Comparison

GPS Race Timer vs Alpena Auto

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

Head to head
About

GPS Race Timer

Accurately measure vehicle acceleration times like 0-60 mph and 1/4 mile using your iPhone's GPS. Set up timers beforehand and let the app automatically start measurements when speed targets are met or motion is detected. Save, export, and transfer your performance data easily.

Highlights
  • Measure 0-60 mph, 60-120 mph, 1/4 mile
  • Automatic start detection
  • Save and export results
  • Preset and adjustable timers
  • No extra hardware required
  • Optional PRO version features
Read full description

Measure acceleration times such as 0–60 mph, 60–120 mph and 1/4 mile directly with your iPhone — accurately and without extra hardware. The app is designed so it doesn’t need to be operated while driving; you just set everything up beforehand while stationary. Measurements then start automatically — when the target speed is reached or when a start is detected. You can save results locally on your iPhone and, if needed, export them or transfer them to other devices. Preset timers: 60 ft, 1/8 mile, 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, 1 mile, 0 – 60 mph, 0 – 120 mph, 50 – 75 mph, 60 – 120 mph, 0 – 100 km/h, 0 – 200 km/h, 80 – 120 km/h, 100 – 200 km/h. All timers are, of course, fully adjustable. The free version measures up to two times per run. How to use the app: Check the timer settings on the start screen. If everything looks good, place your iPhone in the car where it has good GPS reception and is held securely, then start the acceleration test. You can adjust the timer configuration in the Settings screen (just tap the relevant timer). Then return to the race screen and follow the previous instruction. Optional PRO version (in-app purchase): 1. Up to four timers in parallel (instead of two) 2. Precise determination of elevation differences 3. Simulation of a Sportsman start and reaction-time measurement 4. No ad banners

About

Alpena Auto

This app allows you to control Alpena® automotive LED lighting products. Adjust power, dimming, and colors for RGB devices, and set up custom presets. Requires Bluetooth 4.0 or higher.

Highlights
  • Control power
  • Adjust dimming levels
  • Select RGB colors
  • Program preset options
  • Bluetooth 4.0+ connectivity
Features
Read full description

The Alpena® Command Center application is a specialized application designed to operate Alpena® automotive LED lighting products. Control power, dimming levels, colour selection on RGB devices and program easy to use preset options. Requires Bluetooth 4.0 and up for communication.

Screenshots

GPS Race Timer4 screens
Alpena Auto4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: GPS Race Timer at 4.5 against Alpena Auto's 1.7. GPS Race Timer also leads on review sentiment (34% vs 13%) and ratings volume (2.7K vs 125). Alpena Auto's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement 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

Both are free to download. GPS Race Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Alpena Auto asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

GPS Race Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 1.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GPS Race Timer has 2.7K ratings behind it against 125, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 34% of GPS Race Timer's written reviews are positive against 13% of Alpena Auto's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GPS Race Timer ships an update every 7 months, Alpena Auto every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
GPS Race Timer versus Alpena Auto: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGPS Race TimerAlpena Auto
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (2.7K ratings) — better1.7 (125 ratings)
Positive reviews34.4% of reviews — better12.5% of reviews
Number of ratings2.7K — better125
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 6 months — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS12.212.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size50 MB47 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThomas HagenauMarklyn Group Inc

Customer experience

GPS Race Timer

All ratings2,612 ratings
Positive87.1%
Neutral4.7%
Negative8.2%
Written reviews125 reviews
Positive34.4%
Neutral4.0%
Negative61.6%

Alpena Auto

All ratings125 ratings
Positive11.2%
Neutral10.4%
Negative78.4%
Written reviews80 reviews
Positive12.5%
Neutral8.8%
Negative78.8%

User reviews

GPS Race Timer

From 2.7K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Simple and easy to use
  • 🚀 Accurate speed tracking
  • 💡 Customizable settings
  • 📊 Saves run data

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Inconsistent 0-60 and quarter mile times
  • 🐛 Fails to start/record runs
  • 🐛 Inaccurate distance tracking
  • 🐛 Compatibility issues with newer devices

Alpena Auto

From 125 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🎨 Extensive customization options for individual light strips
  • 🌈 Wide variety of color options and patterns available
  • 💪 Durable hardware that survives harsh conditions
  • ⚙️ Simple and intuitive app interface when working properly
  • ✨ Impressive visual effects and lighting capabilities

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Persistent Bluetooth connectivity issues
  • 📱 App frequently fails to recognize connected devices
  • 🔌 Unreliable connection that drops unexpectedly
  • ⚠️ Recent app updates introduced critical bugs
  • 🔋 Lights drain vehicle battery when not properly controlled

Bugs and requests

GPS Race Timer

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Timer doesn't reset properly
  • App crashes on startup
  • Significant GPS/speed detection delays
  • Recorded times do not match actual performance

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add 60ft and 1/8 mile times
  • Automatic start/stop of timer
  • Manual start option for timer
  • Improved accuracy and consistency

Alpena Auto

Reported bugs

16 issues
  • App won't connect to found devices after scanning
  • Clicking on found devices produces no response
  • Lights show as connected but cannot be controlled
  • Color selection limited to white after updates
  • App freezes when switching between multiple light sets
Show 11 more
  • Bluetooth signal drops to 1 bar and disconnects automatically
  • Lights turn off in wet conditions despite showing connected status
  • App won't turn off lights (power glitch)
  • Lights flicker when engine is idling
  • App crashes when music is playing in background
  • Update 2.1 prevents clicking on lights in app
  • App stuck on v1 and won't update to v2
  • Incompatibility with iOS 16 and iOS 17
  • Lights flash white and disappear from app after selecting twinkle mode
  • Module stops sending Bluetooth signal after short period
  • Color wheel colors appear dull or don't work as advertised

Requested features

8 requests
  • Custom scene/pattern creation in app
  • Music synchronization with lights
  • Better app navigation and menu structure
  • Strobe light functionality
  • Ability to control multiple light sets without switching
Show 3 more
  • Improved documentation and user manual in app
  • Compatibility information for different products
  • Auto-off timer to prevent battery drain

In-app purchases

1 purchases

GPS Race Timer

One-time1
  • PRO$4.99
None

Alpena Auto

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GPS Race Timer free?
GPS Race Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Alpena Auto free?
Alpena Auto is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, GPS Race Timer or Alpena Auto?
GPS Race Timer is rated higher. GPS Race Timer averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2.7K ratings, while Alpena Auto averages 1.7 from 125 ratings.
Do GPS Race Timer or Alpena Auto have ads?
GPS Race Timer shows ads; Alpena Auto does not.
Which is updated more often, GPS Race Timer or Alpena Auto?
GPS Race Timer ships an update every 7 months, and Alpena Auto every 6 months. Most recently, GPS Race Timer was updated on October 17, 2026 and Alpena Auto on October 16, 2026.

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