Macpaw

One of the very first apps I install on any new Mac isMacpaw's CleanMyMac X .

But don't let the name fool you, this app does so much more than remove system junk and uncover massive files that are eating up your storage space. It lets you run system optimization tools, free up RAM, remove malware, erase sensitive data, and uninstall and update apps.

Also: The 9 best Mac apps for security and productivity

Apple charges a lot for storage space, so letting detritus clutter it up is costing you money.

CleanMyMac X will let you claw back this costly storage space. 

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CleanMyMac X

An all-in-one, system optimization service to keep your Mac running clean and fresh.

View at Macpaw

But there's even more to CleanMyMac X -- in the form of the Menu App. Here users can get a bird's eye view of what's going on with their Mac, from CPU, RAM, and storage usage, battery status, network monitor, along with the status of the real-time malware monitor.

This Menu App is a tool that I use many times a day.

Review: CleanMyMac X: The quickest, easiest bet to declutter your Mac

And recently, Macpaw added a new feature called Connected Devices Monitor. At a glance, the new window displays all the essential information you need about the various devices paired with your Mac computer.

The extended Connected Devices window

Macpaw

The Connected Devices Monitor not only gives you a deep dive overview of iOS/iPadOS devices but also general Bluetooth devices and external drives connected to your Mac. At your fingertips, you have information about available disk space on your external drive, and the service can even help you remove hidden junk and audit your personal files on flash drives and SD cards.

Also: You might be using the wrong microSD cards

You can also eject all your connected devices with a single click, which is a feature I can't live without now. 

Here's a breakdown of what information is shown for different types of devices:

• iOS/iPadOS devices: Monitors the battery and storage space, and the 'Reclaim Space" feature gives you hints and tips to free up precious gigabytes.
• Bluetooth devices: Monitors the battery life of mice, keyboards, and headphones, and gives you an alert when power levels are running low.
• External drives: Monitors and frees up storage space on connected drives.

Connected Devices Monitor is basically your command center for connected devices

Macpaw

As for price, I findCleanMyMac X to be amazing value . You can pick up a one-year subscription for a single Mac computer for$34.95, with plans available for two and five Macs.

If you prefer to buy a lifetime license, those prices start at$89.95.

Note that you can buyCleanMyMac X from the Apple Mac Store  too, but this lacks some of the more in-depth tools available in the version directly from Macpaw. This is down to limitations Apple puts on developers who use the Mac App Store.

And for business users who need to grab a lot of licenses? MacPaw can sort that out for you.

See also

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• This$30 gadget claims to add years to your phone's lifespan. Here's how
• This is the USB flash drive James Bond would use
• How to strip wires like a pro (and my must-have tools)
• Stop! Your Apple charger may be a counterfeit, and this tiny gadget can tell
• This$10 gadget is my favorite repair tool of all time