MacKeeper

MacKeeper is a commercial app which covers a wide range of utility functions in a single package. It is widely advertised, and many readers will have seen its pop-up ads.

Its functions include anti-virus, cleaning up your Mac, backing up, encrypting data, and anti-theft features.

Some users say that it is difficult to remove the program once installed.

Its original developer Zeobit, and the current owner Kromtech, have been widely criticised for aggressive and deceptive advertising.

In 2015 Zeobit was subject to a class action suit over the product (see MacWorld reports [1] [2]). Security breaches at Kromtech were reported in the same year.[3]

Although there are some websites that give MacKeeper positive reviews and explain how to use it, they appear to be designed to promote this product. Recent favourable or less disparaging reviews by independent bloggers disclose that they agreed discount deals with Kromtech (e.g. [4]).

CATUG members who have tried MacKeeper mostly do not recommend it, finding its frequent reminders intrusive. In 2016, one reported that the Apple GeniusBar eventually traced a slow-running MacBook to the product. However, two others had found it helpful, for freeing memory and removing duplicate files.

Conclusion

There are other programs available that are as good or better, though not in a single package like this. MacKeeper remains one to avoid. If your computer shows warnings of virus infection, they may be hoax popup adverts for MacKeeper; try MalwareBytes instead.

See also

• List of recommended utilities

External links

• Do not install MacKeeper, Apple Communities op-ed, 2015
• How to remove MacKeeper, MacWorld, 2018
  • Part II: removing pop-ups

Credits

Summarised from an email discussion on the Mac-Ministry List in February 2012. Updated in January 2019 based on discussions in 2016 and 2017.