Comparison

Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds vs Tap Timer

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

Head to head
About

Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds

This app provides a simple, repeating interval timer that works in the background. It offers customizable sounds, vibration, and flexible output modes for various activities like fitness, cooking, and learning. The interface is designed to be minimalist and distraction-free.

Highlights
  • Repeating interval timer
  • Customizable sounds and vibration
  • Works in the background
  • Long intervals up to 99 hours
  • Multiple timer output modes
  • Shake to start functionality
Features
Read full description

Keep track of time without being distracted by the device! Simple and easy timer that repeats at your chosen interval. FEATURES - Many sounds to select + the ability to add custom ones. - Up to 4 pinned and up to 5 recent Quick Start items. - Long intervals - up to 99 hours! - Vibration, if the sound is off. - Works in the background. - 3 timer output modes: intervals, total time, countdown. - You can cancel or pause the timer with help of a notification. - Flexibility and minimalism. - Shake To Start - can be enabled in settings. - Prevent Lockscreen - another useful setting, the screen will not lock, while the timer is running. USE CASES Here is a list of use cases based on the real feedback: Fitness and health: - Stretching - Stationary bicycle (interval training) - On a treadmill - For HIIT - Jogging - Timed medication - Boxing Cooking - While frying potatoes - Roasting steaks - Checking an oven or a grill to prevent burning Learning & science - Foreign language learning - As a lab timer - Periodic data collection - Speech training - Presentation timing Other - Mindfulness - Communication - To have a sense of time flying away :) HELP Q: Why the timer doesn't work in the background? A: You should allow notifications. Q: How to turn off the sound and turn on the vibration? A: On the device, turn the Silent Mode on. (Side Switch) Q: How can I add a custom sound? A: There are four ways. Choose one depending where is the sound file located. * If the sound on your Mac or PC: 1. Connect the device. 2. Open Finder and select the device. 3. Select Files in the menu. There you'll find 'Periodic +' folder. 4. Drug and drop the sound file there. * From Files app on iPhone: 1. Copy the required file. 2. Open Periodic + folder and paste it. * From another app on iPhone (like Mail): 1. Open the app where the file is located. 2. Find and touch Share button (it may have different name, for example Export). 3. In the appearing Share Sheet find the list of apps. If there is no Periodic +, touch More and enable it. 4. Now select Periodic + in the Share dialog and the sound will be imported. * And the most convenient "+" button! 1. Open Sounds tab. 2. Hit the "+" button in the "Folder" section and pick your file. Q: Alert is limited for 5 seconds! A: Go to Settings app, then Periodic + > Notifications > Banner Style > Persistent. Q: How to switch the Timer Output Mode? A: To switch the Output Mode touch the timer display at the top of the screen. Q: What is Shake To Start for? A: Shake To Start setting allows to start/cancel the timer by shaking the device. Thus, you don't touch the screen, what can be useful while cooking, for example. For this mode, in order to work, the app should be open. This app has a free version with limited features. If you still have questions or suggestions, you can visit the support page (https://goo.gl/forms/pggVBcaBxdW85EGE3), the Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/groups/PeriodicTimer/) or you can email me (periodictimer.sup@gmail.com). If you like the app - please, rate it!

About

Tap Timer

This app provides silent, precise interval timing using haptic feedback directly on your wrist. Create custom workouts with a drag-and-drop editor and run them independently on your smartwatch. It seamlessly integrates with health tracking for a discreet and powerful timing experience.

Highlights
  • Custom haptic intervals
  • Drag & drop interval editor
  • Standalone Apple Watch operation
  • Health & Activity Rings integration
  • Silent, discreet timing
  • Versatile workout and focus modes
Features
Read full description

FEEL YOUR TIME — SILENT & PRECISE. - Discreet: Haptic signals right on your wrist — no sound, no screen-checking. - Standalone: Runs 100% natively on Apple Watch — leave your iPhone behind. - Powerful: Build complex intervals in seconds using drag and drop. - Versatile: HIIT, Tabata, CrossFit, MMA, Pomodoro, breathwork and more. Welcome to Tap Timer — the silent interval timer you feel on your wrist. Forget distracting alarms and beeps. Tap Timer uses the Taptic Engine of your Apple Watch to deliver precise, silent vibration patterns for every phase change. In a loud gym, a quiet library, a boxing ring, or a breathwork practice: you feel exactly where you are in your routine without ever looking at a screen. BUILD COMPLEX INTERVALS From a standard Tabata, heavy lifting session, or kettlebell workout to CrossFit WODs, pilates, and circuit training. Structure your workout timer on iPhone using an intuitive drag-and-drop editor. Everything syncs instantly to your wrist via iCloud. No accounts, no subscriptions, no setup. DISTINCT HAPTIC FEEDBACK Assign distinct vibration alerts for your prep countdown, work phase, rest timer, and cool-down. Keep it subtle for a meditation timer or breathwork, or sharp and distinct for a boxing or MMA training session. WRIST-FIRST EXPERIENCE Built specifically for Apple Watch. Leave your iPhone in the locker room. Tap Timer runs entirely standalone on your watch as a true watch timer — no phone required mid-session. KEY FEATURES ► Custom Haptic Alerts: Configure vibration patterns for every interval block. ► Drag & Drop Editor: Effortlessly structure fitness routines, focus blocks, or breathing sequences. ► Standalone Apple Watch App: Completely independent execution on your wrist. ► Apple Health Integration: Logs heart rate, active minutes, and workout types directly to your Activity Rings. ► Privacy First: Zero tracking. No ads. All data stays in your private iCloud. IDEAL USE CASES - Fitness & Combat Sports: HIIT, Tabata, EMOM, AMRAP, MMA, boxing, weight lifting, and round timer setups. - Cardio & Movement: Running intervals, crossfit, pilates, and stretching routines. - Productivity & Focus: Pomodoro technique, timeboxing, and deep work sessions. - Public Speaking: Silent speech timer and presentation pacing. - Mindfulness: Guided breathwork, yoga, and quiet meditation timer routines. PRICING Free to download. Unlock full access via a single, one-time purchase. No subscriptions, ever. End User License Agreement (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds4 screens
Tap Timer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Tap Timer at 100% against Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds's 55%. Tap Timer also leads on price (Free vs $4.99) and rating (5.0 vs 3.9). Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds's advantage is ratings volume (75 vs 1) and chart position (#49 vs unranked). On ads, in-app purchases, 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

Tap Timer is free to download; Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds costs $4.99 up front. Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Tap Timer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Tap Timer holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds has 75 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 55% of Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds's written reviews are positive against 100% of Tap Timer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds ships an update every 2 months, Tap Timer fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds versus Tap Timer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPeriodic Timer + Custom SoundsTap Timer
Price$4.99Free — better
Rating3.9 (75 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews54.5% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings75 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#49 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS18.0 — better18.6
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVladimir KelinMax Lottermoser

Customer experience

Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds

All ratings75 ratings
Positive68.0%
Neutral9.3%
Negative22.7%
Written reviews88 reviews
Positive54.5%
Neutral13.6%
Negative31.8%

Tap Timer

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds

Reported bugs

14 issues
  • Doesn't work in background
  • Timer doesn't work for over 59 minutes on watch
  • Custom alert audio not working
  • Alarm not working after payment
  • App doesn't open
Show 9 more
  • Timer restarts automatically
  • External speaker volume lower
  • Battery drain on Apple Watch
  • Timer stops going off after a certain number of reps
  • App crashes
  • Sound uses sound effect volume on iPad
  • Heart rate sensor stays on when running in background
  • Timer restarts automatically
  • Volume barely audible

Requested features

23 requests
  • More sound options
  • Ability to set alarm for a time of day
  • Explanation for changing display mode
  • Simultaneous timers
  • Ability to set start/end times and weekdays
Show 18 more
  • Customizable notification text
  • Apple Watch complication
  • Widget support
  • Longer vibration duration
  • Lap count and current lap time display
  • Ability to set custom alert audio
  • Option to set alarm for a specific time of day
  • Ability to set multiple timers simultaneously
  • Ability to specify number of loop cycles
  • Option to use custom MP3 files for alerts
  • Control vibration duration
  • Synchronize with iOS clock
  • More diverse vibration modes
  • Ability to add custom notification sounds
  • Turn off Apple Watch function
  • Fix iPad sound volume control
  • Add more timers
  • Make timer not restart automatically

Tap Timer

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds

One-time3
  • Tip a Banana$0.99
  • Tip a Coffee$3.99
  • Donate: Bust the project!$9.99
4 purchases

Tap Timer

Subscriptions3
  • Premium Access (Weekly)$0.997 Days
  • Premium Access (Monthly)$2.991 Month
  • Premium Access (Annual)$17.991 Year
One-time1
  • Premium Access (Lifetime)$6.99

Questions

Is Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds free?
Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Tap Timer free?
Tap Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds or Tap Timer?
Tap Timer is rated higher. Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds averages 3.9 out of 5 from 75 ratings, while Tap Timer averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds or Tap Timer have ads?
Neither Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds nor Tap Timer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds or Tap Timer?
Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds ships an update every 2 months, and Tap Timer fortnightly. Most recently, Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds was updated on October 23, 2026 and Tap Timer on October 9, 2026.

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