AppCleaner for Mac

Name: AppCleaner
Rating: 3.7 (58 reviews)
Author: Free Mac Soft

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Beta or prerelease software is not intended for inexperienced users, as the software may contain bugs or potentially damage your system. We strongly recommend that users exercise caution and save all mission-critical data before installing and/or using this software.

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffAugust 14, 2025

AppCleaner steps in as a focused solution to a common problem. It aims to thoroughly remove all associated files, providing a genuinely clean uninstallation for unwanted programs and helping reclaim your valuable disk space efficiently. This process is crucial for maintaining a healthy and fast operating system.

In addition, this streamlined approach of AppCleaner ensures your system remains optimized, preventing slowdowns from accumulated digital clutter. By targeting the hidden remnants of uninstalled software, this free, essential tool helps maintain your computer's efficiency and responsiveness, contributing to a healthier overall system performance of your device.

Unpacking the application’s efficiency and limitations

AppCleaner simplifies the often-tedious task of completely removing applications and their related files. Its drag-and-drop interface is remarkably intuitive: just pull the application you wish to uninstall directly into its window. The program then quickly scans your system to identify all associated files like preferences, caches, support files, and more, presenting them in a clear list. This visual breakdown gives you control, allowing you to review what will be deleted.

While this generally performs well in identifying a wide range of associated files, it's important to note that it might not always catch every single stray file, especially for highly complex applications or those deeply integrated into the operating system. Some very minor leftovers might persist, requiring a manual search for the truly meticulous user. For the majority of common applications, this does an excellent job of reclaiming disk space.

Furthermore, there's a slight learning curve for users unfamiliar with manually reviewing files, as the program doesn't automatically distinguish between essential system files and application remnants if dragged incorrectly. While designed for simplicity, a moment of inattention could lead to the unintended deletion of important data if one isn't careful. Despite this, its core function of thorough uninstallation for standard applications is highly effective.

Pros
- Simple drag-and-drop interface
- Thoroughly removes associated application files
- Frees up disk space
- User-friendly and intuitive
Cons
- May occasionally miss very minor leftover files

Bottom Line

The verdict on the application’s utility

AppCleaner stands out as a reliable and user-friendly solution for uninstalling applications more thoroughly than simply dragging them to the trash. It effectively tackles the issue of leftover files, helping to free up disk space and keep your system tidy. While it has minor limitations regarding catching every single file and requires user vigilance, its overall performance makes it a highly recommended tool for anyone.

What’s new in version 3.6.8

Released version 3.6.8