The MacKeeper Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about MacKeeper in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
MacKeeper
The Insider’s Guide
Mac maintenance app with antivirus, cleanup and a VPN
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among antivirus apps, read from MacKeeper’s own pages.
Made by Clario Tech · checked Nov 13, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from MacKeeper’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on MacKeeper’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 13, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.0
GPA, above 14 of the 56 other antivirus apps we grade
MacKeeper is an all-in-one maintenance app for macOS that combines malware and adware scanning with junk cleanup, an uninstaller, memory cleaning, a VPN and breach monitoring. Every paid plan unlocks all tools; plans differ only by the number of Macs and the length of the term.
To get you started, here are 9 things to know about MacKeeper, taken from its own pages and our grades.
No store rating on record, but it is a Mac app you install and run.
- 1
Best for a Mac cleanup app with antivirus attached
It is Mac only, and the pricing page states no renewal price.
- 2
Paid plans start at $5.95 a month
As its pricing page puts it: $5.95 per month for 1 Mac, billed yearly ($71.40); renewal price not stated.
- 3
There is a free plan
Free version offers one-time use of the memory cleaner, one week of malware scanning and a limited adware blocker.
- 4
It runs on macOS
macOS.
- 5
Antivirus and adware cleaner
Scans for malware and adware and offers real-time protection; the vendor cites a 99.7% detection rate in an AV-TEST comparison.
- 6
Mac cleaner and uninstaller
Removes junk files, duplicates, unused apps and leftover files to free disk space.
- 7
Memory cleaner and optimizer
Quits memory-heavy apps and manages startup items to free RAM.
- 8
A 2.0 GPA, above 14 of 56
That is against the other antivirus apps we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 9
Keep it
To replace MacKeeper you would be making an engine that recognises new malware as it appears. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
MacKeeper at a glance
- Pricing
- Free plan, from $5.95 per month for 1 Mac, billed yearly ($71.40); renewal price not stated
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- macOS
- Made by
- Clario Tech
- Category
- Antivirus & Malware Protection
- Our grade
- 2.0 GPA, fair
The report card
Best for a Mac cleanup app with antivirus attached
MacKeeper is a Mac maintenance app with antivirus, cleanup and a VPN, from $5.95 a month billed yearly. It is Mac only, and the pricing page states no renewal price. The homepage says pricing starts at $10.95 a month, which differs from the pricing page.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | C | $71.40 a year for 1 Mac, shown as $5.95 a month, between the middle and the dearer quarter of this category. The month-to-month plan is $14.95 and no renewal price is stated. |
| Free plan and trial | C | A free version with one use of the memory cleaner, one week of malware scanning and a limited adware blocker. |
| Features | C | Antivirus, cleanup and VPN in one Mac app, though the antivirus is one part of a maintenance suite. |
| Ease of use | B | No store rating on record, but it is a Mac app you install and run. |
| Platforms and integrations | D | Mac only: no Windows, iPhone or Android app is listed. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who MacKeeper is for
- Fits if you want cleanup tools and a scanner in one Mac app
- Works for one or three Macs on a yearly plan
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you use Windows or a phone, as only Mac is covered
- Pricey if you pay monthly at $14.95
- Watch out: the homepage says from $10.95 a month while the pricing page shows lower figures
- Watch out: the refund must be requested within 30 days and is lost after six months of use
- Tight if you stay on free: one week of malware scanning only
Good to know
Good for
- Mac owners who want cleanup and security in one app
- Households covering up to three Macs
Worth knowing
- Mac only; no Windows, iOS or Android app is listed.
- The pricing page does not state what yearly plans cost at renewal; it says only that later payments are billed annually.
- The 14-day money-back guarantee must be requested within 30 days for yearly plans and is lost once the license has been used for six months.
- The homepage lists pricing as starting at $10.95 a month, which differs from the pricing page figures.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$5.95
A month to start. There is a free plan too
MacKeeper has a free plan. Paid plans start at $5.95 per month for 1 Mac, billed yearly ($71.40); renewal price not stated.
A free version with one use of the memory cleaner, one week of malware scanning and a limited adware blocker.
12-month, 1 Mac
$5.95
per month, billed yearly; first term, renewal price not stated
$71.40 for the year, shown against a crossed-out $179.40; covers 1 Mac with every MacKeeper tool.
12-month, 3 Macs
$7.45
per month, billed yearly; first term, renewal price not stated
$89.40 for the year, shown against a crossed-out $179.40; covers 3 Macs.
1-month, 1 Mac
$14.95
per month, billed monthly
Month-to-month plan for 1 Mac with full access to every tool.
The free plan
Free version offers one-time use of the memory cleaner, one week of malware scanning and a limited adware blocker.
Read from mackeeper.com on Nov 13, 2026.
Ways to pay less
Other savings
14-day money-back guarantee
All plans are eligible for a refund requested within 30 days of purchase on yearly plans or 14 days on monthly plans.
Stated on mackeeper.com
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
1
Place it runs: macOS
Mac maintenance app with antivirus, cleanup and a VPN. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: system monitor, disk cleanup, vPN, ad and tracker blocking, malware protection.
Antivirus, cleanup and VPN in one Mac app, though the antivirus is one part of a maintenance suite.
- Antivirus and adware cleaner
- Scans for malware and adware and offers real-time protection; the vendor cites a 99.7% detection rate in an AV-TEST comparison.
- Mac cleaner and uninstaller
- Removes junk files, duplicates, unused apps and leftover files to free disk space.
- Memory cleaner and optimizer
- Quits memory-heavy apps and manages startup items to free RAM.
- VPN, ad blocker and breach monitoring
- Includes a VPN, an ad and tracker blocker, and monitoring of email accounts for password leaks.
- In-app chat support
- Chat with support staff from inside the app, which the vendor says is available around the clock.
Where it runs
- macOS
What it works with
Its own pages name no integrations.
MacKeeper is made by Clario Tech.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
14/56
Other antivirus apps it is graded above
MacKeeper's GPA of 2.0 is higher than 14 of the 56 other antivirus apps we grade, and level with 11.
It stands best on ease of use (B, above 23 of 56) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).
Its paid plans start at $5.95 a month, against a middle price of $4.17 for the category: 25 of the 34 others that charge start lower.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.0 out of 4. 21 tools score higher and cost less.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 57 antivirus apps we grade, cut by the letter each got. MacKeeper’s own letter is outlined.
- CValue for moneyAbove 8 of 56
- CFree plan and trialAbove 24 of 56
- CFeaturesAbove 7 of 56
- BEase of useAbove 23 of 56
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 56
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 36 antivirus apps. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. MacKeeper is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
To replace MacKeeper you would be making an engine that recognises new malware as it appears. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
That makes this kind of software worth paying for, not this one in particular: 31 of the 56 other antivirus apps grade higher. It costs $71.40 a year.
What you could make
- Ad and tracker blocking: an app builder makes this well.
What you could not
- An engine that recognises new malware as it appears.
- Servers in dozens of countries, kept fast and private.
- Deleting system files without breaking anything.
- Readings from inside the operating system.
- A real app for macOS. Something home-made would be a web page.
What this rests on. MacKeeper’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Intego, Moonlock, Malwarebytes, Bitdefender and Sophos Home
The 5 tools MacKeeper is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.0GPA
Intego
From $39.99/yr
Mac antivirus and firewall suite, with a VPN and a Windows edition.
- MacKeeper has a free plan. Intego does not.
- Only Intego lists Windows and iOS apps.
- MacKeeper also covers system monitor and ad and tracker blocking.
- 2.0GPA
Moonlock
Free trial · from $54/yr
Mac antivirus with real-time scanning, a VPN and a scam checker.
- MacKeeper has a free plan. Moonlock does not, though it has a free trial.
- MacKeeper also covers system monitor, disk cleanup and ad and tracker blocking.
- 2.2GPA
Malwarebytes
Free plan · from $59.99/yr
Malware scanner and real-time protection, with VPN and ID plans.
- Only Malwarebytes lists Windows, Android and iOS apps.
- Only Malwarebytes lists a browser extension.
- MacKeeper also covers system monitor and disk cleanup.
- 2.8GPA
Bitdefender
Free plan · from $49.99/yr
Antivirus suites for computers and phones, with a free Windows tier.
- Only Bitdefender lists Windows, Android and iOS apps.
- MacKeeper also covers system monitor, disk cleanup and ad and tracker blocking.
- Bitdefender also covers password manager.
- 2.4GPA
Sophos Home
Free trial · from $59.99/yr
Business-grade antivirus for up to 10 Windows PCs and Macs.
- MacKeeper has a free plan. Sophos Home does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Sophos Home lists Windows, Android and iOS apps.
- MacKeeper also covers system monitor, disk cleanup, vPN and ad and tracker blocking.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
12
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is MacKeeper free?
MacKeeper has a free plan. Free version offers one-time use of the memory cleaner, one week of malware scanning and a limited adware blocker.
How much does MacKeeper cost?
MacKeeper lists 3 plans. 12-month, 1 Mac: $5.95 per month, billed yearly; first term, renewal price not stated.
What platforms does MacKeeper work on?
MacKeeper is available on macOS.
Does MacKeeper offer any discounts?
MacKeeper publicly lists the following: 14-day money-back guarantee.
Does MacKeeper have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. MacKeeper is listed for macOS.
Does MacKeeper have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. MacKeeper is listed for macOS.
Is MacKeeper open source?
MacKeeper is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Nov 13, 2026.
Who makes MacKeeper?
MacKeeper is made by Clario Tech.
What are the alternatives to MacKeeper?
The closest alternatives to MacKeeper in our directory are Intego, Moonlock, Malwarebytes, Bitdefender and Sophos Home.
How does MacKeeper compare with other antivirus apps?
MacKeeper's GPA of 2.0 is higher than 14 of the 56 other antivirus apps we grade, and level with 11.
Is MacKeeper good value for money?
ToolGPA grades MacKeeper C for value for money. Its paid plans start at $5.95 a month, against a middle price of $4.17 for the category: 25 of the 34 others that charge start lower.
Could I make my own version of MacKeeper?
To replace MacKeeper you would be making an engine that recognises new malware as it appears.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from MacKeeper’s own pages on Nov 13, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 13, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Clario Tech's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Clario Tech. Prices change, so check mackeeper.com before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
7,721
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
7,721
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- MacKeeper, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/mackeeper
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "MacKeeper: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 13, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/mackeeper
Know someone choosing between antivirus apps?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/mackeeper/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded antivirus apps after MacKeeper, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Antivirus & Malware Protection Insider's GuideEvery one of the 57 antivirus apps we grade, compared
- Avast Insider's GuideFree antivirus for PC, Mac and phones, with paid Premium and Ultimate3.0 GPA
- AVG Insider's GuideFree antivirus for Windows, with paid Internet Security and Ultimate2.8 GPA
- Bitdefender Insider's GuideAntivirus suites for computers and phones, with a free Windows tier2.8 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what MacKeeper’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. MacKeeper is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Clario Tech. Prices and plans change: check mackeeper.com before you buy.