Diskzy vs macOS Storage settings: an honest comparison
Every Mac has a storage tool built in. In macOS Ventura 13 or later, open System Settings, choose General, then Storage. It shows a bar of what is using the disk by category, and most categories have an info button that lists the files or apps behind the number so you can delete them. Apple's support page notes that this is particularly useful for Applications, Documents, Messages, Music Creation, Podcasts, Trash and TV. It can also optimize storage by keeping files in iCloud and freeing local space when needed.
The built-in screen is the right place to start, and for many people it is enough. Where it stops is System Data, which Apple describes as the category for files that do not fit a more specific one. It is shown as a single figure. Diskzy is built for that gap: it maps the whole disk, breaks System Data into named parts, suggests what to clean with a reason for each item, and removes apps together with what they left behind.
| Diskzy | macOS Storage settings | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free for 72 hours with everything unlocked, then $9 once for 2 Macs. No subscription. | Free. Part of macOS. |
| How it shows the disk | Maps the whole disk, hidden folders included, with search by name, kind, size or age. | A bar divided by category, with a list of files or apps behind most categories. |
| System Data | Breaks System Data into named parts, each sized and marked Safe to clear, Look first or Managed by macOS. | Shown as one category. Apple describes it as files that do not fit a more specific category. |
| Cleanup suggestions | Clean up tab lists caches, logs, Xcode leftovers, project build folders, package-manager caches and old installers, each ticked or unticked with a reason. | Lists large files, apps, message attachments and device backups for you to review and delete. It does not give reasons or mark what is safe, and app caches and package-manager caches are not listed. |
| iCloud optimization | No. Diskzy works with what is on the disk. | Yes. Can keep files in iCloud and make local space available when needed. |
| Removing apps | Uninstall removes an app with its support files, caches, preferences, containers, launch agents and privileged helpers. | Lists apps by size and lets you delete them. Removal of an app's support files elsewhere on the disk is not stated. |
| Where deleted files go | The Trash. Nothing is gone until you empty it. | Not stated on Apple's support page. Read the confirmation dialog before deleting from its lists. |
| Requirements | macOS 15 Sequoia or later, Apple silicon and Intel. Needs Full Disk Access. | Every Mac. In macOS versions before Ventura 13 it is under About This Mac, then Storage. |
When macOS Storage settings is the better choice
Use the built-in Storage screen first, on any Mac. If your largest categories are Applications, Documents, Photos or Messages, it shows you what to remove and costs nothing. It is also the only one of the two that manages iCloud optimization.
When Diskzy is the better choice
Choose Diskzy when System Data is the largest row and the built-in screen cannot tell you why, when developer files and caches are the problem, or when you want apps removed together with their leftovers.
Details about macOS Storage settings were checked on October 10, 2026 against support.apple.com. Prices and features change; check their site for the latest.
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See where your Mac's space went
Diskzy maps your disk, explains System Data and clears what's safe. Free for 72 hours, then $9 once for 2 Macs.
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