MacKeeper Review

After extensive tests, I can confirm that MacKeeper is a decent option for Mac users. While its past reputation is hard to ignore, it has made noticeable strides in improving both its features and trustworthiness. I was particularly impressed with its excellent malware detection rates and a wide range of tools, including a VPN, ad blocker, and identity theft checker.

Key Features — Plenty of Features To Keep Your Device Free From Malware

MacKeeper previously had a poor reputation that made many users doubt its ability to protect you online. However, since being acquired by the cybersecurity firm Clario, it has undergone significant improvements in its software and practices.

It boasts a ton of features designed to protect your Mac from malware while optimizing its performance. These include a top-tier antivirus scanner, an adware cleaner, a VPN, and more.

One drawback is that MacKeeper lacks parental control features, so you can’t monitor your child’s online activities. While not every antivirus offers this, competitors like Intego, Norton, and McAfee include it in their software.

Virus and Malware Scanner

MacKeeper’s Virus Scanner is designed to detect and remove malware and other harmful files from your Mac. 

Its Virus and Malware Scanner detected nearly all malware samples, including ransomware and adware, with impressive accuracy. I ran both full system scans and custom scans on my Mac, and the results were quick and thorough.

However, I was disappointed that it doesn’t offer a Quick Scan feature. If you’re short on time and want to check for threats quickly, this might feel like a drawback. That said, the full system scan took just under 30 minutes, which is faster than many other antivirus tools I’ve tested.

The custom scan works very seamlessly, too. I started a scan by selecting the file I wanted to check and beginning the process. It took just 4 minutes to scan 780MB and easily detected the EICAR malware samples I had added.

However, I didn’t like that it didn’t show the number of files scanned, which left me unsure if the entire system had been thoroughly checked.

Overall, Mackeeper’s malware scanner is effective and reliable, but it does require some manual setup to get the most out of it. I recommend enabling real-time protection immediately to ensure continuous safety.

Real-Time Scanner

The Real-Time Scanner is one of MacKeeper’s key antivirus features. It works by constantly monitoring your Mac to detect and block malware, viruses, and other online threats. This feature runs in the background and scans every new file, app, or email attachment as soon as they are downloaded or accessed.

I was surprised that real-time protection isn’t enabled by default. You’ll need to activate it manually, which could be inconvenient for less tech-savvy users.

Once I enabled real-time protection, it worked flawlessly. I downloaded test files containing malicious code, and MacKeeper immediately flagged and quarantined them before they could do any damage. That gave me confidence in its ability to keep my Mac safe from real-world threats.

While testing, I noticed that my Mac’s performance stayed smooth. The scanner didn’t slow down the system, even when I was using other apps at the same time. However, if you run multiple antivirus programs with real-time scanning, it could cause some lag. Using just MacKeeper prevents this issue.

Adware Cleaner

This tool scans your Mac for hidden adware, browser hijackers, and other unwanted programs from your Mac. These threats can show annoying pop-ups, redirect your browser, or collect your data without permission. 

MacKeeper’s Adware Cleaner impressed me with its speed and effectiveness. During my tests, it quickly found and removed an adware program that caused pop-ups and slowed down my browser. 

The scan itself was quick — it took less than five minutes  — and the interface made it easy to understand the results and take action.

What I liked most is that it’s a dedicated tool for adware removal, which is rare to see. Unlike other antivirus software that bundles adware detection into general scans, MacKeeper’s Adware Cleaner targets adware specifically, making it great for users who frequently deal with this type of threat.

Other Useful Features

MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard

MacKeeper’s ID Theft Guard feature monitors your email addresses for data breaches. It scans the internet, including the dark web, to check if your email addresses have been compromised, and alerts you if any breaches are detected. This allows you to take immediate action to secure your accounts and prevent potential identity theft.

During my tests, I entered several of my email addresses into the tool. The scan was swift, and the tool immediately informed me of any breaches associated with my accounts. Thanks to this, I was able to take the necessary actions to secure my information immediately.

You can also activate real-time monitoring so the tool can continuously scan for new breaches and alert you instantly if your data is compromised. This will give you peace of mind, knowing that you will be notified immediately of any threats to your personal information.

However, it’s important to note that ID Theft Guard primarily focuses on email addresses. While this is beneficial, expanding the scope to include other personal information, such as phone numbers or credit card details, would enhance its protective capabilities.

Private Connect (VPN)

MacKeeper’s Private Connect is a built-in VPN designed to enhance your online security and privacy. It encrypts your internet connection, hides your IP address, and ensures that your browsing activity stays private. This feature is particularly useful when using unsecure networks such as public Wi-Fi.

Setting it up took just a few clicks, and I was connected to a server in the US in seconds. I ran a quick leak test using a free online tool and was happy to find that my data was not leaking. Even though I was testing from outside the US, the VPN successfully masked my actual IP address with a US-based IP address, where I was connected.

Speeds

Private Connect gave me decent speeds for carrying out simple online activities without significant slowdowns. Nearby servers were the fastest, but faraway servers also had decent speeds. This means you can securely carry out your everyday activities, such as browsing and streaming, without much issues. 

Streaming

I was impressed to discover that MacKeeper can unblock international streaming services. It provides access to over 200 servers in 50 countries, including key locations like the US, UK, Canada, France, and Germany. This allows you to stream content from these regions as if you were physically there.

While testing from the UK, I was able to access the Max US library and stream without issues. I could also stream from other popular platforms, including Hulu, Netflix, RTL+, and more. 

However, Private Connect lacks some advanced features that I’ve come to expect from VPNs. For example, there’s no kill switch, which is essential for maintaining privacy if the VPN connection drops. Also, while MacKeeper claims to follow a no-logs policy, there’s no third-party audit to back this up, which might be a concern for privacy-conscious users.

Overall, MacKeeper’s Private Connect VPN is not as powerful as standalone VPNs like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, but it offers enough functionality to keep your browsing private and safe. If you’re new to VPNs or just want basic privacy protection, it’s a convenient option.

Stop Ads Browser Extension

MacKeeper’s StopAd is a browser extension designed to block intrusive ads, prevent online trackers, and mute unwanted browser notifications. It aims to enhance your browsing experience by eliminating distractions and protecting your privacy. It’s compatible with both Safari and Chrome browsers on Mac. 

I tested it on several ad-heavy websites, and it instantly removed pop-ups, banners, and autoplay videos. It also prevented tracking scripts from collecting my data, which improved page load times noticeably during my browsing.

What stood out to me was how easy it was to install and use. Once I added the extension to my browser, it started working right away — no complicated setup needed. I liked that it provided a summary of the blocked ads and trackers, giving me a clear picture of how it was protecting my privacy.

However, while it worked well on most sites, it occasionally missed some native ads or sponsored content that blends into web pages.

It’s also worth noting that Stop Ads doesn’t have advanced customization options, like whitelisting specific websites or adjusting blocking levels, which could be a drawback for users who want more control.

MacKeeper Cleaning Tools

MacKeeper’s Cleaning Tools are meant to help you reclaim storage space, improve performance, and keep your Mac running smoothly. The tools include: 

• Safe Cleanup. It scans your system for junk files, such as cache files, logs, and other temporary data, and removes them with a single click. This helps free up valuable storage space without risking important files.

• Duplicates Finder. This one identifies duplicate files on your Mac, including photos, documents, and videos. You can review and delete unnecessary duplicates to reclaim storage space.
• Smart Uninstaller. It helps you completely remove unwanted apps, browser extensions, and leftover files from previously deleted programs. This prevents clutter and ensures no remnants are left behind.

• Memory Cleaner. This one optimizes your system’s memory (RAM) by closing background apps and processes that aren’t in use, improving your Mac’s speed and performance.
• Disk Usage. This tool is one of my favorites. It provides a visual breakdown of your storage, showing which files and folders take up the most space. This helps you manage your storage efficiently by identifying areas for cleanup.

What I appreciated most was the Duplicate Finder. It scanned my files quickly and identified duplicate photos and documents I didn’t even know I had. The Smart Uninstaller was another standout feature — it helped me remove unused apps and the leftover files they typically leave behind after manual uninstalls, which is something MacOS doesn’t handle well on its own.

However, I noticed that while the cleaning tools are effective, they don’t offer advanced customization. For example, I couldn’t adjust which file types to prioritize or exclude from the cleanup process. 

Additionally, some features, like the Memory Cleaner, provided minimal performance improvements compared to macOS’s built-in capabilities.

Optimization Tools

MacKeeper’s Optimization Tools are built to enhance your Mac’s speed and performance by addressing issues that can slow down your system. These tools help you manage startup programs, optimize your memory, and ensure your Mac is running efficiently without unnecessary processes draining resources. 

Each tool serves a specific purpose to keep your Mac running like new.

• Memory Cleaner. This tool frees up RAM by closing apps and processes that are running in the background but not actively in use. This improves your Mac’s speed and is especially useful when multitasking or using resource-heavy apps.

• Login Items. I like this one because it helps you identify programs that automatically start when you turn on your Mac. You can disable unnecessary startup apps, which reduces boot time and improves overall system performance.

• Update Tracker. Similar to Login items, this tool scans your Mac for outdated apps and software and notifies you. Keeping your programs updated not only boosts performance but also ensures security vulnerabilities are patched.

I tested features like the Memory Cleaner and Login Items manager, and both made a noticeable difference in how smoothly my Mac ran. After clearing unused memory with the Memory Cleaner, I saw a quick improvement in app responsiveness, especially when multitasking.

That said, the tools are pretty basic compared to advanced optimization software. For instance, the Memory Cleaner doesn’t offer detailed reports or control over which processes to prioritize. Additionally, the overall impact may be less noticeable on newer Macs that already manage system resources efficiently.

Installation and Experience

MacKeeper is designed exclusively for macOS devices. It’s compatible with macOS devices running version 10.11 (El Capitan) or later. It supports both 64-bit Intel-based processors and Apple Silicon (M1 and newer) chips. The application requires at least 2 GB of RAM and 113 MB of available disk space for installation.

Installing MacKeeper on my Mac was surprisingly easy. I downloaded the app directly from the website, and the entire installation process took less than two minutes. 

Once it was installed, MacKeeper walked me through a quick setup. Enabling key features like real-time protection and system cleaning was effortless. I liked how beginner-friendly it felt — there weren’t any confusing prompts or unnecessary steps to worry about.

For example, when I ran the Full Scan, it combined malware detection, cleaning, and optimization into a single process, which saved me time and effort. I didn’t have to switch between tools or guess what needed attention — the app handled it all in one go.

What stood out to me was how lightweight the app felt. Even with features like real-time protection running in the background, my Mac’s performance didn’t take a hit. Notifications were subtle and only appeared when necessary, like reminding me to enable features I hadn’t yet activated. This made it feel non-intrusive, which I appreciated.

That said, I did notice a small issue with some features, like the Real-time Scanner, which required manual activation. It’s not a big deal, but I think automating these functions would make the app even more user-friendly, especially for those who aren’t tech-savvy.

Reliability and Support — Not Very Efficient

The 24/7 availability of live chat is a big plus for me, especially since I tested it during off-hours, and the service was just as efficient. For those who prefer email, MacKeeper also offers email support, though the response times are slower, which is decent but not ideal if you’re dealing with an urgent issue.

One thing I appreciated was the integrated Help Center within the app. It’s filled with FAQs and guides that address common issues, which saved me from reaching out to support for minor questions. The guides are detailed and easy to follow, making them a good option for users who prefer solving problems on their own.

Pricing

There is a free version that only allows you to run all scans and fixes included in the paid plan, but only once. After that, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid subscription to continue using the features.

The free trial gives a basic idea of how MacKeeper works but may not be enough to decide if it’s worth subscribing. Thankfully, MacKeeper offers a 14-day money-back guarantee, even after the free trial ends.

There are also 3 paid options: monthly, bi-annually, and yearly. All plans offer the same features; the only difference is the number of Macs you want to protect. Longer-term plans offer the best value. Every plan includes a 14-day money-back guarantee, making it risk-free to try on your Mac.

Requesting a refund was frustrating because the form required both a summary and a detailed explanation of my reason. I also had to include my contact information and the reference number, which I finally found on my invoice PDF. The money returned to my account only 5 days later.