AppCleaner vs Pearcleaner: Best Free Mac Cleaner 2025?

Quick Takeaway: If you want a simple, no-fuss app uninstaller that just works, AppCleaner is your best bet. For users who want advanced features, Finder integration, and real-time monitoring, Pearcleaner offers a more powerful, customizable experience. Both are free, but they serve different needs.

Introduction: Why You Need a Mac App Uninstaller

Dragging an app to the Trash might seem like a clean uninstall, but it rarely is. Hidden files—preferences, caches, logs, and support folders—often remain behind, cluttering your system and wasting storage. Over time, this digital debris adds up, slowing down your Mac and making it harder to manage your software.

That’s where dedicated uninstallers like AppCleaner and Pearcleaner come in. These tools scan your system, find every trace of an app, and remove it completely. But which one should you use?

This in-depth 2025 comparison breaks down every aspect—from ease of use to advanced features—so you can make an informed choice. We’ve tested both, read user feedback, and analyzed real-world performance to give you the most accurate, up-to-date insights.

Feature Comparison: AppCleaner vs Pearcleaner

1. Core Uninstallation

Feature	AppCleaner	Pearcleaner
Drag-and-Drop	Yes – simple, intuitive	Yes – supports drag, CLI, and deep links
Finder Integration	No – must open app	Yes – right-click uninstall via Finder extension
Smart Detection	SmartDelete monitors Trash automatically	Sentinel Monitor watches Trash in real time (~2MB RAM)
Orphaned Files	No – only finds files linked to selected app	Yes – scans for leftover files from past uninstalls

AppCleaner’s SmartDelete is a game-changer. Once enabled, it automatically detects when you move an app to the Trash and prompts you to remove associated files—no need to open the app manually. Many users never even launch AppCleaner; they just let SmartDelete do its job.

Pearcleaner’s Sentinel Monitor works similarly but runs in the background, offering real-time cleanup. It’s slightly more resource-intensive but gives you immediate feedback and deeper integration.

2. Advanced Utilities

Feature	AppCleaner	Pearcleaner
Homebrew Support	No	Yes – manages and uninstalls Homebrew packages
App Lipo	No	Yes – strips unused architectures from universal binaries
Plugin & Service Manager	No	Yes – cleans up plugins, services, and startup items
PKG Manager	No	Yes – removes installer packages (.pkg files)

Pearcleaner goes beyond basic uninstallation. It includes tools for developers and power users, like Homebrew management and App Lipo, which reduces app size by removing unused CPU architectures (e.g., Intel from Apple Silicon Macs).

It also cleans up installer packages (.pkg), plugins, and services—files that most uninstallers ignore. If you frequently install and test apps, this level of cleanup is invaluable.

3. Interface & Customization

Feature	AppCleaner	Pearcleaner
UI Design	Minimalist, single window	Modern, with list/grid views and app badges
Themes	No	Yes – customizable colors and appearance
App Organization	Alphabetical only	By name, size, or installation date
Web/iOS App Support	No	Yes – identifies and manages web and iOS apps on Mac

AppCleaner keeps things simple. You drag an app, see its files, and click to delete. There’s no clutter, no distractions—just functionality.

Pearcleaner offers a richer experience. You can view apps in grid or list mode, sort by size, and see badges for web and iOS apps. The theme system lets you personalize the look, and the Finder extension means you can uninstall without opening the app at all.

4. Performance & System Impact

Metric	AppCleaner	Pearcleaner
App Size	<5 MB	~1.6 MB
RAM Usage	Minimal (only when active)	~2 MB (with Sentinel Monitor enabled)
CPU Usage	Negligible	Low, background process only when monitoring
macOS Compatibility	Mojave through Sonoma and beyond	Sequoia, Tahoe, and recent macOS versions

Both apps are lightweight, but AppCleaner has the edge in efficiency. It stays idle until you use it, making it ideal for users who want a tool that doesn’t run in the background.

Pearcleaner’s Sentinel Monitor uses about 2 MB of RAM, which is negligible on modern Macs. If you trash apps frequently, the real-time monitoring is worth the small footprint.

5. Licensing & Updates

Feature	AppCleaner	Pearcleaner
License	Free, open-source (GNU GPL)	Free, source-available (fair-code license)
Update Frequency	Infrequent (last major update: July 2023)	Frequent (active GitHub development, v5.2.5 as of 2025)
Support	Community-driven, limited documentation	Active GitHub issues, feature requests, and user feedback

AppCleaner is open-source and stable, but development has slowed. It works reliably, but don’t expect new features anytime soon.

Pearcleaner is actively maintained on GitHub, with regular updates and a responsive developer. The “fair-code” license means the source is available, but commercial use is restricted—perfect for personal users who want transparency and ongoing improvements.

Real-World User Feedback

On Reddit and Mac forums, users are split. Some swear by AppCleaner’s simplicity, while others praise Pearcleaner’s depth.

“I use AppCleaner and I haven’t tried the other one. AppCleaner works fine for me and I have no excuse to find an alternative.” – Geartheworld on Reddit
“Absolutely pearcleaner. Why ? because it has also Development clear function. It is very usefull for developers.” – Clear-Werewolf-5352 on Reddit
“I think I’m going with Pearcleaner for now! Seems like it is working well and it’s actively being developed which is nice” – jwintyo on Reddit

A few users mention TrashMe 3 as a superior paid alternative, but both AppCleaner and Pearcleaner hold their own as free tools.

FAQs

Q: Which tool removes more leftover files?

Pearcleaner generally finds more remnants, especially from Homebrew, universal apps, and orphaned files. AppCleaner is thorough but focused on standard app bundles.

Q: Can I use both tools together?

Yes. Use AppCleaner for SmartDelete automation and Pearcleaner for deep cleanup sessions. They don’t conflict.

Q: Do these tools require special permissions?

Yes. Both need Full Disk Access. Pearcleaner also requires Accessibility and Automation permissions for Finder integration and background monitoring.

Q: Is Pearcleaner truly free?

Yes. It’s free for personal use under a fair-code license. The source is available on GitHub, and there are no ads or hidden costs.

Q: Which is better for beginners?

AppCleaner. Its drag-and-drop interface and SmartDelete make it the easiest to use. No setup, no learning curve.

Q: Does AppCleaner work on Apple Silicon Macs?

Yes. It fully supports M1, M2, and M3 Macs, including universal binaries and iOS app leftovers.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

✅ Choose AppCleaner if you:

Want a simple, set-and-forget uninstaller
Prefer minimal system impact
Like SmartDelete for automatic cleanup
Don’t need advanced features like Homebrew or Finder integration

✅ Choose Pearcleaner if you:

Want real-time monitoring with Sentinel
Use Homebrew, CLI tools, or universal apps
Value Finder integration and customization
Prefer active development and frequent updates

Conclusion

Both AppCleaner and Pearcleaner are excellent free tools for keeping your Mac clean. AppCleaner wins for simplicity and reliability, making it perfect for everyday users who want a no-nonsense solution. Pearcleaner stands out for power users who want deeper control, real-time monitoring, and advanced utilities.

If you’re just starting out, go with AppCleaner. If you’re ready to take your Mac maintenance to the next level, Pearcleaner is the clear winner.

Either way, you’re making a smart choice—your Mac will thank you.

Furqan

Well. I've been working for the past three years as a web designer and developer. I have successfully created websites for small to medium sized companies as part of my freelance career. During that time I've also completed my bachelor's in Information Technology.