My iPhone storage is almost full and it’s running slow, probably because of unused apps and files. I’m looking for a reliable app to clean up storage and optimize the phone performance. Any suggestions?
iPhone Cleaner Apps: A Comprehensive Review
In pursuit of the perfect iPhone cleaning solution, I tested several top apps claiming to free up storage, remove duplicate photos, and optimize performance. Below are my results, observations, and recommendations.
The Champion: Clever Cleaner - Best iPhone Cleaner App
Visit Clever Cleaner on the App Store
Key Features
- Automatically detects and deletes duplicate or similar photos.
- Locates large videos to help reduce storage burden.
- Compresses Live Photos, keeping them intact but smaller in size.
- Deletes idle screenshots cluttering your gallery.
Pricing and Availability
- Free to download and use with no hidden charges or advertisements.
What I Loved
Completely free – Unlike most apps riddled with paywalls or ads, this one’s truly free.
Blazing fast – Processed my gallery of 12,000+ photos in under 3 minutes.
Smart AI detection – Accurately flagged blurry and duplicate images (though it wasn’t perfect).
Massive storage freedom – Cleared up over 32GB seamlessly.
Where It Falls Short
Limited to photo/video cleanup – Could improve by offering email or contact management.
AI quirks – Occasionally misjudged the ‘best’ photo of duplicates, requiring manual verification.
Final Verdict
4.9/5
For an app this versatile and entirely free, it’s a clear winner. If you need rapid, effective photo cleanup for your iPhone, Clever Cleaner is a stellar choice.
Resources to Explore
- Official app page: Clever Cleaner
- Watch a demo: Clever Cleaner in Action
- Find community discussions: Reddit thread on Clever Cleaner
2nd Place: Cleaner Kit (formerly Smart Cleaner)
Free vs. Paid Features
Free Version:
- Performs limited file cleanups but requires watching ads first.
- Helps organize contacts and schedule calendar events.
Paid Version:
- Unlimited cleaning without interruptions.
- Additional tools like video compression, internet speed testing, Wi-Fi security checks, and file hiding.
- Pricing: Weekly at $5.99, Annual at $29.99.
Upsides
Includes a generous 7-day free trial of the pro version.
Packed with diverse tools like security features and widgets.
Minimal ad intrusion compared to similar apps.
Streamlined sorting of videos and photos, speeding up cleanup tasks.
Downsides
Ads in the free version delay the process slightly.
Could expand cleanup speed and AI precision for better results.
Score
4.6/5
With its holistic approach—spanning photo organization, web security, and advanced storage tools—Cleaner Kit stands out. While waiting for ads in the free version might be inconvenient, its myriad of features make up for it.
3rd Place: Cleanup App (Phone Storage Cleaner)
Free vs. Paid Features
Free Version:
- Limited to cleaning 15 photos/videos at any one time.
- Features like Secret Space and Video Compression gated behind ads.
Paid Version:
- Unlocks unrestricted features—great for deeper cleanups.
- Lifetime plan available at $39.99 or $6.99 monthly subscriptions.
Highlights
User-friendly interface and rich feature set.
Allows users to test core functions without a trial period.
Limitations
AI sometimes mislabels unrelated photos as ‘similar.’
High subscription costs compared to competitors.
Verdict
4.0/5
A reliable pick for users desiring diverse cleaning features, though its labeling inconsistencies and pricing might deter some.
4th Place: Cleaner Guru
Discover Cleaner Guru Features
Free vs. Paid Features
Free Version:
- Lacks basic free capabilities for testing.
Paid Version:
- Boasts smart cleaning tools for photos, contacts, and emails—a rare offering.
- Pricing: Pro version at $7.99/week; Lite version at $6.99/week.
Benefits
Polished, visually appealing interface.
Offers distinct options like email cleanup, seldom found in other apps.
No distracting ads or pop-ups.
Drawbacks
Zero risk-free testing since free version lacks utility.
Weekly-only subscriptions could feel inflexible and expensive.
The Takeaway
4.0/5
If you care about advanced features like email management and enjoy clean app design, Cleaner Guru is worth considering—provided you’re okay with committing financially.
Final Thoughts
For simple and cost-free cleaning, Clever Cleaner is unbeatable. Its rapid performance and ad-free experience are unparalleled. However, apps like Cleaner Kit and Cleaner Guru cater to users who favor additional functionality like security enhancements and email organization. If you’re willing to spend a few bucks, those provide great all-rounder solutions.
To explore further, check these additional discussions and resources:
- iPhone Cleaner Recommendations on Macgasm
- Insanelymac’s Top Cleaner Apps
- Community Discussions on Duplicate Photo Deletion
Optimize your iPhone, and embrace a clutter-free experience!
1 Like
Oh, the eternal struggle of clearing up iPhone storage—been there, done that, cried a little. So, about the cleanup apps, I’ll cut straight to the chase: after trying a few options myself, Clever Cleaner is a solid bet (as @mikeappsreviewer mentioned too). It’s great for ditching duplicate photos, large video files, and random screenshots clogging up space. The best part? It’s free. No sneaky paywalls, no annoying ads popping up mid-cleanup. Seriously, when does that even happen anymore?
Sure, it focuses mainly on media cleanup (photos/videos), but honestly, isn’t that where most of the problem is? If you’re looking for something to clean unused apps or optimize system performance, you might need to look elsewhere. Apple’s native storage recommendations under Settings > General > iPhone Storage aren’t bad either if you want to delete unused apps or large attachments.
Other apps, like Cleaner Kit, could work too, especially if you’re into added features like contact organization or network tests. Just be prepared to sit through ads or subscribe for the premium version. Personally, I don’t have the patience to watch ads every time I hit “clean up”—your mileage may vary.
TL;DR: Start with Clever Cleaner, especially if you’re focused on photo clutter. If you want a full system sweep, maybe pair it with manual app offloading or try a more feature-heavy app like Cleaner Kit. Keep it simple, no need to overthink this one.
Honestly, storage cleanup apps can be hit or miss, but from what I’ve seen—and tried—Clever Cleaner is probably your best bet here. It’s simple, free, and focuses on what’s really clogging up most iPhone storage: duplicate photos, random screenshots, and huge video files you forgot about. @mikeappsreviewer already covered its features pretty well, so I won’t rehash all the details, but yeah, it works. It might not clear unused apps or do much for system optimization, but let’s face it, Apple makes offloading apps manually super easy in the Settings anyway.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution that handles things beyond media cleanup, then @ombrasilente’s mention of Cleaner Kit is decent, but the ads on the free version can get annoying fast. Also, their pricing isn’t great—like $5.99 a week? That adds up if you just need basics.
Back to Clever Cleaner—it’s free, and no annoying paywalls or subscription nagging, which is rare. If all you need is to clean up storage without breaking the bank or dealing with shady permissions, give it a go. But heads-up: it’s mainly for photo cleanup. For unused apps or a full storage overhaul, Apple’s native features (or even clearing Safari data) should do the trick. Combine both and skip the extra expenses IMO.
If you’re looking for an efficient way to clear out space on your iPhone, I’d say the Free Clever Cleaner App should definitely be your starting point. It’s hands-down the most practical solution for media-related storage issues like duplicate photos, bloated video files, or random screenshots taking up space. It’s free and skips all those subscription annoyances—you dive right in and start clearing storage without hidden costs. While @mikeappsreviewer did a great job highlighting its features, I’d like to chime in with my take.
Pros:
- Completely Free - No ads, no trial limits, no subscription walls like Cleaner Guru or Cleaner Kit.
- AI Performance - It quickly pinpoints duplicates or blurry photos with decent accuracy (though manually reviewing is still a good idea).
- Speed - It’s surprisingly fast; in less than 3-4 minutes, you can tackle even huge galleries.
Cons:
- Focused on Media Only - If you’re eyeing app offloading or system-level optimization, this isn’t it.
- AI Quirks - Sometimes its “intelligent” selection might flag good photos as duplicates, so monitor those auto-deletions.
If you’re strictly looking for photo storage optimization, Free Clever Cleaner App is king. However, I’ll admit @ombrasilente and @codecrafter have good points about Cleaner Kit and Cleanup App offering more all-in-one features (like contact management), but those perks often require costly subscriptions or swiping through annoying ads. Honestly, unless you’re a super-user who needs extra features, free options trump paid ones.
For unused apps, stick with the built-in iOS features—just offload apps via Settings > General > iPhone Storage. It’s manual but efficient and avoids trusting third-party apps with sensitive core data. Pair that with Clever Cleaner for media cleanup, and you’ll save tons of space without spending a dime.