# MalaMode vs Counter≜

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Counter≜ at none against MalaMode's 3. Counter≜ also leads on ratings volume (2.5K vs 9) and iOS requirement (12.1 vs 15.1). MalaMode's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 8 months). On price, rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MalaMode sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Counter≜ asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for MalaMode against 4.6 for Counter≜. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Counter≜ has 2.5K ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 88% of MalaMode's written reviews are positive against 65% of Counter≜'s.

MalaMode ships an update every 2 weeks, Counter≜ every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on June 2, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MalaMode | Counter≜ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/malamode/id1044103167/reviews)** | [4.6 (2.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/counter/id1459852771/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 9 | **2.5K** |
| Positive reviews | **87.5% of reviews** | 65.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 8 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 34 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **12.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chester Wood](https://appshunter.io/developer/1041740842) | [UniCom Technology](https://appshunter.io/developer/1270764210) |

## What reviewers say

### MalaMode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/malamode/id1044103167)

This app provides a distraction-free environment for meditation and counting practices. It offers a customizable timer with various chime bells and a full-screen counter for focused sessions. Syncing across devices and extended timer functionality are available through one-time in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** Meditation timer with chime bells, Automatic session logging, Full-screen distraction-free counter, Customizable counter increments, Mala Mode for 108-bead rounds, Apple Watch companion app, Cross-device syncing via in-app purchase

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Service | $1.99 | one-time |
| Timer | $1.99 | one-time |
| Bundle | $2.99 | one-time |


### Counter≜

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/counter/id1459852771)

Easily track anything with this user-friendly counting app. It offers customizable sound and vibration feedback, with spoken updates at set intervals. Save, share, and resume your counts seamlessly across devices.

**Highlights:** Save counted records, Share saved records, Vibrates every count, Sound notification on click, Speaks every 25 counts, Count up and down, Resume count after closing app, Cross-device counting (phone/watch)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 👍 Helpful for counting various tasks
- 👍 Works well on watch
- 👍 Vibrates when counting

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes when exceeding 9,999
- 🔧 No option to customize buttons
- 💰 Ads present in free version
- 🔧 Cannot turn off haptic feedback

**Reported bugs**

- Keyboard covers save button on small screens
- Counter resets when app is minimized on watch
- Buttons not accessible in horizontal iPad mode

**Requested features**

- Add option to count with volume buttons
- Implement 10,000+ counting
- Allow multiple counters and naming of counters
- Add confirmation prompt before clearing counter


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MalaMode free?

MalaMode is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Counter≜ free?

Counter≜ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, MalaMode or Counter≜?

MalaMode is rated higher. MalaMode averages 4.7 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Counter≜ averages 4.6 from 2.5K ratings.

### Do MalaMode or Counter≜ have ads?

Counter≜ shows ads; MalaMode does not.

### Which is updated more often, MalaMode or Counter≜?

MalaMode ships an update every 2 weeks, and Counter≜ every 8 months. Most recently, MalaMode was updated on June 2, 2026 and Counter≜ on September 25, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*