Comparison

Sandglass3 vs Sand Timer

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

Head to head
About

Sandglass3

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
Read full description

It's a very simple, yet realistic hourglass. - Choose from a 1-minute, 3-minute, or 6-minute timer (check the remaining time at the bottom of the screen to determine the correct time). - Swipe the screen horizontally or turn your iPhone sideways and then back to portrait to flip the hourglass over. - You can display the remaining time and play a chime when the timer finishes. - You can set it to rotate automatically once all the sand has fallen. Staring at it is soothing...maybe.

About

Sand Timer

This app provides a visually engaging and intuitive way to track time with realistic sand flow animations. It's perfect for various activities like studying, workouts, or cooking, offering customizable themes and sound alerts to keep you on track.

Highlights
  • Realistic sand flow animation
  • Adjustable timer settings
  • Multiple timers management
  • Customizable themes
  • Sound alerts
Features
Read full description

Looking for a simple, reliable timer for your activities? Whether you’re timing a study session, a workout, or simply need a quick way to track time, Sand Timer has you covered! With its realistic sand flow animation, you’ll experience the soothing and intuitive feel of a traditional hourglass, right on your phone. Sand Timer offers a simple, visually engaging way to keep track of time, whether you’re managing your productivity, setting a cooking timer, or just need a quick countdown. It’s easy to set, fun to use, and helps you stay on track for all your timing needs. Top Features You’ll Love: Sand Animation – Watch the sand flow smoothly through the timer, providing a calming and visually pleasing experience while you track your time. Adjustable Timer Settings – Set the timer for any duration you need, from seconds to hours, with the ability to quickly adjust for all types of activities. Multiple Timers – Create and manage multiple timers at once to keep track of various tasks simultaneously. Customizable Themes – Choose from a variety of themes to match your style, whether you prefer a minimalist design or a more vibrant look. Sound Alerts – Get notified when your time is up with a sound alert, making sure you never miss an important moment. Who Can Use Sand Timer? Sand Timer is perfect for anyone who needs a simple, elegant timer. Whether you’re a student needing a Pomodoro timer, a cook timing recipes, or someone just needing a visual countdown, Sand Timer is easy to use and designed to fit your needs. Download Sand Timer today and add a little more calm and focus to your day! EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Sandglass34 screens
Sand Timer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Sand Timer at 3.8 against Sandglass3's 2.7. Sand Timer also leads on ratings volume (150 vs 11). Sandglass3's advantage is review sentiment (44% vs 6%) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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. Sand Timer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Sandglass3 asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Sand Timer holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sand Timer has 150 ratings behind it against 11, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 44% of Sandglass3's written reviews are positive against 6% of Sand Timer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Sandglass3 versus Sand Timer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSandglass3Sand Timer
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.7 (11 ratings)3.8 (150 ratings) — better
Positive reviews43.8% of reviews — better6.5% of reviews
Number of ratings11150 — better
Update frequencyEvery 8 monthsEvery 8 months
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationAd-supported — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS9.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size43 MB18 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKeietsu YasuharaVicki Partridge

Customer experience

Sandglass3

All ratings11 ratings
Positive36.4%
Neutral9.1%
Negative54.5%
Written reviews16 reviews
Positive43.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative56.3%

Sand Timer

All ratings150 ratings
Positive64.7%
Neutral8.7%
Negative26.7%
Written reviews62 reviews
Positive6.5%
Neutral4.8%
Negative88.7%

In-app purchases

None

Sandglass3

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

Sand Timer

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly Subscription7 Days trial$0.997 Days
  • Monthly Subscription7 Days trial$2.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription7 Days trial$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • Remove Ads$1.99

Questions

Is Sandglass3 free?
Sandglass3 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Sand Timer free?
Sand Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Sandglass3 or Sand Timer?
Sand Timer is rated higher. Sandglass3 averages 2.7 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Sand Timer averages 3.8 from 150 ratings.
Do Sandglass3 or Sand Timer have ads?
Both Sandglass3 and Sand Timer show ads.
Which is updated more often, Sandglass3 or Sand Timer?
Sandglass3 ships an update every 8 months, and Sand Timer every 8 months. Most recently, Sandglass3 was updated on September 16, 2026 and Sand Timer on September 22, 2026.

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