# Simple Gong Timer vs Meditation Timer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Meditation Timer at 90% against Simple Gong Timer's 0%. Meditation Timer also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 9 months). Simple Gong Timer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6). On price and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Meditation Timer sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Simple Gong Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simple Gong Timer ships an update every 9 months, Meditation Timer fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simple Gong Timer | Meditation Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.8 (214 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/meditation-timer-zenitizer/id6444767911/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **214** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **90.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Freemium |
| Size | 7 MB | 177 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Satoshi Horiguchi](https://appshunter.io/developer/310504293) | [Manuel Kehl](https://appshunter.io/developer/1656696237) |

## What reviewers say

### Simple Gong Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-gong-timer/id1301295516)

This application allows users to set custom timers for workouts and rest periods, with a specified number of rounds. It features a gong sound that won't interrupt music playback and can utilize vibration for notifications even when the device is on silent.

**Highlights:** Customizable workout and rest timers, Set number of rounds, Gong sound does not interrupt music, Vibration notifications, iPhone silent mode compatible

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Meditation Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/meditation-timer-zenitizer/id6444767911)

This app provides a distraction-free environment for your meditation practice. Create custom routines, use interval bells for focus, and enjoy calming soundscapes. Track your progress with detailed statistics and stay motivated with daily goals and reminders.

**Highlights:** Customizable meditation routines, Interval bells for focus, Calming soundscapes, Meditation statistics and tracking, Daily goal setting and streak tracking, Smart reminder notifications, Widgets for Home Screen and Lock Screen

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Zenitizer+ Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Zenitizer+ Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Zenitizer+ Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Zenitizer+ Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Zenitizer+ Lifetime | $79.99 | one-time |
| Zenitizer+ Lifetime | $119.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple, intuitive, and distraction-free interface
- 🔔 Customizable bells, chimes, and sound options
- ⌚ Excellent Apple Watch integration
- 🎵 High-quality nature sounds and audio
- 💰 Affordable one-time or annual subscription

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💳 Confusing pricing model (free version very limited)
- 🔔 Default 1-minute interval bells too frequent for some users
- 📢 Aggressive subscription prompts in free version
- 🎵 Sound effects too quiet compared to bells
- 🎨 Could use visual refresh in some areas

**Reported bugs**

- Interval bells not functioning properly in some cases
- App hijacks AirPods from other devices without option to disable
- Apple Watch vibration cannot be turned off
- Crashes on Apple Watch (reported as fixed in v1.12.2)
- Subscription paywall appears before free trial experience

**Requested features**

- Mixer controls for independent bell and effects volume adjustment
- White noise and additional frequency options
- Custom background music upload capability
- Meditation reminders/notifications
- Dynamic Island and Lock Screen activity controls


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simple Gong Timer free?

Simple Gong Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Meditation Timer free?

Meditation Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Simple Gong Timer or Meditation Timer have ads?

Simple Gong Timer shows ads; Meditation Timer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Simple Gong Timer or Meditation Timer?

Simple Gong Timer ships an update every 9 months, and Meditation Timer fortnightly. Most recently, Simple Gong Timer was updated on October 21, 2026 and Meditation Timer on October 19, 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.*