# Sandglass3 vs Timer

The clearest difference is rating: Timer at 4.4 against Sandglass3's 2.7. Timer also leads on review sentiment (75% vs 44%) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 8 months). Sandglass3's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Timer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per month. Sandglass3 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Timer has 81 ratings behind it against 11, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of Sandglass3's written reviews are positive against 75% of Timer's.

Sandglass3 ships an update every 8 months, Timer fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sandglass3 | Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandglass3/id386488183/reviews) | **[4.4 (81 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timer-kitchen-timer-and-stopwatch/id1085996619/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 11 | **81** |
| Positive reviews | 43.8% of reviews | **75.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 43 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Keietsu Yasuhara](https://appshunter.io/developer/378538320) | [woodsmall inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/708077492) |

## What reviewers say

### Sandglass3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandglass3/id386488183)

This app simulates a realistic hourglass with customizable timer durations. Users can flip the hourglass by swiping or rotating their device. It offers optional sound alerts and automatic rotation upon completion.

**Highlights:** Realistic hourglass simulation, 1, 3, and 6-minute timers, Swipe to flip hourglass, Rotate device to flip, Chime alert on completion, Automatic rotation option

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/timer-kitchen-timer-and-stopwatch/id1085996619)

This utility app provides a simple and stylish timer and stopwatch. It offers background notifications, customizable themes and alarm sounds, and vibration options. An optional plugin can remove ads.

**Highlights:** Background timer notifications, Selectable theme colors, Selectable alarm sounds, Vibration on/off, Tablet support

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly plan | $0.49 | per month |
| Annual plan | $5.99 | per year |
| Pay in full | $6.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sandglass3 free?

Sandglass3 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Timer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Sandglass3 or Timer?

Timer is rated higher. Sandglass3 averages 2.7 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Timer averages 4.4 from 81 ratings.

### Do Sandglass3 or Timer have ads?

Both Sandglass3 and Timer show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sandglass3 or Timer?

Sandglass3 ships an update every 8 months, and Timer fortnightly. Most recently, Sandglass3 was updated on September 16, 2026 and Timer on September 17, 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.*