Comparison

Show StopWatch vs Stage Timer

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

Head to head
About

Show StopWatch

This app simplifies show timing for theatrical productions. It allows users to set up unlimited acts and intervals, track running times, and receive backstage and interval notifications. The app runs in the background and can email or copy show times.

Highlights
  • Unlimited Acts and Intervals
  • In-Act Timers
  • Show Stop Functionality
  • Pre-show and Interval Notifications
  • Background Operation
  • Email/Copy Show Times
  • Visual Timer Indicators (Green/Red)
Features
Read full description

One evening, after a very long week of shows we were sat in the office looking at the show times wishing the running times would work them selves out (we've all been there), it was at this moment this show timing app was created. Welcome to the future of show timing without multiple stop watches and reminder alarms. Now you can start your show with the press of one button and the app does the rest. With unlimited Acts and Intervals in any configuration that you like! , just set your show structure, tell it your interval duration(s) and away you go. Show StopWatch also handles separate in act timers and show stops, adjusting the running and playing times accordingly! Once you have completed a show you can then email the times with a simple button press or copy them your clipboard as well as storing them for later. There is also the option to have pre show notifications for back stage calls and the same again in the interval so you don't have to spend all your time looking at the clock. The app will also run in the back ground of your phone if for what ever reason you need to use your phone for something else (certainly not facebook, for those long scenes with no cues) while its running. This app was created by stage managers for stage managers, it is currently being used by a number of productions and companies including UK Tours, West End shows and Repertory Theatres. It will continue to be a working development so any thing you come across that you think ‘it would be great if’ please don't hesitate to get in contact! It became apparent while testing how tiny details make a difference to everyone so we have tried to incorporate them all, for example; the interval timer shows both time elapsed and remaining, and is in green until you start over running when it goes red (because how often do you go up on time), and the ability to access times so far, for those quiet moments where you are able to start the show report early! This app has not been made to replace your note book, still write times down if you get a chance, its simply to try and make life easier at the end of the show! Have a play, get to know it and let us know how you get on! Terms of Use can be found here: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Stage Timer

This app provides precise timing for live events, presentations, and performances. It offers a clear display, intuitive controls, and multi-device synchronization to keep everyone on track. Enhance your event management with customizable features and a sleek interface.

Highlights
  • Precision timer display with progress bar
  • Intuitive start, pause, and reset controls
  • Multi-device synchronized timer sessions
  • Fullscreen mode for presentations
  • Customizable messages on screen
  • Advanced settings like dark mode and auto-start
Features
Read full description

StageTimer is a powerful, versatile, and intuitive timer app designed for professionals, educators, event hosts, and performers who need precision timing for live events, presentations, conferences, and stage performances. With its sleek interface, robust functionality, and seamless multi-device connectivity, StageTimer helps you stay on track, manage your time efficiently, and ensure your events run smoothly. Whether you’re a teacher timing classroom activities, a presenter coordinating your speech, or an event organizer managing multiple timers across devices, StageTimer provides you with an elegant, customizable timing solution. Enjoy a large, easy-to-read timer display accompanied by interactive controls that let you start, pause, reset, and update your timer with just a few taps. Plus, thanks to its innovative multi-device connectivity, you can share timer sessions across several devices—keeping your entire team or audience perfectly synchronized no matter where they are. But StageTimer isn’t just about keeping time—it’s about enhancing your entire event experience. Use the fullscreen mode for a distraction-free view that’s ideal for large presentations, or set custom messages to display important cues or instructions directly on the timer screen. Every aspect of the app has been designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind, ensuring that your timing experience is not only accurate but also visually appealing. StageTimer offers a rich settings menu that empowers you to tailor the app to your exact needs. Set your default duration, enable auto‑start for immediate timing, toggle between dark and light modes, or keep your screen on during critical moments. And for those who demand even more, our premium upgrade unlocks advanced features like multi‑device sharing, remote controls, custom themes, and audio alerts. With a one‑time payment, you can upgrade to premium—no recurring subscriptions, just professional-grade tools that are yours forever. Every detail of StageTimer is crafted to ensure a seamless and intuitive user experience. The user-friendly interface, paired with clear controls and flexible options, makes it simple to focus on your performance rather than fiddling with settings. Whether you’re preparing for a live stage performance, running a workshop, or simply managing everyday tasks, StageTimer is the perfect companion to keep you punctual and in control. Join thousands of satisfied users who have elevated their timing game. With StageTimer, you’re not just managing time—you’re mastering it. Key Features: • Precision Timer Display with a dynamic progress bar • Intuitive Start, Pause, and Reset Controls • Customizable Timer Duration (up to 1 hour for free users, 24 hours for premium) • Multi-Device Connectivity for Synchronized Timer Sessions • Fullscreen Mode for Distraction-Free Presentations • Custom Messaging for On-Screen Instructions • Advanced Settings including Dark Mode, Auto‑Start, and “Keep Screen On” • Premium Upgrade with a One‑Time Payment (No Subscription) • Remote Controls, Custom Themes, and Audio Alerts (Premium) • Sleek, User-Friendly Interface Designed for Professionals Download StageTimer today and experience the ultimate tool for managing your time. Whether you’re leading a classroom, staging a live performance, or orchestrating a large event, StageTimer ensures you’re always in control—and always on time. Your payment will be charged to your Apple ID account. In-app purchases are processed by Apple and are subject to their standard terms and conditions. By downloading StageTimer, you agree to Apple's End User License Agreement (available at https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/) as well as our Privacy Policy, which is available at https://mattcowlin.com/policies/privacy.html. Please review these terms carefully before making any purchase.

Screenshots

Show StopWatch4 screens
Stage Timer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Show StopWatch at 88% against Stage Timer's 17%. Show StopWatch also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.9) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 2 months). Stage Timer's advantage is price (Free vs $3.99). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model 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

Stage Timer is free to download; Show StopWatch costs $3.99 up front. Show StopWatch sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year and Stage Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Show StopWatch holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 48 and 16 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Show StopWatch's written reviews are positive against 17% of Stage Timer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Show StopWatch ships an update every 4 weeks, Stage Timer every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Show StopWatch versus Stage Timer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShow StopWatchStage Timer
Price$3.99Free — better
Rating4.7 (48 ratings) — better3.9 (16 ratings)
Positive reviews88.2% of reviews — better16.7% of reviews
Number of ratings48 — better16
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#158 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.6 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size55 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJack LordMSDC TECHNOLOGIES LTD

Customer experience

Show StopWatch

All ratings48 ratings
Positive93.8%
Neutral2.1%
Negative4.2%
Written reviews34 reviews
Positive88.2%
Neutral5.9%
Negative5.9%

Stage Timer

All ratings16 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral6.3%
Negative18.8%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive16.7%
Neutral16.7%
Negative66.7%

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Show StopWatch

Subscriptions4
  • Support Annually$4.991 Year
  • Small Team - 5 Followers7 Days trial$24.991 Year
  • Medium Team - 12 Followers$49.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Large Team - 50 Followers$99.991 Year
One-time1
  • Contribute with Coffee$2.99
1 purchases

Stage Timer

One-time1
  • Stage Timer Pro$17.99

Questions

Is Show StopWatch free?
Show StopWatch costs $3.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is Stage Timer free?
Stage Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Show StopWatch or Stage Timer?
Show StopWatch is rated higher. Show StopWatch averages 4.7 out of 5 from 48 ratings, while Stage Timer averages 3.9 from 16 ratings.
Do Show StopWatch or Stage Timer have ads?
Neither Show StopWatch nor Stage Timer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Show StopWatch or Stage Timer?
Show StopWatch ships an update every 4 weeks, and Stage Timer every 2 months. Most recently, Show StopWatch was updated on September 23, 2026 and Stage Timer on September 13, 2026.

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