Feature comparison

Baobab (Disk Usage Analyzer) vs Space Lens (CleanMyMac)

GNOME’s disk usage analyzer for local devices, folders, and online accounts. CleanMyMac’s bubble-map module for exploring disks and folders. See how their platforms, views, and cleanup workflows fit the way you work.

Mixed / BubblesOpen source / Paid

Which fits your needs?

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

Space Lens (CleanMyMac): Existing CleanMyMac users who want visual disk exploration within their suite.

Features, pricing, and workflow

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FeatureBaobab (Disk Usage Analyzer)Space Lens (CleanMyMac)
Best fitLinux desktop users who prefer a GNOME application with graphical disk analysis.Existing CleanMyMac users who want visual disk exploration within their suite.
VisualizationFolder tree with ring/treemap graphical viewsBubble-map storage explorer
Platforms and requirementsLinux (GNOME)macOS
Pricing and editionsFree software from GNOME; available through Flathub/distributions.Part of CleanMyMac; check current subscription/one-time plans and edition availability.
Open sourceYesNo
Native macOS UILinux applicationYes
Cleanup workflowInspect the selected location and use documented file actions or the system file manager.Add selections to the cleanup list, review them, then run the module’s removal action.
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.Keep screenshots and paths from Space Lens. The cited manual does not establish report interoperability 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 →

Space Lens (CleanMyMac): what stands out

A good fit for existing CleanMyMac users who want visual disk exploration within their suite.

Space Lens (CleanMyMac): strengths

  • Bubble visualization of local and external storage
  • Folder-by-folder browsing and a reviewed removal list
  • Part of the broader CleanMyMac maintenance suite

Considerations

  • A suite module rather than a standalone purchase
  • Check module availability in your CleanMyMac edition
  • Suite licensing may be more than needed for disk analysis alone

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 Space Lens (CleanMyMac)?

A good fit for existing CleanMyMac users who want visual disk exploration within their suite. Part of CleanMyMac; check current subscription/one-time plans and edition availability.

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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