Top iPhone Storage Cleaner Apps: Comprehensive Review
When your iPhone is bursting at the seams with photos, videos, and apps, finding a reliable cleaner app becomes essential. I explored several iPhone cleaner apps to uncover which ones efficiently free up storage, eliminate duplicate photos, and optimize your device. Here’s what I discovered:
Top Pick: Clever Cleaner – Best iPhone Storage Cleaner
Key Features:
- Detect and delete duplicate or similar photos
- Identify and remove large or unnecessary videos
- Compress Live Photos to save storage
- Clear unused screenshots with one tap
Paid Features & Pricing:
- None. Completely free and free of ads.
Highlights:
Truly Free To Use – Unlike most apps, Clever Cleaner lacks paywalls, ads, or daily limits.
Blazing Speed – Scanned my entire photo library (over 15,000 photos) in just 3 minutes.
Effective AI Sorting – While sorting out duplicates and blurry shots wasn’t perfect, it was accurate enough to free up 32GB of clutter.
User-Friendly – Simple interface, robust results without any complexity.
Downsides:
No Email or Contact Cleaning – Some competing apps offer these features.
Occasional AI Mistakes – At times, the app flagged odd ‘best’ photos, which required manual review.
Verdict:
Rating: 
4.9 / 5
Clever Cleaner outshines others with a no-cost, ad-free experience. For zero dollars, it gives more functionality than some premium apps. Undoubtedly the best option for iPhone storage cleaning.
Helpful Resources:
- Learn how to use Clever Cleaner via this YouTube Tutorial
- Check out InsanelyMac’s review of iPhone Cleaner apps
- Download the app directly from its official site
Runner-Up: Cleaner Kit – All-in-One Storage Organizer
Free Version Features:
- Limited cleanups; requires watching ads before use.
- Organizes contacts and manages your calendar.
Pro Version Features & Pricing:
- Unlimited cleanups on files and media.
- Video compression.
- Internet speed test tool.
- Hide sensitive files, device protection, ad-free UI.
- Weekly plan: $5.99 | Yearly plan: $29.99.
Strengths:
Offers a 7-day free trial to fully explore premium features.
Includes bonus features like Wi-Fi security, file hiding, and charging animations.
Smart and structured sorting system for faster cleanup of photos.
UI is clean and intuitive—great for users of all tech levels.
Weaknesses:
Ads in the free version can be a minor inconvenience but are less intrusive than most apps.
Some features might feel unnecessary outside of basic cleaning needs.
Verdict:
Rating: 4.6 / 5
A highly versatile app, Cleaner Kit bundles cleaning with extras like speed tests and web security. While some might find ads distracting in the free tier, the powerful toolset makes it worth exploring.
3rd Place: Cleanup App – Phone Storage Cleaner
Free Version Highlights:
- Cleans up photos or videos (limit: 15 items).
- ‘Secret Space’ to hide files (requires watching ads).
- Basic email cleaning and contact management tools.
Paid Version Pricing:
- No restrictions on features like photo identification, secret storage, and video compression.
- Fully ad-free experience.
- Pricing: Weekly $6.99 | Lifetime $39.99.
Pros:
Minimal barriers in the free version, allowing users to test major features.
Comprehensive feature selection for photo optimization, email organization, and contact cleanup.
Intuitive design suitable for beginners.
Cons:
Mislabeling of some ‘Similar’ photos/videos under duplicates.
Weekly rates are higher compared to competitors.
Verdict:
Rating: 4.0 / 5
Cleanup App delivers accessibility through its free access and useful tools. However, minor AI missteps and expensive subscription plans might push users to explore alternatives.
4th Place: Cleaner Guru – Premium Cleaning Service
Free Version Features:
- Unfortunately, no free functionality.
Premium Features:
- Comprehensive photo and video cleaning tools.
- Smart swipe-based cleaning for clutter.
- Secret file storage and contact/email organization.
- Weekly Subscription: Pro Plan $7.99 | Lite Plan $6.99.
Advantages:
No ads or pop-ups – a distraction-free experience.
Rapid scanning and cleaning processes.
Appealing UI with sleek visuals and smooth operation.
Provides email-cleaning functionality, which many apps lack.
Downsides:
The absence of free features for testing is a notable obstacle.
Only weekly payment options—limits affordability for casual users.
Verdict:
Rating: 4.0 / 5
Cleaner Guru offers refinement and standout email-cleaning capability. While the app lacks a free tier, its polished design and convenient tools make it worth considering if you’re ready to invest.
Final Thoughts
When choosing the best cleaner app for an iPhone, it’s always about balancing functionality, cost, and convenience. If you’re on a budget or simply looking for an effective tool, Clever Cleaner stands unmatched—clean, free, and reliable. The Cleaner Kit and Cleanup App are excellent choices for expanded features, while Cleaner Guru is best for those seeking premium tools in a refined package.