MAX Cleaner - Clean Up Photos vs its rivals

Side-by-side comparison against MAX Cleaner - Clean Up Photos's closest competitors — identity, store metrics, ratings & sentiment, and strategic intel.

Core Identity
DeveloperONE App EssentialsBPMobileSmart Tool StudioSlidebox LLCGRIMLAX TRADE, S.L.Shrishail RanaLuca CompanjenCELESTIAN GOLDEN APPSLSM AppsMacPaw Way Ltd
CategoryUtilitiesUtilitiesUtilitiesPhoto & VideoUtilitiesPhoto & VideoUtilitiesUtilitiesProductivityUtilities
PlatformiOSiOSiOSiOSiOS, AndroidiOS, AndroidiOSiOSiOS, AndroidiOS
Store Metrics
Rating4.6 / 54.4 / 54.6 / 54.8 / 54.6 / 54.2 / 54.8 / 54.5 / 54.8 / 54.6 / 5
Ratings Count3,311339,297113,67315,841191,5263,1133,93666,98828,67022,447
PriceFreeFreeFreeFreeFree$4.99FreeFreeFreeFree
Release DateAug 6, 2018Jan 26, 2017Aug 17, 2019Jun 16, 2015Oct 30, 2023Mar 12, 2015Dec 2, 2023Aug 18, 2019Apr 30, 2012Dec 15, 2017
Last UpdatedFeb 3, 2023Apr 17, 2026Apr 29, 2026Mar 31, 2026Apr 15, 2026Oct 15, 2025Mar 25, 2026Mar 10, 2026Nov 16, 2025Apr 2, 2026
Sentiment & Reviews
Sentimentnegativemixedterrible------mixed
Score35/10065/10015/100------65/100
Praises
  • The core photo hiding functionality provides users with a sense of privacy and security
  • Efficient bulk removal of unwanted photos and emails saves significant device storage space
  • Basic functionality of the cleaning tool provides satisfaction for some users
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  • Efficient photo cleanup tools allow users to reclaim significant storage space on their mobile devices
  • Intuitive swipe interface makes reviewing and deleting large photo libraries feel fast and natural
Complaints
  • Aggressive monetization tactics and misleading free trial offers frustrate users during the initial setup
  • Technical failures including application crashes and inability to access hidden content erode user trust
  • Aggressive subscription paywalls prevent users from accessing core cleanup features after download
  • Aggressive subscription paywalls and deceptive free-trial marketing frustrate new users
  • Inaccessible cancellation flows and unresponsive support prevent users from ending subscriptions
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  • Subscription model confusion and difficulty canceling trials lead to negative perceptions of the billing process
  • Cross-platform licensing friction prevents users from accessing paid features across multiple Apple devices
  • Technical instability including app crashes and potential data loss during cleanup operations
Requests
  • Users request clearer communication regarding subscription costs and the limitations of the free version
  • Expanded cleanup capabilities for specific folders like spam or social media duplicates
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  • Lifetime purchase option requested to avoid recurring annual or monthly subscription fees
Strategic Intel
Strengths
  • Quality-based curation logic gates premium tiers
  • Manual swipe interface increases session duration
  • Privacy-first on-device AI architecture minimizes data-security friction
  • Gesture-based sorting interface accelerates user time-to-value
  • High-accuracy duplicate detection sustains core utility
  • Private Vault PIN-protection creates high switching costs
  • AI Photo Enhancement provides a clear differentiator
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  • MacPaw brand heritage provides a privacy-first reputation
  • On-device AI processing removes data-security friction
  • Swipe-based interface reduces cognitive load during cleanup
Weaknesses
  • High-cost subscription model above category median
  • Technical instability post-update
  • Low community trust evidenced by 49 reviews
  • Aggressive subscription paywall prevents access to core features
  • Forced review prompts interrupt task completion
  • Inaccurate duplicate detection flags album-organized photos
  • Non-functional cancellation buttons drive high churn
  • Technical instability causes reported data loss
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  • Subscription-only model alienates users seeking one-time purchases
  • Cross-platform licensing friction limits multi-device utility
  • Technical instability during swipe operations
Pricingfreemiumsubscriptionsubscriptionfreemiumsubscriptionpaidfreemiumfreemiumfreesubscription
MomentumZombieActiveActiveIntenseIntenseActiveIntenseActiveSteadyIntense
Update Cadence5 versions5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~15d avg5 versions, ~9d avg5 versions5 versions5 versions5 versions5 versions5 versions5 versions

Compare MAX Cleaner - Clean Up Photos head-to-head

Disclosure: Independent intel to help mobile builders succeed.

AI-powered analysis with editorial review, built from publicly available sources. Marlvel.ai is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by MAX Cleaner - Clean Up Photos, its developer, the app publisher, Apple, or Google Play. All trademarks, logos, and screenshots referenced remain the property of their respective owners.

Data licensed under CC-BY-NC 4.0