Comparison

GPS Race Timer vs Light Magician

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

Light Magician

Features
Read full description

Under Magic mode, the app can operate by changing the light color, frequency, modes options, led quantity and wire order settings. The light can also change by music rhythm and microphone signals. The modes include: Fixed, Gradient, Circling, Beat, Running Water, Rainbow and Flashing. Under RGB mode, the app can operate by changing the light color, frequency, modes options, led quantity and wire order settings. The modes include: Fixed, Gradient, Flashing, and Breathing. The light can also change by music rhythm and microphone signals.

Screenshots

GPS Race Timer4 screens
Light Magician3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Light Magician at none against GPS Race Timer's 1. Light Magician also leads on 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. Light Magician asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

GPS Race Timer ships an update every 7 months, Light Magician every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
GPS Race Timer versus Light Magician: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGPS Race TimerLight Magician
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (2.8K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews34.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings2.8K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 7 months — betterEvery 8 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.2 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size50 MB40 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThomas Hagenau建斌 陈

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

Light Magician

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

GPS Race Timer

One-time1
  • PRO$4.99
None

Light Magician

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is GPS Race Timer free?
GPS Race Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Light Magician free?
Light Magician is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do GPS Race Timer or Light Magician have ads?
GPS Race Timer shows ads; Light Magician does not.
Which is updated more often, GPS Race Timer or Light Magician?
GPS Race Timer ships an update every 7 months, and Light Magician every 8 months. Most recently, GPS Race Timer was updated on October 29, 2026 and Light Magician on October 27, 2026.

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