Comparison

Durations vs Chain Timers

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

Head to head
About

Durations

Read full description

The simple multi-timer app. • Create a timer that can include multiple sub-timers for any activity. • Create a stopwatch timer • Simply touch a timer to start it (or stop it). • Double tap a timer to edit it and do a long press to rearrange timers. • Sort your timers by name, which ones are running or a custom order • Sync with the Mac version (included with purchase) when signed into iCloud.

About

Chain Timers

Connect multiple countdown timers to run in sequence. Configure automatic transitions between timers or choose to pause. Share your timer sequences easily across devices.

Highlights
  • Chain up to 25 timers
  • Automatic or manual timer transitions
  • Share timer lists
  • Cross-device list sharing
  • Save timer histories
Features
Read full description

Chain your timers. Take control of your time. Chain Timer is a simple and useful app that lets you connect and run multiple countdown timers in a row. Key Features: * Connect up to 25 timers in one sequence * Choose whether to pause or move to the next timer automatically after each one ends * Easily share timer lists (QR codes can also be used for simple lists) * Share lists between iPhone, iPad, and Mac * Save up to 4 timer list histories (5 including the one you're currently using) Perfect for: * Structuring self-study sessions * Setting timers to match recipe steps * Keeping meetings and workshops on track * Creating and following your personal health routines Note: This app does not support sub-second timers. It is not intended for use in competitive sports or situations requiring precise time measurement.

Screenshots

Durations4 screens
Chain Timers4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Chain Timers at Free against Durations's $2.99. Chain Timers also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.4). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

Chain Timers is free to download; Durations costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and July 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Durations versus Chain Timers: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDurationsChain Timers
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating—4.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 6 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, MaciPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS16.414.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB53 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSteve BrostMasayuki Nomura

In-app purchases

None

Durations

No in-app purchases

None

Chain Timers

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Durations free?
Durations costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Chain Timers free?
Chain Timers is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Durations or Chain Timers have ads?
Neither Durations nor Chain Timers shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Durations or Chain Timers?
Durations ships an update every 6 weeks, and Chain Timers every 6 weeks. Most recently, Durations was updated on September 21, 2026 and Chain Timers on July 6, 2026.

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