Mac Sai
Mac Sai: A free Mac cleanup utility with signature-based malware scans, not full antivirus coverage. Ranked #41 of 42 in Antivirus for Mac by our editors (5.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for mac users wanting free cleanup with malware scans.
At a glance
- Editor score5.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forMac users wanting free cleanup with malware scans
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free, open-source utility with no subscription or in-app purchases
- Signature-based scans offer Quick, Balanced, and Deep depths
- Combines cleanup, uninstall, duplicate detection, and monitoring tools
Where it doesn't
- Mac-only coverage limits it to macOS users
- Protection centers on signature-based malware scanning
- Not positioned as a full antivirus product with broader protection
Our verdict on Mac Sai
Mac Sai is a free, open-source macOS utility for cleaning system and application junk, scanning for known adware and malware patterns, optimizing startup items, uninstalling applications, finding large or duplicate files, and monitoring system health. It is aimed at Mac users who want cleanup and maintenance tools alongside a malware-removal module, rather than a standalone full antivirus suite. The application is distributed as a notarized macOS app through Homebrew or a downloadable DMG.
Its strongest point is breadth within the Mac-cleanup category. Smart Scan combines cleanup, protection, and performance modules, while system-junk scanning covers 16+ categories. The application uninstaller detects associated files and can reset applications to defaults. Duplicate-file detection supports consolidation, Disk Space Lens provides a treemap view of storage, and the menu-bar monitor tracks CPU, memory, disk, battery, network, uptime, and swap. Trash-first deletion and protected-path controls add guardrails around cleanup actions.
The Free plan is open source, BSD-3 licensed, and includes the full published product positioning without a subscription or in-app purchases. Malware scans use signature-based detection at Quick, Balanced, and Deep depths. That makes Mac Sai a practical fit for users prioritizing free cleanup, storage visibility, application removal, and occasional malware scans. Users seeking verified real-time, ransomware, or phishing protection should choose a product built around those protections instead. Mac Sai is best understood as a Mac cleaner with a signature-based malware scanner, not as a comprehensive antivirus replacement.
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Mac Sai pricing
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Mac Sai fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Ransomware protection | Not verified |
| Phishing protection | Not verified |
| Real-time protection | Not verified |
| Coverage scope | Mac-only |
| Devices included | Not verified |
| VPN included | Not verified |
| Password manager | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Mac Sai
- Avast OneBroad multi-device protection with a free entry plan and layered paid features.9.3
- Bitdefender Antivirus for MacFocused Mac protection with ransomware coverage, web defenses, and a 30-day trial.9.2
- Avira Free SecurityA free Mac security package combining malware protection with privacy and performance tools.9.1
See all Mac Sai alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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