MacKeeper Review: Everything You Need to Know

Apple excels at maintaining the privacy and security of its operating system and associated software. However, this doesn’t imply macOS is absolutely invulnerable. Mac computers can also fall prey to malware and various online hazards.

So, it’s essential to have a Mac cleaner capable of tackling a wide range of digital threats, such as spyware, adware, tracking, and data breaches. One popular option is MacKeeper. But is it really worth the investment? In this article, I’ll share a comprehensive MacKeeper review, including everything you need to know about its features, safety, pricing, and effectiveness.

MacKeeper At A Glance

⭐ Rating	4.5★★★★☆
💰 Price	From $5.95/month
🆓 Free Version	Yes
🎁 Free Trial	No
🖥️ Platform	macOS
📱 Number of Devices Protected	1-3
🔍 Malware Scans	Manual & Scheduled
🛡️ Firewall	No
⚔️ Phishing Protection	No

What Is MacKeeper?

MacKeeper is a software utility for macOS computers designed to optimize, secure, and clean up a Mac. It was developed by a company called ZeoBIT, which was later acquired by Kromtech Alliance Corp.

MacKeeper is marketed as an all-in-one solution for Mac users, offering the following features:

Feature	Explanation
Antivirus	Scans and removes various malware, such as viruses, trojans, and ransomware, to protect your Mac.
Adware Cleaner	Detects and eliminates unwanted adware and pop-ups for a smoother browsing experience.
Safe Cleanup	Frees up storage space by removing unnecessary files, cache, and temporary data from your Mac.
Duplicates Finder	Identifies and removes duplicate files to recover storage space and optimize your Mac’s performance.
Smart Uninstaller	Uninstalls applications and their associated files completely, ensuring no leftover data remains.
Memory Cleaner	Optimizes your Mac’s memory by freeing up RAM, improving overall system performance.
Update Tracker	Monitors and notifies you about available updates for installed apps, keeping them up to date.
Login Items	Manages and optimizes startup applications, helping your Mac boot up faster.
ID Theft Guard	Protects your personal information by monitoring and alerting you of potential data breaches.
Private Connect	Provides a secure and private internet connection using an encrypted VPN service.
StopAd	Blocks ads and trackers to enhance your browsing experience and protect your privacy online.

MacKeeper Review: What Can MacKeeper Do?

MacKeeper boasts a comprehensive suite of features, catering to an array of user needs, from malware protection and system cleanup to identity protection and ad blocking.

Below, I will dive into the extensive capabilities of MacKeeper, showcasing how its multifaceted functionality can significantly enhance 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).

Whenever my Mac starts running slow, I don’t have to open a bunch of apps or click multiple buttons. All I need to do is head to the menu bar and click the MacKeeper menu icon. It shows me all Mac optimization tools right there.

I can choose to clean my Mac’s memory with the Memory Cleaner or run a virus scan on my Mac with its Antivirus. So, with just a simple press of a button, MacKeeper works its magic, and within seconds, my Mac is back to its speedy self again.

Here’s a video tutorial of cleaning my Mac’s memory using the MacKeeper menu icon:

1. Antivirus: Protection Your Mac Deserves

Ever heard of malware, viruses, adware, or ransomware? Well, these sneaky little pests don’t stand a chance against MacKeeper’s Antivirus. It’s like your Mac’s personal bodyguard, keeping watch 24/7, ready to pounce on any potential threats. Plus, it’s got this nifty on-demand scanning feature, so you can poke around any files or folders you’re suspicious of whenever you want.

Looking for where to find this digital superhero? Just peek into the Security section in the left sidebar. That’s where you can kick off a full-on system scan to seek and destroy any harmful files or malware on your Mac.

No quick scan option here, but you can choose to have a closer look at specific files with a custom scan.

The first time you fire up the Antivirus scanner, it’ll ask you to turn on real-time protection. Frankly, I’m not sure why this crucial feature isn’t enabled by default, but at least it’s simple to activate and hard to miss. And once it’s on, it stays on unless you decide to switch it off.

MacKeeper’s real-time antivirus is always on the job, meticulously examining every new file you download for any signs of malware. Downloaded a file that’s got a virus hitching a ride? No worries, it’ll spot the intruder in a heartbeat, and you’ll get the chance to banish it to quarantine, where you can kick it out for good.

So, I installed the software and took it for a spin with a full scan. It took about 10 minutes for the first round, and it came back all clear – no threats on my Mac. But, there’s a catch – it didn’t tell me how many files it had scanned through, so I couldn’t be sure if it had checked every nook and cranny.

I noticed that the more I ran the scans, the quicker they became, meaning MacKeeper utilizes file caching to recognize safe files. My first scan clocked in at 10 minutes, but later ones were lightning fast, taking just a minute or two. And the best part? It didn’t slow down my Mac one bit.

Overall, I was impressed by the speed and accuracy of MacKeeper’s Antivirus scanner, but I would like to see the number of files scanned each time. That said, MacKeeper boasts a high malware detection rate, which is my top concern.

2. Adware Cleaner: Security for Your Files

Alright, ready for round two? Time to meet the Adware Cleaner, MacKeeper’s secret weapon against those pesky ad interruptions. This slick tool is designed to sniff out and delete adware from your Mac while keeping an eagle eye out for new threats.

Now, typically, antivirus software tucks their adware cleaners inside their main anti-malware engines instead of letting them shine solo. And guess what? Not all internet security champs even bother with adware detection. So, hats off to MacKeeper for putting the spotlight on this.

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.

Similar to the Antivirus scanner, real-time adware monitoring isn’t enabled by default. Yes, I was asked to flick it on when I first opened the Adware Cleaner. And while I wish they’d just roll out the red carpet and have it ready to go from the start, setting it up was as easy as pie—a simple one-click operation.

So, what’s my final verdict on the Adware Cleaner? I’m a fan! It’s like a friendly neighborhood cop, easy to work with, super quick, and keeps my Mac a no-fly zone for malicious adware and any potentially unwanted apps (PUAs) that could spam it with unwanted ads.

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

MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup is like having a funky vacuum cleaner that zaps away all those pesky junk files hogging up your precious Mac storage space.

Picture this: logs, trash items, caches, email attachments, and unused language files all gone in a flash! And guess what? Unlike other Mac cleaners, MacKeeper gobbles up mail attachments too! Pretty cool, right?

The Safe Cleanup feature is as user-friendly as it is zippy. It sniffed out a mind-blowing 7.7 GB of junk files on my Mac in less than 60 seconds. That’s when I realized I should probably give my Mac’s hard drive a good scrub more often.

Now, before you go on a cleaning spree, there’s one little thing you should know. The Safe Cleanup feature doesn’t prompt you to review files before hitting the Clean button. Only the Trash category warns you before things vanish into oblivion. For other categories, once you hit Clean Junk Files, it all vanishes.

So, if you’re an Apple Mail app fan like yours truly and you accidentally click that big, enticing blue button, you’ll lose all those mail attachments you’ve been hoarding.

But to avoid accidentally trashing important files, just click each category in the left sidebar, take a peek at the file details, deselect anything you want to keep, and then click Clean Junk Files on your Mac.

Once you get the hang of it, Safe Cleanup is your ultimate sidekick for keeping your hard drive squeaky clean and free from unnecessary files and bulky attachments.

4. Duplicates Finder: Kill the Doubles Quickly

Just like its name implies, the Duplicates Finder tool scours your Mac to uncover any twin files, photos, and screenshots just lounging around, hogging your precious hard drive space.

When I took it for a spin, the scan zipped through in under a minute. It turned up 856 sneaky doubles gobbling up 393 MB of space that could be put to better use. So, if you’re looking to delete duplicates on your Mac, you’ll want to take a closer look at these culprits.

Now, here’s where the Duplicates Finder puts on its best manners. Unlike Safe Cleanup, it won’t just toss out files without your say-so. It’ll ask you to give each file a once-over before consigning it to the trash.

By default, it only marks the spotted duplicate files for removal. But if you’re the detail-oriented type, you can click each category to check out file names, locations, and even sneak a peek at images.

Just a heads up, the Similar Photos and Screenshots categories don’t come pre-selected, so you’ll need to do a bit of manual verification. But don’t worry, MacKeeper’s got your back—it’ll even suggest the best photo among similar images.

All in all, I appreciate MacKeeper’s Duplicates Finder. It’s organized, straightforward, and makes what could be a real snooze of a task pretty simple. Although I gotta say, I would’ve been more impressed if it also covered music and archive files.

5. Smart Uninstaller: The Ultimate Space Saver

If you’ve ever tried to uninstall apps on a Mac, you’ll know it can be as tricky as solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded. You might think dragging them to the Trash does the trick, but it doesn’t. While doing so removes specific program components, it doesn’t always get rid of the leftover and cache files.

Enter the Smart Uninstaller. It scans your Mac for unused applications, plugins, widgets, and browser extensions and gives them a thorough boot, leaving no file behind.

Now, this feature deserves applause because, let’s face it, an uninstaller isn’t exactly a regular on the performance optimizer scene. Even the bigwigs of security suites, like McAfee and Intego, don’t sport this tool.

When I took the Smart Uninstaller for a test drive, the initial scan breezed through in under two minutes. It sniffed out a whopping 11.35 GB of unused apps, plugins, browser extensions, and leftover files on my Mac. Clicking each category felt like opening a treasure chest—I could see the app or program details and cherry-pick the items to nix.

The apps are neatly sorted by usage level, making it easy to spot and toss the ones you barely give a second glance. By default, only the Leftovers are marked for removal, like the last slice of pizza nobody wants.

Now, here’s where the Smart Uninstaller could use a little polish. There’s no in-app warning or explanation about the items you shouldn’t delete. If you go through my guide on How to Use MacKeeper’s Smart Uninstaller, you’ll find a cautionary note telling you not to touch macOS default plugins like Spotlight or Quick Look.

But guess what? This warning is absent in the app. If you select the Spotlight plugins and hit Remove Selected, you’ll just get a prompt to confirm the deletion, with no red flags about the Spotlight plugins.

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.

6. Memory Cleaner: The RAM Doctor

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.

When I tested this feature, over 7.39 GB of my 8 GB RAM was in use. That left me with a measly 624.1 MB of available memory. However, this number fluctuates frequently, sometimes varying by as much as 100 MB within seconds.

The Memory Cleaner section is like the command center where you get to play RAM boss. You can see all the details of memory allocation and even hit the Clean Memory button to clear it out. I tried it, and it freed up over 3 GB of memory.

The Apps & Processes section is like a backstage pass, giving a detailed breakdown of which applications are hogging the most memory. You can manually close each app right from this screen. The cherry on top is that MacKeeper locks the apps that are unsafe to remove. This prevents you from accidentally shutting down something important. As you’d expect, MacKeeper itself is one of the locked apps.

So, what’s my verdict on Memory Cleaner? It’s a good feature, if not the best. It quickly frees up significant space on your Mac, shutting down unnecessary programs.

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

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.

When I tested the Update Tracker, it identified seven programs on my device requiring updates.

However, what surprised me was when I checked the App Store, there were only four updates. (Hmmm, curiouser and curiouser…!)

And as if that wasn’t enough of a mystery, my macOS software needed a security update, but MacKeeper didn’t identify it. So, it’s a 50/50 situation for the Update Tracker as it identified 3 additional apps to update but couldn’t identify macOS updates.

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

Step right up and meet the Login Items, a little gem hidden within MacKeeper that’s on a mission to give your Mac’s start-up speed a turbo boost. If your Mac’s start-up time feels more like a marathon than a sprint, this might just be your new best friend.

While most top-tier security software out there seems to have missed the memo on including a start-up manager, MacKeeper stands out from the crowd. Hats off to them for this handy addition!

When I took this feature for a spin, it felt like opening a Pandora’s box. Out popped 17 items that had been hitching a ride every time I powered up my Mac.

Now, among these start-up guests, some are VIPs and can’t be uninvited. They’re the ones with a little lock next to their names. I decided to give the other 3 the boot, but honestly, my Mac’s start-up time didn’t show a noticeable change. But to be fair, my Mac was already pretty snappy, to begin with.

9. ID Theft Guard: Control Your Online Identity

ID Theft Guard is MacKeeper’s very own digital superhero committed to keeping your identity safe and sound. It’s like an ever-watchful sentinel tirelessly scanning data breaches linked to your email addresses, ready to alert you at the drop of a hat if it smells something fishy.

Now, this isn’t just any old feature. MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard is what sets it apart from the rest of the pack. Sure, it might not have all the bells and whistles that some similar tools out there have, but when it comes to the big league, it’s batting above average.

Just to give you a taste: Intego doesn’t even step up to the plate with dark web monitoring, Bitdefender only brings it to the table as an extra, and TotalAV lets you monitor a single email address.

Here’s how to get started: You’ll need to add your email addresses manually the first time around. When I gave it a whirl, the ID Theft Guard gave my email a thorough once-over for data breaches and came back with a clean bill of health – No data breaches found.

I also flicked on the Data breach monitor to keep the guard up in real-time, ready to ping me if my personal data decided to take an unauthorized field trip.

The bottom line, the ID Theft Guard is a keeper. It might not have all the trimmings, but it stands taller than many of its counterparts. Plus, it’s as user-friendly as they come and gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling of security, knowing your personal information has a bodyguard on duty 24/7.

10. VPN Private Connect: Your Online Privacy Protector

Most antivirus products either lack a VPN or offer one with multiple restrictions, but not MacKeeper. MacKeeper’s integrated VPN, Private Connect, is a valuable addition to the MacKeeper suite.

Like all good VPNs, Private Connect is all about cloaking your digital footprints and safeguarding your sensitive info from prying eyes by concealing your IP address and encrypting sensitive data.

I’ve been around the block a few times with VPNs that come packaged with antivirus products, and let’s just say they’ve left a lot to be desired. But then along came MacKeeper’s VPN, and, boy, did it impress. It’s like a buffet of unrestricted features, and you’re invited to feast:

• Unlimited data? Check!
• A whopping server network spanning 300+ locations in 50+ countries? Check!
• Military-grade 256-bit AES encryption? Double-check!
• P2P torrenting on select servers? You bet!
• Protection against WebRTC and DNS leaks? Absolutely!

Now, let’s talk about speed. Yes, VPNs can be a bit of a drag on your internet speed, but MacKeeper’s VPN is like a greyhound amongst snails. In my tests, it only slowed down my download speeds by a measly 20% when connected to the best available server.

Plus, it’s a champ when it comes to unblocking popular streaming sites, something that leaves many other VPNs in the dust. For instance, Avira’s VPN couldn’t even get past Netflix’s front door.

In the end, MacKeeper’s VPN left a positive impression on me. Fast, reliable, boasting a huge server network, and offering unlimited data – what’s not to like?

11. StopAd: Stop Annoying Ads

Ready to kick ads and trackers to the curb? Say hello to StopAd, MacKeeper’s ad-blocking powerhouse that says “Not today!” to pesky ads and trackers snooping on your online behavior.

Sure, plenty of antivirus software are playing the ad-blocking game. But it’s still a pretty nifty tool to have in your digital toolkit.

StopAd is like your personal bouncer for Safari or Google Chrome. After a quick and painless setup (seriously, we’re talking mere minutes here), this bodyguard starts flexing its muscles. It works undercover, diligently monitoring every new webpage you open. Want to check out its hard work? Click the icon in your menu bar for a sneak peek.

I took StopAd for a test drive on YouTube, and boy, was it a smooth ride! As I sat back and enjoyed a single video, StopAd was busy squashing 3 ads and 4 trackers. And let me tell you, as I continued to cruise around the internet, the count of thwarted ads and trackers skyrocketed.

The cherry on top? I could see exactly which websites were getting the boot from tracking me and pushing ads my way. Now, that’s what I call transparency.

12. Find & Fix: One-Click Mac Optimizer

MacKeeper has a Find & Fix feature, which essentially serves as a one-click, quick scan encompassing all MacKeeper features. The Find & Fix scan results display the four main MacKeeper categories, emphasizing any threats found in each:

1. Security
2. Privacy
3. Cleaning
4. Performance

This scan gives you an overview of various security and performance issues affecting your Mac. In the Find & Fix scan results, you can click Review & Fix under each section to see their details and manage them accordingly. Alternatively, you can click Fix Items Safely to let MacKeeper automatically address the identified issues.

I generally find the Find & Fix feature helpful for quickly reviewing your device’s security and optimization status. However, I’m not a fan of the Fix Items Safely button, as its design encourages you to click it without reviewing the changes being made.

MacKeeper Tech Support: Your 24/7 Personal Tech Expert

MacKeeper’s tech support stands out from your typical helpline, with a dedicated team of 150+ tech experts available 24/7 to help with Mac-related issues​​. They offer full-spectrum remote support for your digital life, with an impressive record of over 1 million closed cases and a 93% customer satisfaction rate​.

Their Premium Services feature goes beyond regular support, providing expert assistance across all your software and apps​. From mail and browser issues to more complex app or software problems, MacKeeper’s expert technicians will be there for you every time you need them.

MacKeeper’s tech support includes an Advanced System Tune-up that optimizes your Mac by cleaning out what’s slowing it down, removing potential threats, and ensuring your security and privacy settings are properly installed​.

Premium Services subscribers have access to ZoomDiagnostics, an advanced tool that provides a deep analysis of your Mac’s hardware, a performance status overview, and highlights any software problems and possible security issues. You can contact an expert right from the ZoomDiagnostics tool using the built-in live chat for 24/7 assistance​.

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 Type	Supported Devices	Cost	Billing Cycle
1-Month Plan	1 Mac	$14.95/month	Monthly
12-Month Plan	1 Mac	$5.95/month	Yearly
12-Month Plan	3 Macs	$7.45/month	Yearly

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.

2. 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.

3. In the Downloads folder, double-click the installer file to start the installation process.

4. Click Continue on the Install window.

5. Click Install.

6. Enter your Mac’s password and click Install Software.

7. The installation process will start. Click OK on the prompt to give access to the Downloads folder.

8. Wait for the installation process to complete. Click Close on the Installation Successful notification.

9. Now, you can launch MacKeeper and start using it.

Step 2: Get an Activation Code

After installing MacKeeper, you need to activate the software, and for that, you need an activation code. If you don’t have an activation code, you can purchase one from the MacKeeper website.

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.

2. Select your plan and tap Instant Activation.

3. Fill in your payment information and click Buy Now.

4. You’ll see an activation code on your screen if your payment details are correct. You’ll also 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.

2. Select Enter Activation Code in the drop-down menu.

3. Paste the activation code for the license you purchased and click Apply Code.

4. Next, enter your email address and click Create My Account.

5. That’s it. Your MacKeeper account has been activated. Click OK to access its features.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions