Comparison

Simple Timer vs PictoTimer

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

Head to head
About

Simple Timer

This app provides a highly visible countdown timer with a visual ring that empties as time elapses. It offers one-tap presets for common tasks like cooking and workouts, as well as a Pomodoro timer for focused work sessions. The timer continues to function in the background and alerts you with a notification.

Highlights
  • Large, visual countdown ring
  • One-tap presets for cooking and workouts
  • Background timer with notifications
  • Pomodoro timer for focus sessions
  • Screen stays on while timer runs
  • Adjustable focus and break lengths
Features
Read full description

A simple timer that is easy to read and never forgets to ring. BIG AND VISUAL A thick ring empties as time runs out and turns amber, then red, near the end, so you can see the time from across the kitchen or the classroom. ONE-TAP PRESETS - Quick: 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 30 minutes - Kitchen: soft egg, hard egg, tea, pasta, rice, pizza - Workout: rest 30 s, 1 min, 1:30, 2 min, plank, stretch - Or spin the wheel for any time up to 3 hours RINGS WHEN IT SHOULD Timers keep exact time in the background. When the app isn't open or the phone is locked, a notification rings; in the app the alarm repeats until you tap Stop. Add a minute or restart in one tap. POMODORO Focus sprints with short breaks and a longer break every fourth round. Adjust focus and break lengths. The screen stays on while a timer runs. Free with a small banner ad. Remove ads with a one-time purchase. Terms: https://gwpjuotdwvjbekhldtly.supabase.co/functions/v1/legal/terms Privacy: https://gwpjuotdwvjbekhldtly.supabase.co/functions/v1/legal/privacy

About

PictoTimer

Features
Read full description

PictoTimer transforms countdown timers into a visual experience. Watch your photos gradually reveal as time passes, making waiting fun and engaging. PERFECT FOR: • Kids learning time management • Focus sessions and productivity • Cooking and meal prep • Exercise and workout routines • Study breaks and pomodoro sessions • Any activity where you want a visual countdown KEY FEATURES: Photo Timers Create personalized countdown timers using photos from your library or take new ones with your camera. Each timer is unique and meaningful to you. Multiple Reveal Styles Choose from four beautiful animation styles: • Photo Reveal - Watch your image gradually appear from top to bottom • Pixelate - Start with a pixelated image that becomes crystal clear • Puzzle - Assemble your photo piece by piece • Clock Face - Traditional clock hands move over your image Flexible Duration Set timers from seconds to 24 hours. Perfect for quick tasks or extended activities. Multiple Timers Create and save multiple timers for different activities. Organize your day with visual reminders. End Alerts Get notified when your timer completes with a clear sound alert. Live Activities & Widgets Stay on top of your timers with Live Activities on your Lock Screen and Dynamic Island, plus home screen widgets. Privacy First All your photos and timers are stored locally on your device. We don't collect, transmit, or share any of your data. Perfect for parents, students, professionals, and anyone who wants a more engaging way to track time. Make waiting fun with PictoTimer!

Screenshots

Simple Timer4 screens
PictoTimer3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PictoTimer at none against Simple Timer's 1. PictoTimer also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (weekly vs every 23 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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. Simple Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. PictoTimer asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Simple Timer ships an update every 23 months, PictoTimer weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Simple Timer versus PictoTimer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimple TimerPictoTimer
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 23 monthsWeekly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationAd-supported—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPaulius PetrusauskasWilliam Tifft

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Simple Timer

One-time1
  • Remove Ads$2.99
None

PictoTimer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Simple Timer free?
Simple Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PictoTimer free?
PictoTimer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Simple Timer or PictoTimer have ads?
Simple Timer shows ads; PictoTimer does not.
Which is updated more often, Simple Timer or PictoTimer?
Simple Timer ships an update every 23 months, and PictoTimer weekly. Most recently, Simple Timer was updated on November 7, 2026 and PictoTimer on November 5, 2026.

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