InboxSweeper

InboxSweeper is a free, open-source cleanup tool for people who want to unsubscribe from mailing lists and clear promotional email from their own computer. It is strongest for Gmail users, with options ranging from a browser interface to a terminal workflow. The trade-off is that Yahoo and other IMAP support is experimental, and Gmail credentials use an app password rather than Google OAuth.

Overview

InboxSweeper can unsubscribe from senders, move selected messages to Trash, or report senders as spam. It previews message counts before moving anything and protects financial, security, payment, receipt, and government mail. Trash gives users about 30 days to recover messages, a useful safeguard, though it is still worth reviewing the preview before a sweep.

Gmail is the fully supported target; Yahoo and other IMAP inboxes are experimental. Yahoo IMAP exposes only about the 10,000 most recent messages per folder, which can leave older clutter beyond reach. For a Gmail inbox, InboxSweeper offers a more controlled approach than simply deleting a large batch; for other providers, that uncertainty is a meaningful drawback.

Key features

Cleanup modes

• Sloth targets mail older than two years and caps a run at 25 senders. It suits a cautious pass focused on longstanding clutter.
• Normal targets mail older than one year, up to 50 senders per run. It is a reasonable middle ground for users who want a wider cleanup without including recent promotions.
• MadMax includes recent promotional mail and raises the cap to 100 senders. Its broader scope can clear more quickly, but calls for closer attention to the preview.

Unsubscribe and privacy controls

InboxSweeper handles one-click and mailto unsubscribe methods; web-link-only options are flagged for manual handling. That means it can reduce routine unsubscribe work without promising to automate every sender's process.

The tool runs locally and says it does not upload mail, credentials, or tokens. Anonymous usage counters can be disabled with INBOXSWEEPER_NO_TELEMETRY=1. It uses a scoped app password instead of Google OAuth, storing credentials in macOS Keychain or a locked file. That local model will appeal to privacy-conscious users, while the credential approach may be less familiar to Gmail users accustomed to OAuth.

Ways to run it

Users can choose a local browser interface, a one-file Windows executable, a terminal CLI, or instructions for AI-agent tools including Claude Code, Codex, Jules, Cursor, and Gemini CLI. The browser app is the recommended route for users who want to avoid technical setup; the executable serves Windows users seeking a direct option, while the CLI and agent instructions better fit people comfortable with developer tools.

Pricing

Free — free. The plan is free and open source, with no account or subscription. It includes unsubscribe tools and supports Gmail, Yahoo, and other IMAP inboxes; there is no free trial because the product is free. Automatic cleanup rules and bulk delete and archive are not included. The mode caps still apply: 25 senders in Sloth, 50 in Normal, and 100 in MadMax. This is a strong fit for someone willing to run cleanup manually, but not for readers seeking scheduled rules or a bulk archive workflow.

Platforms

InboxSweeper supports Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Its multiple run options make it adaptable across those environments, although the credential storage options specifically described are macOS Keychain or a locked file.

Who it's for

InboxSweeper is best for Gmail users who want local control over a promotional-mail backlog, can benefit from sender-based run limits, and are comfortable choosing a cleanup mode and reviewing its preview. It also suits technically minded users who prefer a CLI or AI-agent workflow. People seeking automatic cleanup rules, or users relying on Yahoo or another IMAP provider for a complete sweep, should look elsewhere or account for those limits before choosing it.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Review before action: previews counts and protects several sensitive mail categories, reducing the chance of sweeping important messages.
• Recoverable cleanup: messages go to Trash and are described as recoverable for about 30 days.
• Several workflows: a browser interface, Windows executable, CLI, and AI-agent instructions let users choose a level of technical involvement.
• Local operation: mail, credentials, and tokens are said not to be uploaded, and telemetry can be disabled.

Cons

• Provider support is uneven: Gmail is fully supported, while Yahoo and other IMAP inboxes are experimental.
• Yahoo visibility is capped: only about the 10,000 most recent messages per folder are exposed through Yahoo IMAP.
• No automatic cleanup rules: users must initiate cleanup rather than rely on recurring automation.
• Some unsubscribes remain manual: web-link-only options are reported for manual handling.
• App-password setup: InboxSweeper does not use Google OAuth, which may add friction for Gmail users.

Alternatives

Email Cleanup Software is the broader category directory for readers comparing cleanup tools before settling on one.

• Clean Email is worth considering if you want a freemium service with a trial and Android or iOS support; its free account cleans up to 1,000 messages but omits Screener, Sender and Mailing List Settings, and Auto Clean.
• Gmail Bulk Unsubscribe & Cleanup Tool is another free, open-source option across Linux, macOS, self-hosted, web, and Windows. Its paid 1-on-1 setup service is $8, paid once.
• Cleanfox is a free alternative for readers who want inbox cleaning and newsletter unsubscribes on Android, iOS, or web.
• Leave Me Alone is an alternative for readers considering its Casual Emailer plan, which includes four email accounts and unlimited unsubscribes.
• Paperweight is a free, MIT-licensed option for Linux, macOS, or Windows users who want code they can inspect or build.
• Trimbox may suit readers looking for a freemium option on Android, iOS, web, or as an extension; its free plan covers the first 10 unsubscribes.
• Unroll.Me is a free alternative on Android, iOS, and web, but requires access to commercial emails and uses commercial-email data for measurement products.
• ClearInbox is another freemium option for readers comparing self-hosted and web-based tools.

Verdict

Choose InboxSweeper if you want a free, local way to clean up Gmail promotions with previewed, recoverable sweeps and several ways to run it. Its sender caps and protected categories help keep cleanup measured. Look elsewhere if you need automatic rules, want OAuth-based setup, or depend on Yahoo or another experimental IMAP target for a complete cleanup.