Comparison

Digital Japanese Clock vs Custom Word Clock

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

Head to head
About

Digital Japanese Clock

Experience the Edo period's unique timekeeping with this digital clock. It simulates the indefinite time method, dividing days and nights into variable lengths. Customize sounds, displays, and backgrounds for an immersive historical experience.

Highlights
  • Indefinite time method simulation
  • Customizable bell sounds (drums, cannons, cuckoo)
  • Multiple display options (zodiac, numerals, emojis)
  • Adjustable background color and font
  • Optional modern sub-clock display
  • Settings for time methods and display elements
Features
Read full description

A wadokei is a mechanical clock made in Japan during the Edo period. At that time, Japan used a unique time system called the "indefinite time method". It is a method of dividing the day into day and night and then dividing each into equal parts. The common people of the Edo period began their day's activities by listening to the "dawn six bells" about 30 minutes before sunrise and ended their activities by listening to the "dusk six bells" about 30 minutes after sunset. Naturally, the time of sunrise and sunset varied with the seasons, so the time of bell ringing and the length of the unit of time, ittoki, between day and night also changed greatly. But not only was this perfectly acceptable at the time, it was also an eco-friendly way of living that suited their body rhythms very well. This app is a digital representation of this indefinite time method. The hour bells can be switched not only to the sound of bells, but also to drums, cannons, cuckoo, pillar clocks, etc. The main display can be selected from zodiac signs, numerals, and emojis. You can open the settings screen by tapping twice on the main display or by tapping the settings icon. You can change the background color, font, time methods, show/hide sub-clock, etc. here. The sub-clock in the lower left corner of the screen can also display a modern clock. You can switch the display between 24 hours, 12 hours, numerals, and zodiac signs with each tap. Please use this application and experience the rhythm of life in the Edo period. Perhaps you will discover something good.

About

Custom Word Clock

This app offers a unique way to tell time using words instead of numbers. Customize phrases, colors, and fonts to create a personalized word-based clock widget for your device's home or lock screen.

Highlights
  • Displays time in words
  • Customizable phrases
  • Widget for home/lock screen
  • Adjustable text size
  • Background color options
  • Custom prefix and suffix
Features
Read full description

Break away from ordinary clock faces and numerical displays. TextTime revolutionizes time-telling by presenting time in words, not numbers. Experience the fun and engaging benefits of a word-based clock widget. With TextTime, telling time becomes an enjoyable and interactive part of your day. Watch as your clock transforms into a unique expression of words, bringing a fresh and personalized touch to your device. Enjoy the elegance of a minimalist design that communicates time in a human-friendly format, making every glance at your clock a delightful experience. Tell time your way. Customize the formatting of the time as you desire, and the app will remember your choices. Personalize your clock with settings for Zero Phrase, Morning Phrase, and Afternoon Phrase, allowing you to infuse each moment with your unique flair. Effortlessly add prefixes and suffixes to further tailor your time displays to perfection. With TextTime, time isn't just measured—it's expressed in your own words. Download TextTime now and embrace a new era of timekeeping, where words take center stage and transform how you perceive time! Free Features: - Switch between 12/24-hour time - Adjust text size - Add as a widget to your Home or Lock Screen Premium Features: - Change background color - Set custom prefix and suffix - Customize morning, afternoon, and night phrases - Change text color, font, boldness, justification, and casing Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Digital Japanese Clock4 screens
Custom Word Clock4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Custom Word Clock at 100% against Digital Japanese Clock's 0%. Custom Word Clock also leads on rating (5.0 vs 2.0) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 weeks). Digital Japanese Clock's advantage is iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Both are free to download. Digital Japanese Clock sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Custom Word Clock sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Custom Word Clock holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 4 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Digital Japanese Clock's written reviews are positive against 100% of Custom Word Clock's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Digital Japanese Clock ships an update every 6 weeks, Custom Word Clock every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Digital Japanese Clock versus Custom Word Clock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDigital Japanese ClockCustom Word Clock
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings14 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Vision Pro — better
Requires iOS14.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB8 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMihoko ArakiDaniel Gauthier

Customer experience

Digital Japanese Clock

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Custom Word Clock

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Digital Japanese Clock

One-time1
  • No Ads$1.99
1 purchases

Custom Word Clock

One-time1
  • Super Customization$2.99

Questions

Is Digital Japanese Clock free?
Digital Japanese Clock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Custom Word Clock free?
Custom Word Clock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Digital Japanese Clock or Custom Word Clock?
Custom Word Clock is rated higher. Digital Japanese Clock averages 2.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Custom Word Clock averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.
Do Digital Japanese Clock or Custom Word Clock have ads?
Both Digital Japanese Clock and Custom Word Clock show ads.
Which is updated more often, Digital Japanese Clock or Custom Word Clock?
Digital Japanese Clock ships an update every 6 weeks, and Custom Word Clock every 2 weeks. Most recently, Digital Japanese Clock was updated on October 17, 2026 and Custom Word Clock on October 22, 2026.

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