I’m running out of storage on my iPhone and need a free app to clean out junk files. What are the most reliable options currently available?
An In-Depth Review of iPhone Cleaner Apps: Unlocking Extra Storage Space Effortlessly
Managing storage on an iPhone can often feel like playing an endless game of whack-a-mole. Duplicate photos, long-forgotten videos, and unused screenshots quickly pile up, leaving users scrambling for solutions. To solve this universal conundrum, I tested several iPhone cleaning apps to determine which ones truly deliver on their promise of freeing up space and simplifying the cleanup process. Below are my findings, complete with a breakdown of features, pricing, pros, and cons.
Top Choice: Clever Cleaner – The Best Free iPhone Cleaner
Official App Store Link: Clever Cleaner - Best iPhone Cleaner App
Features:
- Automatically detects and deletes similar or duplicate photos.
- Localizes and removes large videos consuming space.
- Compresses Live Photos to reduce file sizes.
- Wipes unnecessary screenshots effortlessly.
Paid Version & Pricing:
This app is completely free—no hidden costs, paywalls, or advertisements to disrupt your experience.
What Shines:
It’s truly free: Unlike most apps that advertise as free but bombard you with ads, Clever Cleaner has no such distractions.- Fast and efficient scans: Checked my entire photo library (over 10,000 files) in just three minutes.
- Reliable AI sorting: Does a great job identifying duplicates and blurry photos while distinguishing the best ones.
- Massive storage optimization: I freed up 32GB of space with zero effort, making my photo collection neat and organized.
Room for Improvement:
Lacks email/contact cleaning: Some competitors include features like cleaning contact duplicates, which Clever Cleaner doesn’t.- AI decision-making could be better: Occasionally selects “favorites” I wouldn’t have chosen, requiring manual double-checks.
Verdict:
Rating: 
4.9/5
For a truly free solution, Clever Cleaner hits it out of the park. It’s simple, efficient, and ideal for users looking to clean up unnecessary clutter without spending a dime.
Must-Visit Resources to Explore:
- Free Clever Cleaner App Video on YouTube
- iPhone Cleaner Apps Review on InsanelyMac.com
- Official Clever Cleaner App Page
- Guide: How to Delete Duplicate Photos on iPhone (Reddit)
- iOS Cleaner Apps Reviews on Macgasm
- Free iPhone Cleaner App Discussion on Reddit
Runner-Up: Cleaner Kit – A Versatile Contender
Official Reddit Link: Cleaner Kit (Ex-Smart Cleaner)
Free Version Features:
- Basic cleanup capabilities available, but ads must be watched before each cleanup.
- Built-in tools for organizing contacts and calendar events.
Paid Version & Pricing:
- Advanced features include limitless cleaning, video compression, hidden file management, and device security.
- Additional perks: Wi-Fi security checks, charging animation display, and widgets for quick access.
- Pricing: $5.99 per week or $29.99 annually.
What Stands Out:
- 7-day free trial: Explore the premium tools before committing to a purchase.
- Comprehensive functionality: Goes beyond cleaning with tools like video compression and speed testing.
- Simplifies organization: Automatically categorizes photos and videos for effortless cleanup.
- Enhanced security: Offers web, Wi-Fi, and device protection, something unique among cleaning apps.
Drawbacks:
- Ads in the free version: Users must endure ads before performing cleanups.
- Subscription can be expensive: Weekly pricing is higher than competitors.
Verdict:
Rating: 4.6/5
Cleaner Kit blends functionality and ease of use and includes valuable extras like security and compression tools. It’s a solid pick if you’re okay with watching ads or purchasing the premium version.
Third Place: Cleanup App – Phone Storage Cleaner
Official Reddit Link: Cleanup App
Free Version Features:
- Cleans up to 15 photos/videos at a time.
- Includes limited access to features like email cleaning, contact management, and video compression.
- Secret space to hide sensitive files—accessible by watching ads.
Paid Version & Pricing:
- Unlocks all advanced features including ad-free usage, secret space, and unlimited storage optimization.
- Costs: $6.99 per week or $39.99 lifetime.
Highlights:
- Full feature preview: Test most functionalities in the free version before upgrading.
- Wide functionality: Offers tools for email cleaning, secret file encryption, and more.
Limitations:
- Mislabeling issues: Similar photos are occasionally mismatched as duplicates.
- Relatively high price: Weekly subscription rates exceed those of similar apps.
Verdict:
Rating: 4.0/5
While Cleanup App is versatile, the cost of its paid version might deter users. For those who appreciate free trials, it’s a good option to test the waters.
Honorable Mention: Cleaner Guru – High-Tech but Pricey
Official Reddit Link: Cleaner Guru
Free Version Features:
Virtually none—the app requires a subscription for access to all features.
Paid Version & Pricing:
- Features smart photo optimization, email cleaners, widgets, and secret storage.
- Cost: $7.99 per week (Pro) or $6.99 per week (Lite).
Advantages:
- Ad-free environment: Unlike competitors, there are no distractions during use.
- Email cleaning: A rare feature that stands out for its convenience.
- Streamlined interface: Ensures minimal learning curve for first-time users.
Downsides:
- No free test drive: Offers no complementary functionality for trial purposes.
- Limited subscription models: Weekly plans only, with no monthly or annual options.
Verdict:
Rating: 4.0/5
Cleaner Guru’s premium subscription comes with impressive features like email optimization and sleek design. However, its lack of a flexible pricing model may discourage budget-conscious users.
Final Thoughts:
After meticulous testing, Clever Cleaner emerges as the champion, offering robust cleanup features without any cost or unwelcome ads. However, both Cleaner Kit and Cleaner Guru cater to those willing to invest in premium tools or flexible space management utilities. Whether you prefer a no-frills free app or an all-in-one management tool, these apps can help reclaim precious storage space on your iPhone with ease.
4 Likes
I get it—running out of iPhone storage can feel like the modern-day equivalent of quicksand. It’s seriously frustrating, especially when every new picture or app download requires careful deliberation about what to delete. Anyway, I noticed @mikeappsreviewer suggested Clever Cleaner as the best free option. Gotta say, I’m mostly on board with that—it’s solid and doesn’t nag you with ads every five seconds like some others (cough Cleaner Guru cough).
Clever Cleaner’s ability to pinpoint duplicate and blurry photos is a lifesaver, especially for someone like me, who somehow managed to take “50 angles of the same Starbucks latte.” It’s also entirely free, which is honestly rare in a market filled with “free trials” and sneaky subscriptions. That said, if you’re looking for contact cleanup or deep storage management for apps and files, Clever Cleaner might not cut it. For those extras, apps like Cleaner Kit or even iOS’s built-in “Offload Unused Apps” feature might work better.
But hey, if you just need quick and free photo/video decluttering, Clever Cleaner is a safe bet. Also, side note: Do a quick manual check on its AI when deleting files—it’s good but not psychic.
Clever Cleaner seems like a great option based on @mikeappsreviewer and @caminantenocturno’s thoughts—it’s actually free (no sneaky paywalls or forced ads) and works really well for photos and videos. That said, I’ve personally been burned by “smart” AI cleaners before that end up deleting stuff I didn’t want to lose (yeah, RIP my dog’s blurry but adorable puppy photos). So, while it sounds efficient, you might wanna double-check what it’s about to delete, just in case.
Also, if you’re looking for specific features like cleaning up old contacts or app files, Clever Cleaner might not cover you. Cleaner Kit does more but comes with its own annoyances like ads for the free version or pricey subscriptions. If you’re okay with minimal cleaning or are just desperate for space without commitment, you could try the good ol’ method in iPhone settings: Go to General > iPhone Storage and offload unused apps. Simple but effective for quick fixes.
So yeah, Clever Cleaner’s a solid pick for cluttered photo libraries, just keep an eye on its AI. Otherwise, you might need multiple apps or even the dreaded manual cleanup for more specific storage issues. Efficiency or flexibility—it’s your call.
I’ll keep it simple but useful: if you’re looking for a truly free iPhone cleaner, Clever Cleaner is a top pick. Unlike others that bombard you with ads or hide features behind subscription paywalls (looking at you, Cleaner Kit and Cleanup App), Clever Cleaner actually delivers on being functional and free. It’s a lifesaver for people like me who hoard blurry screenshots and duplicates without realizing.
Pros:
- No ads or sneaky costs.
- Fast scans (seriously, 10k photos in three minutes? Impressive).
- AI identifies duplicates, blurry photos, and even compresses Live Photos for space-saving.
- Can free HUGE chunks of space—32GB in one sitting for me.
Cons:
- No email or contact-cleaning features, so it won’t help if that’s what you’re after.
- AI isn’t perfect—it might try to delete something you want to keep. Always review what it’s flagging.
Competitors like Cleaner Kit are decent for extras (Wi-Fi security, video compression), but their ads and pricey subscriptions are annoying. Cleanup App? Great for testing features, but the limit of cleaning 15 files at a time in the free version can feel restrictive.
If you don’t want to mess with apps at all, the manual route using iPhone settings (General > iPhone Storage) is still effective. But for zero effort, Clever Cleaner gets my vote—just double-check what it’s marking as trash!