# StartWatch vs About Timers

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: StartWatch at none against About Timers's 3. StartWatch also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.7 vs 4.5). About Timers's advantage is iOS requirement (17.6 vs 26.0). On price, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. About Timers sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. StartWatch asks for nothing beyond the download.

StartWatch holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 49 and 61 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of StartWatch's written reviews are positive against 71% of About Timers's.

StartWatch ships an update every 3 weeks, About Timers fortnightly. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | StartWatch | About Timers |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (49 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startwatch-instant-timers/id1537732824/reviews)** | [4.5 (61 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/about-timers-kitchen-timer/id1609127805/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 49 | **61** |
| Positive reviews | **85.7% of reviews** | 71.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 19 MB | 99 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **17.6** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Apostol & Hall](https://appshunter.io/developer/320592318) | [Gertjan.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/1244161076) |

## What reviewers say

### StartWatch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startwatch-instant-timers/id1537732824)

This app allows you to start a stopwatch instantly and then convert it into a timer. You can run multiple timers and stopwatches simultaneously, with options to customize display and track past events. It offers advanced features like markers and live activities for efficient time management.

**Highlights:** Instant stopwatch start, Convert stopwatch to timer, Run multiple timers/stopwatches, Customize display units, History and undo functionality, Markers for elapsed time, Live Activities with Dynamic Island

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


### About Timers

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/about-timers-kitchen-timer/id1609127805)

Manage multiple timers and stopwatches simultaneously for any task, from cooking to work sessions. Get notifications when timers complete and customize their appearance. Run them reliably in the background.

**Highlights:** Unlimited simultaneous timers and stopwatches, Focus Mode for distraction-free viewing, Home and Lock Screen widgets, Completion notifications, Customizable appearance (colors, shapes, glow), Reliable background operation

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| One-time Purchase | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StartWatch free?

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

### Is About Timers free?

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

### Which has better reviews, StartWatch or About Timers?

StartWatch is rated higher. StartWatch averages 4.7 out of 5 from 49 ratings, while About Timers averages 4.5 from 61 ratings.

### Do StartWatch or About Timers have ads?

About Timers shows ads; StartWatch does not.

### Which is updated more often, StartWatch or About Timers?

StartWatch ships an update every 3 weeks, and About Timers fortnightly. Most recently, StartWatch was updated on November 3, 2026 and About Timers on November 3, 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.*