# Time Timer vs Smart Steps Mobile

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Time Timer at 63% against Smart Steps Mobile's 0%. Time Timer also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 8 months) and ratings volume (15K vs 3). Smart Steps Mobile's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Time Timer sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.95 per year. Smart Steps Mobile asks for nothing beyond the download.

Time Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Time Timer has 15K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 63% of Time Timer's written reviews are positive against 0% of Smart Steps Mobile's.

Time Timer ships an update every 2 weeks, Smart Steps Mobile every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Time Timer | Smart Steps Mobile |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (15K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/time-timer/id332520417/reviews)** | [4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-steps-mobile/id887603628/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **15K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | **62.9% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 8 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | Freemium |
| Size | 174 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Time Timer LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/332520420) | [SmartSteps](https://appshunter.io/developer/887603631) |

## What reviewers say

### Time Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/time-timer/id332520417)

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:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock all Time Timer features | $9.95 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Helpful for ADHD and autism
- 🚀 Great visual timer
- 👍 Customizable timers
- 👍 Useful for presentations and meetings
- 👍 Indispensable for organization and time management

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unreliable sound/vibration alerts
- 🐛 Inconsistent behavior when phone is locked or app is minimized
- 🐛 Occasional crashes or bugs
- 🔋 Screen turns off during timer
- 👎 Subscription model for some features

**Reported bugs**

- 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**

- 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


### Smart Steps Mobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smart-steps-mobile/id887603628)

This app guides individuals with disabilities through challenging everyday situations with step-by-step instructions and helpful prompts. It offers customizable decision trees, safety tips, and emergency contact features to foster independence and reduce anxiety.

**Highlights:** Step-by-step decision trees, Read-Aloud buttons, Profile screen for information sharing, Map button for directions, Emergency contact features, Customizable decision trees with images (upgrade)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Time Timer free?

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

### Is Smart Steps Mobile free?

Smart Steps Mobile is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Time Timer or Smart Steps Mobile?

Time Timer is rated higher. Time Timer averages 4.6 out of 5 from 15K ratings, while Smart Steps Mobile averages 4.3 from 3 ratings.

### Do Time Timer or Smart Steps Mobile have ads?

Neither Time Timer nor Smart Steps Mobile shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Time Timer or Smart Steps Mobile?

Time Timer ships an update every 2 weeks, and Smart Steps Mobile every 8 months. Most recently, Time Timer was updated on September 27, 2026 and Smart Steps Mobile on September 20, 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.*