Tidy MacThe best-known free disk analyzers for Mac are GrandPerspective (a treemap of every file), OmniDiskSweeper (a sorted list of folders by size, from The Omni Group) and Disk Inventory X (an older treemap with file-type colours). macOS’s own Storage settings and Finder are free too. DaisyDisk and Tidy Mac are paid, one-time purchases.
- Try macOS’s own tools first: System Settings › General › Storage, and Finder search sorted by size.
- For a visual map of every file, use GrandPerspective.
- For a plain list of the biggest folders, use OmniDiskSweeper.
- Give the analyzer Full Disk Access so it can see protected folders.
- Look up anything you don’t recognise before deleting it.
The free options
| Tool | View | Good at | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| macOS Storage settings | Categories | Recommendations, Apps, Documents | System Data stays a closed grey bar |
| Finder search | List | Large files by size and date | Folders aren't totalled |
| GrandPerspective | Treemap | Seeing every file at once | Interface is plain; deletes are up to you |
| OmniDiskSweeper | Sorted list | Drilling into the biggest folders fast | No explanations of what folders are |
| Disk Inventory X | Treemap + file types | Which file kinds use space | Older app; check it runs on your macOS |
GrandPerspective's source download is free; a paid version on the Mac App Store supports its developer. Check each developer's site for the current version and macOS support.
What none of them tell you
A disk map shows that ~/Library/Application Support/Google is 12 GB. It doesn't tell you whether that's safe to remove, whether it comes back, or which app owns a folder with a bundle-ID name. For that, look up the folder first: What's this folder? · Is it safe to delete?
They also differ in how they count APFS clones and iCloud-only files, so their totals may not match Disk Utility. Why numbers differ
Let Tidy Mac do this for you
See every part of your storage explained, and clear junk to the Trash with Undo. $9.99 once, 2 Macs.
Give it Full Disk Access
Without it, any analyzer misses Mail, Messages, iPhone backups and some app containers. Open System Settings › Privacy & Security › Full Disk Access and add the app. What Full Disk Access is
The paid options
- DaisyDisk: a polished interactive sunburst map, one-time purchase. Compared
- Tidy Mac: a Space Map (treemap and sunburst) plus a plain-English explanation of every part of System Data, junk sorted into Safe to clear, Worth a look and Kept, and cleaning to the Trash with Undo. $9.99 once for 2 Macs. Pricing
Also compared: OmniDiskSweeper · macOS Storage settings
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free disk space analyzer for Mac?
GrandPerspective for a visual treemap, OmniDiskSweeper for a sorted list. macOS’s own Storage settings and Finder search are free and built in.
Is OmniDiskSweeper still free?
It has long been offered free by The Omni Group. Check omnigroup.com for the current version and macOS support.
Why doesn’t my disk analyzer show System Data?
Analyzers show folders, not Apple’s categories. System Data is spread across ~/Library, snapshots and hidden folders, and some need Full Disk Access to read. What System Data is
Is DaisyDisk free?
No, DaisyDisk is a paid, one-time purchase. Check daisydiskapp.com for the current price.