Comparison

iCountTimer vs Ember

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

iCountTimer

This app combines a timer and counter for various training routines like HIIT, yoga, and boxing. It offers audio cues and a large display to keep you focused on your workout, with an optional Pro version for advanced features.

Highlights
  • Timer and counter combined
  • Save custom presets
  • Large, clear display
  • Audio cues
  • Smart screen lock
  • Health app integration (Pro)
Features
Read full description

Focus on your moves, not the count. iCountTimer is a timer and counter in one — built for anyone who trains. Whether it's interval training, yoga, home workouts, HIIT, boxing, or circuit training, this app fits right in and keeps you on track. Set your intervals, hit start, and let the app do the counting. Audio cues and a large, clear display with progress bar guide you through every session so you can stay focused on your form. What users are saying: "Best and most versatile timer app I have used. If you mix up your workouts and need a flexible solution to keep time, reps and more — download this now!" — Eric Mullen "As a coach, the best. Best timer ever. I speak as a coach who has tried many timer apps and this is the easiest way to set up interval training ever." — Todd Parker "Been looking for something like this for a while. Now I know how many sets I've done without guessing, and I can concentrate on what I should be doing." — Mark Clews Features: • Timer + Counter combined in one app • Save timers and counters as presets organized by activity • Large, clear display with progress bar • Audio cues to guide your sessions • Smart screen lock to prevent accidental taps mid-workout Upgrade to iCountTimer Pro for more: • No ads • Live Activity on your Lock Screen • Apple Watch app with presets and quick-access timer and counter • Save up to 40 presets • 5 themes and custom alert sounds • Calorie estimation with Health app integration • Custom start delay and multiple counter modes iCountTimer is free with all the essentials. When you're ready for more, go Pro. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Ember

Features
Read full description

Ember helps you stay focused — one small session at a time. You don’t need hours of productivity. You just need 30 minutes a day. Every completed session keeps your fire alive. Miss a day? Your ember may still remain — and you can come back. Ember is built around consistency, not pressure. No streak shaming. No noise. Just a simple daily focus ritual. How Ember works • Focus for 30 minutes a day • Watch your fire grow and evolve • Gentle reminders help you stay consistent • Recover your streak if you miss a day Premium features • Custom focus durations • Multiple focus sessions per day • Reflection and session journaling • Extra Ember Seeds to protect your streak Small focus adds up. And over time, it can change everything.

Screenshots

iCountTimer4 screens
Ember4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Ember at none against iCountTimer's 3. Ember also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 4 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. iCountTimer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Ember asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

iCountTimer ships an update every 4 months, Ember every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
iCountTimer versus Ember: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriCountTimerEmber
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (12 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews90.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings12 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.015.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB28 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRhythmicWorksseungmin baek

In-app purchases

3 purchases

iCountTimer

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription$1.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Pro$19.99
None

Ember

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is iCountTimer free?
iCountTimer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Ember free?
Ember is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do iCountTimer or Ember have ads?
iCountTimer shows ads; Ember does not.
Which is updated more often, iCountTimer or Ember?
iCountTimer ships an update every 4 months, and Ember every 5 days. Most recently, iCountTimer was updated on October 14, 2026 and Ember on October 5, 2026.

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