MacDiskCleaner vs OnyX
OnyX is a free, powerful maintenance utility for technically confident users. MacDiskCleaner is guided and beginner-friendly, and finds the duplicates and large files OnyX doesn’t look for.
| MacDiskCleaner | OnyX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free tier + $12.99 one-time Pro | Free |
| Junk & cache cleanup | ||
| Duplicate file finder | ||
| Large & old file finder | ||
| Folder-size browser | Space Lens | |
| App uninstaller (removes leftovers) | Pro | |
| Developer cleanup (Xcode, node_modules…) | ||
| Startup items manager | Pro | |
| Maintenance scripts, Spotlight/Launch Services rebuilds | ||
| Hidden macOS settings | ||
| One build for every recent macOS | Separate build per macOS version | |
| Shows what will be removed first | Partly |
OnyX is developed by Titanium Software and publishes a specific version for each major macOS release.
The key differences
Purpose
OnyX is a maintenance toolbox: it runs maintenance scripts, rebuilds databases and indexes, clears caches and exposes hidden settings. MacDiskCleaner is built to answer "what is using my space?" and remove it safely.
Finding space
MacDiskCleaner scans for duplicates, large and old files, old downloads, developer caches and app leftovers, with sizes for each. OnyX has no duplicate or large-file finder.
Who it suits
OnyX assumes you know what each task does. MacDiskCleaner explains every item, labels anything risky as Review first, and moves everything to the Trash.
Which one should you choose?
MacDiskCleaner
Best if your goal is getting disk space back safely, with a guided scan and a free tier that never expires.
OnyX
Best if you want free, manual system maintenance and customisation, and you’re comfortable with technical options.
Frequently asked questions
Is OnyX safe to use?
OnyX is a long-standing, well-known free utility. It is safe when used as intended, but it assumes you understand each task — there’s no guided “here’s what’s safe to clean” view.
Does OnyX find duplicate or large files?
No. OnyX focuses on maintenance, cache cleaning and settings. To find duplicates and large files you need a separate tool such as MacDiskCleaner.
Is OnyX free?
Yes, OnyX is free. Download it only from the developer, Titanium Software, and pick the version that matches your macOS release.
Why pay for MacDiskCleaner Pro if OnyX is free?
You may not need to: the free tier lets you scan everything and clean up to 2 GB. Pro ($12.99 once) removes the cap and adds a guided uninstaller, privacy cleaner, startup manager and scheduled scans.
See what OnyX can’t show you
Free download — find duplicates, large files and leftovers in one scan.
Version 1.1.2 · 4.8 MB · macOS 14 or later · Apple Silicon & Intel