Comparison

Plank Challenge vs TruTimer

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

Head to head
About

Plank Challenge

This app guides you through a 5-week program to build up to a 4-minute plank. It requires no equipment and can be done in just 4 minutes daily, with rest days incorporated for recovery. It also includes a bonus push-up progression.

Highlights
  • 5-week structured plank program
  • Progressive push-up training
  • Daily workout instructions
  • Progress tracking
  • Apple Music integration
  • Distraction-free interface
Features
Read full description

Hold a 4-minute plank in just 5 weeks – no gym, no equipment, only a few minutes a day. Plank Challenge is a proven, progressive program that takes you from beginner to a 4-minute plank, step by step. HOW IT WORKS - Train 4 days, rest 3 – your muscles get time to recover and grow stronger - Progressive plan designed to prevent injury - Clear daily instructions and progress tracking - Bonus: build from 1 to 100 push-ups at your own pace WHY PLANKS? Planks strengthen your abs, back and arms at the same time. They're one of the most effective bodyweight exercises for core stability and overall strength. FEATURES - 5-week structured program - Push-up challenge from 1 to 100 - Progress tracking - Apple Music integration – your music resumes automatically after each workout - Simple, distraction-free design FOR BEGINNERS AND RETURNERS Whether you're brand new or getting back into shape, the program meets you where you are. PRO - Ad-free - 4 premium themes - Trophy Room - Advanced statistics - Lifetime access – pay once Join 127,000+ people who have built a stronger core with Plank Challenge. Download now and see what you're capable of.

About

TruTimer

Read full description

Stop glancing at your phone mid-workout. TruTimer talks you through every set with custom voice, sound, and vibration cues — timed to the exact second you choose. BUILD YOUR OWN TIMELINE Add cues wherever you want: "halfway," "switch arms," a beep at 15 seconds, a countdown before the next move. Every exercise gets its own timeline — no other timer app lets you customize down to the second. READY-MADE TEMPLATES Jump straight into isometric holds, strength circuits, stretching, rehab routines, and mindfulness sessions: • Plank, Side Plank, Wall Sit, Dead Hang • Farmer's Carry, Single Arm Curls • Tabata Circuit, Full Body / Upper Body / Lower Body Circuits • Physical Therapy, Yoga Pose • Meditation, Box Breathing CHAIN WORKOUTS TOGETHER Build multi-exercise, multi-round routines with the Workout Builder — or tap Quick Timer for an instant one-off session with your own duration, rest, and rounds. SMART GUIDANCE • Announces the next exercise before it starts • Optional 3-2-1 countdown into every segment • Halfway alerts so you always know where you stand • Full history of every completed session TRUTIMER PRO Unlock the full template library and unlimited saved workouts with a single one-time purchase — no subscription. Free users get 3 saved workouts and a starter set of templates. No account required. Your data stays on your device.

Screenshots

Plank Challenge4 screens
TruTimer4 screens

Verdict

The call

Plank Challenge and TruTimer are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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. Plank Challenge sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and TruTimer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Plank Challenge ships an update every 3 weeks, TruTimer every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Plank Challenge versus TruTimer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPlank ChallengeTruTimer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (470 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews67.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings470 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 4 weeks
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB50 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBo KalvslundTrulsson Ingrup AB

Bugs and requests

Plank Challenge

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App crashes after iOS 13 update
  • No times displayed after iOS 13 update
  • Audio mutes automatically between active and rest
  • App not running after iOS 13 update

Requested features

10 requests
  • Allow self-designed workouts
  • Integrate reminders
  • Add in-app music or motivational sounds
  • Provide explanation on different plank types
  • Include countdowns and motivational cues
Show 5 more
  • Suggest exercises for rest periods
  • Modern and minimalist design
  • Add a training plan for push-ups
  • Voice countdown for seconds
  • Dark mode option

TruTimer

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Plank Challenge

One-time1
  • Plank Challenge Pro$0.99
1 purchases

TruTimer

One-time1
  • TruTimer Pro$4.99

Questions

Is Plank Challenge free?
Plank Challenge is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is TruTimer free?
TruTimer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Plank Challenge or TruTimer have ads?
Both Plank Challenge and TruTimer show ads.
Which is updated more often, Plank Challenge or TruTimer?
Plank Challenge ships an update every 3 weeks, and TruTimer every 4 weeks. Most recently, Plank Challenge was updated on October 12, 2026 and TruTimer on September 30, 2026.

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