The times when Macs were regarded as totally virus-immune and malware-proof are long gone, with more users reporting virus infections and hacker attacks. Thus, the Mac user community has faced the need to adopt new types of system protection and use specific software and apps for virus scanning and system file optimization. Still, there are only a few cleaners certified by Apple, and the use of such programs is generally considered redundant and even dangerous.
So, should you use a cleaner or not? And if you do, which one to pick for a perfect balance of pros and cons? Here is a brief guide to a good cleaner’s functionality to help you make a wise decision.
Why Are Mac Cleaners Popular?
The primary benefit of using a Mac cleaner is that it performs the functions of clearing the clutter, removing bits of fragmented files, cleaning the unnecessary cache files, and virus scanning in a totally automated manner. This means that you don’t need to spend hours looking through your desktop and folders to clarify what should go and what should stay. Cleaners are typically geared to ensure optimal system functioning and solve the problems of slow mac performance, unexpected freezes, and “RAM full” errors even before they emerge.
Useful Features of Mac Cleaners
So, if you have made up your mind to install a Mac cleaner on your device, it’s time to decide on its features and functionality. Cleaner products are diverse, some coming at no price and others reaching pretty significant sums for monthly or yearly plans. Thus, it is critical to decide what features your device needs; such clarity may help you avoid unnecessary excessive expenditures. As a rule, you should decide whether you want your cleaner to:
- Clean the clutter in your memory to free more space
- Speed up your device with operational improvements
- Scan your Mac for viruses and remove then efficiently
- Uninstall old, redundant, or unused apps
- Optimize your Mac’s performance via regular maintenance of its iOS
These features usually come with all premium-level Mac cleaners, but if you don’t need any of them, you can save a large portion of the app’s costs and opt for a less extensive version of the cleaner.
Mac Cleaner Cons
Cleaners are beneficial in terms of automating your Mac’s maintenance and ensuring that you always enjoy its optimal performance. Still, some users are highly skeptical about using non-Apple cleaners on Mac computers. Their major arguments against cleaners include:
- Cleaners’ suspicious nature, which increases the chances of obtaining malware or spyware instead of virus scans and cleaning.
- Slowing mac performance because of the malicious nature of cleaner software.
- Cleaners’ inability to protect Macs from sophisticated malware and serious cyber threats.
To Use or Not to Use?
As you can see, the choice for Mac cleaners is extensive, with numerous providers offering apps with sleek designs, intuitive interfaces, and a variety of helpful features. Each producer claims to be the best and protects Mac OSs rigorously, though a reality check is possible only upon installation and trial. Numerous users report positive experiences from the use of such cleaners, which is a good solution for people lacking time for manual checks and regular antivirus scans.
Still, the choice should be made wisely, with no dubious apps downloaded from strange websites. Always be careful about what you download to your device, especially given that cleaners gain access to your system files. Therefore, you need to be totally sure about the app’s reputation and safety before letting it scan your files and access sensitive personal data stored there.