I’ve been using Cleaner Guru Pro for a while but recently saw Clever Cleaner has similar features. Has anyone switched to Clever Cleaner? I want to know if it offers the same tools like deep cleaning, duplicate file removal, and app management. I’m thinking of making the transition to save money but don’t want to lose any important features. Any advice from those who’ve tried both would really help.
I Tried Cleaner Guru vs. Clever Cleaner: Here’s What Actually Matters
So, I finally caved and gave that Cleaner Guru app a whirl last week because my photos looked like an accidental collection project. If you’ve ever watched your iPhone storage evaporate after a trip, you get why these ‘phone cleaners’ sound tempting.
Short story? Cleaner Guru does what it promises in terms of features, but the subscription nags are relentless. You get a taste, then pay or get out. It reminded me of those old cable previews where the movie cuts out just when it gets good.
But curiosity had me digging around for alternatives, and, surprise—Clever Cleaner does…basically all the same stuff. For free. Zero ads, zero pushes to pay.
Let’s break down the goods, because there’s nothing more annoying than getting tricked into a “free” app that’s actually an ATM with a cheerful logo.
Features & Fees: A Brutal Breakdown
| Category | Clever Cleaner (100% Free) | Cleaner Guru (Subscription) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Completely free—no ads, no sneaky in-app buys | $7.99/week for “Pro”, or $39.99/year |
| Free Usable Tools? | Everything’s unlocked, unlimited | Only the scan is free. Want to clear or compress? Pay up. |
| Key Features | - Zaps duplicate/similar pics - Bulk screenshot deletion - Converts Live Photos to stills - Finds big files (“heavies”) (All free) |
- Duplicate/similar photo cleanup - Video compression (Pro only) - Contact merging (Pro only) - Large-file finder (Pro only) - Extras: battery/charge/“vault” stuff (Pro only) |
| App Store Rating | 4.8 ★ (about 3.4K reviews) | 4.6 ★ (around 100K reviews) |
| Download Size | 103 MB | 115 MB |
| Download Link / Info | Grab Clever Cleaner Here | Read a full Cleaner Guru review |
The Nitty Gritty: Real World Experience
Let’s be honest. Most of us just need something simple: clean up messy albums, free up a gig or two, and not get nickel-and-dimed. I ran both apps back to back. Clever Cleaner let me demolish hundreds of duplicated memes and blurry shots in one go, without holding features hostage and waving a price tag under my nose.
Meanwhile, Cleaner Guru did the “scan” for free, then hit me with a paywall the millisecond I tried to actually delete stuff. Kind of like a bouncer letting you into the club but charging you to dance, order a drink, or use the restroom.
Yes, Guru’s interface is slightly glossier and they try to justify things with widgets and a “secret vault,” but honestly? If you’re just looking to declutter without a monthly bill, that’s overkill.
tl;dr (Because We All Scroll)
- If you love “try before you buy” (and by “buy”, I mean pay more weekly than some full streaming services), Cleaner Guru’s for you.
- If you just want your storage back, no stress, Clever Cleaner does it all with zero pay gates.
- Want actual user dirt? Read deep-dive Cleaner Guru reviews here.
My advice? Use the one that doesn’t treat your phone like a slot machine. Your camera roll (and wallet) will thank you.
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Short answer: yeah, Clever Cleaner can absolutely stand in for Cleaner Guru Pro, especially if you’re not big on shelling out recurring $$ for photo cleanup. I’ve messed with both. I get why some folks are all-in on Cleaner Guru’s slicker UI, but once you get past that shiny layer, it’s kinda just the same bag of tricks (and then some) as Clever Cleaner. Deep clean? Yup. Duplicate/similar photo scan? Yup. Junk files? It’ll find ’em. The only thing Guru tries to dangle as extra (live photo conversion, “secret vaults,” battery widgets) are, frankly, fluff for me—never touched ‘em in day-to-day use.
Here’s a nit: I wish Clever Cleaner let you merge contacts natively (Guru locks that behind Pro, aaand it’s one of their only actually useful “extras”). If you live and die by your address book, that could be a sticking point.
But honestly, for my needs: clean up, get space back, not get pummeled by ads or in-app nags, Clever Cleaner App wins it, and is dead simple to use. Storage anxiety? Gone. Wallet? Untouched. The only thing I kinda debate with @mikeappsreviewer on is about the UI – I actually prefer apps a bit more polished, but function over fashion wins at these prices (free!).
So, unless you want every single bell and whistle, Clever Cleaner App does the trick—and it doesn’t try to hustle you with a paywall two clicks in. Just be warned: it’s so fast, you might accidentally wipe out all those screenshots of bad Tinder bios before you meant to.
Honestly, if you’re after something that just cleans your phone without making you sign over your soul—or your wallet—Clever Cleaner App is 100% a solid Cleaner Guru Pro replacement. I switched about a month back when my Guru Pro sub lapsed (they seriously want how much per month?!), and it’s been a relief. The deep cleaning and duplicate file removal both work as advertised. It found a ton of photo clutter and system junk same as Guru, except it actually let me clear stuff for free instead of scanning, then slapping me with a paywall (preach, @reveurdenuit).
That said, I kinda disagree on the contact merging point—yeah, Guru has that, but for me, it’s a whatever feature. I rarely merge contacts anyway. I DO miss Guru’s slightly slicker UI, but Clever Cleaner’s straightforward (if basic) look makes it way faster and less overwhelming. Like, less buttons, less confusion, more action.
Only hiccup: If you want every tiny feature Guru locks away (compressing videos, battery widgets, vault, etc.), Clever Cleaner doesn’t cover all those bells and whistles. But in terms of actually reclaiming storage and wrecking duplicate pics, it’s the same and honestly less of a hassle overall. The “free forever” thing almost made me suspicious after all the ads and nags on other apps, but so far, no catches.
Wouldn’t say it’s a magical upgrade if you live and breathe ultra-polished apps, but for a functional, zero-NAG alternative? Make the jump. Your phone and your budget will breathe easier. (And yeah, about accidentally deleting those meme screenshots? Been there. My only regret is not switching sooner.)
FAQ style
Q: Can Clever Cleaner App actually fill the shoes of Cleaner Guru Pro for deep cleaning and duplicate removal?
A: From what I’ve seen (and based on experiences shared by others), Clever Cleaner App genuinely covers the core cleaning bases without charging you for every swipe. It zaps duplicate photos, wipes out forgotten screenshots, and clears big-random files. That means you get the essential storage cleanup most people want.
Q: Is it really free for everything?
A: Here’s where it stands out—Clever Cleaner App unlocks all major features from the start. No irritating pop-ups, no hidden cost when you try to actually delete stuff post-scan. That’s refreshing, but I’d personally be wary that completely “free forever” apps sometimes limit advanced features in future updates. No sign of that here…yet.
Q: Anything it’s missing compared to Cleaner Guru Pro?
A: If you’re addicted to bells & whistles like vault options, video compression, or merging contacts in-app, Cleaner Guru Pro pulls ahead. Some might even prefer Guru’s shinier UI. For many, though (myself included), those add-ons are more nice-to-have than dealbreaker.
Q: What’s the catch?
A: Caveats? You do get a more barebones experience visually—the interface is minimalist, and there are fewer “extra” widgets. Also, if you need detailed battery analysis or encrypted storage, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Previously mentioned reviews (@reveurdenuit and @viajeroceleste) raise the same points, and it matches my findings too.
Q: How does it stack against other competitors?
A: There’s a field of similar apps, and you’ve got solid feedback in this thread from others like @mikeappsreviewer. While everyone’s data hoarding habits differ, Clever Cleaner App is holding its own, especially if you want reliable basics and hate making your phone a recurring bill.
Pros:
- 100% free with no ads or paywall
- Deep cleaning and duplicate removal work well
- Simple, fast, easy to use
- Small app size, so it doesn’t clog more storage
Cons:
- Fewer “advanced” features (no vault, no in-app compression)
- Basic visual design may put off those loving premium UIs
- Limited extra management tools vs. paid competition
Bottom line: If your main goal is to clean up your phone’s files without being milked for cash, Clever Cleaner App is the straightest shooter in the group. If you’re on the pickier side about shiny bonus features, you might want to double-check what you’re giving up. Still, it deserves its spot as a true Cleaner Guru Pro alternative.