# JoyaTimer vs Side Search

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Side Search at none against JoyaTimer's 1. Side Search also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 months). JoyaTimer's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 27.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. JoyaTimer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Side Search asks for nothing beyond the download.

JoyaTimer ships an update every 2 months, Side Search every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on August 26, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | JoyaTimer | Side Search |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[2.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/joyatimer/id495395194/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2** | — |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 16 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 27.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Daishin Ueyama](https://appshunter.io/developer/495395197) | [Cizzuk Shihu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1674098361) |

## What reviewers say

### JoyaTimer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/joyatimer/id495395194)

This app helps you precisely time bell strikes, inspired by a Japanese New Year's tradition. It allows customization of strike intervals and counts, with a special mode to ensure the final strike lands exactly at midnight. Features include sound and vibration alerts, with additional modes for quick starts and timing challenges.

**Highlights:** Customizable strike interval and count, Joya Mode for precise midnight timing, Sound and vibration alerts, Device stays awake while timer runs, Compass for orientation, Start Now and Game Mode (Beta)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Donate a cup of coffee. | $0.99 | one-time |


### Side Search

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/side-search/id6756973793)

Launch your preferred AI assistant or search engine using the Side Button or Action Button. Customize assistants with custom URLs or integrate with Apple Foundation Models, Claude API, or Google Gemini API.

**Highlights:** Launch AI assistants via Side/Action Button, Custom URL-based assistants, Apple Foundation Models integration, Claude API support, Google Gemini API support, Side Bridge for custom endpoints

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is JoyaTimer free?

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

### Is Side Search free?

Side Search is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do JoyaTimer or Side Search have ads?

Neither JoyaTimer nor Side Search shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, JoyaTimer or Side Search?

JoyaTimer ships an update every 2 months, and Side Search every 6 days. Most recently, JoyaTimer was updated on August 26, 2026 and Side Search on September 16, 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.*