AlarmBud vs Vertical
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Headphone-only alarms
- Up to 24-hour timer
- Alarm sound library
- White noise option
- Background functionality
- Dark display mode
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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
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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
AlarmBud ships an update every 23 months, Vertical fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | AlarmBud | Vertical |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 3.1 (20 ratings) — better | 1.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 20 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 23 months | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Best chart rank | #101 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 26.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 12 MB | 68 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Stefan Brechter | Sumit Maithani |
In-app purchases
AlarmBud
No in-app purchases
Vertical
- Vertical Pro Monthly3 Days trial$2.991 Month
- Vertical Pro Weekly$3.997 Days
- Vertical Pro3 Days trial$39.991 Year









