate partner. If this is the stuff you'll be promoting for money, then myself and others will happily stop being contributors.
Score: 101 Votes (Like | Disagree)
keysofanxiety Avatar
91 months ago
What’s so bad about it? Been using it since like 2011 almost weekly
I always use it but reading comments shall i not is it better to just leave it
Can you briefly explain why you are saying this is crap and why you would discourage people from using it? That would be very helpful for me and others who may have OS-OCD lol
Why is it a crap program? Asking for a friend.
Every time I see CMM mentioned there are these arguments. I don’t know why.

MalwareBytes correctly detects this application as a PUP (potentially unwanted program). That should say enough, but I'll expand.

It's very aggressively marketed and incorrectly promotes the idea that you need to carry out constant maintenance on your Mac. This is profoundly wrong.

Full of nice little animations to satisfy the Candy Crush generation. This tricks people into thinking their Mac’s running faster as a result — yet a simple restart would do just as much, which CMM will do anyway. It’s amazing how much goes wrong on macOS with a large 30 day uptime.

You don’t really know what it’s deleting. Not only is this incredibly dangerous but there have been instances where it’s caused damage to the operating system.

It used to be promoted as “on average, clears 50GB of data from a Mac.” On average. Now that’s either one of two things: an outright lie, or a terrifyingly high number. That should not be right.

Furthermore the people who defend it always seem to go back to the argument: “Well I’ve always used it and it’s never done any damage.

As if that’s the criteria for a good application. It’s never bricked my computer so it must be fine, right?

This application promotes ignorance about both good computing habits and how macOS works. At the absolute best case scenario, there are many other free apps which do the same thing CMM does and provides more information on what they’re doing.

There are countless seas of threads about this. Avoid cleaner apps on both Mac and Windows. Practice good computing habits and use MalwareBytes. It’s as simple as that.
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
eroslws Avatar
91 months ago
This app is a waste of money. Just use DaisyDisk to locate and clean up stuff if your computer is really full of junk. Anything else you’re clearing out will slow down your computer temporarily as cache is rebuilt...unless of course you believe this company has insider knowledge above and beyond that of Apple’s own engineers. Remember, remnants of old apps are smaller than the CMMs install file and if they aren’t, DaisyDisk will make that obvious.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SBlue1 Avatar
91 months ago
Hey Macrumors, can you please mark ads like these at the beginning so people don't get fooled think its an editorial article but an ad? Thank you!
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ctg7w6 Avatar
91 months ago
I'm a big fan of this site and understand you need to make ends meet, but there needs to be a point where your editorial ethics take hold.

This is a crap program and you should, if anything, be discouraging people from using it. I don't care if you're an affiliate partner. If this is the stuff you'll be promoting for money, then myself and others will happily stop being contributors.
This is one of the better posts I’ve seen on Macrumors. Good job, sir.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Heineken Avatar
91 months ago
Almost as bad as mac keeper. stay away. If you want to clean something use OnyX it's free and does what is needed.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More

Wednesday September 3, 2025 5:33 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will feature a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements, according to new late-stage rumors. According to the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital," the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature displays with higher brightness, making it more suitable for use in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The iPhone 16 Pro and...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Prices Estimated Ahead of Apple Event Next Week

Tuesday September 2, 2025 1:50 pm PDT by
Just one week before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, an analyst has shared new price estimates for the devices. Here are J.P. Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee's price estimates for the iPhone 17 series in the United States, according to 9to5Mac: Model Starting Price Model Starting Price Change iPhone 16 $799 iPhone 17 ...
iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
iPhone 17 Pro on Desk Centered 1

Survey: Nearly 70% of Users Plan to Upgrade to iPhone 17

Monday September 1, 2025 8:24 am PDT by
A new survey has found that nearly seven in ten iPhone owners in the United States plan to upgrade to an iPhone 17 model, signaling strong demand ahead of Apple's expected unveiling of the devices at its September 9 keynote. Smartphone price comparison platform SellCell surveyed over 2,000 U.S.-based iPhone users in August to assess upgrade interest and brand loyalty before Apple's event....