Comparison

Countdown vs GateMate Pro

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Countdown

A minimalist, full-screen timer app designed for high visibility. It offers stopwatch, timer, and clock modes with customizable alerts and advanced control options. Ideal for events and games where a clear time display is essential.

Highlights
  • Full-screen countdown timer
  • Stopwatch, timer, and clock modes
  • Customizable chime or air horn alerts
  • Adjustable countdown duration up to 10 hours
  • Color-coded time display
  • Optional tenths of a second display
  • Bluetooth keyboard control
Features
Read full description

Replace the old sand timer in your favorite game with one that packs a punch! The countdown takes center stage in this app as a full-screen timer counts down the seconds. Run silently, or play a chime or air horn sound to let everyone know that time is up! Perfect for TV broadcasts, classrooms, debates, game shows, sporting events, or anywhere a highly visible stopwatch, timer, or clock with a streamlined appearance is needed. Features: + Beautiful design, maximizing countdown visibility + Tap anywhere to start or stop the countdown + Three modes - stopwatch, timer, or clock + Set a countdown up to 10 hours + Display the time in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple Advanced features: + Optionally show tenths of a second during the last minute for extra excitement + Optionally flash during the last ten seconds + Optionally play an air horn or a chime sound when time is up + Optionally show elapsed time after the timer reaches 0:00 (double-tap or long-press the Timer icon on the settings screen to choose) + The device will not sleep while the timer is running + Background notifications make sure you know when your timer ends + Double-tap the time on the settings screen to switch between 1, 5, and 15-second increments Super-advanced features: + Control the timer remotely using a Bluetooth keyboard: The space bar starts/stops, escape resets, and you can change the countdown time by typing a number followed by enter. + Display the timer on an external screen using AirPlay mirroring, while keeping the controls visible only on your device! + Use side-by-side with other apps on iPad in slide-over or split-view mode

About

GateMate Pro

Features
Read full description

GateMate Pro is the ultimate airport access companion for pilots, airline crew, and airport staff who need quick and secure access to gate codes. With built-in Face ID or passcode protection, your data stays safe and accessible only to you. Effortlessly add, manage, and retrieve gate codes through a streamlined interface, and locate nearby gates with precision using in-app location features. Whether you're navigating busy airports or streamlining crew access, GateMate Pro keeps you connected and in control. Terms of Use: [Apple EULA](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/)

Screenshots

Countdown4 screens
GateMate Pro4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Countdown at $1.99 against GateMate Pro's $2.99. On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Countdown costs $1.99 and GateMate Pro $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Countdown ships an update every 2 months, GateMate Pro every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Countdown versus GateMate Pro: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCountdownGateMate Pro
Price$1.99 — better$2.99
Rating4.1 (41 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews79.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings41 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS18.018.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBitBit AppsFrancisco Rodriguez

Bugs and requests

Countdown

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App cannot be quit on iOS 12.4
  • Phone heats up and slows down (reported once)
  • AirPlay/external display rotation issues (upside down/cut off)
  • Screen turns off after timer ends, requiring unlock

Requested features

24 requests
  • Show elapsed time after countdown ends
  • Airhorn as an option to start a countdown
  • European clock format (24h)
  • Countdown to a specific date and time
  • Add seconds to the clock display
Show 19 more
  • Fully hide menu/iPhone switchbar
  • Six-digit format
  • Multiple timers open simultaneously
  • Changeable background colors
  • Selectable/longer horn sound
  • Control from Apple Watch
  • Timer visible in other apps/home screen
  • Beep chime for the last 3 seconds
  • Flash color matching clock color
  • Prevent screen from shutting off when app is open
  • Option for alarm to repeat
  • Customizable 'countdown to start' feature
  • More sound variations
  • Visual clue for count-up feature
  • Count up screen background white only if flash is on
  • Tap twice anywhere to reset
  • Second, non-air horn, pleasant chime sound
  • Option to show seconds for clock display
  • Portrait mode option

GateMate Pro

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Countdown

No in-app purchases

None

GateMate Pro

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Countdown free?
Countdown costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is GateMate Pro free?
GateMate Pro costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Countdown or GateMate Pro have ads?
Neither Countdown nor GateMate Pro shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Countdown or GateMate Pro?
Countdown ships an update every 2 months, and GateMate Pro every 4 months. Most recently, Countdown was updated on November 6, 2026 and GateMate Pro on October 25, 2026.

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