# Repeat Timer vs Periodic Timer

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Periodic Timer at none against Repeat Timer's 4. Periodic Timer also leads on ads (none vs shown). Repeat Timer's advantage is ratings volume (535 vs 167). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Repeat Timer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Periodic Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.2 for Repeat Timer against 4.1 for Periodic Timer. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 535 and 167 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 45% of Repeat Timer's written reviews are positive against 52% of Periodic Timer's.

Repeat Timer ships an update monthly, Periodic Timer every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Repeat Timer | Periodic Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (535 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/repeat-timer/id443410415/reviews)** | [4.1 (167 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer/id933241656/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **535** | 167 |
| Positive reviews | 45.4% of reviews | **52.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Size | 90 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Foobar Creative](https://appshunter.io/developer/464777525) | [Vladimir Kelin](https://appshunter.io/developer/933241655) |

## What reviewers say

### Repeat Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/repeat-timer/id443410415)

This app provides a flexible repeating timer for work and relaxation. Set custom durations and repeat counts, and receive notifications for each cycle. It integrates with widgets, Siri, and Apple Watch for seamless use.

**Highlights:** Customizable duration and repeat count, Background notifications, Home and Lock Screen widgets, Siri and Shortcuts integration, Apple Watch companion app, Quick entry for common timers

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Repeat Timer Premium Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Repeat Timer Premium Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Repeat Timer Premium Annual | $14.99 | per year |
| Premium Upgrade | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent repeat timer
- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 👍 Versatile for various use cases
- 👍 Good notification sounds
- 👍 Helpful for productivity and exercise

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Limited free version, requires subscription for full features
- 🐛 Notifications/alarms not always reliable
- 🐛 Occasional crashes or freezes
- 🔋 Drains battery when running in background
- 🔒 Lack of customization options in free version

**Reported bugs**

- Timers not working consistently in background
- Apple Watch integration issues
- Inconsistent behavior when setting longer timer durations

**Requested features**

- Ability to set custom intervals (e.g. 8 seconds)
- Option for alternating interval lengths
- Vibration mode for silent notifications
- Ability to pause/resume timers
- More timer sound options


### Periodic Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer/id933241656)

This app provides a simple, repeating interval timer that can run in the background without distracting you. It offers customizable alerts, quick start options, and prevents your screen from locking while active. Ideal for various activities like fitness, cooking, and learning.

**Highlights:** Repeating interval timer, Background operation, Customizable alerts (vibration/sound), Prevent lockscreen, Shake to start, Multiple timer output modes

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive interface
- ⏱️ Effective repeating/interval timer functionality
- 🎯 Does exactly what it's designed to do
- 🔇 Vibration-only option available
- 📱 Works in background with screen off

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔊 Sound/notification issues (unreliable or missing)
- 💰 Aggressive premium upselling in free version
- 🐛 Timer cancels when phone is shaken
- 🔋 Activates heart rate sensor, drains battery
- 📵 Doesn't work reliably with screen locked

**Reported bugs**

- Sound/notifications fail to trigger despite settings enabled
- Timer cancels when phone is shaken or moved
- Vibration doesn't work when screen is locked or off
- App crashes on launch (especially after updates)
- Watch app crashes or doesn't function

**Requested features**

- Adjustable sound volume and custom alert sounds
- Customizable vibration patterns
- Settings menu for user preferences
- Ability to add notes/labels to timers
- Seconds-only timer option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Repeat Timer free?

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

### Is Periodic Timer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Repeat Timer or Periodic Timer?

Repeat Timer is rated higher. Repeat Timer averages 4.2 out of 5 from 535 ratings, while Periodic Timer averages 4.1 from 167 ratings.

### Do Repeat Timer or Periodic Timer have ads?

Repeat Timer shows ads; Periodic Timer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Repeat Timer or Periodic Timer?

Repeat Timer ships an update monthly, and Periodic Timer every 2 months. Most recently, Repeat Timer was updated on September 25, 2026 and Periodic Timer on September 24, 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.*