The best photo cleaner apps compared
Short answer: Files by Google is free and finds exact duplicate files. CCleaner finds similar and low-quality photos but leans on ads and a Pro subscription. CleanMy Phone (formerly Gemini Photos) is iPhone only and needs a subscription to clean. Shotbox removes duplicate photos and also keeps the ones you keep organized and searchable, with no cloud.
Comparison
| Shotbox | Files by Google | CCleaner (Android) | CleanMy Phone (was Gemini Photos) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Android now, more coming | Android | Android (also Windows, Mac) | iPhone and iPad |
| Price | Not set yet | Free | Free with ads; Pro subscription | Subscription needed to clean (free trial) |
| Duplicate photos | Yes, look-alike copies | Exact duplicate files | Similar, old and poor-quality photos | Duplicates, similar and blurry photos |
| Keeps the best copy for you | Yes (starred or filed, else newest) | Marks the original | You choose | Suggests the best shot |
| Undo | Trash for 30 days | Trash | Depends on action | Recently Deleted |
| Organize what you keep | Boxes and search by text | No | No | AI categories |
| Account or cloud needed | No | No | No (optional cloud move) | No |
Which one should you pick?
- Just want a quick free clean on Android: Files by Google.
- iPhone: CleanMy Phone, or the Photos app's built-in Duplicates album.
- Want a clean camera roll that stays clean: Shotbox. It removes duplicates, then helps you file new screenshots so the mess doesn't come back.
FAQ
What happened to Gemini Photos?
MacPaw renamed it CleanMy Phone. It's the same iPhone app.
Do cleaner apps really free space?
Yes, once the trash is emptied. Photos and screenshots are usually the biggest win.
Try Shotbox
Sort photos and screenshots into boxes, remove duplicates and find any picture by the words in it. Private, on your phone.
See how it works