Comparison

Time Timer vs Surprise Button

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

Head to head
About

Time Timer

This app provides a visual representation of time passing, making it easier to manage tasks and routines. It's designed to be inclusive and flexible for various needs, from educational settings to personal productivity.

Highlights
  • Iconic visual timer with disappearing disk
  • Inclusive design for various needs
  • Flexible routine creation and sequencing
  • Multiple timers and preset options
  • Customizable sound, vibration, and color
Features
Read full description

Feel time move. Stay on track. Stress less. From the makers of the original red disk timer, the Time Timer® App transforms the powerful visual tool trusted by families, teachers, therapists, and productivity pros for over 30 years into a fully customizable experience on your device. Whether you’re helping students build focus, supporting kids through daily routines, or simply managing your own tasks without overwhelm—Time Timer makes time feel more tangible and manageable. What Makes Time Timer Different? Iconic Visual Timer Watch time disappear as the disk gets smaller—a simple, intuitive way to feel time passing, not just track it. Inclusive by Design Trusted by people with ADHD, Autism, executive function challenges, or just a busy brain. Invented by a mom for her child, Time Timer has supported users of all abilities for decades. Flexible for Every Routine Use it once or build structured sequences. Create presets for daily habits. Run multiple timers at once. Make routines visual and calm transitions. Trusted in Schools, Homes & Workplaces From kindergarten classrooms to therapy sessions to boardrooms, Time Timer helps reduce resistance, improve focus, and make time awareness easier for everyone. Free Features Include: Create up to 3 timers Run multiple timers at once Use the original 60-minute red disk — or choose any duration Adjust sound, vibration, and color with limited options Premium Features Unlock Even More: Unlimited customization Build routines with timer sequencing (morning checklists, therapy steps, work sprints) Organize timers with Groups Sync across mobile and desktop devices Quick Set +/- buttons for fast adjustments Customize disk size and detail level Use Time Timer For: Morning and bedtime routines Homework and study blocks Transitions between tasks Work sprints and focus sessions Therapy, coaching, or classroom support Daily life skills for kids, teens, and adults Why It Works Time Timer® transforms time from something abstract and invisible into something your eyes can track and your brain can trust. That’s why it’s backed by research, loved by educators, and recommended by occupational therapists worldwide. Created for real life. Trusted for decades. Download Time Timer today and feel the difference.

About

Surprise Button

Features
Read full description

Ready to turn everyday screen time into shared family discovery? **SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED:** Full access to content requires an active subscription. Start with a 7-day free trial, then auto-renews annually through an in-app subscription (pricing varies by region). Payment is charged to your Apple ID at the end of the trial, and you can cancel anytime by going to Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions. Terms of Use: https://surprisebutton.com/terms/ • Privacy Policy: https://surprisebutton.com/privacy/ Surprise Button is a family-friendly iPad experience built for curious explorers and the adults who guide them. With one tap, each profile opens a curated world of articles, videos, and activities spanning science, history, art, coding, and more. Families uncover delightful “unknown unknowns” as new topics bubble up, while content adapts over time using privacy-conscious analytics so every household keeps seeing fresh surprises that fit their interests. **How it works** 1. **Tap the Surprise Button:** Skip the menus—every tap launches a new, age-aware discovery handpicked by our editorial team. 2. **Explore together:** Learners stay within the surprisebutton.com platform, enjoying moderated, ad-free content that never jumps out to the open web. 3. **Stay in the loop:** Adults can opt in to a daily email recap with topics explored, time in app, and ready-made conversation starters for the dinner table. **Family-safe by design** * **Curated discovery paths:** We design and review every piece for developmentally appropriate bands, from emerging readers to early teens. * **Parent-managed controls:** Parental gates protect purchases, settings, and outbound links so grown-ups stay in charge. * **Privacy-first insights:** We never sell data or run third-party ads. Usage signals stay inside Surprise Button to improve recommendations. * **Learning made delightful:** Short-form explainers, creative prompts, and interactive activities turn serendipitous finds into lasting curiosity—without overwhelming choice. **Built for families and educators** Surprise Button fits into homeschool routines, after-school enrichment, and dinner-table discussions alike. It supports self-directed exploration while keeping guardians informed and in control. **Start exploring together** Download Surprise Button and begin your 7-day free trial today. Full access to the surprise library requires an active subscription once the trial ends.

Screenshots

Time Timer4 screens
Surprise Button4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: Time Timer at 4 against Surprise Button's 2. Time Timer also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads and in-app purchases 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. Time Timer sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.95 per year and Surprise Button sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $99.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Time Timer versus Surprise Button: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTime TimerSurprise Button
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (15K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews62.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings15K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size174 MB1 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperTime Timer LLCSU LLC

Bugs and requests

Time Timer

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • No timers show up in app
  • Timer stops working when phone is locked
  • Inconsistent dark mode implementation
  • Vibration doesn't work as expected

Requested features

7 requests
  • Add Apple Watch complication
  • Allow rearranging of timers
  • Ability to continue timer after time is up
  • Option to change timer color and background
  • Lock timer settings on Apple Watch
Show 2 more
  • Add percentage countdown option
  • Integrate current time into app

Surprise Button

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Time Timer

Subscriptions1
  • Unlock all Time Timer features$9.951 Year
1 purchases

Surprise Button

Subscriptions1
  • Premium Yearly7 Days trial$99.991 Year

Questions

Is Time Timer free?
Time Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Surprise Button free?
Surprise Button is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Time Timer or Surprise Button have ads?
Neither Time Timer nor Surprise Button shows ads.

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