# HAL 2 vs Big Timer

The clearest difference is ads: HAL 2 at none against Big Timer's shown. HAL 2 also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.6). Big Timer's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HAL 2 | Big Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[3.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/big-timer-simple/id1619061460/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **6** |
| Positive reviews | — | 20.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | — | Ad-supported |
| Size | 20 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CEDETI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1122704171) | [Ryouhei Azuma](https://appshunter.io/developer/1353297781) |

## What reviewers say

### HAL 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hal-2/id1460687318)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Big Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/big-timer-simple/id1619061460)

This utility app features large, easy-to-read text for simple stopwatch and countdown timer functions. It's designed for quick visibility from a distance, making it ideal for straightforward timekeeping needs.

**Highlights:** Large, easy-to-read display, Stopwatch functionality, Countdown timer functionality, Simple interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HAL 2 free?

HAL 2 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Big Timer free?

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

### Do HAL 2 or Big Timer have ads?

Big Timer shows ads; HAL 2 does not.

### Which is updated more often, HAL 2 or Big Timer?

HAL 2 ships an update every 2 months, and Big Timer every 2 months. Most recently, HAL 2 was updated on September 9, 2026 and Big Timer on October 7, 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.*