Best App Cleaner and Uninstaller for Mac 2026: Top 8 Tools Compared
Installing and deleting apps on macOS may seem simple, but your Mac can start slowing down, or storage can mysteriously fill up. That’s because dragging apps to Trash rarely removes everything. Leftover files linger. This guide introduces the best app cleaner and uninstaller for Mac.
It will help you completely uninstall apps, reclaim storage, and keep your Mac running smoothly without technical hassle.
Part 1. Why You Need an App Cleaner for Mac? Is Mac App Cleaner Safe? (Quick Answer)
macOS doesn't truly remove installed apps when you drag them to the Trash. Most apps scatter support files across system folders like Library, Caches, and Preferences.
Over time, these leftovers cause:
- Wasted disk space
- Slower system performance
- App conflicts and errors
- Cluttered system directories
A dedicated Mac application cleaner finds and removes these hidden files, ensuring you completely uninstall an app on Mac instead of leaving digital debris behind.
Is Mac App Cleaner Safe?
Yes, Mac app cleaners are safe, provided you use reputable tools from trusted developers. Well-designed uninstallers only remove files associated with selected apps and avoid system-critical components. Avoid unknown GitHub scripts or unverified cleaners that lack transparency or recovery options.
When You Don’t Need a Mac App Cleaner
You may not need a cleaner if:
- You uninstall apps very rarely
- The app is fully sandboxed (App Store apps usually are)
- You’re comfortable manually deleting files via Finder
However, for frequent installs, developer tools, Adobe apps, or apps installed outside the App Store, a cleaner is strongly recommended.
Part 2. Top 8 Best App Cleaner and Uninstaller for Mac 2026 (Tested & Compared)
Below are our top 8 picks for the best Mac app remover software that you can try:
1. AppCleaner – Best Free App Cleaner for Mac
AppCleaner is a lightweight and completely free Mac app uninstaller that focuses on removing applications along with their associated leftover files. It works by detecting related caches, preferences, and support files when you drag an app into it. AppCleaner is ideal for users who want a simple, no-frills solution without system optimization features.
Best For: Users looking for a free, straightforward, and efficient app cleaner.
Rating: 4.3/5
Key Features:
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Drag-and-drop app removal
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Finds preference & cache files
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Smart app detection and protection to avoid deleting shared files
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Supports widgets and plugins removal
Pros
- Completely free
- Extremely lightweight
- Simple interface
Cons
- No system cleanup features
- No update or app management tools
2. App Cleaner & Uninstaller (Nektony) – An All-in-One Solution
Nektony App Cleaner & Uninstaller offers a more advanced approach to uninstalling Mac applications, including deep scans for hidden leftovers, launch agents, and extensions. Beyond basic app removal, it also helps manage startup items and browser plugins.
This makes it a strong choice for users who want more control without excessive system cleanup features.
Best For: Power users who want granular control
Rating: 4.5/5
Key Features:
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App removal including residuals and extensions
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Startup & extension manager
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App update tracking
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Reset apps to default state
Pros
- Very thorough uninstall process
- Rich feature set
- Trusted developer
Cons
- Many features are locked behind the paid version
- The interface can feel busy
3. PearCleaner – Best Open-Source Mac App Cleaner
PearCleaner is an open-source Mac application cleaner designed for users who value transparency and simplicity. It allows you to uninstall apps and remove related files without hidden processes or bundled extras.
While it lacks automation and advanced cleanup features, PearCleaner is well-suited for technical users who prefer a lightweight, GitHub-based Mac application cleaner.
Best For: Developers & open-source enthusiasts
Rating: 4.1/5
Key Features:
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Open-source and transparent tool with app sorting and search
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Right-click uninstall from Finder
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Supports Homebrew cask removal
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No ads or tracking
Pros
- Free and community-driven
- No hidden processes
Cons
- No automation or smart suggestions
- Basic interface
4. Tenorshare Cleamio – Editor's Choice: Best All-in-One Mac Cleaner & Debloater with Uninstall
Tenorshare Cleamio stands out as a comprehensive Mac maintenance solution that combines deep app uninstallation with system cleanup, duplicate file removal, and AI-powered smart recommendations.
Unlike basic uninstallers, it automatically identifies stubborn leftovers and unused data. This makes Cleamio ideal for users who want to completely uninstall apps to debloat macOS while also keeping their system optimized. Learning how to uninstall apps on Mac is also very simple with Cleamio.
Best For: Users who want everything, including speed, intelligence, and simplicity
Rating: 4.8/5
Key Features:
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Complete app uninstallation with leftover scanning and removal
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App update & management tools
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Intelligent system optimization
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AI-powered cleanup for system and app junk/ duplicate / large files and similar photos
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Menu bar monitoring and RAM freeing
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Startup app management
Pros
- Goes far beyond basic uninstalling
- Unique AI cleanup features other tools lack
- Fast and privacy-focused scanning and cleanup speed
- Beginner-friendly yet powerful with free scanning
Cons
- · Advanced cleaup features require a license
If you’re looking for the best app cleaner and uninstaller for Mac, Cleamio is the most future-proof choice.
5. Avast Cleanup – Basic App Cleaner for Mac with System Optimization
Avast Cleanup for Mac is primarily a system optimization tool that includes basic app uninstall functionality. It focuses on clearing junk files, caches, and unused system data while allowing users to remove applications.
However, its app removal features are not as deep as dedicated uninstallers, making it better for users prioritizing general Mac performance improvements.
Best For: Avast users seeking basic cleanup
Rating: 4.0/5
Key Features:
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App uninstallation with leftover scanning
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Disk junk and duplicate file cleanup
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Performance optimization
Pros
- Trusted brand with security integration
- Easy to use
Cons
- Weak leftover removal
- Subscription-based
6. BuhoCleaner – Lightweight Mac Cleaner with App Uninstaller
BuhoCleaner is a fast and lightweight Mac cleaning utility that offers app uninstallation alongside junk file cleanup. Its interface is simple and beginner-friendly, making it suitable for users who want quick results without complex settings. While it handles common leftover files well, it lacks advanced automation and deeper system management features.
Best For: Users who want speed and simplicity
Rating: 4.2/5
Key Features:
-
App uninstaller with fast speed
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Cache & junk cleanup
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Startup manager
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Menu bar moonitoring
Pros
- Fast and lightweight scans
- Minimal UI
Cons
- Limited advanced features
- Not ideal for large apps
7. CleanMyMac — Popular All-in-One Mac Cleaner (No Deep Uninstall Focus)
CleanMyMac is a well-known Mac cleaning software that combines system cleanup, malware protection, and basic app removal tools. While it provides a polished interface and broad maintenance features, its app uninstaller does not always remove deeply hidden leftovers. It’s best for users needing an all-in-one cleaner rather than a specialized Mac application cleaner.
Best For: General Mac maintenance
Rating: 4.4/5
Key Features:
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System cleanup
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Malware scanning
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App removal
Pros
- Polished UI
- Trusted reputation
Cons
- Not ideal for deep uninstall
- Expensive
8. AppZapper – Classic Mac App Remover with Reliable Results
AppZapper is a famous Mac app remover known for its straightforward drag-and-drop uninstallation process. It helps users delete applications along with related support files and preferences. Although it hasn’t evolved significantly in recent years, Adpaper remains a reliable option for users who want a simple, traditional app deleter for Mac.
Best For: Traditional users who want simplicity
Rating: 4.0/5
Key Features:
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Drag-and-drop uninstall
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Leftover detection
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Visual hit list
Pros
- Simple and proven
- Reliable performance
Cons
- No longer innovative
- Paid with limited updates
Part 3. Comparison Table: What Are the Best Mac App Cleaners and Uninstallers
Let’s have a quick comparison of the tools so you can learn which one offers you the best value:
Please swipe to view
Part 4. How to Completely Uninstall an App on Mac?
If you want to completely uninstall an app on Mac, Cleamio makes it effortless with the following steps:
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Download and install Tenorshare Cleamio on your Mac and open its app, then go to "App Management" and click "Start”.
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When the scan is complete, go to "App Uninstallation" and select your desired apps, then click "Uninstall”. You can also use the sorting options to efficiently choose the apps.
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Once uninstallation is complete, click "OK," and the process is finished with no manual searching, risk, or leftover data.
People Also Ask about App Cleaner and Uninstaller for Mac
Q1: How do I completely remove something from my Mac?
Use a dedicated app uninstaller to remove hidden files.
Q2: Why can't I uninstall some Mac apps?
System-protected apps require admin permission or special tools.
Q3: What is the best app uninstaller for Mac?
Tenorshare Cleamio offers the most complete solution for every user.
Q4: Is Mac AppCleaner good?
Yes, but it lacks advanced cleanup features.
Q5: Is AppCleaner for Mac free?
Yes, it's fully free, and you do not need to pay anything to use this application.
Q6: Is CleanMyMac a legitimate app?
Yes, but it’s not focused on deep uninstalling.
Conclusion
Manually deleting apps no longer cuts it on modern macOS. Leftover files quietly consume storage and slow performance. Choosing the best app cleaner and uninstaller for Mac ensures clean removals and long-term system health.
Among all options, Tenorshare Cleamio stands out with intelligent cleanup, deep uninstalling, and unmatched ease of use, making it the smartest choice for 2026 and beyond.
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By Jenefey Aaron
2026-01-08 / Mac Cleanup