# Timer Machine vs Timer

The clearest difference is rating: Timer at 4.4 against Timer Machine's 3.8. Timer also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (442 vs 20). Timer Machine's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and review sentiment (50% vs 20%). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Timer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. Timer Machine asks for nothing beyond the download.

Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Timer has 442 ratings behind it against 20, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 50% of Timer Machine's written reviews are positive against 20% of Timer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Timer Machine ships an update every 5 months, Timer every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Timer Machine | Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timer-machine/id1387301617/reviews) | **[4.4 (442 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timer-minimal-timer/id1661418622/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 20 | **442** |
| Positive reviews | **50.0% of reviews** | 20.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 14 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Montage App, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1530864548) | [Studio 1J, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1639917300) |

## What reviewers say

### Timer Machine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timer-machine/id1387301617)

Manage your time effectively with three customizable timers. Set personalized alert sounds to suit your workflow for work, study, or personal projects. This app offers an intuitive interface for a more organized approach to your day.

**Highlights:** Three personalized timers, Customizable alert sounds, User-friendly interface, Time management for work and study, Intuitive design

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timer-minimal-timer/id1661418622)

This app offers a simple and intuitive way to manage your time for various activities. Set custom timers, utilize quick presets, and adjust alarm volumes to suit your needs. Stay on track with home screen widgets and an optional ambient ticking sound.

**Highlights:** Easy timer setting, Customizable presets, Adjustable alarm volume, Ambient ticking sound option, Home screen widgets, Flexible subscription options

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Minimal Timer+ | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Minimal Timer+ | $19.99 | per 7 days |
| Minimal Timer+ | $79.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Minimal and simple design
- 👍 Great for meditation timers
- 👍 Custom volume feature
- 👍 Sleek and wonderful app
- 👍 Imposes discipline for time monitoring

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Extremely high weekly subscription cost
- 💸 Unfair trial requiring subscription
- 💸 Predatory pricing model
- 💸 No free version for basic use
- 💸 App is too expensive

**Reported bugs**

- App swirls for over a minute before loading
- No widgets found after paying for subscription
- Unable to get past the first screen without subscribing

**Requested features**

- Allow limited access to try before subscribing
- Add an option to control the timer from the widget
- Add shortcuts support for setting and naming timers
- Add a 24-hour timer option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Timer Machine free?

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

### Is Timer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Timer Machine or Timer?

Timer is rated higher. Timer Machine averages 3.8 out of 5 from 20 ratings, while Timer averages 4.4 from 442 ratings.

### Do Timer Machine or Timer have ads?

Neither Timer Machine nor Timer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Timer Machine or Timer?

Timer Machine ships an update every 5 months, and Timer every 4 days. Most recently, Timer Machine was updated on September 23, 2026 and Timer on September 29, 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.*