ctrlhq

Duplicate finder

Files that exist twice, confirmed byte for byte.

Every match is a full SHA-256, never a guess from a name. Keep the first copy and stage the rest in one click.

ctrlhq's duplicate finder with four sets of duplicate files and the space each would free

The same PDF in Downloads, on the Desktop and in a client folder. The same video exported twice. Duplicates pile up quietly.

ctrlhq compares files of the same size in two quick passes, then confirms every match with a full SHA-256 hash. It keeps the oldest copy and stages the rest for the Trash.

What you get

  • Confirmed byte for byte

    Two quick passes over the first and last bytes, then a full SHA-256. Names don't matter.

  • Keep one, stage the rest

    The oldest copy is kept. Stage the others for a whole set in one click, or pick copies yourself.

  • APFS clones spotted

    Copies that share their storage on APFS free nothing when deleted, so ctrlhq marks them and leaves them out of the total.

  • Hard links left alone

    Two names for the same file aren't counted as a duplicate.

  • Choose a minimum size

    Only look at files over 100 KB, 1 MB, 10 MB or 100 MB.

  • Your files, not app data

    ctrlhq skips ~/Library, app bundles, node_modules and hidden folders, where copies are there on purpose.

Other duplicate file finders for Mac

Good standalone apps already do this one job. Here's how they compare, and where ctrlhq fits.

  • ctrlhq

    In your notch

    Every match confirmed with SHA-256, APFS clones left out, and extra copies sent to the Trash.

    $24.99₹1,499 once

  • Gemini 2

    Duplicate finder

    Exact and similar duplicates across files, photos and music.

    $19.99 a year

  • Duplicate files, duplicate folders and similar photos.

    $14.95 a year, or $34.95 once

  • PhotoSweeper

    Duplicate photo finder

    Similar and duplicate photos in Photos, Lightroom and folders.

    $14.99 once

Prices from each maker's website, checked October 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.

Questions

Which copy does ctrlhq keep?

The oldest one, by creation date. You can see every copy and change what's staged before anything moves.

Are duplicates deleted?

They're moved to the Trash, so you can drag them back out if you need to.

Using something else for this? Compare:ctrlhq vs CleanMyMac

Duplicate finder, and everything else.

Every feature is in one app, for one price: $24.99₹1,499 once, no subscription.

macOS 15 Sequoia or later · Apple silicon & Intel