Tired of your phone feeling slow and sluggish? Background apps are the real culprits! These apps can secretly drain your battery and make your phone lag, but luckily, there are apps that can help. We've put together a list of the 14 best apps for killing background apps and speeding up your Android or iPhone.
We've got you covered whether you're looking for a quick fix or a deep clean. Our top picks include AVG Cleaner, Avast Cleanup, and Greenify, which are known for their powerful features and ease of use. You'll be back to browsing, gaming, and streaming without any lag in no time!
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. AVG Cleaner |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 84M+ | Uninstall bloatware apps, Reclaim storage space, Clean junk files |
| 2. Avast Cleanup |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 79M+ | Cleans unnecessary data, Removes unused apps, Identifies largest files |
| 3. Greenify |  | Android, iOS | 4.1/5 | 29M+ | Aggressive Doze, Doze on the Go, Unique hibernation |
| 4. KillApps |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 7M+ | Force Stop Apps, Auto Close All Apps, Lightweight on Battery |
| 5. Hibernator |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 4M+ | Close All Apps, Auto-close on Screen Off, Supports System Apps |
| 6. App Killer |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 591K+ | Close background apps, Free up phone memory, Boost phone performance |
| 7. Background Apps & Process List |  | Android | 3.9/5 | 458K+ | Force close apps, Close all apps at once, Supports Android TVs |
1. AVG Cleaner
Kills unnecessary background processes, Frees up RAM and battery
Cost:
Free (Free), AVG Cleaner Pro ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Productivity |
| Downloads | Over 83 million |
| Features | AVG Cleaner helps you free up storage space by removing junk files, uninstalling apps, deleting duplicate photos, and even managing background apps for improved performance. |
| Who It’s For | People who want to free up storage space and improve their phone's performance by managing background apps and cleaning out unnecessary files. |
- Tags:
- Junk File Removal
- Duplicate Photo Cleaner
- Preinstalled App Uninstaller
AVG Cleaner is a powerful app for killing background apps that helps you reclaim control over your phone's performance. It's designed to automatically identify and remove junk files, optimize your storage, and keep your apps running smoothly. Many users, like one tech-savvy individual who's been using it for years, rave about its effectiveness and ease of use. This app goes beyond basic cleanup by offering features like photo and video optimization that help you free up space while preserving your memories. While some users have reported occasional bugs that cause freezing issues, many continue to recommend AVG Cleaner as their preferred tool for managing background processes and keeping their phones running like new.
Pros & Cons
- Effective at cleaning junk
- Provides control over apps
- Automatic cleaning for ease
- Detailed analysis and feedback
- Can freeze phone badly
- Unusable after daily clean
- Bugs causing tedious experience
Why we chose it?
I love AVG Cleaner for managing background apps! It's super easy to use, and I really appreciate how it clearly shows me which apps are using the most battery and data. Plus, it lets me quickly stop those apps from running in the background, which is a huge help in extending my phone's battery life.
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2. Avast Cleanup
Stops background apps with one tap, Analyzes storage space and clears junk
Cost:
Free (Free), Avast Cleanup Premium ($29.99/year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Tools |
| Downloads | Over 78 Million Downloads |
| Features | Avast Cleanup is an Android app that helps optimize your phone by cleaning junk, finding unused apps, and managing storage space, including a feature that allows you to easily kill background apps for smoother performance. |
| Who It’s For | Users seeking to improve their phone's performance and free up storage space, especially those who want a simple way to kill background apps. |
- Tags:
- Junk Cleaner
- Storage Analyzer
- Photo Optimizer
Avast Cleanup is a popular app for killing background apps on your mobile device, helping to free up RAM and potentially improve performance. While some users have praised its effectiveness in managing background processes, they've also pointed out some drawbacks. One concern is that hibernating apps to save RAM can inadvertently interfere with settings or app functionality. Additionally, users have expressed frustration with the frequency and intrusiveness of ads, particularly the tendency for ads to pop up when trying to manage apps, leading to accidental clicks. Despite these criticisms, many users still find Avast Cleanup to be a useful tool for optimizing their mobile experience, particularly those willing to pay a small fee for an ad-free experience.
Pros & Cons
- Effective background app killer
- Saves RAM and battery life
- Offers both free and paid versions
- Provides options to hibernate or delete apps
- Annoying and intrusive ads
- Can accidentally hibernate needed apps
- Sneaky ad placement tricks users
Why we chose it?
I love Avast Cleanup! It's super easy to use, and I can kill off any background apps with just one tap - no more digging through menus! Plus, it does a great job of finding and cleaning up junk files that slow down my phone.
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3. Greenify
Hibernates misbehaving apps automatically, Extends battery life significantly
Download:
Application information
| Category | Tools |
| Downloads | Over 28 Million Downloads |
| Features | Greenify helps you conserve battery and improve performance by identifying and hibernating misbehaving apps that run in the background, preventing them from draining your battery and slowing down your device. |
| Who It’s For | Anyone looking for an app for killing background apps to improve battery life and device performance. |
- Tags:
- Aggressive Doze
- Hibernation Mode
- Improved Battery Life
Greenify is an app for killing background apps that keeps your phone running smoothly and extends battery life. Users rave about its effectiveness, with many reporting a noticeable reduction in power consumption and unwanted data tracking. One user even combined Greenify with another app, GlassWire, to achieve even better control over their phone. While Greenify has faced some challenges with recent Android updates, such as the removal of the "Smart Lock Compatibility Automatic Hibernation" feature, it remains a valuable tool for users who want to keep unwanted apps from running in the background. Despite these hiccups, Greenify continues to be a popular choice for those seeking to regain control over their mobile device's performance and battery life.
Pros & Cons
- Effective in reducing power consumption
- Keeps downloaded apps in hibernation
- Manages phone resources efficiently
- Provides noticeable reduction in snooping
- Issues with automatic hibernation on Android Pie
- Manually marking apps for hibernate is annoying
- App may become stuck trying to force stop apps
Why we chose it?
Greenify is my go-to app for taming those pesky background apps! It's super effective at putting apps to sleep when you're not using them, saving tons of battery and keeping my phone running smoothly. I love that it doesn't require root access, making it accessible to everyone, and its simple interface makes it easy to manage even for tech newbies!
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4. KillApps
Force stop apps instantly, Close all background tasks, Manage running applications
Cost:
Free (Free), KillApps Pro ($1.99)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Tools |
| Downloads | Over 6.6 million downloads |
| Features | KillApps is an app for killing background apps that allows users to force stop apps, close background tasks and services, manage tasks and apps, automatically close all apps, and supports both user and system apps. |
| Who It’s For | KillApps is for users who want to improve their phone's performance by freeing up RAM and battery life by closing background apps. |
- Tags:
- Auto Close Apps
- Free up memory
- Boost Performance
KillApps is a powerful app for killing background apps on Android 8.0 and higher, designed to free up memory and speed up your phone. Unlike other apps that struggle to work effectively on newer operating systems, KillApps delivers on its promise, forcefully closing apps and reclaiming valuable resources. This app even allows you to create an ignore list, ensuring critical apps like alarms remain active while unwanted background tasks are shut down. Users have praised its effectiveness, noting how it "actually closes apps" and improves phone performance, particularly when dealing with sluggish or hanging apps. While a few apps might resist being closed, KillApps handles the majority, making it a valuable tool for anyone seeking to optimize their Android experience.
Pros & Cons
- Effectively force-stops background apps
- Frees up memory, improves phone speed
- Works reliably on Android 8.0 and above
- Offers ignore list for essential apps
- Some apps may restart automatically
- May have occasional issues with updates
- Pro version required for ad-free experience
Why we chose it?
KillApps is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to reclaim their phone's resources! It’s super easy to use with a simple, clean interface. You can force stop individual apps or all apps at once, and it even comes with a handy widget for quick access. Plus, it's super lightweight on your battery, so you can keep your phone running smoothly without worrying about draining the power.
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5. Hibernator
Close all apps with one touch, Automatic app closing on screen off
Download:
Application information
| Category | Tools |
| Downloads | Over 4 Million Downloads |
| Features | Hibernator helps you close running apps with a single tap, automatically when the screen turns off, and offers a widget for quick access. |
| Who It’s For | Users seeking to improve device performance by killing background apps and saving battery life. |
- Tags:
- 一键关闭所有应用
- 息屏自动关闭应用
- 支持系统应用关闭
Hibernator is a sleek and straightforward app for killing background apps, designed to optimize your phone's performance and battery life. This minimalist app packs a punch, letting you easily hibernate both user and system apps with a single tap. While some apps may resist hibernation, users report a noticeable improvement in speed and responsiveness after using Hibernator. Many have found that, even without rigorous testing, their phone feels significantly quicker and apps open with more snappiness. Even more impressive, users have seen a noticeable decrease in battery drain, with some reporting a 4% or more battery life saving after an 8-hour period. Hibernator offers a powerful solution for those seeking a simple yet effective way to tame the chaos of background apps.
Pros & Cons
- Minimalistic app for app hibernation
- Saves battery life significantly
- Improves phone performance
- Works effectively without root access
- Unable to hibernate some apps
- May not hibernate all background apps
- Requires restarting device after installation
Why we chose it?
Hibernator is a lifesaver for anyone who wants to boost their phone's performance and extend battery life. It's super easy to use, letting you close all your running apps with just one tap. I love that it also automatically closes apps when the screen turns off, so I don't have to worry about them draining my battery in the background.
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6. App Killer
Closes background apps quickly, Releases phone memory efficiently
Download:
Application information
| Category | Tools |
| Downloads | Over 591,000 downloads |
| Features | This app lets you close background apps, free up phone memory, and improve phone performance. |
| Who It’s For | Users who want to close background apps to improve phone performance and free up memory. |
- Tags:
- Closes background apps
- Frees up phone memory
- Boosts phone speed
"App Killer" is a powerful tool for anyone frustrated with their phone's performance. This app for killing background apps tackles the hidden drain on battery life and processing power caused by apps silently running in the background. One user, whose phone was overheating so badly it required freezing to cool down, discovered an astonishing 16 apps running unnoticed, consuming battery and generating heat. By regularly using "App Killer", they saw a dramatic improvement in their phone's performance, battery life, and temperature. While some users find the app's interface a bit clunky, they agree that it effectively tackles the frustrating issue of background apps hogging resources, bringing much-needed relief to older or resource-strained phones.
Pros & Cons
- Closes background apps
- Improves phone performance
- Extends battery life
- Prevents overheating
- Process can be tedious
- Not as smooth as desired
- No background killing option
Why we chose it?
I've tried a ton of apps for killing background apps, and App Killer is definitely my go-to! It's super simple to use, with a clear interface that makes it easy to see what's running and close it down. The best part is that it's really efficient, freeing up tons of memory and making my phone feel way faster. Plus, it's got a great design and doesn't use up any battery, which is always a bonus!
7. Background Apps & Process List
Close all apps at once, List user and system apps, Force stop apps carefully
Download:
Application information
| Category | Tools |
| Downloads | Almost half a million downloads |
| Features | This app lets you see and close apps running in the background, including user and system apps, with options to close all at once, close multiple at once, and open at startup. |
| Who It’s For | Users looking for an app for killing background apps to improve phone performance or save battery life. |
- Tags:
- Force close apps
- Close multiple apps
- Open at startup
"Background Apps & Process List" is a handy app for killing background apps, giving you more control over your Android device. It lets you easily identify and close apps hogging resources, freeing up RAM and potentially improving performance. While some users have voiced concerns about ads, the app's effectiveness in tackling background processes and the ability to close apps on your Firestick make it a valuable tool for anyone seeking to optimize their device. The app's developers have addressed some initial issues, and while full automation isn't possible due to Google's limitations, "Background Apps & Process List" provides a straightforward solution for managing those persistent background apps.
Pros & Cons
- Effective at killing background apps
- Provides a list of running processes
- Frees up RAM and storage space
- Improves streaming performance
- Full-screen ads are intrusive
- Limited control over background apps
- Lacks settings for Open on Boot
Why we chose it?
Hey there! My Background Apps & Process List is the perfect tool to keep your Android running smoothly. It gives you a clear picture of what's running in the background and lets you force-close apps with a tap. Plus, it's super easy to use and doesn't require any complicated settings, so you can get back to what you love without worrying about apps hogging your resources!
8. Force Stop App(NO ROOT)
Force stop apps without root, Fast and easy to use, Saves battery and memory
Download:
Application information
| Category | Tools |
| Downloads | Over 200,000 downloads |
| Features | This app provides a quick and easy way to force stop running apps, including those that are persistently running in the background, without requiring root access. |
| Who It’s For | This app is ideal for users who want to free up resources, improve performance, and manage their app usage by forcefully stopping apps that are running in the background and consuming battery life or data. |
- Tags:
- No Root Required
- Fast and easy to use
- Force stop multiple apps
"Force Stop App(NO ROOT)" is a powerful and effective app for killing background apps on your mobile device. It delivers on its promise, providing a simple, fast, and efficient way to close unwanted applications. The app stands out for its ability to force stop even system apps, which can improve device performance. Users appreciate the easy-to-use interface, the convenient exclusion list for keeping essential apps running, and the fact that accessibility access can be revoked by simply exiting the app, ensuring privacy and security. While it requires re-granting permission each time, the app's overall performance and effectiveness make this a minor inconvenience.
Pros & Cons
- Force stops apps effectively
- Simple and easy to use
- Allows exclusion of favorite apps
- Kills system apps efficiently
- Requires accessibility permission
- Needs permission every time
- Generic app layout
Why we chose it?
Force Stop App (NO ROOT) is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to easily manage background apps. It's super fast and user-friendly, making it a breeze to close those pesky apps that drain your battery. And the best part? It works without rooting your phone, so you don't have to worry about voiding your warranty or messing with your device's security.
9. App Task Killer
Kills apps running in background, Simple click to close apps
Download:
Application information
| Category | Tools |
| Downloads | Over 138,000 downloads |
| Features | This app allows users to kill all running background apps with a single click, including a white list feature to exclude apps from being killed. |
| Who It’s For | Users who want to improve phone performance and battery life by closing background apps |
- Tags:
- Kills background apps
- White list feature
- One-click kill
App Task Killer is a handy tool for anyone looking to boost their phone's performance by clearing out background apps. Users have reported a noticeable improvement in their gaming experience, specifically mentioning a reduction in lag after using the app. While some users found the constant rating prompts a bit annoying, they still praised the app's effectiveness in killing background tasks. It's important to note that the app might not function as expected on certain Android versions or custom ROMs, particularly MIUI. However, for users on compatible devices, this app can be a valuable asset in keeping your phone running smoothly.
Pros & Cons
- Kills background apps effectively
- Improves phone performance
- Reduces lagging issues
- Simple and easy to use
- May kill essential apps
- Can get stuck in loops
- Doesn't work on all devices
Why we chose it?
App Task Killer is a lifesaver for anyone who wants to keep their phone running smoothly. It's incredibly easy to use, letting you quickly close background apps with a single tap. The white list feature is a real game-changer, allowing you to keep essential apps running while killing off the ones that drain your battery. It's simple, efficient, and perfect for reclaiming control over your phone's performance.
10. AppKiller
Force stop running apps, Whitelist apps for exemption, Modern user interface
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Tools |
| Downloads | Over 74,000 downloads |
| Features | AppKiller offers manual and automatic app closing, whitelisting, history, and a modern interface for managing background processes. |
| Who It’s For | AppKiller is ideal for users who want to improve their device's performance by efficiently killing background apps. |
- Tags:
- Force stop apps
- Automatic closing
- Modern Interface
AppKiller is a revolutionary app for killing background apps that takes mobile optimization to a whole new level. Its sleek and modern user interface, praised by many as ahead of its time, makes managing background processes a breeze. Users rave about its effectiveness, claiming no background app can withstand its power. While some users have noted a slight slowness in the app, they still applaud its ability to significantly improve phone performance. Overall, AppKiller stands out as a top contender for users seeking a powerful and intuitive app to reclaim control over their phone's resources.
Pros & Cons
- Effectively kills background apps
- User interface is modern and intuitive
- Outperforms other similar apps
- Free to use with optional upgrade
- App can be slow at times
- Low rating due to lack of awareness
- Needs speed optimization for better performance
Why we chose it?
AppKiller is my go-to for taming those pesky background apps! It's super easy to use, with a clean interface that lets me force stop any app with a single tap. Plus, I love the whitelist feature, which keeps my essential apps running smoothly while still keeping the others in check.
11. Close App
Closes background apps easily, Releases memory space efficiently
Download:
Application information
| Category | Tools |
| Downloads | Over 53 thousand downloads |
| Features | Close App allows you to easily kill background apps and services, release memory space, and check installed apps for details. |
| Who It’s For | Users who want to optimize their phone's performance by closing apps running in the background and freeing up memory. |
- Tags:
- Close background apps
- Release memory space
- Check installed apps
Close App is a handy tool for quickly clearing out background apps on your mobile device. It allows you to easily identify and close those apps that are draining your battery and slowing down your phone. Users have found that this app effectively lengthens battery life and speeds up performance, but they've also requested features like auto-close when the screen is off and a home screen shortcut for even faster access. The app's effectiveness in clearing background apps is evident in user feedback, who report seeing a noticeable improvement in their device's speed and battery life.
Pros & Cons
- Closes background apps effectively
- Improves battery life
- Speeds up device performance
- Simple and easy to use
- May not detect all running apps
- Lacks auto-close function
- No home screen shortcut
Why we chose it?
Close App is a lifesaver! I love that it's super simple to use – just tap to close apps, and it's really fast. Plus, it's reliable at clearing out those pesky background apps that slow down my phone. If you need a quick and easy way to free up memory and boost performance, Close App is your go-to!
12. App Killer
Force stop running apps, Whitelist for essential apps, Modern and intuitive interface
Cost:
Free (Free)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Tools |
| Downloads | Over 14,500 downloads |
| Features | App Killer offers force stopping of running apps, creating a whitelist to protect essential apps, and a modern user interface with dynamic colors and a dark mode. |
| Who It’s For | This app is perfect for anyone looking for an efficient way to manage their Android apps, particularly for killing background apps and freeing up resources. |
- Tags:
- Force stop apps
- Automatic closing
- Whitelist Management
Tired of your phone overheating and sluggish performance? App Killer is the answer! This app for killing background apps efficiently tackles the problem by forcefully stopping unwanted processes, giving your device a much-needed cool down. Users rave about its effectiveness in eliminating apps, and the intuitive interface makes the process smooth and hassle-free. You'll be amazed at how quickly your phone springs back to life with a little help from App Killer.
Pros & Cons
- Efficiently kills background apps
- Improves phone performance
- Reduces phone temperature
- User-friendly interface
- May cause app instability
- Can drain battery life
- Potentially affects app functionality
Why we chose it?
App Killer is my go-to for managing background apps on Android! It's super easy to use, and I love that I can force stop apps with just a tap. The whitelist feature is a lifesaver too, letting me keep important apps running while I close down the resource hogs. If you need a reliable and powerful app for controlling your background apps, App Killer is definitely worth checking out!
13. Force stop apps
Force stop background apps, Customize app stopping rules, Monitor app activity levels
Download:
Application information
| Category | Tools |
| Downloads | Almost 5,000 downloads |
| Features | This app allows you to force-stop specific apps and manage which apps are allowed to run in the background. |
| Who It’s For | Users who want to improve their device's performance and battery life by managing background app activity. |
- Tags:
- Force stop apps
- Save Battery Life
- Improve performance
If your phone feels sluggish and you suspect it's because of too many apps running in the background, "Force Stop Apps" is the perfect solution. This app for killing background apps is a lifesaver, freeing up memory and making your phone feel fast again. Users rave about its effectiveness, with one user stating, "This is the first app killer I have used that works!" The app allows you to whitelist essential apps, ensuring only the apps you want remain active while freeing up resources for a smoother experience. It's a simple, yet powerful tool for anyone looking to reclaim control over their phone's performance.
Pros & Cons
- Effective app killer
- Frees up memory
- Stops multiple apps
- Easy and convenient
- Kills non-whitelisted apps
- Can't use other apps
- May interrupt background tasks
Why we chose it?
Force stop apps is a simple but effective solution for anyone looking to tame their Android's background processes. I love how easy it is to select and stop apps, and it does a fantastic job at keeping my phone running smoothly even when I've got a lot going on. If you're looking for a reliable and straightforward way to kill background apps, you should definitely give this app a shot!
14. TDUK APP Killer
One-click background app closure, Speeds up device performance
Download:
Application information
| Category | Tools |
| Downloads | Almost 4,000 downloads |
| Features | The TDUK APP Killer is an app that lets you close all background apps on your Android TV with a single click, improving performance and freeing up resources. |
| Who It’s For | Android TV users who want to improve their device's performance by closing unnecessary background apps. |
- Tags:
- One-click close
- Free up memory
- Speed up device
The TDUK APP Killer is a powerful tool for Android TV users looking to reclaim precious resources. This app for killing background apps works seamlessly with other optimization tools, and users have reported positive experiences on devices like the Nvidia Shield. The developer's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their prompt and effective support, making the TDUK APP Killer a reliable choice for anyone seeking to enhance their Android TV experience.
Pros & Cons
- Effectively closes background apps
- Works well with cache cleaner
- Excellent customer service support
- Recommended by satisfied users
- Resets Accessibility settings
- May launch stock launcher
- Issues with launcher settings
Why we chose it?
TDUK APP Killer is a lifesaver for anyone who wants to keep their Android device running smoothly! It's super easy to use with its one-click close all function. This app is a must-have if you're tired of sluggish performance from background apps hogging your memory.