# Sandglass3 vs Sand Timer

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.

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Sandglass3 | Sand Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandglass3/id386488183/reviews) | **[3.8 (150 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-timer-countdown-clock/id1205335548/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 11 | **150** |
| Positive reviews | **43.8% of reviews** | 6.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | Every 8 months |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 43 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Keietsu Yasuhara](https://appshunter.io/developer/378538320) | [Vicki Partridge](https://appshunter.io/developer/1114861973) |

## 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


### Sand Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-timer-countdown-clock/id1205335548)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly Subscription | $9.99 | per year |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*