Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to AppCleaner · 🛠️ dev tools
AppCleaner vs Pearcleaner
Mac app uninstaller that finds and removes associated files, orphaned leftovers, and development artifacts across macOS 13 and later. Here is how Pearcleaner ($0/mo open source) stacks up against AppCleaner ($25/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Pearcleaner is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for AppCleaner. Switching from AppCleaner ($25/mo) saves $300/yr per solo seat, or $1,500/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Local.
The catch: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Pearcleaner
$0.00/mo · Open Source
AppCleaner vs Pearcleaner Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | AppCleaner (Paid) | Pearcleaner (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $25 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $300 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $300) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,500 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,500) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,000 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,000) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopcross-platformone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 15.1k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from AppCleaner to Pearcleaner
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How to deploy Pearcleaner
Clone https://github.com/alienator88/pearcleaner or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
Where your data lives
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
Why fork Pearcleaner instead of vibe-coding a AppCleaner clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for AppCleaner or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 3 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Mole.
AppCleaner vs Pearcleaner FAQ
Is Pearcleaner a good free alternative to AppCleaner?+
Yes. Pearcleaner is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for AppCleaner. Mac app uninstaller that finds and removes associated files, orphaned leftovers, and development artifacts across macOS 13 and later.
What is the catch when switching from AppCleaner to Pearcleaner?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How much do you save switching from AppCleaner to Pearcleaner?+
AppCleaner costs $25/mo ($300/yr) per seat, whereas Pearcleaner is $0/mo. Switching saves $300/yr for a solo user, $1,500/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,000/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host Pearcleaner instead of AppCleaner?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/alienator88/pearcleaner or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
