# Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds vs Tap Timer

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds | Tap Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.9 (75 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer-plus-custom-sounds/id1175807581/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tap-timer-activity-for-watch/id6743085630/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **75** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 54.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#49** | — |
| Size | 17 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | **18.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vladimir Kelin](https://appshunter.io/developer/933241655) | [Max Lottermoser](https://appshunter.io/developer/1654810830) |

## What reviewers say

### Periodic Timer + Custom Sounds

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer-plus-custom-sounds/id1175807581)

**Currently charting:** #49 Top Paid · Health & Fitness (US App Store)

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:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tip a Banana | $0.99 | one-time |
| Tip a Coffee | $3.99 | one-time |
| Donate: Bust the project! | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 👍 Perfect for workouts
- 👍 No ads, no nonsense
- 👍 Good app, like it
- 👍 Very practical

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😩 Nagging to write reviews
- 😩 Doesn't work in background
- 😩 Not loud enough
- 😩 Vibration too short
- 😩 Paid version lacks features

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- 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


### Tap Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tap-timer-activity-for-watch/id6743085630)

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:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Access (Weekly) | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Access (Monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Premium Access (Annual) | $17.99 | per year |
| Premium Access (Lifetime) | $6.99 | one-time |


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