# The Clocks vs ZenClock

The clearest difference is rating: The Clocks at 4.5 against ZenClock's 4.0. The Clocks also leads on review sentiment (78% vs 50%) and ratings volume (22K vs 4). ZenClock's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Clocks sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and ZenClock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

The Clocks holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: The Clocks has 22K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 78% of The Clocks's written reviews are positive against 50% of ZenClock's.

The Clocks ships an update every 2 weeks, ZenClock every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Clocks | ZenClock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (22K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-clocks-alarm-world-clock/id403684793/reviews)** | [4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zenclock-minimal-clock/id953822313/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **22K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **78.4% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 21 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Meanterm Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/403684796) | [Socially Conscious Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/302019503) |

## What reviewers say

### The Clocks

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-clocks-alarm-world-clock/id403684793)

This app offers a variety of clock styles including flip, digital, and analog. It features customizable alarms with music options, a world clock for multiple locations, and several user-friendly controls for brightness, touch lock, and flashlight activation.

**Highlights:** Flip, Digital, and Analog clock types, In-app music alarms, World clock with 500+ cities, Customizable clock appearance, Adjustable snooze interval, Flashlight by shaking

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Clocks Premium Upgrade | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💻 Excellent clock app
- ⏰ Great for alarms and timers
- 🎨 Customizable clock faces and styles
- 🔍 Large, easy-to-read display
- 🌙 Dimmable screen for nighttime use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Alarm issues (doesn't always sound, short duration)
- 🔒 Concerns about privacy and data access
- 🔄 Orientation/rotation problems
- 🔆 Brightness changes can be disruptive
- 💲 Paid upgrade may be required for some features

**Reported bugs**

- Clock style randomly changes
- Alarm doesn't work when device is locked
- App freezes or crashes occasionally
- Time displayed on home screen is incorrect

**Requested features**

- Add timer and stopwatch functions
- Allow custom alarm sounds/music
- Improve alarm reliability and duration
- Provide more clock face/style options
- Add date display


### ZenClock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zenclock-minimal-clock/id953822313)

This app transforms your iPad or iPhone into a visually appealing desk clock. It offers interactive time displays with customizable background color modes, including a unique spectrum that cycles through millions of colors over time.

**Highlights:** Minimalist design, Interactive time display, Widgets for quick access, Single background color modes, Color Clock modes with spectrum cycling, Optimized for desk stands

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Zen Clock Plus Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Zen Clock Plus Yearly | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Clocks free?

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

### Is ZenClock free?

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

### Which has better reviews, The Clocks or ZenClock?

The Clocks is rated higher. The Clocks averages 4.5 out of 5 from 22K ratings, while ZenClock averages 4.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do The Clocks or ZenClock have ads?

The Clocks shows ads; ZenClock does not.

### Which is updated more often, The Clocks or ZenClock?

The Clocks ships an update every 2 weeks, and ZenClock every 3 months. Most recently, The Clocks was updated on November 11, 2026 and ZenClock on November 1, 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.*