# Workout Timer Essential vs Smart Workout Counter

The clearest difference is rating: Smart Workout Counter at 4.9 against Workout Timer Essential's 2.7. Smart Workout Counter also leads on review sentiment (88% vs 50%) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 16 months). Workout Timer Essential's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Workout Timer Essential sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Smart Workout Counter sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Smart Workout Counter holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 8 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Workout Timer Essential's written reviews are positive against 88% of Smart Workout Counter's.

Workout Timer Essential ships an update every 16 months, Smart Workout Counter every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and August 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Workout Timer Essential | Smart Workout Counter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/workout-timer-essential/id1316272592/reviews) | **[4.9 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-workout-counter/id1546110594/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **8** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **87.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 16 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 31 MB | 56 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alessandro Pettazzoni](https://appshunter.io/developer/1316272591) | [JEONGSIM CHOI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1830175912) |

## What reviewers say

### Workout Timer Essential

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/workout-timer-essential/id1316272592)

A streamlined workout timer designed for simplicity and essential functionality. It offers a clean, bicolor interface and integrates with HealthKit for Apple Watch workout data. Support the developer with an optional in-app purchase to remove ads.

**Highlights:** Essential bicolor layout, HealthKit integration, Apple Watch workout functions, Streamlined design, Optional ad removal

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ads Removal | $0.99 | one-time |


### Smart Workout Counter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-workout-counter/id1546110594)

Create and track custom workout routines with this intuitive timer. It automatically guides you through your exercises, counting sets or time, and allows for easy navigation between sessions. Enjoy background music and choose from various voice cues to enhance your training experience.

**Highlights:** Customizable workout routines, Automatic counting of sets/time, Workout flow visualization, Pause and navigate sessions, Background music support, Multiple voice cues

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Version | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Workout Timer Essential free?

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

### Is Smart Workout Counter free?

Smart Workout Counter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Workout Timer Essential or Smart Workout Counter?

Smart Workout Counter is rated higher. Workout Timer Essential averages 2.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Smart Workout Counter averages 4.9 from 8 ratings.

### Do Workout Timer Essential or Smart Workout Counter have ads?

Smart Workout Counter shows ads; Workout Timer Essential does not.

### Which is updated more often, Workout Timer Essential or Smart Workout Counter?

Workout Timer Essential ships an update every 16 months, and Smart Workout Counter every 3 days. Most recently, Workout Timer Essential was updated on September 14, 2026 and Smart Workout Counter on August 28, 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.*