# Expand vs 3D Hourglass Timer

The clearest difference is rating: 3D Hourglass Timer at 4.7 against Expand's 4.0. 3D Hourglass Timer also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and ads (none vs shown). Expand's advantage is ratings volume (301 vs 30). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Expand sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $11.99 per month and 3D Hourglass Timer sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

3D Hourglass Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Expand has 301 ratings behind it against 30, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Expand's written reviews are positive against 73% of 3D Hourglass Timer's.

Expand ships an update monthly, 3D Hourglass Timer every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Expand | 3D Hourglass Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (301 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/expand-beyond-meditation/id1552705313/reviews) | **[4.7 (30 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-hourglass-timer/id6741709041/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **301** | 30 |
| Positive reviews | 49.7% of reviews | **72.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 67 MB | 177 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [THE MONROE INSTITUTE](https://appshunter.io/developer/1552705315) | [Kyohei Hosono](https://appshunter.io/developer/1089376066) |

## What reviewers say

### Expand

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/expand-beyond-meditation/id1552705313)

Access profound states of expanded awareness with guided meditations and proprietary sound science. Explore topics like relaxation, joy, insight, and sleep to foster meaning, relieve stress, and release unwanted patterns. Discover inner wisdom and joy through active imagination and perception.

**Highlights:** 100+ guided meditations, Monroe Sound Science audio technology, Multi-day mini-courses, Guided reflection and journaling, Custom-generated soundscapes, Focus on active imagination and perception

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Expand Plus Monthly | $11.99 | per month |
| Expand Plus Yearly | $69.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful meditation tool
- 👍 Lovely and helpful
- 👍 Great way to practice
- 👍 Transformative
- 👍 First class app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Money maker
- 🔒 How do you get a premium subscription?
- 🐛 Cuts off sometimes?
- 🔍 Where's the guidance?
- 🐛 Annoyed

**Reported bugs**

- Paid but no play
- Login screen freezes
- Incompatible with older devices
- Sound shuts off when the iphone goes to sleep

**Requested features**

- Longer guided meditations
- What's new section for meditations
- Ability to turn off background music
- Monthly charge option


### 3D Hourglass Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-hourglass-timer/id6741709041)

Experience a moment of luxury and tranquility with a beautifully designed app featuring 3D hourglasses. Enhance meditation, relaxation, and focus with customizable timers, soothing sounds, and calming music.

**Highlights:** Beautifully designed 3D hourglasses, 360° sand flow visualization, Timer from 1 to 180 minutes, Soothing sand and background sounds, Focus-boosting study timer, Elegant and luxurious design

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Moon Timer | $1.99 | one-time |
| Jellyfish Hourglass | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Expand free?

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

### Is 3D Hourglass Timer free?

3D Hourglass Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Expand or 3D Hourglass Timer?

3D Hourglass Timer is rated higher. Expand averages 4.0 out of 5 from 301 ratings, while 3D Hourglass Timer averages 4.7 from 30 ratings.

### Do Expand or 3D Hourglass Timer have ads?

Expand shows ads; 3D Hourglass Timer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Expand or 3D Hourglass Timer?

Expand ships an update monthly, and 3D Hourglass Timer every 6 weeks. Most recently, Expand was updated on November 7, 2026 and 3D Hourglass Timer on November 4, 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.*