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You may be able to reclaim substantial storage on a Mac without paying for a cleanup app, but there is no reliable way to promise 60GB: the amount depends on what is taking up space on your particular Mac. Start with Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage on macOS Ventura 13 or later, then remove files you recognize and let macOS manage the system data it controls.
What “System Data” means—and why its size is not a cleanup target
System Data is a catch-all category, not one folder full of disposable files. Apple describes it as storage used by Apple and third-party files that do not fit a more specific category. That can include logs, caches, virtual-memory files, temporary files, fonts, app support files, plug-ins, and runtime resources. Its contents change with the Mac’s current state, and macOS manages much of it. Apple’s storage guidance explains the category and the built-in ways to review storage.
The Storage chart is a starting point, not an exact map of folders or a promise that every displayed gigabyte can be removed. Category details and available review options vary. Apple says the view updates as you take cleanup steps; use its details or Info buttons to inspect what can be managed.
Find the largest items you can safely choose to remove
- Open Storage. On macOS Ventura 13 or later, choose Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage. Earlier macOS releases use different settings paths, so look for Storage in that version’s system settings rather than assuming the Ventura path applies.
- Review large files and Downloads. Delete only items you no longer need. Old installers, duplicate exports, and downloaded videos can be easier to identify than opaque system files.
- Check media and app libraries. Remove unwanted local video or audio, or move a large Photos or iMovie library to external storage if you want to keep it but need it off the internal drive. An external SSD for Mac is an optional way to store a library; it is not needed to clean system files.
- Remove unused apps and old device backups. Check for applications you no longer use and iPhone or iPad backups that are obsolete before deleting them.
- Review Mail and other user data. Clear unwanted attachments or junk and deleted Mail items. If the Mac has old accounts or shared folders, inspect their contents before removing anything.
- Empty the Bin after checking it. Moving files to the Bin alone does not release their storage; the space is freed only when the Bin is emptied.
These are the most controllable places to start because you can recognize the files and decide whether to keep, move, or delete them. Apple also recommends reviewing large files, media, Downloads, old backups, unused apps, and the Bin in its storage recommendations.
#1 Best Overall
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Use macOS optimization for managed files
macOS includes options to reduce local storage use, but some shift files to iCloud or remove local copies rather than erase the underlying data everywhere. Choose settings that fit your storage plan and how you use the files.
- iCloud files: Optimized storage can keep files available on demand and reduce the space used by local copies. This relies on iCloud storage and an internet connection when a file must be downloaded again.
- Apple TV and Mail: macOS can optimize watched Apple TV content and Mail attachments when space is needed.
- Bin: An option can automatically remove Bin items that have been there for more than 30 days. Enable it only if you are comfortable with that automatic deletion.
- Caches and logs: Apple says macOS automatically clears caches and logs that are safe to remove when it needs space. A Safe Mode startup may also clear certain caches temporarily; those files can be recreated as needed.
See Apple’s recommendations for optimizing storage for the available built-in choices. Avoid blanket instructions to delete everything in Library/Caches or other system folders: those locations can contain data apps or macOS need, and a large System Data figure alone does not identify what is safe to remove.
Rank #2
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Understand purgeable storage and Time Machine snapshots
The Storage view’s available-space figure does not always mean the same thing as physically empty space. Apple says available storage includes free space and purgeable caches; Disk Utility describes purgeable space as storage macOS can free when needed. Apple says users cannot manually remove files marked purgeable, so do not treat that number as a stash that needs a cleanup utility.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Local Time Machine snapshots are temporary local restore points used while the backup disk is unavailable. Apple says they count as available storage and are automatically removed as they age or when space is needed. As Apple puts it, “Your Mac counts the space used by snapshots as available storage.” That makes snapshots an unlikely first target for a manual cleanup. Apple’s Time Machine snapshot guidance documents the behavior.
Rank #3
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Apple also documents a manual approach that temporarily sets Time Machine backups to manual. That changes backup behavior, so it is not a routine storage-clearing step. If you choose Apple’s process, restore automatic backups afterward; do not rely on snapshot deletion as a guaranteed way to recover a particular amount.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a visual disk analyzer helps
If the built-in Storage view does not make a large category understandable, a disk analyzer can show which folders and files occupy space. It is optional: it helps you locate data, but does not establish that a file is safe to delete or guarantee a storage recovery.
Rank #4
- Note: Magsafe is not available in this version
- High-speed Data Transfer: Lexar external SSD ES3 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write to transfer files fast for more efficient work. (Performance may be lower if not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 on Mac and other systems)
- Wide Compatibility: Lexar Portable SSD ES3 compatibility with iPhone 17 series (Not supported on iPhone 14 and older models), Android mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, gaming console, and more
- On The Go: Lexar external solid state drive ES3's thin, stylish, and durable design, weighs 42g and is only 10.5mm thick, making it smaller than a card and easily fits in your pocket. It comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Data Safety First: Lexar SSD ES3 includes Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software to protect files
| Option | What its developer describes | Published price |
|---|---|---|
| DaisyDisk | A circular disk-usage visualization and inspection of hidden space. Its FAQ notes that access restrictions on protected areas can leave more hidden space in a scan. | $9.99 one-time lifetime license, with no recurring payments, according to the developer’s page accessed October 7, 2026. The page lists version 4.34.2, dated July 10, 2026, and macOS 10.13 or newer compatibility for Apple silicon and Intel. Price and version may change. |
| GrandPerspective | A graphical disk-usage view; the project publishes it as open source. | Free SourceForge download; the developer lists a $2.99 App Store edition. The developer lists version 3.7.2 as released May 31, 2026. |
| macOS Storage | Built-in category review and storage-management options; no separate analyzer is required to begin. | Included with macOS. |
Details and current terms are published by the DaisyDisk developer, in its DaisyDisk FAQ, and on the GrandPerspective project site. Those prices are specific to the listed products and editions; they do not establish a typical annual price for cleanup utilities. No benchmark supports a guaranteed 60GB recovery.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
