# Expressio Calculator vs Gentle Start

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Expressio Calculator at none against Gentle Start's 1. Gentle Start's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 21 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Gentle Start sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Expressio Calculator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Expressio Calculator ships an update every 21 months, Gentle Start every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Expressio Calculator | Gentle Start |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gentle-start-focus-timer/id6767757117/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 21 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 2 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Manfred Wittmann](https://appshunter.io/developer/1505070614) | [JOHNNY LI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1778905380) |

## What reviewers say

### Expressio Calculator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/expressio-calculator/id1505070615)

**In-app purchases:** none


### Gentle Start

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gentle-start-focus-timer/id6767757117)

This app provides a simple, one-tap timer to help overcome procrastination. It focuses on the act of starting, counting up from zero without pressure or goals. Designed for those who struggle with initiating tasks, it offers a calm experience with visual themes and ambient sounds.

**Highlights:** One-tap timer start, Upward counting timer, Living themes with animations, Ambient soundscapes, Live Activities integration, No streaks or goals

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gentle Start Premium | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Expressio Calculator free?

Expressio Calculator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Gentle Start free?

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

### Do Expressio Calculator or Gentle Start have ads?

Neither Expressio Calculator nor Gentle Start shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Expressio Calculator or Gentle Start?

Expressio Calculator ships an update every 21 months, and Gentle Start every 3 days. Most recently, Expressio Calculator was updated on October 15, 2026 and Gentle Start on October 1, 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.*