# Mini4 Lap Timer vs Race Start Signal

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Mini4 Lap Timer at none against Race Start Signal's 2. Mini4 Lap Timer also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). Race Start Signal's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and review sentiment (100% vs 79%). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Race Start Signal sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Mini4 Lap Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Race Start Signal holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Mini4 Lap Timer has 16 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of Mini4 Lap Timer's written reviews are positive against 100% of Race Start Signal's.

Mini4 Lap Timer ships an update every 2 months, Race Start Signal every 5 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Mini4 Lap Timer | Race Start Signal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mini4-lap-timer/id1280883925/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/race-start-signal/id6443937116/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **16** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 79.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 40 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ryuta Kibe](https://appshunter.io/developer/737480483) | [NAOYA ONO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1530328146) |

## What reviewers say

### Mini4 Lap Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mini4-lap-timer/id1280883925)

This application uses your iPhone's camera to automatically time laps for Mini4wd races. Simply set up the number of lanes, point the camera at the track, and start your race. The timer begins automatically when a car passes in front of the camera.

**Highlights:** Camera-based lap timing, Automatic start detection, Configurable number of lanes, Easy setup for races, Designed for Mini4wd

**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 Mini4 Lap Timer free?

Mini4 Lap Timer 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, Mini4 Lap Timer or Race Start Signal?

Race Start Signal is rated higher. Mini4 Lap Timer averages 4.7 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Race Start Signal averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Mini4 Lap Timer or Race Start Signal have ads?

Race Start Signal shows ads; Mini4 Lap Timer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Mini4 Lap Timer or Race Start Signal?

Mini4 Lap Timer ships an update every 2 months, and Race Start Signal every 5 months. Most recently, Mini4 Lap Timer was updated on October 24, 2026 and Race Start Signal on October 24, 2026.

---

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