7 best app uninstallers for Mac
There is a common myth that removing an app from a Mac is as simple as dragging it to the Trash. However, when you uninstall an app this way, all sorts of residual files remain on your hard drive. A sure way to delete them is to use an app uninstaller — a utility that automates all steps of app removal.
Here is our top 3 list:
| Rating | Name | Features | Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CleanMyMac X
| Multi-uninstaller that detects unused apps | Link |
| 2 | Hazel | Automated organization of apps and folders | Link |
| 3 | AppZapper | A lightweight drag & drop uninstaller tool | Link |
Best uninstallers for Mac reviewed
But how to pick which uninstaller to use? Plenty of apps can improve your ability to get rid of junk files, but not all uninstallers are alike. Some uninstallers are a feature of a more comprehensive Mac file manager. Others are designed for only that task.
It can be hard to choose the one that suits your needs. That’s why we created the ranked roundup of the best Mac uninstallers below:
1. CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X tops our list of app uninstallers for Mac. This powerful all-in-one utility has a variety of features designed to help get the most out of your computer, including malware protection and speed optimization.
The app’s Uninstaller module can compete with single-function uninstaller apps. This app is available for free download — so check it out. More than that, it is notarized by Apple, which means it’s safe from malicious files.
When you first open CleanMyMac X and go to Uninstaller in the sidebar, you will be pleased to find out that it lists all of the apps you have installed on your Mac. It makes the task of uninstalling apps significantly easier since you do not have to browse your Applications folder. You can also arrange lists by the last time you used an app, sort apps by vendors like Adobe, or focus on specific categories, like apps from the App Store.
When it scans for installed apps, CleanMyMac X automatically locates all the data, caches, and associated files that support each app. It can also find leftover files — those that were not removed when you uninstalled apps manually in the past. Besides, this app calculates how much space an app is taking up, including this extra system junk.
You can also reset apps with this program. By resetting, we mean restoring any app to its default settings. It comes in handy when apps are not opening or keep crashing. When you reset an app with CleanMyMac X, it will keep your user-created files intact so you won’t lose your projects.
In addition to removing app-related files, CleanMyMac X has another great tool that hunts down all junk files quietly sitting there and taking up gigabytes of space — System Junk.
It finds such files as unnecessary language files, downloads, user cache files, unused disk images, or broken login items, to name just a few. macOS does not need them to run properly. In fact, having lots of junk on your Mac may significantly slow it down. So, when you get rid of this clutter, it may speed up your computer and make it work smoothly.
Official website
Price: $39.95/year
Free trial: available
| Pros | Cons |
| An all-round problem fixer for Mac that goes beyond uninstalling apps, and the 7-day free trial version provides unlimited functionality | Some users report that notifications are annoying (they can be turned off, though) |
| Comes with a tool for resetting apps that misbehave | No dark mode that a lot of users love |
| Notifies you about app leftovers if you drag any app to Trash | Does not have the option to schedule an automatic scan for leftover files |
2. Hazel
Hazel is another app with the power to get rid of unneeded apps and junk for good. Another tool with a range of possible uses, Hazel lets you create condition-based rules that automate certain actions on your Mac.
This is useful for file organization, photo naming, archiving, and generally keeping your desktop clean. But this function also shines when you need to get rid of apps for good.
Hazel lets you set up special rules for your Trash, ensuring that files don’t sit in the bin for too long and take up space on your drive. You can configure the app to automatically empty your Trash when it reaches a certain size or to toss apps when they get too old.
Hazel’s rule-based interface certainly makes it useful as an app uninstaller, but some may find it a little more complicated to use. It also lacks some features for identifying and comparing unused apps.
Official website
Price: $42
Free trial: available
| Pros | Cons |
| Comes in handy for file organization, not only app removal | Rule-based interface can be too complex |
| Users can add different rules to keep Mac storage optimized | If you add too many rules, the app quickly consumes too much RAM |
| Rules can produce notifications so nothing remains unnoticed | No import/export features — you cannot copy someone’s rules; you have to add them manually |
3. App Zapper
With App Zapper, drag and drop is the name of the game. This compact uninstaller lets you pull applications from your drive into its interface and then hunts down all the related support files. It stands out for its simplicity and for the depth of its cleanups.
You can also consult the Hit List, an automated list of apps with files taking up space on your hard drive. All you do is select the unwanted app and its support files and hit the Zap button to remove them for good.
Well, almost for good. If the thought of deleting apps permanently makes you nervous, App Zapper has the tool for you. Its “undo” feature lets you unzap files you may have deleted by mistake, reducing the risk that you’ll get rid of something important.
App Zapper is simple but thorough. The app can remove:
- Widgets
- Plugins
- Settings
- Junk files
- And more
App Zapper stands out as a straightforward and powerful tool for uninstalling unwanted apps.
Official website
Price: $19.95
Free trial: available
| Pros | Cons |
| Has an “undo” feature that lets you restore apps deleted by mistake | The free trial version is limited to 5 zaps only |
| A fun way to uninstall apps due to being based on a drag-and-drop feature | Does not let remove extensions and plug-ins |
| Can remove different types of files, not only apps | Does not have the functionality for automatic leftover files detection |
4. Avast Cleanup Premium
You may have heard about Avast software because it is known well in the world of malware detection and removal. However, the app we introduce today is not an antimalware tool; instead, it is an app uninstaller and junk files cleaner. The name of the app is Avast Cleanup Premium. It comes with a set of different tools for cleaning in addition to app deletion.
Speaking of app uninstalling, it quickly scans your Mac to find all apps you have installed and detect those you have not used for more than six months and large apps. But when you first install the app, it won’t accurately detect the unused ones.
Except for app removal, it also lets you manage startup items, which comes in handy if your purpose for deleting unnecessary programs is to improve Mac performance. As for some other features that stand out, these include duplicate finder, photo analysis tool, and functionality for clearing out browser data.
Official website
Price: $65.99/year
Free trial: available
| Pros | Cons |
| Comes with a 30-day free trial | Compared with other apps, it is an expensive application |
| The uninstaller tool detects apps that have not been used for a long time as well as large apps | Does not have tools that come with other apps on the list, such as removing malware |
| Has additional tools for Mac cleanup | Sends too many notifications |
5. TrashMe
The name says it all: TrashMe hunts down your junk files, whether they belong to an app or not. This uninstaller for Mac not only gets rid of your unwanted apps and their support files but also seeks out unnecessary duplicates and redundant files, giving you the option to toss them permanently.
It also cleans out your cache to give you back all the disk space it can. TrashMe can even find and erase incomplete downloads and “orphaned” files, which may not show up on other scans.
With its thorough scanning and deletion features, TrashMe is a great option for completely uninstalling apps. It also offers a high level of control. Instead of emptying the whole Trash bin, TrashMe lets you select which files to delete permanently and which you want to leave in the Trash in case you need them later.
Users who like its deep searches should also check out CleanMyMac X, which offers fine-tuned detection.
Official website
Price: $14.99
Free trial: available
| Pros | Cons |
| Can delete all types of unnecessary app-related files, including cache files and leftovers | Does not come with additional Mac cleaning features |
| Provides different options for app and file removal: permanent deletion and sending to Trash | There are better alternatives for the same price |
| Easy-to-use app known for deep scans | Users report that some leftover files still remain on Mac after app deletion |
6. App Cleaner & Uninstaller
App Cleaner & Uninstaller is a full-featured app uninstaller. It stands out for the range of scans and operations it can perform.
Unlike some of its competitors, which only have a drag-and-drop window or list, App Cleaner & Uninstaller has an extensive interface that clearly organizes its features. This means you can do specific tasks, like managing extensions and startup programs or removing remaining files.
This uninstaller also outlines all data and files generated by an app and calculates the space it occupies, so you can use it to free up disk space. It also allows you to delete several apps at a time by selecting them from the list of all applications. Conveniently, it will show the space that will be reclaimed after removing apps.
Official website
Price: $14.95/year
Free trial: available
| Pros | Cons |
| Lets manage login items and extensions | No resources for offline support available |
| Has features for mass-deletion | Some users report that scanning process is long |
| The removal of files is complete and thorough | Lacks additional features for Mac cleaning |
7. AppDelete
AppDelete is another quick and effective single-purpose uninstaller. Like many of its competitors, this app seeks out and eliminates hard-to-find support files and junk data from the apps you delete. These include widgets, screensavers, preference panes, and other files you might not know were taking up room on your Mac.
When it comes to tossing out unwanted files, AppDelete stands out for its flexibility. While it can permanently remove files from your hard drive, it also gives you the option to log those files or archive them in a space-saving .zip format. This can help improve your Mac’s performance without permanently losing data.
If you’re looking for a simple-to-use app uninstaller, AppDelete is a strong option. Some users might prefer an uninstaller that offers a wider variety of file management functions, but AppDelete does what it does at a high level.
For a more comprehensive file manager with comparable uninstall functions, try CleanMyMac X.
Official website
Price: varies from $5 to $7.99 based on the version
Free trial: available
| Pros | Cons |
| Can delete numerous types of elements related to apps, including widgets, preference panes, and plug-ins | Does not come with additional features — designed solely for uninstalling apps |
| Lets you archive apps instead of removing them | The trial version is limited — lets about 5 uses of the app |
| Has an “undo” feature | Some users report the deletion of important files but incomplete removal of apps |
A few final remarks
All these Mac uninstallers are similar in functionality. But speaking of the design and user-friendliness, CleanMyMac X leaves its counterparts way behind, in our opinion. For example, the visual cues are crystal-clear, and the app gives you personalized tips, like “you have 4 unused apps you can delete.” Not to mention that it comes with a variety of other tools that will keep your Mac optimized and as good as new.
That was our take on the best Mac apps to delete other apps. Now, try them in action and start deleting things — getting rid of old clutter is such a relief!
