# Flow vs Timer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Flow at 86% against Timer's 20%. Flow also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and rating (4.8 vs 4.4). Timer's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 4 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Flow sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Timer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Flow holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.8K and 442 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of Flow's written reviews are positive against 20% of Timer's.

Flow ships an update every 4 weeks, Timer every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Flow | Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flow-focus-and-pomodoro-timer/id1423210932/reviews)** | [4.4 (442 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timer-minimal-timer/id1661418622/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 442 |
| Positive reviews | **86.1% of reviews** | 20.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 80 MB | 28 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Yugen GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1362171211) | [Studio 1J, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1639917300) |

## What reviewers say

### Flow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flow-focus-and-pomodoro-timer/id1423210932)

Enhance your concentration and productivity with a scientifically proven method. This app divides your workflow into focused work intervals and scheduled breaks, helping you reduce stress and stay motivated. Ideal for work, study, or any task requiring deep focus.

**Highlights:** Pomodoro timer with work intervals and breaks, App and web blocking, Statistics tracking, Commitment mode, Inspirational quotes, Home & Lock Screen Widgets

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Plan | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan | $17.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Pro Access | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 🚀 Minimalist and uncluttered design
- 💡 Customizable work and break durations
- 🔒 No ads or unnecessary features
- 🤖 Responsive and helpful developers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches
- 🔇 Notification sound could be louder
- 📊 Lack of detailed statistics and analytics
- 🔀 Inability to pause or resume a flow session
- 🖥️ Inability to minimize the timer window

**Reported bugs**

- Live activity feature not working consistently
- Timer not recording sessions accurately
- App blocking functionality not working as expected
- Crashes and freezes on certain macOS versions

**Requested features**

- Allow custom work and break durations
- Add option to pause and resume flow sessions
- Implement real-time sync across devices
- Provide more detailed productivity tracking and reporting
- Include an Apple Watch app with complication support


### 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 Flow free?

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

### Is Timer free?

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

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

Flow is rated higher. Flow averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Timer averages 4.4 from 442 ratings.

### Do Flow or Timer have ads?

Neither Flow nor Timer shows ads.

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

Flow ships an update every 4 weeks, and Timer every 4 days. Most recently, Flow was updated on October 13, 2026 and Timer on October 8, 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.*