# Spark vs Simple Timer & Stopwatch

The clearest difference is rating: Spark at 4.8 against Simple Timer & Stopwatch's 1.0. Spark also leads on ratings volume (7.5K vs 1) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months). Simple Timer & Stopwatch's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Spark sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Simple Timer & Stopwatch asks for nothing beyond the download.

Spark holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Spark has 7.5K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Spark ships an update every 5 weeks, Simple Timer & Stopwatch every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Spark | Simple Timer & Stopwatch |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (7.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spark-shift-calendar/id390915382/reviews)** | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-timer-and-stopwatch/id6737737475/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **7.5K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 74.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 10 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [E.L.K. Equities LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1775442602) | [Cong Le](https://appshunter.io/developer/954373766) |

## What reviewers say

### Spark

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spark-shift-calendar/id390915382)

This app simplifies shift work for professionals like first responders and healthcare workers. It offers full customization, secure cloud syncing, and streamlined shift trading. Plan your life and stay organized with instant visual cues and reliable support.

**Highlights:** Full shift customization, Secure cloud sync, Streamlined shift trades, Instant visual cues, Comprehensive shift coverage, User-friendly interface

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Annual Subscription Renewal | $0.99 | one-time |
| Initial Annual Subscription | $5.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent calendar app
- 👍 Easy to use and set up
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 💡 Customizable and feature-rich
- 👍 Great for shift work and emergency services

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 💰 Subscription model and pricing issues
- 🔧 Needs more frequent updates
- 🔧 Compatibility issues with newer devices
- 🔧 Lack of certain features (e.g., widgets, dark mode)

**Reported bugs**

- Login and authentication problems
- Data loss and sync issues after updates
- Unreliable performance on some devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to sync with more calendar services
- More customization options
- Improved user interface and design
- Ability to view past schedules and events


### Simple Timer & Stopwatch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-timer-and-stopwatch/id6737737475)

This app provides a clear and responsive timer and stopwatch with large time displays for everyday tasks, study, and lessons. It offers customizable layouts, presets, and history tracking, with optional features like showing the current time and keeping the screen awake. Live Activities display your timer or stopwatch on the Lock Screen and Dynamic Island.

**Highlights:** Large time displays, Customizable layouts, Preset durations, Live Activities integration, Offline functionality, History tracking, Screen awake option

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Spark free?

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

### Is Simple Timer & Stopwatch free?

Simple Timer & Stopwatch is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Spark or Simple Timer & Stopwatch?

Spark is rated higher. Spark averages 4.8 out of 5 from 7.5K ratings, while Simple Timer & Stopwatch averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Spark or Simple Timer & Stopwatch have ads?

Neither Spark nor Simple Timer & Stopwatch shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Spark or Simple Timer & Stopwatch?

Spark ships an update every 5 weeks, and Simple Timer & Stopwatch every 3 months. Most recently, Spark was updated on October 14, 2026 and Simple Timer & Stopwatch on September 29, 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.*