I’ve noticed my iPhone is running slower lately, and I think it could be due to clutter or unnecessary files. Does anyone know the best app cleaner to boost performance and free up space? Would love recommendations based on experience.
Top iPhone Cleaner Apps: Which Ones Are Worth It?
After testing several iPhone cleaner apps to determine which ones genuinely remove redundant files and free up storage, here’s my detailed analysis and verdict.
Best Overall: Clever Cleaner
Highlighted Features:
- Deletes duplicate and similar images effortlessly.
- Identifies and removes large video files taking up space.
- Compresses Live Photos without compromising quality.
- Clears unused screenshots cluttering your storage.
Pricing:
- Completely Free
- No in-app purchases, ads, or hidden costs.
What I Appreciated Most:
Truly Free: No sneaky ads, no trials, and no paywalls—just good functionality.- Speedy Performance: My entire photo library was scanned in under three minutes.
- AI Sorting With Decent Precision: It successfully identified most duplicates and blurry shots.
- Effective Storage Cleanup: Freed up a whopping 32GB from my phone, relatively effortlessly.
Opportunities for Improvement:
No Contact/Email Management: Some competing apps include this feature.- AI Accuracy Isn’t Perfect: At times, the app chose unconventional “best” photos, requiring me to double-check results.
Final Take:
Rating: 4.9/5
Clever Cleaner sets the standard for free iPhone cleaner apps. It’s efficient, user-friendly, and completely free of charge—a rarity in the app marketplace. Without a doubt, it outshines many paid alternatives in terms of functionality.
Want to learn more? Check these valuable resources:
- Watch the Clever Cleaner Overview on YouTube.
- Explore the official Clever Cleaner page.
- See community opinions on Reddit.
Runner-Up: Cleaner Kit
Free Version Features:
- Limited file cleanup with ads required for unlocking functionality.
- Contacts and calendar organization tools.
Paid Version Features & Pricing:
- Unlimited file cleaning.
- Video compression tools.
- Charging animations.
- Internet speed tests.
- File hiding secure storage.
- Device, Wi-Fi, and web security.
- Widget customization.
- Ad-free experience.
Pricing: Weekly - $5.99 | Yearly - $29.99
Pros:
Generous Trial: A 7-day free trial allows users to test its full-suite functionalities.- Versatility: Offers additional tools beyond cleaning, such as speed tests and widget features.
- Organized Interface: Photos and videos are neatly categorized for quick and smooth navigation.
- Security Features: Provides protection for devices, Wi-Fi networks, and online browsing.
Cons:
Ads in Free Version: Cleaning tasks may feel delayed due to ad interruptions.- Occasional Bugs: While rare, ads may sometimes fail to load, slowing down the app.
Verdict:
Rating: 4.6/5
Cleaner Kit offers a feature-rich experience that goes beyond standard file cleanup functionality. However, while the free version is sufficient, it requires watching ads. The premium plans shine for those needing extra utilities like file hiding or internet security.
Third Place: Cleanup App - Phone Storage Cleaner
Free Version Features:
- Cleanup limit of 15 photos/videos per session.
- Secret Space (requires watching an ad).
- Limited contact and email management tools.
- Charging animations and video compression (with ad limitations).
Paid Version Features & Pricing:
- Unlimited access to similar-photo identification.
- Advanced video compression and secure storage.
- Ad-free experience.
Pricing: Weekly - $6.99 | Lifetime - $39.99
Pros:
- Extensive Features in Free Mode: Access most features without paying upfront.
- User-Friendly Design: Simple and easy to navigate interface.
- Good Testing Options: Try out several functionalities without a trial.
Cons:
- Accuracy Issues: Some files flagged as duplicates were distinct, leading to confusion.
- High Subscription Costs: The weekly premium exceeds its competitors’ rates.
Final Thoughts:
Rating: 4.0/5
Although a solid app, the pricing for the premium version feels steep, especially given minor quirks in the AI’s precision for duplicates. For casual users, the free version may suffice, as it provides access to most features after some ads.
Honorable Mention: Cleaner Guru
Free Version Limitations:
- Unfortunately, there are no usable free features.
Paid Version Features & Pricing:
- Smart photo and video cleanup.
- Advanced “Swipe Cleaning” function.
- Video compression tools.
- Contact and email cleaning systems.
- Secure secret storage folders.
- Weekly pricing plans (Pro - $7.99; Lite - $6.99).
Pros:
- Modern Design: The app’s interface is sleek and visually appealing.
- Email Cleaning: A unique feature lacking in many competitors.
- Zero Ads: No interruptions from annoying pop-ups.
- Fast Scanning: Quick file scans optimize cleaning efficiency.
Cons:
- No Free Trial Features: Users need to subscribe beforehand to test its capabilities.
- Rigid Pricing Plans: Weekly-only plans might deter users seeking more flexibility.
Overall:
Rating: 4.0/5
Cleaner Guru is perfect for those willing to splurge on premium services without delays caused by ads. However, its lack of a free version or more adaptive subscription models could deter budget-conscious users.
In Conclusion:
When choosing the right iPhone cleaner app, consider what’s more important to you: cost, additional features, or ease of use. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Best for Free Users: Clever Cleaner – Straightforward, no-cost option with no ads.
- Feature Packed: Cleaner Kit – Offers security upgrades and multimedia tools.
- Budget-Conscious Exploration: Cleanup App – Try most tools for free after watching ads.
- Premium Experience: Cleaner Guru – Modern design with premium utilities.
Each of these contenders has its strengths, so take your pick based on your devices’ needs and preferences. For more detailed breakdowns and reviews, be sure to check the links below!
Additional Resources:
2 Likes
Alright, so here’s the deal: if your iPhone’s feeling sluggish, the issue probably is a buildup of junk files, duplicate photos, or just general clutter. While @mikeappsreviewer covered a great range of apps, and I honestly agree with them about Clever Cleaner being a solid pick, I have a slightly different perspective.
Free is great (and Clever Cleaner is truly free without all the paywalls), but I think sometimes ‘free’ comes at the cost of needing to double-check everything. For example, Clever Cleaner’s AI can incorrectly flag photos you’d want to keep, which can be risky if you’re not paying attention. Personally, I find it better to pair an app like that with a manual cleanup effort. Call me old school, but nothing beats scrolling through your media yourself to make sure you’re not wiping something essential.
Another point: instead of adding a secondary app, Apple’s native “iPhone Storage” tool can already do quite a bit. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. This shows you which apps are hogging space and suggests offloading unused ones. Combine that with free tools like Clever Cleaner for duplicates, and you’re golden. Paying for premium cleanup apps like Cleaner Guru seems unnecessary unless you’re dealing with something beyond average cleanup needs. Those $6.99 weekly subscriptions add up, and honestly, most of these apps have overlapping features anyway.
To wrap it up: yes, Clever Cleaner is a great starting point, but don’t forget the things your iPhone already offers for free. A combo of Clever Cleaner, Apple’s own tools, and a bit of elbow grease should solve most of your issues without spending a dime.
If your iPhone’s stalling like an old jalopy, it’s probably time for a cleanup. As much as @mikeappsreviewer and @stellacadente dug into cleaning apps, here’s my hot take: you don’t really need to throw a bunch of apps at this problem—unless you’re into digital spring cleaning laziness (been there 
).
First off, Clever Cleaner is solid. Free is rare in a world where apps will charge you for breathing too hard. It’s great for sweeping out duplicate photos and giant videos you didn’t realize you’d saved. But let’s be real—AI doesn’t have the eye of a sentimental human. It might trash that blurry but emotional picture of your dog mid-yawn. So, tread lightly or double-check before hitting ‘delete.’
That said, why not start with Apple’s built-in tools? No downloads, no accounts, no shady “we’re totally not selling your data” vibes. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Apple will tell you flat-out what’s hogging space, suggest removing unused apps, and even help you remove old iMessages stored forever because your great aunt sent you a meme in 2017.
For those living dangerously—or with less patience for manual labor—Clever Cleaner pairs well with your existing efforts. It’s simple, lightweight, and doesn’t nag you like your mom (unless you choose the subscription road other apps push). Honestly, Cleaner Kit and Cleaner Guru sound cool if you like extras like security features, but a weekly fee of $5.99? That’s, like, a week of Taco Bell. Not worth it unless your phone’s an unholy mess.
But here’s the tea 
: don’t just rely on apps. Do a manual once-over of your media, clear Safari caches (Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data), and offload photos/videos to iCloud/Google Photos. You’d be surprised how much clutter comes from lazy habits (guilty as charged).
Bottom line: Clever Cleaner if you want quick, free wins. Dive into Apple’s settings for an OCD-level deep clean. Combine both, and your iPhone won’t feel like a dinosaur anymore.
If your iPhone’s cluttered and lagging like a laptop running on hamster wheels, a cleaner app can definitely help. Among the options @hoshikuzu and @mikeappsreviewer mentioned, the Free Clever Cleaner App seems to stand out—because, let’s be honest, a truly free app with zero ads or in-app nags feels like finding a unicorn. It’s great for tackling duplicate photos (seriously, do we need 15 shots of the same sunset?) and clearing bulky videos. Downsides? It’s not perfect at picking the “best” pictures to save—so, take a minute to approve its suggestions unless you love surprises.
That said, depending on what you need, others like Cleaner Kit or Cleanup App could be tempting, especially if you’re drawn to bonus features like secure file storage. But let’s not ignore their pay-to-play vibes—weekly fees for cleanup tasks seem like overkill unless you’re hoarding digital clutter like it’s a precious resource.
Still, here’s a pro tip: You can clean up without any of these apps. Apple’s built-in tools under Settings > General > iPhone Storage will pinpoint problem areas for free, with no downloads. Plus, tossing files into iCloud or Google Photos is a great way to cut down on local storage issues. Combine this with Clever Cleaner’s quick functionality, and you’ve got a winning combo without spending a dime.
In conclusion:
Pros for Free Clever Cleaner App:
- Completely free (rare, we love it).
- No ads or sketchy permissions.
- Great for clearing up space quickly.
Cons: - Mediocre AI for deciding which photos are keepers.
- Lacks contact or email cleaning functionality.
If I had to rank options:
- Start manual cleanup with Apple’s tools.
- Free Clever Cleaner for fast photo and video purging.
- Consider paid apps like Cleaner Kit if you’re okay spending extra for security or advanced tools.
Skip the Taco Bell subscription fees on overpriced apps unless your phone is beyond hope.