Comparison

Nixie Clocks vs TimeCanvas

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

Head to head
About

Nixie Clocks

This device displays time using vintage-style Nixie tubes, offering automatic internet time synchronization and online settings management. It features silent operation, extended tube life through direct drive, and cathode poisoning prevention. Users can also enjoy customizable RGB underlighting and remote firmware updates.

Highlights
  • Internet time synchronization
  • Online settings management
  • Silent operation
  • Direct driven Nixie tubes
  • Cathode poisoning prevention
  • RGB underlighting
  • Online firmware updates
Features
Read full description

Zen Nixie Clock is our first 6-tube clock designed using R|Z568M nixie tubes from our production. The case is designed in a minimalistic way, combining simple aluminum stand and a glass cover – just like a museum vitrine. Thanks to its simple shapes, the clock suits every interior – especially offices, living rooms... Zen Nixie Clock features Internet connection – the clock contains a wifi module and is designed to operate online. The time is automatically synchronized from network, so you don’t have to do it manually and there are no other devices necessary (no GPS modules, radio modules etc..). In case of power loss, the clock remembers all the settings and time will be synchronized automatically from internet. Easy online settings – all settings of the Zen Nixie Clock can be controlled online from your user account on our website. No need to search for user guide anytime you want to make changes in settings! Silent circuitry – the clock is absolutely silent, there is no audible noise produced by its electronic parts. Direct driven design – nixie tubes are driven directly, this prolongs their lifetime. Common practice is to use multiplexed driving circuit (which is easier to manufacture and cheaper), but such a driving circuit shorten nixie tube lifetime. Cathode poisoning prevention – the clock can periodically run a cathode poisoning prevention routine. This helps to keep all digits of all tubes in good condition. Rotary knob – for offline users, there is a rotary knob on the back of the board. Using this knob, user can enter into settings menu and do the settings manually. This feature is still in development. Online firmware update – the integrated wifi module makes online firmware updates possible. Whenever there is a new firmware update (new features, bug fixes), your clock can be updated remotely. No blue spot – there are no blue spots in the tubes known from some other clocks (especially clocks built with IN-18 nixie tubes). Colon tubes – the clock support our colon tubes (in development), they will match design of the nixie tubes (by base and internal structure). RGB underlight – there are 8 RGB leds (WS2812B – “neopixels”) on the bottom of the board which make some cool effects possible. Purist customers who prefers nixie tube glow only can set the underlight off. This feature is in development!

About

TimeCanvas

Features
Read full description

Transform your clock into a work of art with TimeCanvas! We offer a new clock experience that adds color and style to your everyday life. Not only can it boost motivation in the office, but it can also highlight your brand by using your shop's logo as a background. Through clocks and calendars, you can showcase your style and attract attention from those around you. Why not make time special with TimeCanvas? Free Features: - Dynamic Art Canvas: Automatically generated art backgrounds to add a stylish touch to your room or shop - Background Image Customization: Set your favorite photos or brand logos as the background for a unique clock - Calendar Display: A convenient calendar feature to smoothly guide clients to their next appointment - Intuitive Layout: Automatically adjusts to the device's orientation, making time and date easily visible - Alarm & Chimes: Never forget important times! Set your favorite alarm sounds or chimes to support your daily routine - Enhanced Display: Even if the background is hard to see, the calendar will remain clearly visible - Parallax Effect: Tilt your device for a surprising and immersive art experience - Display Options: Switch between 24-hour and 12-hour formats, customizing the clock to your preference - Multi-Language Support: Switch the calendar display to your preferred language for better usability Paid Features: - Color Themes: Choose from multiple background color themes to match your interior or brand - Clock Designs: A variety of clock panel designs to perfectly match your brand or space Download TimeCanvas now and turn every day into a special time!

Screenshots

Nixie Clocks4 screens
TimeCanvas4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Nixie Clocks at none against TimeCanvas's 2. TimeCanvas's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months). On price, ads, 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. TimeCanvas sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Nixie Clocks asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Nixie Clocks ships an update every 4 months, TimeCanvas weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Nixie Clocks versus TimeCanvas: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterNixie ClocksTimeCanvas
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (106 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews71.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings106 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV — betteriPhone, iPad, Apple TV
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB5 MB
Age rating9+4+
DeveloperljeznyKazuhide Kito

In-app purchases

None

Nixie Clocks

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

TimeCanvas

One-time2
  • Premium color designs$0.29
  • Premium design package$0.99

Questions

Is Nixie Clocks free?
Nixie Clocks is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is TimeCanvas free?
TimeCanvas is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Nixie Clocks or TimeCanvas have ads?
Neither Nixie Clocks nor TimeCanvas shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Nixie Clocks or TimeCanvas?
Nixie Clocks ships an update every 4 months, and TimeCanvas weekly. Most recently, Nixie Clocks was updated on September 9, 2026 and TimeCanvas on September 15, 2026.

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