I have CleanMyMac X (CMMX) from SetApp. It does not always remove all components of an app. In such cases, the typical reason is that the app that you want to remove has installed components in what might be considered to be non-standard locations. I recently went through this for example with Kensington’s Trackball Works software. To be fair, even the Kensington uninstaller did not uninstall all components. I had to hunt down one folder that was hidden at the system library level and that was preventing a clean install from working properly.
My primary issue with CMMX is that it has a running background helper app that cannot be disabled or killed.
I have used Onyx to remove apps. If it still exists, I have also used an app called App Zapper.
After reading this topic, I realized that it really just doesn’t offer many conveniences. In my opinion, it’s just not worth the price (especially for a subscription).
I have used it in the past but find it not worth the subscription cost. I’ve been minimizing the number of apps I use and not trying new apps unless there’s a compelling reason. I setup my 24” iMac from scratch and only loaded apps as I needed them. I’ve easily cut the number in half. The subscription price for 5 Macs is currently $80 per year. Just not worth it for me.
I think CleanMyMac X has a one-time purchase option, or they used to. I don’t pay a subscription. Or maybe it was an option to upgrade from CleanMyMac 3?
I’ve never know an app that hasn’t come under severe criticism.
Having followed discussions on CMM (and used the app myself), I am aware of two genuine criticisms:
You can do everything the app does manually, for free. This is true, but requires significant knowledge and some work. The app may not add anything much, but it is convenient
The app can cause problems by moving/removing critical files. This does happen occasionally, although I’m aware of only a few instances. It’s always advisable to make sure you have backups before allowing an app to delete what may be critical files.
I am also aware of a number of unfounded/unevidenced criticisms.
Confusion between CMM and MacCleaner - which is notorious malware
Unfounded assertions that “MacPaw cannot be trusted”
I stopped using CMM when it became CMMX and the price went way up. I use Onyx for most things and AppZapper on the occasions I want to delete an app
I agree that clearing out the cache folder isn’t that hard for MPU but CMMX does more than clearing system and user cache. It combines many scripts and utilities under one roof with the click of one button and that is convenient for many. I’ve used it for years (and OnyX before that) with no issues.
Gotcha. To be clear, I’m not arguing that it’s hard at all. I’m saying that these all-in-one apps do more than just clearing cache. It’s not hard for me to clear cache manually but it’s more convenient for me to use the app because I’m already using it for other utilities. That might not be your experience, or anyone else’s and that’s fine.
