# CleanMyMac vs OnyX Published January 1, 2026 · Updated August 10, 2026 CleanMyMac and OnyX are both utilities on a Mac, so the pick depends on workflow. Choose CleanMyMac for convenience and protection. Choose OnyX for free depth and tweaks. Match the tool to your skill and risk tolerance. As of October 2026, both install with brew install --cask cleanmymac and brew install --cask onyx. CleanMyMac 5 and OnyX 5.0.2 remain complementary rather than interchangeable in August 2026. Pay MacPaw when you want guided cleaning and malware features; use free OnyX when you want OS-matched technician control. The tie is intentional and still correct. Operational details above should be rechecked whenever vendors ship major pricing or model changes. ## Head to head | Factor | CleanMyMac | OnyX | | --- | --- | --- | | Price | Paid | Free | | Open Source | No | No | | Replaces | — | CleanMyMac X ($39/year) | | Best for | cleanup, optimization, disk | system, maintenance, optimization | | Install | brew install --cask cleanmymac | brew install --cask onyx | | Category | System Utilities | System Utilities | ## CleanMyMac Tool to remove unnecessary files and folders from disk Install: `brew install --cask cleanmymac` [CleanMyMac on Bundl](https://bundl.run/apps/cleanmymac) ## OnyX System maintenance and optimization utility Install: `brew install --cask onyx` [OnyX on Bundl](https://bundl.run/apps/onyx) ## Features - **System Junk Cleaning.** CleanMyMac wins automation; OnyX wins deliberate manual control. - **Malware Protection.** Only CleanMyMac covers malware here. - **Hidden Parameters & Tweaks.** OnyX remains the tweak scalpel. - **Disk & System Verification.** OnyX edges classic maintenance tech tasks. - **User Experience.** CleanMyMac wins delight and clarity. - **Price.** OnyX wins cost decisively. - **Safety for Beginners.** Beginners should prefer CleanMyMac or built-in tools over blind OnyX runs. - **Update Model.** CleanMyMac is easier across OS upgrades; OnyX demands the correct DMG. ## FAQ ### Is OnyX free in 2026? Yes. Titanium Software still distributes OnyX as free donationware. Download only from the official site and match the build to your macOS version. ### Can OnyX remove malware like CleanMyMac? No. OnyX is not a malware suite. Use CleanMyMac's Moonlock features or a dedicated security product for that job. ### Why must OnyX match macOS versions? OnyX hooks version-specific maintenance paths and preferences. Wrong builds are a common source of errors after major OS upgrades, Tahoe users want the Tahoe build (5.0.x line). ### Is CleanMyMac worth paying for if OnyX exists? Yes for beginners, malware defence, Space Lens, and time saved. No if you are comfortable with manual maintenance and already run other security tools. ### Did CleanMyMac or OnyX die? Neither. Both shipped July 2026 updates (CleanMyMac 5.5.6; OnyX 5.0.2 for Tahoe). ### Which is safer for beginners? CleanMyMac. OnyX assumes you understand what you click. ### Can I run both? Yes, but do not run aggressive cleaners simultaneously. Pick one primary workflow to avoid confusing results. ### What about Apple's built-in Storage settings? Use them first for recommendations. CleanMyMac and OnyX go further; they are not mandatory for every Mac. ### Is there an App Store OnyX? Official OnyX is distributed from Titanium Software's site as a direct DMG, not as a typical paid App Store subscription app. ### Has the verdict flipped since May? No, still tie by philosophy. Only versions and price pins needed refresh. ### What is a sensible evaluation period? One working week with real tasks is better than a twenty-minute click tour. Capture or clean the same jobs you already do, note time saved, and only then decide. If a trial ends without a clear habit change, keep the free path. ### How often should I revisit this choice? After major macOS upgrades, after pricing page changes, and whenever your job's frequency of the core task doubles. Tools in this pairing are mature; flips are rare, but version pins and permissions still need a yearly glance. ## Sources - [CleanMyMac](https://macpaw.com/cleanmymac) - [CleanMyMac store](https://macpaw.com/store/cleanmymac) - [Purchase options](https://macpaw.com/support/cleanmymac/knowledgebase/purchase-options) - [OnyX](https://www.titanium-software.fr/en/onyx.html) - [OnyX release notes](https://www.titanium-software.fr/en/onyx_release.html) - [Moonlock](https://macpaw.com/moonlock) - [OnyX - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OnyX) ## Related - [CleanMyMac vs AppCleaner](https://bundl.run/compare/cleanmymac-vs-appcleaner) - [Pearcleaner vs CleanMyMac](https://bundl.run/compare/pearcleaner-vs-cleanmymac) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://bundl.run/#organization", "name": "Bundl.run", "url": "https://bundl.run", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://bundl.run/og-image.png", "width": 1200, "height": 630 }, "description": "The Ninite for Mac. 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