Comparison · October 2026
DeleteIt vs CleanMyMac: a one-time-payment Mac cleaner that reviews before deleting
CleanMyMac by MacPaw is a long-running all-in-one Mac suite with system junk cleanup, malware removal, performance tools, an app uninstaller and the Space Lens storage map, sold as a subscription or as a one-time purchase. DeleteIt focuses only on disk space: you scan for free, review every result by category, size and safety level, and only the items you confirm are moved to the Trash. If you want a CleanMyMac alternative without a subscription that is centered on safe space recovery, here is how they compare.
Free download and free analysis — scan and review your Mac without paying.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | DeleteIt | CleanMyMac |
|---|---|---|
| Price model | Free scan; one-time license US$19 (US$9.90 launch price) | Subscription (from US$39.95/yr for 1 Mac) or one-time US$119.95 (1 Mac) |
| One-time vs subscription | One-time | Both |
| Review before delete | Yes | Not listed by vendor |
| Moves to Trash vs permanent delete | Moves to Trash | Not listed by vendor |
| Needs admin/sudo | No (Full Disk Access optional for extended scope) | Not listed by vendor |
| Exact duplicates | Yes | Yes |
| Caches & logs | Yes | Yes (system junk) |
| App leftovers | Yes | Yes (uninstaller) |
| Disk visualization | Results by category, size and safety level | Yes (Space Lens) |
| macOS requirement | 14+ (Apple Silicon & Intel) | 11+ |
Competitor prices and features as of October 2026, from each vendor's official site. Prices may change — check the official pricing page.
Official sources: CleanMyMac (MacPaw) · CleanMyMac pricing · CleanMyMac purchase options
When to choose DeleteIt
- You want to reclaim disk space and review every item by category, size and safety level before anything moves.
- You prefer a one-time payment: the scan is free, and a lifetime license (US$19, currently US$9.90 launch price) removes the automatic cleanup limit.
- You want cleanup that moves items to the Trash instead of erasing them, without a sudo or admin password.
- You want large files, exact duplicates, caches, logs and installers, app leftovers and developer junk found in one scan.
When to choose CleanMyMac
- You want an all-in-one suite that also includes malware removal and performance tools.
- You want extras beyond disk space, such as cloud storage cleanup and similar-photo detection.
- You like having a visual storage map (Space Lens) in the same app.
- You prefer a subscription that includes future upgrades, or your Mac runs macOS 11 to 13 (DeleteIt requires macOS 14 or later).
Frequently asked questions
Is DeleteIt a CleanMyMac alternative without a subscription?
Yes. DeleteIt is a one-time payment, not a subscription: the scan and review are free, and a lifetime license (US$19, currently US$9.90 launch price) removes the automatic cleanup limit.
Is CleanMyMac subscription-only?
No. According to MacPaw, CleanMyMac is available as a monthly or annual subscription (from US$39.95/year for 1 Mac) or as a one-time purchase (US$119.95 for 1 Mac). The one-time purchase includes updates for the current major version; subscriptions include future upgrades.
Does DeleteIt include malware removal or performance tools?
No. DeleteIt focuses on disk space: large files, exact duplicates, caches, logs and installers, app leftovers, developer junk, backups, browsers and virtual machines. If you want malware removal and performance tools in one app, CleanMyMac covers that.
Does DeleteIt delete files permanently?
Not in the normal flow. DeleteIt never deletes automatically without your confirmation; it moves the items you choose to the Trash and does not empty it.
Can I try both before paying?
Yes. DeleteIt's scan and review are free. MacPaw offers a 7-day free trial of CleanMyMac with full functionality.
Which macOS versions do they support?
DeleteIt requires macOS 14 or later on Apple Silicon or Intel. CleanMyMac lists macOS 11 or later.
Free download and free analysis — scan and review your Mac without paying.