What is OnyX

OnyX is a powerful free app for users who want to be in complete control of their Mac. It gives you more possibilities to configure your system than the regular macOS settings panel. However, it’s not for beginners, and users need to be careful not to delete important macOS files by mistake.

Highlights

Storage management

System junk

macOS customization

OnyX and its alternatives

Some users may wonder why use other cleaning tools when there's free OnyX. Among its alternatives are DaisyDisk, CCleaner, and the most popular one, CleanMyMac. While the two apps differ in features, each is unique in how it performs cleaning tasks. Here are scans from both apps so you can see their differences.

*Test performed on the same MacBook Pro M1 with 512 GB of storage

Comparing the extra features

Let’s compare OnyX with its most famous alternative, CleanMyMac.

Space cleanup

Manage folder visibility

macOS customization

Cloud cleanup

Malware removal

Mac optimization

Search for Large & Old files

Application uninstaller

Application updater

Free version available

Free 7-Day Plan

👉 In short, OnyX gives users access to deep system cleanup and maintenance tasks. However, it feels a bit robust and lacks size previews or junk calculations. CleanMyMac cleans more types of junk, both on Mac and on your cloud services. It also removes macOS malware and packs more tools overall, including an application updater and uninstaller.

CleanMyMac

The complete set of Mac optimization tools developed by MacPaw. The app identifies 29 types of junk commonly found on Macs and has a proprietary antivirus that detects macOS-specific threats.

Apple Notarized

Passed Apple’s security check for malware

17^th

Anniversary

2008-2025

17 years of expertise in developing Mac software

4,7

App Store

Top-rated
based on 921 reviews

29 Million

Downloads

One million Macs cleaned daily

iF Design Award

"Gold" winner
in app design

Try 7 Days Free

Notarized by Apple

And what do Mac users say?

“CleanMyMac paying customer of 5 years. While we use our personal 2016 MacBook Pros quite a bit, CleanMyMac helps to clean it up every month or so. Useful to speed it up when it chokes and looks good. P.S. CleanMyMac is a product of a legit company and is getting regularly updated and improved.”

Source: Reddit

“I only really use it, if/when my trash says there is something in it, and I know there isn’t, so I use OnyX and whatever it is is gone.”

Source: Reddit

“CleanMyMac is the best in class for years. never had a need for anything else.”

Source: Reddit

‘If you want a free, customizable tool and you're comfortable with detailed settings, OnyX might be for you. OnyX requires a bit more knowledge to use effectively, it's quite capable for those who understand the tasks it performs. CleanMyMac is preferred by those who want a hassle-free experience and are comfortable with the cost for its extended capabilities.”

Source: Reddit

*The comments above are provided as examples only. We do not necessarily agree with their authors.

Free app or free trial?

OnyX is a free app, but you need to install the correct version each time you update macOS.

Users can enjoy the app free for 7 days with all features unlocked. It includes junk and malware removal, as well as Mac optimization. The cleaning tool has been downloaded more than 29 million times.