Comparisons & alternatives · macOS's own storage tools
How is Storage Studio different from the Storage section in macOS System Settings?
Short answer: macOS Storage settings mainly help you delete files or store them in iCloud. Storage Studio moves big folders and apps to an external drive with a link left behind, explains held snapshot space, and lets you move anything back.
macOS's Storage settings show a breakdown by category and offer a few switches — store files in iCloud, optimise storage, empty the Trash automatically — but they mostly help you delete or push things to iCloud. Storage Studio's main job is different: it moves big folders and apps to an external drive, leaves a link so everything still opens from the same place, and lets you move any of it back.
It also explains space macOS doesn't break down well:
- the Storage Inspector measures your largest folders and drills into them to any depth;
- it separates space your files really use from space your Mac's own snapshots are holding after you deleted something;
- it lists those snapshots and can release the ones already backed up.
The two work fine side by side — keep using the macOS switches you like. See What's Using Space and Free Up Space.