Comparison
Toolbox vs CleanMyMac
MarkdownWhat each one is
Toolbox is a set of 96 small Mac tools for video, audio, images, PDFs, text and Mac housekeeping. It runs on your Mac, needs no account and costs from $19 once.
CleanMyMac is a maintenance app from MacPaw for cleaning, protecting and speeding up a Mac.
Feature by feature
Only the areas where the two overlap are compared here.
| Feature | Toolbox | CleanMyMac |
|---|---|---|
| Uninstall apps | Uninstall App tool | App uninstaller that also removes leftover data and updates installed software |
| Find duplicate files | Find Duplicates tool | Finds duplicates, similar photos, and large or forgotten files |
| See what uses storage | Storage Explorer tool | Free up space tools for system junk, outdated files and cloud storage |
| Malware scanning | Not included | Threat protection that finds and removes malware |
| Performance and updates | Not included | Memory and CPU controls, software updates, Smart Care routine |
| Price | From $19 one-time, no subscription | Subscription, starting at $3.33 per month per Mac on its product page |
When CleanMyMac is the better choice
Choose CleanMyMac if you want a single app that cleans system junk, scans for malware, manages updates and runs a routine for you. Toolbox does none of the scanning, protection or performance work.
If your main goal is regular Mac maintenance, CleanMyMac covers far more of it than Toolbox does.
When Toolbox is the better choice
Choose Toolbox if you mostly need to convert, compress, trim, merge or edit files, and want a few cleanup tools alongside them, paid once.
Frequently asked questions
Can Toolbox replace CleanMyMac?
Only for a few jobs: uninstalling apps, finding duplicate files and exploring storage. It does not scan for malware or manage performance and updates.
Is Toolbox a subscription?
No. It is a one-time purchase from $19 with free updates.
Does CleanMyMac have a subscription?
Its product page lists plans starting at $3.33 per month per Mac. Check the page for current options.
