Head to head
| DaisyDisk | SquirrelDisk | |
|---|---|---|
| Visualization | Sunburst | Sunburst |
| Platform | macOS | macOS + Windows + Linux |
| Pricing | Paid Paid one-time license (around $10 at time of writing) | Open source Free and open source (AGPL-3.0) |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Native Mac | Yes | No |
Updated September 2026 · Prices change — please verify with the vendor.
DaisyDisk
The beloved sunburst map that made disk cleanup beautiful.
＋ DaisyDisk: Strengths
- Gorgeous, instantly readable sunburst map with smooth drill-in
- Fast scanning with a built-in collector for staged deletion
- Long-running Mac citizen with polished onboarding
－ DaisyDisk: Weaknesses
- Paid license; no free or open-source tier
- macOS only, so mixed-OS households need a second tool
- Collector workflow is manual — no duplicate detection or AI assistance
Read the review: DaisyDisk → · DaisyDisk See alternatives →
SquirrelDisk
The easiest open-source sunburst for hunting huge files.
＋ SquirrelDisk: Strengths
- Free and open source on every desktop OS
- Genuinely easy sunburst experience
- No account, no telemetry, no upsell
－ SquirrelDisk: Weaknesses
- Java-based UI rather than native Mac controls
- No collector tray or staged-removal workflow
- Solo-maintainer pace on features and fixes
Read the review: SquirrelDisk → · SquirrelDisk See alternatives →
Verdict: DaisyDisk vs SquirrelDisk
Choose DaisyDisk if you want sunburst visualization on macOS. Choose SquirrelDisk if you prefer sunburst views for free on macOS + Windows + Linux. And if you want a native Mac sunburst with a staged collector and zero telemetry, NullDisk is the third option that beats both on workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, DaisyDisk or SquirrelDisk?
DaisyDisk wins on sunburst visualization for macOS; SquirrelDisk wins on sunburst views for macOS + Windows + Linux. On price, Paid (DaisyDisk) vs Open source (SquirrelDisk). The honest answer depends on your OS and whether you prefer maps or lists — read the verdict below.
Is there something better than both?
If you want a native Mac sunburst with allocated-size honesty, a staged removal collector, and zero data collection, NullDisk beats both on workflow — even where DaisyDisk or SquirrelDisk wins on price.