UnboxedUnboxed vs CleanMyMac
Unboxed guides the first-hour setup of a new Mac, then applies the changes you reviewed. CleanMyMac is a heavier optimizer. They solve different jobs.
| Unboxed | CleanMyMac | |
|---|---|---|
| Job | First-hour defaults after Setup Assistant | Disk cleaner, malware scan, and ongoing optimizer |
| Price | $2.99 once. Starter applies five settings free. | Sold as a subscription. MacPaw also lists a higher one-time license for the current major version. |
| What it writes | Defaults, Apps kit, and Leftovers you review. Pro unlocks Apply for the full setup. Revert stays in the app. | Cleanup, performance, and protection tools. Not a first-hour defaults app. |
| What it is not | Not a disk map, antivirus, MDM, or FileVault replacement. | Not a $2.99 one-Apply setup for a new Mac. |
| Macs | Apple silicon, macOS 14+ | macOS 11+ on MacPaw’s current store listing |
If you want junk gone and a monitor in the menu bar, CleanMyMac is built for that. If you just opened a new Mac and want Finder, Dock, privacy, and firewall set once, that is Unboxed.
Unboxed is for Apple silicon Macs. Open this page on a Mac to download it.
Questions already on the site
Is Unboxed a CleanMyMac replacement?
No. Unboxed writes first-hour defaults after Setup Assistant. CleanMyMac is a disk cleaner and optimizer. Pick the job you actually have.
How much is Unboxed?
Free covers five starter settings. Pro is $2.99 once on Whop. A 30 day refund is available if you revert and still want the purchase reversed.
Can I undo what Unboxed writes?
Yes. Apply copies current values, then writes the switches you left on. Revert reads that snapshot in the app.