Comparison

AlarmBud vs Vertical

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

Head to head
About

AlarmBud

This utility app allows you to set timers and alarms that play only through your headphones or internal speakers, ensuring no disturbance to others. It's perfect for use in quiet public spaces like libraries or offices, and even works when your device is in Do Not Disturb mode.

Highlights
  • Headphone-only alarms
  • Up to 24-hour timer
  • Alarm sound library
  • White noise option
  • Background functionality
  • Dark display mode
Features
Currently charting
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AlarmBud lets you to run a timer in any place without the sound disturbing others. Connects to wired headphones, bluetooth, or your device's internal speakers. With AlarmBud, you'll never have to worry about your device ringing out loud while napping or timing your work in a public place. The alarm will play even when your device is in Do Not Disturb mode. Make sure the volume is at a level that you will hear. Includes: - Up to 24-hour timer - Alarm sound library - White noise option - Background functionality - Dark, energy-saver display Great for the: - Library - Office - Airport - Plane - Bus - Gym

About

Vertical

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Every other alarm lets you cheat. Snooze, dismiss, roll over, and you're asleep again. Vertical takes that option away. When the alarm goes off, silencing it is only step one. To actually turn it off you complete a short wake-up mission. Dismiss the app without finishing and the alarm re-arms and comes back. It ends when you're genuinely awake, not when you tap a button. CHOOSE YOUR MISSION - Math: a few quick problems. No camera needed. - Push-ups: counted by the front camera. - Scan the sky: point your phone at daylight. - Touch grass: get outside for real. WHY IT WORKS - No snooze. No dismiss-and-roll-over. No hidden escape hatch. - The alarm keeps coming back until the mission is done. - Every camera mission has a "do math instead" option, so you're never stuck. - One job, done well. A calm, focused design. Wake up on time. Actually get up. Vertical Pro unlocks the full app. Monthly and yearly plans, each with a 3-day free trial. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period; manage or cancel anytime in your Apple Account settings. Terms of Use: https://www.wakevertical.com/terms-of-service Privacy Policy: https://www.wakevertical.com/privacy-policy

Screenshots

AlarmBud3 screens
Vertical4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Vertical at Free against AlarmBud's $0.99. Vertical also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 23 months). AlarmBud's advantage is rating (3.1 vs 1.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 3).

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

Vertical is free to download; AlarmBud costs $0.99 up front. Vertical sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. AlarmBud asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

AlarmBud holds the better App Store score, 3.1 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AlarmBud has 20 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AlarmBud ships an update every 23 months, Vertical fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard9 real differences · 2 level
AlarmBud versus Vertical: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAlarmBudVertical
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating3.1 (20 ratings) — better1.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings20 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 23 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid—
Best chart rank#101 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better26.1
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB68 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStefan BrechterSumit Maithani

In-app purchases

None

AlarmBud

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Vertical

Subscriptions3
  • Vertical Pro Monthly3 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Vertical Pro Weekly$3.997 Days
  • Vertical Pro3 Days trial$39.991 Year

Questions

Is AlarmBud free?
AlarmBud costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Vertical free?
Vertical is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, AlarmBud or Vertical?
AlarmBud is rated higher. AlarmBud averages 3.1 out of 5 from 20 ratings, while Vertical averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.
Do AlarmBud or Vertical have ads?
Vertical shows ads; AlarmBud does not.
Which is updated more often, AlarmBud or Vertical?
AlarmBud ships an update every 23 months, and Vertical fortnightly. Most recently, AlarmBud was updated on November 11, 2026 and Vertical on November 10, 2026.

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