Comparison

Time Boxer vs Tempo

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

Head to head
About

Time Boxer

This application helps you manage your time effectively by breaking down tasks into timed sessions. It allows you to set custom timers, track progress, and organize your work with groups and notes. The app provides notifications upon timer completion and offers export options for your time logs.

Highlights
  • Customizable timers for tasks
  • Task grouping and organization
  • Progress tracking and notes
  • Background notifications
  • Timer extension management
  • Data export via email
  • Split view support on iPad
Features
Read full description

Time Boxer is inspired by time management methods that help you work with time, not against it! Use Time Boxer to get things done and manage your progress along the way. This app is AD free!! Key Concepts... • A Timer is like a "task" and can represent anything you want to get done. • Timers will count down and notify you when they complete. • A timer can be "extended" when it completes. Time Boxer encourages you to take a break or move on after too many extensions. • Time Boxer keeps track of your time spent and any notes you create along the way. Key Features... • Create Groups to organize your timers. • Multiple timers can be moved to a group at once. • Easily customize timer properties. (Title, Timer, Time Spent, Alarm Sound) • Set default properties for new timers in settings. • Sort timers by title, date created or elapsed time to see what you're spending most of your time on. • Timer alarm can play any song on your device or play any of the default sounds on your device. Vibrate is also an alarm option. • Timers will notify you when counting completes, even if the app is in the background or your device screen is turned off. • Create custom notes for each timer. • View a summary of all your timers, which displays the time spent and all your notes. • Export your Time Boxer summary via email. • Fully supports split view on you iPad and will resize accordingly based on screen width. • Easily reset your time spent and notes for all timers in app settings.

About

Tempo

Features
Read full description

Tempo is a native focus timer built for the Apple ecosystem. No accounts, no clutter—just clear work and break intervals to help you stay on track. Focus with rhythm Move through focus sessions, short breaks, and long breaks with a clean design and a distraction-free interface. Tap the ring to start, pause, or resume. Ready-made presets Choose from proven focus systems: - Classic — the standard Pomodoro method (25/5) - 52/17 — longer blocks for deep work - Short — quick intervals for fast tasks - Create your own presets with custom durations, breaks, and auto-start options. Stay on track without opening the app Live Activity on the Lock Screen and Dynamic Island (supported iPhones). The timer keeps running in the background and restores when you return. Feedback when it matters Notifications when each segment ends. Optional sound and haptic feedback when you complete a session or cycle. Built for Apple Native SwiftUI design for iPhone, iPad, and Mac (menu bar). Light and dark mode, accessibility support, and a consistent experience across your devices. Privacy first Your preferences and presets are stored locally on your device. No sign-up. No tracking. Download Tempo and find your work rhythm. https://tempo.tobiasruano.com/privacy/ https://tempo.tobiasruano.com/terms/

Screenshots

Time Boxer4 screens
Tempo4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Tempo at every 9 days against Time Boxer's every 5 months. Time Boxer's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Time Boxer ships an update every 5 months, Tempo every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Time Boxer versus Tempo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTime BoxerTempo
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS9.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size18 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperClaudio MorsellaTobias Ruano

In-app purchases

None

Time Boxer

No in-app purchases

None

Tempo

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Time Boxer free?
Time Boxer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Tempo free?
Tempo is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Time Boxer or Tempo have ads?
Neither Time Boxer nor Tempo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Time Boxer or Tempo?
Time Boxer ships an update every 5 months, and Tempo every 9 days. Most recently, Time Boxer was updated on June 1, 2026 and Tempo on September 14, 2026.

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