The Pearcleaner Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Pearcleaner 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.
Pearcleaner
The Insider’s Guide
Free, source-available app uninstaller and cleaner for Mac
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among desktop utilities, read from Pearcleaner’s own pages.
Made by Alin Lupascu · checked Oct 9, 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 Pearcleaner’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Pearcleaner’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 9, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.8
GPA, above 57 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade
Pearcleaner is a free Mac app cleaner that uninstalls applications together with their leftover files and searches for orphaned files. It also bundles managers for Homebrew packages, PKG installers, plugins and background services, an app updater, and tools that strip unused languages and architectures from apps. The source is public under Apache 2.0 with the Commons Clause. Its developer has put the project on hold, with version 5.4.3 the latest release.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about Pearcleaner, taken from its own pages and our grades.
It does want Full Disk Access, plus a privileged helper for system folders.
- 1
Best for free Mac uninstalls that take the leftovers too
Pearcleaner is a free Mac uninstaller that removes an app with its leftover files, finds orphaned files and manages Homebrew packages and app updates.
- 2
It is free
Pearcleaner has no paid plan at all. The whole app is free, from the GitHub releases page or Homebrew. Its license, Apache 2.0 with the Commons Clause, prohibits anyone from selling it or a modified version.
- 3
It runs on macOS
macOS.
- 4
App uninstall with related files
Apps are dragged in or picked from a list or grid view, with badges for web and iOS apps, and a Finder extension adds uninstalling to the right-click menu.
- 5
Orphaned file search
A separate search looks for orphaned files. Search sensitivity is adjustable, and directories can be included in or excluded from searching.
- 6
Sentinel Monitor
A small background monitor, listed at about 2 MB of RAM, starts a cleanup automatically when an app is moved to the Trash.
- 7
A 2.8 GPA, above 57 of 94
That is against the other desktop utilities we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
Pearcleaner is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
Pearcleaner at a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- macOS
- Made by
- Alin Lupascu
- Category
- Desktop Utilities
- Our grade
- 2.8 GPA, good
The report card
Best for free Mac uninstalls that take the leftovers too
Pearcleaner is a free Mac uninstaller that removes an app with its leftover files, finds orphaned files and manages Homebrew packages and app updates. The big drawback: the developer stopped work at the end of 2025, and releases and issue replies are paused indefinitely. It needs Full Disk Access, isn't listed for macOS 27, and its license is source-available rather than open source.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | Free, a download anyone can run from the GitHub releases page or Homebrew. The licence, Apache 2.0 with the Commons Clause, stops anyone selling it or a modified version. |
| Free plan and trial | A | Every feature is free and there's no paid tier. Nothing is held back for an upgrade and there's no cap to hit. |
| Features | C | Cleaning up after apps is its job and it covers it: uninstall with related files, an orphaned file search, a monitor that tidies when an app hits the Trash, plus Homebrew, PKG and services managers. But the README says work stopped at the end of 2025, so this is as far as it goes. |
| Ease of use | B | No store rating on record, but there's little to set up: drag an app in or pick it from a list, and a Finder extension adds uninstalling to the right-click menu. It does want Full Disk Access, plus a privileged helper for system folders. |
| Platforms and integrations | D | Mac only. The support table lists macOS 13 Ventura through 26 Tahoe, and macOS 27 doesn't appear in it. It works with Homebrew and Steam, and has a command line and deep links for automation. |
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 Pearcleaner is for
- Fits if you want leftover files removed when you uninstall a Mac app
- Works for Homebrew users who want packages and app updates in one window
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you want an app that's still being worked on, as releases and issue replies are paused indefinitely
- Not for you if you're on macOS 27 or older than macOS 13, neither of which is in its support table
- Tight if you're wary of permissions, since it needs Full Disk Access and a privileged helper for system folders
- Not for you if you need open source: the Commons Clause license is source-available and bars selling it
- Skip it if you're on Windows or Linux, as it's macOS only
Good to know
Good for
- Mac users who want leftover files removed when they uninstall an app
- Homebrew users who want packages and app updates in one window
- People who want a free cleaner whose source code they can read
Worth knowing
- Development is on hold: the README says work stopped at the end of 2025 and that issue replies, pull request reviews and new releases are paused indefinitely.
- macOS only. The support table lists macOS 13 Ventura through 26 Tahoe; earlier versions are unsupported and macOS 27 does not appear in it.
- It needs Full Disk Access to search for files and a privileged helper to act on system folders.
- The developer calls the license source-available and fair-code rather than open source: the Commons Clause bars selling the app.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
Free
No paid plan at all
Pearcleaner is free to use.
Free, a download anyone can run from the GitHub releases page or Homebrew.
Pearcleaner
$0
Every feature, with no paid tier. It needs Full Disk Access to search for files and a privileged helper for actions on system folders.
The free plan
The whole app is free, from the GitHub releases page or Homebrew. Its license, Apache 2.0 with the Commons Clause, prohibits anyone from selling it or a modified version.
Read from github.com on Oct 9, 2026.
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
Free, source-available app uninstaller and cleaner for Mac. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: works offline, disk cleanup.
It works with Homebrew and Steam, and has a command line and deep links for automation.
- App uninstall with related files
- Apps are dragged in or picked from a list or grid view, with badges for web and iOS apps, and a Finder extension adds uninstalling to the right-click menu.
- Orphaned file search
- A separate search looks for orphaned files. Search sensitivity is adjustable, and directories can be included in or excluded from searching.
- Sentinel Monitor
- A small background monitor, listed at about 2 MB of RAM, starts a cleanup automatically when an app is moved to the Trash.
- Homebrew, PKG and services managers
- Built-in views manage Homebrew packages, PKG installers, plugins and services, and an apps updater has an Update All button with progress shown in the toolbar.
- Slimming installed apps
- Prunes unused app translations, keeping only preferred languages, and strips unneeded architectures from universal apps without the lipo binary from Xcode tools.
- Command line and deep links
- The app has command-line support, including a command that lists orphaned files, plus deep links for automation, and it can export app bundles and file lists.
Where it runs
- macOS
What it works with
- Homebrew
- Steam
Pearcleaner is made by Alin Lupascu.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
57/94
Other desktop utilities it is graded above
Pearcleaner's GPA of 2.8 is higher than 57 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 26.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 49 of 94) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).
Pearcleaner has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.0 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 95 desktop utilities we grade, cut by the letter each got. Pearcleaner’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 24 of 94
- AFree plan and trialAbove 49 of 94
- CFeaturesAbove 1 of 94
- BEase of useAbove 33 of 94
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 94
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 55 desktop utilities. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Pearcleaner 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
Pearcleaner is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
What you could not
- Deleting system files without breaking anything.
- A real app for macOS. Something home-made would be a web page.
What this rests on. Pearcleaner’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
AppCleaner, CleanMyMac, OnyX, DaisyDisk and CCleaner
The 5 tools Pearcleaner is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.8GPA
AppCleaner
Free
Small Mac utility that uninstalls apps and their leftover files.
- 1.8GPA
CleanMyMac
Free trial · from $39.99/yr
Mac cleanup, malware removal and maintenance in one app.
- Pearcleaner has a free plan. CleanMyMac does not, though it has a free trial.
- CleanMyMac can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- CleanMyMac also covers menu bar app and system monitor.
- 2.8GPA
OnyX
Free
- 2.4GPA
DaisyDisk
Free trial · from $9.99 one-time
Visual disk space analyzer and cleanup tool for Mac.
- Pearcleaner has a free plan. DaisyDisk does not, though it has a free trial.
- DaisyDisk can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.8GPA
CCleaner
Free plan · from $44.95/yr
Junk cleaner and PC optimizer for Windows, Mac and mobile.
- Only CCleaner lists Windows, Android and iOS apps.
- CCleaner also covers system monitor.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
13
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 Pearcleaner free?
Yes. Pearcleaner is free to use.
How much does Pearcleaner cost?
Pearcleaner lists one plan. Pearcleaner: $0.
What platforms does Pearcleaner work on?
Pearcleaner is available on macOS.
Does Pearcleaner have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Pearcleaner is listed for macOS.
Does Pearcleaner have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 9, 2026. Pearcleaner is listed for macOS.
Is Pearcleaner open source?
Pearcleaner is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 9, 2026.
Does Pearcleaner work offline?
Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.
What does Pearcleaner integrate with?
Pearcleaner's listing names Homebrew and Steam. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes Pearcleaner?
Pearcleaner is made by Alin Lupascu.
What are the alternatives to Pearcleaner?
The closest alternatives to Pearcleaner in our directory are AppCleaner, CleanMyMac, OnyX, DaisyDisk and CCleaner.
How does Pearcleaner compare with other desktop utilities?
Pearcleaner's GPA of 2.8 is higher than 57 of the 94 other desktop utilities we grade, and level with 26.
Is Pearcleaner good value for money?
ToolGPA grades Pearcleaner A for value for money. Pearcleaner has no paid plan.
Could I make my own version of Pearcleaner?
Pearcleaner is free, so making your own would save you nothing. What you could not make: Deleting system files without breaking anything.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Pearcleaner’s own pages on Oct 9, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Pearcleaner's own pages on 9 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-02-24.
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 Alin Lupascu. Prices change, so check itsalin.com before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
3,189
Tools graded, in 94 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.
3,189
tools graded
94
categories
426
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- Pearcleaner, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/pearcleaner
- 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, "Pearcleaner: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 9, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/pearcleaner
Know someone choosing between desktop utilities?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/pearcleaner/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded desktop utilities after Pearcleaner, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Desktop Utilities Insider's GuideEvery one of the 95 desktop utilities we grade, compared
- LocalSend Insider's GuideOpen-source file sharing between nearby devices, no cloud3.2 GPA
- Ninite Insider's GuideInstalls and updates many Windows apps at once3.2 GPA
- 7-Zip Insider's GuideFree, open-source file archiver with the 7z format3.0 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 Pearcleaner’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. Pearcleaner is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Alin Lupascu. Prices and plans change: check itsalin.com before you buy.