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MacKeeper Review: Everything You Need to Know

MacKeeper: All-in-one solution

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Last updated: November 29, 2024

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Apple is known for strong privacy and security, but macOS isn’t completely immune to malware and online threats. To stay protected, a reliable Mac cleaner is essential for tackling spyware, adware, and data breaches. One option is MacKeeper—but is it worth it? In this MacKeeper review, I’ll cover its features, safety, pricing, and effectiveness.

MacKeeper At A Glance

⭐ Rating4.5★★★★☆
💰 PriceFrom $5.95/month
🆓 Free VersionYes
🎁 Free TrialNo
🖥️ PlatformmacOS
📱 Number of Devices Protected1-3
🔍 Malware ScansManual & Scheduled
🛡️ FirewallNo
⚔️ Phishing ProtectionNo

What Is MacKeeper?

MacKeeper is an all-in-one utility for macOS, developed by ZeoBIT and later acquired by Kromtech Alliance Corp. It’s designed to optimize, secure, and clean Macs, offering features like:

FeatureExplanation
AntivirusScans and removes various malware, such as viruses, trojans, and ransomware, to protect your Mac.
Adware CleanerDetects and eliminates unwanted adware and pop-ups for a smoother browsing experience.
Safe CleanupFrees up storage space by removing unnecessary files, cache, and temporary data from your Mac.
Duplicates FinderIdentifies and removes duplicate files to recover storage space and optimize your Mac’s performance.
Smart UninstallerUninstalls applications and their associated files completely, ensuring no leftover data remains.
Memory CleanerOptimizes your Mac’s memory by freeing up RAM, improving overall system performance.
Update TrackerMonitors and notifies you about available updates for installed apps, keeping them up to date.
Login ItemsManages and optimizes startup applications, helping your Mac boot up faster.
ID Theft GuardProtects your personal information by monitoring and alerting you of potential data breaches.
Private ConnectProvides a secure and private internet connection using an encrypted VPN service.
StopAdBlocks ads and trackers to enhance your browsing experience and protect your privacy online.

MacKeeper Review: What Can MacKeeper Do?

MacKeeper offers features like malware protection, system cleanup, identity protection, and ad blocking. Here’s a closer look at how it can improve your Mac experience.

The Best Thing About MacKeeper

MacKeeper has plenty of great features that I’ll discuss in detail below, but what I like most about MacKeeper is its nifty menu icon (the one with the little mk).

mackeeper icon in the menu bar

When my Mac slows down, I simply click the MacKeeper icon in the menu bar to access all optimization tools in one place.

mackeeper menu icon quick actions

With MacKeeper, I can clean my Mac’s memory or run a virus scan with a single click, restoring its speed in seconds. Here’s a video tutorial on using the Memory Cleaner via the MacKeeper menu icon:

1. Antivirus: Protection Your Mac Deserves

mackeeper antivirus

MacKeeper’s Antivirus offers 24/7 protection against malware, viruses, adware, and ransomware, with on-demand scanning for suspicious files. It provides full and custom scans in the Security section.

Real-time protection, once enabled, automatically scans downloads and quarantines threats. My 10-minute test scan found no issues, though it didn’t show file counts. Overall, it’s a reliable tool for Mac security.

no threats found in mackeeper antivirus

MacKeeper’s scans quickly improved from 10 minutes to under 2, thanks to file caching, all without slowing down my Mac. Its speed, accuracy, and high malware detection rate impressed me, though showing file counts would be a welcome feature.

MacKeeper Antivirus Review

MacKeeper Antivirus Review
9 10 0 1
MacKeeper’s Antivirus’ on-demand scanning feature can easily investigate suspicious files or folders whenever you want. While it lacks a quick scan option and doesn’t provide information on the number of files scanned, its real-time protection diligently examines every new file you download.
MacKeeper’s Antivirus’ on-demand scanning feature can easily investigate suspicious files or folders whenever you want. While it lacks a quick scan option and doesn’t provide information on the number of files scanned, its real-time protection diligently examines every new file you download.
9/10
Total Score
Amazing

2. Adware Cleaner: Security for Your Files

mackeeper adware cleaner

Meet MacKeeper’s Adware Cleaner, a dedicated tool to delete adware from your Mac. Unlike many antivirus programs, it highlights adware cleaning as a standalone feature, which is often overlooked.

Now, let me share my experience with this Adware Cleaner. My scan was completed in under two minutes. Either it’s super fast, or my Mac was just clean as a whistle with no adware threats.

no items found in mackeeper adware cleaner

Real-time adware monitoring isn’t enabled by default, but turning it on is quick and easy with one click. While I wish it was ready out of the box, setup was simple.

MacKeeper's Adware Cleaner Review

MacKeeper's Adware Cleaner Review
8 10 0 1
MacKeeper’s Adware Cleaner offers dedicated adware protection that sets it apart from other internet security software. Although real-time monitoring requires manual activation, it is a simple one-click process.
MacKeeper’s Adware Cleaner offers dedicated adware protection that sets it apart from other internet security software. Although real-time monitoring requires manual activation, it is a simple one-click process.
8/10
Total Score
Very good

3. Safe Cleanup: One-Click Clean for Your Mac

mackeeper safe cleanup

MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup works like a powerful vacuum, clearing junk files like logs, caches, trash, email attachments, and unused languages—even mail attachments, which many cleaners skip.

In less than a minute, it found 7.7 GB of junk on my Mac, showing how overdue my hard drive was for a cleanup!

junk found by mackeeper safe cleanup

Before diving into cleaning, here’s a heads-up: MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup doesn’t prompt you to review files before clicking Clean, except for the Trash category. Once you hit Clean Junk Files, everything is gone.

If you use Apple Mail and want to keep attachments, review each category in the sidebar, deselect important files, and then proceed to Clean Junk Files on your Mac.

MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup Review

MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup Review
9 10 0 1
MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup is an efficient and user-friendly tool that quickly eliminates junk files from your Mac, including logs, caches, email attachments, and more, instantly freeing up storage space. However, it doesn’t offer file review prompts for all categories.
MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup is an efficient and user-friendly tool that quickly eliminates junk files from your Mac, including logs, caches, email attachments, and more, instantly freeing up storage space. However, it doesn’t offer file review prompts for all categories.
9/10
Total Score
Amazing

4. Duplicates Finder: Kill the Doubles Quickly

mackeeper duplicates finder


The Duplicates Finder quickly scans your Mac for duplicate files, photos, and screenshots wasting space. In under a minute, it found 856 duplicates taking up 393 MB—perfect for freeing up storage on your Mac.

So, if you’re looking to delete duplicates on your Mac, you’ll want to take a closer look at these culprits.

duplicate files found by mackeeper duplicates finder

The Duplicates Finder stands out by letting you review files before deletion, unlike Safe Cleanup. By default, it marks duplicate files for removal, but you can check file details and preview images if needed.

While Similar Photos and Screenshots require manual selection, MacKeeper suggests the best photo among similar ones. It’s a simple, organized tool, though adding support for music and archive files would make it even better.

MacKeeper's Duplicates Finder Review

MacKeeper's Duplicates Finder Review
10 10 0 1
MacKeeper’s Duplicates Finder swiftly scans your Mac, uncovering duplicate files, photos, and screenshots needlessly taking up valuable storage space. Unlike other tools, Duplicates Finder gives you control, requiring manual verification before deleting files, and even suggesting the best photo among similar images.
MacKeeper’s Duplicates Finder swiftly scans your Mac, uncovering duplicate files, photos, and screenshots needlessly taking up valuable storage space. Unlike other tools, Duplicates Finder gives you control, requiring manual verification before deleting files, and even suggesting the best photo among similar images.
10/10
Total Score
The best

5. Smart Uninstaller: The Ultimate Space Saver

mackeeper smart uninstaller

Uninstalling apps on a Mac isn’t as simple as dragging them to the Trash—it often leaves behind leftover and cache files. That’s where the Smart Uninstaller shines, scanning for unused apps, plugins, widgets, and browser extensions and removing them completely.

During my test, the scan took under two minutes and found 11.35 GB of unused items. I could view details for each category and select what to remove, making it a standout tool compared to others like McAfee and Intego that lack this feature.

unnecessary apps identified by smart uninstaller

Apps are sorted by usage, making it easy to spot and remove rarely used ones. By default, only Leftovers are marked for removal.

However, the Smart Uninstaller lacks warnings about critical macOS items. For example, deleting Spotlight plugins triggers only a confirmation prompt, with no caution about their importance.

warning prompt on smart uninstaller

So, what’s my final take on the Smart Uninstaller? It’s a gem of a feature that makes finding and removing unused applications, plugins, and extensions as easy as pie. But I’d give it a standing ovation if MacKeeper threw in a clear, in-app warning to ensure I don’t accidentally send anything important to the digital graveyard.

MacKeeper's Smart Uninstaller Review

MacKeeper's Smart Uninstaller Review
9 10 0 1
MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller thoroughly removes unused applications, plugins, widgets, and browser extensions from your Mac. The ability to view and selectively delete items in each category, along with the convenient sorting by usage level, makes the process easy. However, it would benefit from an in-app warning to prevent accidental deletion of important macOS default plugins.
MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller thoroughly removes unused applications, plugins, widgets, and browser extensions from your Mac. The ability to view and selectively delete items in each category, along with the convenient sorting by usage level, makes the process easy. However, it would benefit from an in-app warning to prevent accidental deletion of important macOS default plugins.
9/10
Total Score
Amazing

6. Memory Cleaner: The RAM Doctor

mackeeper memory cleaner

Memory Cleaner displays how your device’s RAM (Random Access Memory) is being utilized and allows you to free up RAM on your Mac to enhance overall performance.

memory usage on mac

The Clean Memory feature lets you clear RAM with a click, freeing over 3 GB in my test. It provides detailed memory allocation insights for better control.

The Apps & Processes section identifies memory-hogging apps and allows you to close them directly. It safeguards critical apps, like MacKeeper, by locking them, ensuring safe optimization. A practical tool for managing your Mac’s performance.

MacKeeper's Memory Cleaner Review

MacKeeper's Memory Cleaner Review
8 10 0 1
MacKeeper’s Memory Cleaner optimizes your Mac’s performance by freeing up RAM. The Apps & Processes section provides detailed information about memory usage and allows you to manually close apps, with the added benefit of MacKeeper safeguarding essential applications from accidental closure.
MacKeeper’s Memory Cleaner optimizes your Mac’s performance by freeing up RAM. The Apps & Processes section provides detailed information about memory usage and allows you to manually close apps, with the added benefit of MacKeeper safeguarding essential applications from accidental closure.
8/10
Total Score
Very good

7. Update Tracker: Keep Your Apps Up-to-Date

mackeeper update tracker

Picture this: a trusty detective scanning your device’s applications, tirelessly looking for any that need a little TLC in the form of updates.

After all, keeping your apps up-to-date on Mac is crucial to prevent hackers from finding a chink and exploiting system vulnerabilities to nab your data.

updates available on mac

However, what surprised me was when I checked the App Store, there were only four updates. MacKeeper missed a macOS security update but found three extra app updates, making the Update Tracker a mixed bag.

updates in app store

MacKeeper's Update Tracker Review

MacKeeper's Update Tracker Review
8 10 0 1
MacKeeper’s Update Tracker is a performance enhancer that checks third-party apps for updates. It can download and install the updates automatically for better performance and security.
MacKeeper’s Update Tracker is a performance enhancer that checks third-party apps for updates. It can download and install the updates automatically for better performance and security.
8/10
Total Score
Very good

8. Login Items: Reduce Your Mac’s Startup Time

mackeeper login items

MacKeeper’s Login Items boosts your Mac’s start-up speed by managing programs that launch at boot. Unlike many security tools, it includes this handy feature. During my test, it identified 17 items slowing down my Mac’s start-up.

login items on mac

Some start-up items are locked and can’t be removed. I removed three others, but my already fast Mac showed no noticeable start-up improvement.

MacKeeper's Login Items Review

MacKeeper's Login Items Review
8 10 0 1
MacKeeper’s Login Items offers a convenient start-up manager that aims to optimize your Mac’s boot speed by allowing you to take control of the applications that launch during start-up.
MacKeeper’s Login Items offers a convenient start-up manager that aims to optimize your Mac’s boot speed by allowing you to take control of the applications that launch during start-up.
8/10
Total Score
Very good

9. ID Theft Guard: Control Your Online Identity

mackeeper id theft guard

MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard scans for email breaches and alerts you, outperforming competitors like Intego, Bitdefender, and TotalAV.

After adding my email, it scanned for breaches and reported No data breaches found. I enabled real-time monitoring to stay alert for any future threats.

MacKeeper's ID Theft Guard Review

MacKeeper's ID Theft Guard Review
7 10 0 1
MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard acts as a vigilant protector, continuously scanning data breaches associated with your email addresses and promptly notifying you of any suspicious activity. While it may not have all the extravagant features of similar tools, it outshines competitors by providing dark web monitoring.
MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard acts as a vigilant protector, continuously scanning data breaches associated with your email addresses and promptly notifying you of any suspicious activity. While it may not have all the extravagant features of similar tools, it outshines competitors by providing dark web monitoring.
7/10
Total Score
Good

10. VPN Private Connect: Your Online Privacy Protector

mackeeper private connect

MacKeeper’s Private Connect VPN stands out with its impressive features:

  • Unlimited data for seamless browsing.
  • 300+ servers across 50+ countries for wide coverage.
  • 256-bit AES encryption for top-tier security.
  • P2P torrenting support on select servers.
  • Protection against WebRTC and DNS leaks for enhanced privacy.

In my tests, it only reduced download speeds by 20%, making it much faster than typical VPNs. It also excels at unblocking streaming sites, outperforming competitors like Avira’s VPN. Fast, reliable, and feature-rich, it’s a strong addition to the MacKeeper suite.

MacKeeper's Private Connect Review

MacKeeper's Private Connect Review
8 10 0 1
MacKeeper’s integrated VPN, Private Connect, is an impressive addition to the suite, offering unrestricted features and robust security measures. With unlimited data, a vast server network across multiple countries, military-grade encryption, P2P torrenting support, and protection against leaks, it covers all the essentials.
MacKeeper’s integrated VPN, Private Connect, is an impressive addition to the suite, offering unrestricted features and robust security measures. With unlimited data, a vast server network across multiple countries, military-grade encryption, P2P torrenting support, and protection against leaks, it covers all the essentials.
8/10
Total Score
Very good

11. StopAd: Stop Annoying Ads

mackeeper stopad

Meet StopAd, MacKeeper’s ad-blocker that kicks ads and trackers off your browser. After a quick setup, it works silently in Safari or Chrome, monitoring every page you visit.

In my test, StopAd blocked 3 ads and 4 trackers on a single YouTube video, with the count rising as I browsed further. It even shows which sites were blocked, offering transparency and a smoother browsing experience.

MacKeeper's StopAd Review

MacKeeper's StopAd Review
8 10 0 1
StopAd, MacKeeper’s ad-blocking tool, is a powerful solution for eliminating ads and trackers that invade your online experience. With a quick and hassle-free setup process, StopAd diligently monitors webpages to keep unwanted content at bay.
StopAd, MacKeeper’s ad-blocking tool, is a powerful solution for eliminating ads and trackers that invade your online experience. With a quick and hassle-free setup process, StopAd diligently monitors webpages to keep unwanted content at bay.
8/10
Total Score
Very good

12. Find & Fix: One-Click Mac Optimizer

mackeeper find and fix

MacKeeper’s Find & Fix feature offers a quick, one-click scan that covers four main categories:

  • Security
  • Privacy
  • Cleaning
  • Performance

The scan provides an overview of issues affecting your Mac. You can either:

  1. Select Fix Items Safely to let MacKeeper handle them automatically.
  2. Click Review & Fix under each category to address specific issues, or
mackeeper find and fix feature

The Find & Fix feature is useful for quickly checking your Mac’s status, but the Fix Items Safely button may prompt users to fix issues without reviewing the changes.

MacKeeper's Find & Fix Review

MacKeeper's Find & Fix Review
9 10 0 1
MacKeeper’s Find & Fix feature offers a comprehensive scan of your Mac, covering security, privacy, cleaning, and performance aspects. The scan results provide an overview of potential threats in each category, allowing you to review and address them individually.
MacKeeper’s Find & Fix feature offers a comprehensive scan of your Mac, covering security, privacy, cleaning, and performance aspects. The scan results provide an overview of potential threats in each category, allowing you to review and address them individually.
9/10
Total Score
Amazing

MacKeeper Tech Support: Your 24/7 Personal Tech Expert

MacKeeper’s 24/7 tech support features 150+ experts with a 93% satisfaction rate and over 1 million cases resolved. Premium Services go beyond troubleshooting, offering assistance for software, apps, and mail issues, plus an Advanced System Tune-up to optimize performance and security.

As a reminder, Premium Services only uses its website to collect payment information. It will never ask for your payment data over the phone or use offline payment methods to protect you from fraud and ensure your data’s security​.

Subscribers also get ZoomDiagnostics, a tool for deep hardware analysis, performance checks, and security insights, with built-in live chat for instant expert help.

MacKeeper Pricing and Plans

MacKeeper offers a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets.

Here’s a breakdown of MacKeeper’s current plans:

Plan TypeSupported DevicesCostBilling Cycle
1-Month Plan1 Mac$14.95/monthMonthly
12-Month Plan1 Mac$5.95/monthYearly
12-Month Plan3 Macs$7.45/monthYearly

Get Started With MacKeeper in 3 Steps

Before you can start benefiting from MacKeeper’s list of features to optimize your Mac’s performance, improve security, and manage data, you need to install and activate it.

Here are the steps to help you install and activate MacKeeper on your Mac:

Step 1: Download and Install

  1. Go to the official website of MacKeeper and click the Download button.
click the download button on mackeeper website
  1. The download process will begin, and the installer file will save to your Mac’s Downloads folder. Click the down arrow in the upper right corner and select Show in Finder to access the file.
double click the mackeeper installer in downloads list
  1. In the Downloads folder, double-click the installer file to start the installation process.
double click the mackeeper installer in the downloads folder
  1. Click Continue on the Install window.
click continue on mackeeper installer
  1. Click Install.
click install on mackeeper installer
  1. Enter your Mac’s password and click Install Software.
enter your username and passwors to start mackeeper installation
  1. The installation process will start. Click OK on the prompt to give access to the Downloads folder.
click ok on the prompt
  1. Wait for the installation process to complete. Click Close on the Installation Successful notification.
click close on the mackeeper installer
  1. Now, you can launch MacKeeper and start using it.

Step 2: Get an Activation Code

Here’s how to get an activation code for MacKeeper:

  1. Launch MacKeeper on your Mac and click Unlock Full Version in the lower-left corner.
click unlock full version in mackeeper
  1. Select your plan and tap Instant Activation.
click instant activation on mackeeper
  1. Fill in your payment information and click Buy Now.
click buy now on mackeeper
  1. You’ll receive an email titled Your MacKeeper Order containing the 16-digit activation code.

Step 3: Activate MacKeeper License

Usually, the license activates automatically within 5 minutes, but you can do it manually if it doesn’t. Here’s how to activate your MacKeeper license:

  1. Open MacKeeper on your Mac and click MacKeeper in the menu bar.
click mackeeper in the menu bar
  1. Select Enter Activation Code in the drop-down menu.
click mackeeper in the menu bar and select enter activation code
  1. Paste the activation code for the license you purchased and click Apply Code.
enter your mackeeper activation code and click apply code
  1. Next, enter your email address and click Create My Account.
enter your email and click create my account
  1. That’s it. Your MacKeeper account has been activated. Click OK to access its features.
click ok to start using mackeeper

My Verdict: Is MacKeeper Worth the Investment?

Now that I’ve covered the installation, features, and pricing of MacKeeper, let’s answer the most important question: is MacKeeper worth the investment? I’d say yes.

Overall, MacKeeper offers a range of useful features designed to keep your Mac running smoothly and protect it from security threats. Its cleaning and optimization tools are particularly helpful to free up space on your hard drive and improve your Mac’s performance.

MacKeeper Overall Review

MacKeeper Overall Review
8 10 0 1
MacKeeper provides a diverse array of valuable features aimed at maintaining your Mac’s efficiency and safeguarding it against security risks. Notably, its cleaning and optimization tools prove particularly beneficial in freeing up storage space and enhancing overall performance.
MacKeeper provides a diverse array of valuable features aimed at maintaining your Mac’s efficiency and safeguarding it against security risks. Notably, its cleaning and optimization tools prove particularly beneficial in freeing up storage space and enhancing overall performance.
8/10
Total Score
Very good

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MacKeeper safe to use?

Yes, MacKeeper is safe to use. Although MacKeeper has faced controversies in the past, it has come a long way since then. MacKeeper has been independently tested and certified by reputable organizations like AV-Comparatives and AppEsteem, ensuring reliable performance and security.

Is MacKeeper free?

No, MacKeeper is not free. However, it offers a free version with limited functionality of one free fix for each feature except VPN Private Connect. You can also run a free Mac scan with the free version, but to access its full suite of features and services, you need to purchase a subscription plan.

Is there a free trial for MacKeeper?

No, MacKeeper does not offer a free trial in the traditional sense. Instead, it provides a limited-feature version that you can download and use for free. To access the full set of features, a subscription plan must be purchased.

Does MacKeeper offer a mobile app?

No, MacKeeper does not offer a mobile app. It is primarily designed for macOS systems. For mobile device security and optimization, consider exploring alternative apps specifically created for your device’s operating system.

Can I use MacKeeper on multiple devices?

Yes, you can use MacKeeper on multiple devices, depending on the subscription plan you choose. MacKeeper offers different plans, some of which cover multiple devices. You can use it on up to three Mac devices with a single license.

MacKeeper Review for Mac: Is It Worth It?

MacKeeper Cleanup Software for Mac
0 10 0 1
MacKeeper is a dependable software utility that offers a comprehensive set of cybersecurity and performance optimization features for macOS. With its strong antivirus protection, useful tune-up tools, and bonus features like a VPN, update tracker, and ad blocker, it delivers a solid performance. While it may come at a higher price point compared to similar products and lacks certain essential security features like anti-phishing protection, a password manager, and a firewall, MacKeeper distinguishes itself as one of the few antivirus suites specifically tailored for Mac users.
MacKeeper is a dependable software utility that offers a comprehensive set of cybersecurity and performance optimization features for macOS. With its strong antivirus protection, useful tune-up tools, and bonus features like a VPN, update tracker, and ad blocker, it delivers a solid performance. While it may come at a higher price point compared to similar products and lacks certain essential security features like anti-phishing protection, a password manager, and a firewall, MacKeeper distinguishes itself as one of the few antivirus suites specifically tailored for Mac users.

The Good

  • A user-friendly interface
  • A 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans
  • Provides real-time malware protection

The Bad

  • Lacks some essential security features, like anti-phishing protection
  • Relatively more expensive than similar products

Ojash

Author

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

Hashir Ibrahim

Reviewer

Hello! I'm Hashir, a seasoned tech journalist with a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience. With a bachelor's in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and over a decade in the industry, I've built a reputation for demystifying complex Apple hardware. My work has been featured in top tech outlets like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac.

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