Feature comparison

Baobab (Disk Usage Analyzer) vs WhatSize

GNOME’s disk usage analyzer for local devices, folders, and online accounts. A disk measurement utility with column browsing, filtering, and cleanup tools. See how their platforms, views, and cleanup workflows fit the way you work.

Mixed / MixedOpen source / Paid

Which fits your needs?

Baobab (Disk Usage Analyzer): Linux desktop users who prefer a GNOME application with graphical disk analysis.

WhatSize: Mac users who favor column browsing and integrated duplicate/cleanup tools.

Features, pricing, and workflow

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FeatureBaobab (Disk Usage Analyzer)WhatSize
Best fitLinux desktop users who prefer a GNOME application with graphical disk analysis.Mac users who favor column browsing and integrated duplicate/cleanup tools.
VisualizationFolder tree with ring/treemap graphical viewsSize-sorted columns and measurement views
Platforms and requirementsLinux (GNOME)macOS 11+ (current vendor requirements)
Pricing and editionsFree software from GNOME; available through Flathub/distributions.Vendor lists $14.99 and a 30-day trial; upgrades may be priced separately.
Open sourceYesNo
Native macOS UILinux applicationYes
Cleanup workflowInspect the selected location and use documented file actions or the system file manager.Review the chosen cleaning or duplicate action before applying it.
Reports and portabilityKeep Baobab for Linux desktop analysis. For a terminal on Linux, NullDisk’s CLI can rescan the same filesystem; its Mac GUI does not import Baobab sessions.Preserve any saved measurements or reports supported by your version. The cited overview does not establish an import format shared with NullDisk.

Baobab (Disk Usage Analyzer): what stands out

A good fit for Linux desktop users who prefer a GNOME application with graphical disk analysis.

Baobab (Disk Usage Analyzer): strengths

  • Tree and graphical folder-size views
  • Scans devices, selected folders, and online accounts
  • Free software maintained within GNOME

Considerations

  • A Linux desktop app rather than a native Mac application
  • Remote access depends on available account/backend support
  • A scan inventory is not a backup or deletion recommendation

Full product guide → · Alternatives →

WhatSize: what stands out

A good fit for Mac users who favor column browsing and integrated duplicate/cleanup tools.

WhatSize: strengths

  • Size-sorted columns and detailed filtering
  • Duplicate-file tools and cleanup categories
  • Updates measurements as the filesystem changes

Considerations

  • Paid license after the trial
  • Cleanup categories still require your judgment
  • Check upgrade terms separately from the initial purchase

Full product guide → · Alternatives →

For a useful comparison on your own drive, match the scan root, access permissions, and size mode. Chart style changes how you explore the results; it does not by itself establish measurement accuracy.

Common questions

When should I choose Baobab (Disk Usage Analyzer)?

A good fit for Linux desktop users who prefer a GNOME application with graphical disk analysis. Free software from GNOME; available through Flathub/distributions.

When should I choose WhatSize?

A good fit for Mac users who favor column browsing and integrated duplicate/cleanup tools. Vendor lists $14.99 and a 30-day trial; upgrades may be priced separately.

Will both apps show the same size?

Not necessarily. Match the scan root, permissions, exclusions, and logical/allocated-size mode. Hard links, APFS clones, snapshots, sparse files, and cloud placeholders can change totals. A reported size is not a guaranteed amount recovered after deletion.

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