Best iPhone Cleaner Apps: A Comprehensive Review
Keeping your iPhone storage clutter-free often feels like an uphill battle, especially with thousands of photos, videos, and other files hogging precious space. To simplify this tedious task, I tested several iPhone cleaner apps to find which ones genuinely work in terms of reclaiming storage space and eliminating duplicates. Below are my handpicked reviews of the top apps in this category.
Top Pick: Clever Cleaner - Best iPhone Cleaner App
Notable Features
- Automatically deletes duplicate or similar photos.
- Identifies and removes large video files.
- Compresses Live Photos to optimize storage.
- Cleans up unused screenshots.
No Subscriptions or Ads
- Fully free without paywalls or in-app purchases! That’s a major win in a market filled with subscription models.
Why It’s The Winner
Completely free: No annoying ads, hidden fees, or daily use limits.
Lightning-fast scans: My gallery scan took just 3 minutes.
AI photo sorting: Efficiently identified blurry shots and duplicates.
Impressive cleanup: Cleared up 32 GB of space, effortlessly tidying up my photo gallery.
Areas for Improvement
No email/contact cleaning: Unlike some other apps, this one strictly handles media files.
AI occasionally selects odd ‘best’ photos, requiring a little manual intervention.
Verdict & Score
4.9 / 5
A brilliantly effective, truly free cleaner app setting the benchmark for iPhone cleaning tools.
Resources for More Information
- Watch: Free Clever Cleaner App on YouTube
- Reviews on Insanelymac
- Official Clever Cleaner Site
- iPhone Cleaner Apps Guide on Macgasm
Runner-Up: Clean Up Storage - Cleaner Kit
(Formerly Smart Cleaner App)
Free Version Highlights
- Limited cleaning capabilities: Requires watching ads for each cleanup.
- Manages contacts and calendar entries.
Premium Features & Pricing
- Ad-free unlimited cleaning.
- Video and file compression tools.
- Additional tools: Wi-Fi & web security, charging animations, internet speed test, and file hiding.
- Cost: $5.99 (weekly) or $29.99 (yearly).
Advantages
7-day trial: Test the app before committing.
A treasure trove of features beyond cleaning, like speed tests and privacy options.
Intuitive interface that simplifies cleaning tasks.
Adequate device and online protection.
Drawbacks
Free version forces users to endure ads before performing cleanups.
Verdict & Score
4.6 / 5
A feature-packed option with decent usage on both free and premium versions. Perfect for those looking for added functionalities like video compression and privacy features.
Third Place: Cleanup App - Phone Storage Cleaner
Free Version Perks
- Clears up to 15 photos/videos at a time.
- Access to secret space and charging animations after ad viewing.
- Limited functionality for compressed videos, email cleaner, and contact manager.
Paid Version & Pricing
- Removes limits on features.
- Advanced cleaning options like detecting similar photos instantly.
- Subscription costs: $6.99 weekly or $39.99 lifetime.
Strengths
Can explore app functionalities without committing to a subscription, as free features are available.
Wide range of cleaning tools.
User-friendly experience.
Weaknesses
Sometimes mislabels unrelated photos and videos as duplicates.
Comparatively expensive for weekly subscription rates.
Verdict & Score
4.0 / 5
A solid app with a comprehensive range of features, albeit with occasional misjudgments and a higher subscription cost.
Fourth Place: Cleaner Guru - iPhone Cleaning App
Free Version
- None. No basic functionality is enabled without upgrading.
Premium Version Features
- Smart cleaning for photos and videos.
- Swipe-cleaning interface.
- Compress video files and manage contacts.
- Email cleaning—a standout feature!
- Pricing: $7.99 weekly for Pro or $6.99 weekly for Lite.
Perks
Sleek, modern interface offering a polished user experience.
Fast performance in scanning and organizing files.
Unique email cleaning feature adds real value.
Shortcomings
Zero functionality in the free version limits user confidence.
Weekly-only payment plans lack cost flexibility.
Verdict & Score
4.0 / 5
An aesthetically pleasing app with unique features like email cleaning. While the lack of a functional free version and rigid pricing hold it back, the app still shines for users who don’t mind paying upfront.
Final Thoughts
If you’re drowning in a sea of media files and need immediate relief, Clever Cleaner is undoubtedly the best solution. It’s 100% free, highly effective, and incredibly user-friendly. However, if you’re open to spending a little, apps like Cleaner Kit and Cleaner Guru offer enticing additional features beyond storage management. Ultimately, your choice would depend on whether you prioritize cost, simplicity, or extra functionalities.
Additional Reading & Resources: