AppCleaner

AppCleaner is a free Mac utility for uninstalling applications and reviewing files they leave across the system. It suits Mac users who want a focused removal workflow; version compatibility and Full Disk Access determine how completely it can work.

Overview

Uninstalling with AppCleaner is a deliberate three-step process: drop an application into its window, review the related files it finds, then click delete. That review step gives users a chance to inspect what will be removed rather than treating cleanup as an entirely automatic operation.

The utility can search for files associated with system apps, but it cannot remove the apps themselves. Version 3.7 improves searches in Application Scripts, a specific gain for finding related files in that location. AppCleaner can also detect apps in disk images and offer to remove the disk image file instead.

Key features

• Related-file cleanup: AppCleaner looks for files an app has distributed across the system and lets users review them before deletion. The workflow is useful for targeted cleanup, though version 3.7 warns that some files may not be removed without Full Disk Access.
• System-app search: Users can search for files related to system apps, but those apps are protected from removal. This helps locate related files without making AppCleaner a way to uninstall built-in apps.
• Version-specific behavior: Version 3.7 adds a launch setting for choosing the default view. The login item uses the modern API and appears in System Settings. A preference can hide protected apps.
• Security and updates: Version 3.7 updates the Sparkle in-app updater to fix a security issue; release notes say updates have been served over HTTPS since version 3.2.

Pricing

AppCleaner is free: its plan costs nothing. There is no paid tier to weigh against the core removal workflow, making it a straightforward option for Mac users who want this focused utility without a software cost.

Platforms

AppCleaner is for macOS, but choosing the matching download matters. The download page lists version 3.7 for macOS 15 and later, version 3.6.8 for macOS 10.14 up to 15.6, version 3.6 for macOS 10.13, and version 3.4 for macOS 10.10 up to 10.12. Version 3.6 added native Apple M1 support. Version 3.7 is also described as adding macOS 27 (Golden Gate) support.

Version 3.7 prompts users for Full Disk Access and warns that some files may fail to be removed without it. Users who do not grant that access should not expect every related file to be removable.

Who it's for

AppCleaner is a good fit for Mac users who want to remove an unwanted application while checking the associated files before deleting them. It is less suitable for anyone who needs to uninstall system apps, or who wants to avoid granting Full Disk Access while expecting the broadest possible file removal.

Pros and cons

• Pro: The drop, review, and delete workflow gives users a chance to inspect related files before removal.
• Pro: Version-specific downloads cover several macOS generations, including native Apple M1 support in version 3.6.
• Pro: The utility is free, with no paid plan required for its stated uninstall workflow.
• Con: Version 3.7 warns that some files may remain without Full Disk Access, so its cleanup can depend on a system permission.
• Con: Related-file search does not make system apps removable.
• Con: Users must select a compatible version for their macOS release rather than treating one download as universal.

Alternatives

These alternatives cover Windows as well as macOS; choose based on the platform and workflow you need.

• Jharu is another free option that supports macOS and Windows, so it is worth considering if cross-platform availability matters.
• IObit Uninstaller is a free-plan Windows option with batch uninstall, drag-and-drop removal, and automatic leftover cleanup; choose it for those Windows-specific capabilities.
• Argente Uninstall Manager offers a free Windows plan for one PC; choose it if a one-PC Windows uninstaller is what you need.
• Bulk Crap Uninstaller is free for private and commercial use under Apache 2.0 and supports Windows 10 or newer; it suits readers looking for a Windows desktop tool with those terms.
• Geek Uninstaller has a free personal-use Windows edition with no support, as well as a PRO plan; consider it for a Windows-focused alternative.
• HiBit Uninstaller is a free Windows alternative for readers seeking an option on that platform.
• Soft Organizer offers a free plan for personal and educational use alongside Pro licenses; consider it if those Windows use terms fit.
• Wise Program Uninstaller has a free Windows plan that includes uninstalling apps, handling stubborn or unlisted apps, removing browser extensions, and analyzing software health; choose it for those stated functions.
• Software Uninstaller Tools is the broader category to browse when you want more options.

Verdict

Choose AppCleaner if you use a compatible Mac and want a free, focused way to remove applications while reviewing their related files. Its main advantage is that inspect-before-delete workflow; look elsewhere if you need Windows support, expect to remove system apps, or do not want to grant Full Disk Access while pursuing the most complete removal possible.