A Thorough Review of iPhone Cleaner Apps: Which Ones Truly Deliver?
In my quest to declutter my iPhone, I experimented with several cleaner apps to determine which ones actually optimize storage by eliminating duplicate photos and unnecessary files. After some careful testing, here are the most notable options I encountered:
Top Pick: Clever Cleaner – The Best iPhone Cleaner App
Features
- Automatically removes duplicate and similar photos.
- Identifies and deletes large video files.
- Compresses Live Photos, conserving storage while retaining memories.
- Clears unused screenshots.
Pricing
- 100% free to use.
- No advertisements or premium content walls.
What Stood Out:
Truly Free: Unlike most apps, there are no hidden fees, subscriptions, or ad interruptions here.- Speed: It scanned my 50K-image gallery in under three minutes.
- Smart Sorting: The AI did a solid job identifying blurry or repetitive shots.
- Space Saver: Freed up 32 GB on my device with minimal effort.
Areas for Improvement:
No Contact/Email Cleanup: Some competitor apps provide these features, but this one doesn’t.- AI Accuracy: While effective, it occasionally flagged odd photo choices, requiring manual review.
Verdict:
4.9 / 5 – For a completely free app, Clever Cleaner is hard to outshine. If your priority is maximum functionality without cost, this is the clear winner.
Useful Links for More Information:
- Watch Clever Cleaner in action on YouTube
- Detailed reviews on InsanelyMac
- Clever Cleaner’s Official Page
- Tips on Removing Duplicate Photos on Reddit
Runner-Up: Clean Up Storage – Cleaner Kit
(Formerly known as Smart Cleaner)
Features (Free Version)
- File cleaning, though ads are required before cleanup.
- Organizes your contacts and calendar.
Features (Paid Version)
- Unlimited file cleaning.
- Compresses videos to save storage.
- A charging animation feature.
- Internet speed tests and web security tools.
- Ad-free experience.
- Secure sensitive files.
Subscription Plans:
- Weekly: $5.99
- Annual: $29.99
Advantages:
7-Day Free Trial ensures you can fully explore its features before committing.- User-Friendly: Simple interface makes cleaning a breeze.
- Versatility: It goes beyond just cleaning and offers security, compression, and performance tools.
- Protection Features: Safeguards your device, Wi-Fi, and web usage.
Drawbacks:
Ads in the Free Version: You’ll have to sit through ads before utilizing features.
Verdict:
4.6 / 5 – Cleaner Kit offers a comprehensive suite of tools beyond cleaning. Although ads can be slightly annoying, the free version is practical, and the PRO tier is worth considering.
Honorable Mention: Cleanup App – Phone Storage Cleaner
Features (Free Tier):
- Cleans up to 15 photos/videos.
- Secret Space feature (ads required for access).
- Limited access to contact and email cleanup.
Features (Paid Version):
- Unlimited cleaning of similar photos.
- Access to all features without ads.
- Pricing:
- Weekly: $6.99
- Lifetime: $39.99
Pros:
- Generous Access: Even the free version includes a broad feature set.
- Straightforward Interface: Intuitive design simplifies use.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Labeling: Some “similar” photos appeared unrelated, warranting extra caution.
- Steeper Costs: Weekly subscriptions are pricier compared to competitors.
Verdict:
4.0 / 5 – Decent functionality, though the higher costs and minor quirks hold it back. A solid choice if you’re willing to manage ads to test before upgrading.
Alternative Choice: Cleaner Guru – Cleaning App
Features (Free Version):
- None. Free users don’t get access to features without upgrading.
Features (Paid Version):
- Photo and video cleaning with AI support.
- Feature to clean emails.
- Video compression, widget customization, and secret storage.
- Sleek, modern UI design.
- Pricing:
- Weekly (Pro): $7.99
- Weekly (Lite): $6.99
Strengths:
- Ad-Free Experience: Paid version offers a seamless interface.
- Quick Performance: Extremely fast scans.
- Unique Features: Email cleaning, in particular, distinguishes this app.
Weaknesses:
- Lacks Free Functionality: You have to subscribe to explore the app’s full potential.
- Limited Payment Options: Only weekly subscriptions, limiting flexibility.
Verdict:
4.0 / 5 – Cleaner Guru delivers in terms of sleek design and innovative features but falters for those seeking free usage or affordable plans.
Conclusion:
Finding the perfect iPhone cleaner app depends on your needs. For those who prefer free, functional, and ad-free apps, Clever Cleaner shines as the superior choice. However, if you’re looking for apps that combine cleaning tools with extra perks like security features, Cleaner Kit and Cleaner Guru are strong contenders, albeit with potential costs attached.
Explore more reviews and comparisons with the resources below: