# LapMonitor vs Race Start Signal

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: LapMonitor at none against Race Start Signal's 2. LapMonitor also leads on ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (14 vs 2). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Race Start Signal sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. LapMonitor asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for LapMonitor against 5.0 for Race Start Signal. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LapMonitor has 14 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

LapMonitor ships an update every 9 months, Race Start Signal every 5 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | LapMonitor | Race Start Signal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lapmonitor/id1210499975/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/race-start-signal/id6443937116/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **14** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 5 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 17 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [GY FX](https://appshunter.io/developer/1210499974) | [NAOYA ONO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1530328146) |

## What reviewers say

### LapMonitor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lapmonitor/id1210499975)

This application pairs with a dedicated device to provide real-time lap timing for RC car races. It supports single or multi-racer configurations, displays live rankings and race data, and announces key events. Race history is automatically saved and can be exported or shared.

**Highlights:** Bluetooth device connection, Multi-driver race configuration, Real-time driver ranking, Speech synthesis for race events, Detailed lap information, Automatic race data saving, Race data export and sharing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Race Start Signal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/race-start-signal/id6443937116)

This application provides a customizable start signal for miniature car and R/C racing. Easily change the color of the display circles with a simple button press. It's a free alternative for those who don't want to purchase dedicated starting signal hardware.

**Highlights:** Customizable start signal lights, Simple one-button operation, Suitable for mini 4WD racing, Suitable for R/C racing, Free to use

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Support Developer | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove ads | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LapMonitor free?

LapMonitor is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Race Start Signal free?

Race Start Signal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, LapMonitor or Race Start Signal?

Race Start Signal is rated higher. LapMonitor averages 4.9 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Race Start Signal averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do LapMonitor or Race Start Signal have ads?

Race Start Signal shows ads; LapMonitor does not.

### Which is updated more often, LapMonitor or Race Start Signal?

LapMonitor ships an update every 9 months, and Race Start Signal every 5 months. Most recently, LapMonitor was updated on October 24, 2026 and Race Start Signal on October 24, 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.*