Comparison

Pace Ruler vs Today Was

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

Head to head
About

Pace Ruler

This tool uses GNSS to measure distances accurately on foot. Survey results can be viewed on an iOS map and shared easily. Customize units, calculation methods, and accuracy settings for precise measurements.

Highlights
  • GNSS distance surveying
  • iOS map integration
  • File sharing of results
  • Customizable units (meter, foot)
  • Multiple distance calculation methods
  • Adjustable GNSS accuracy
  • Automatic shut-off
Read full description

This simple tool utilizes GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) to survey distances on foot. The survey results, or tracking data, can be conveniently checked using an iOS map and are easily shareable via file sharing. Settings: - Remove Ads: This option removes ads via in-app purchase and displays a toolbar. - Units: Choose between meter, international foot, or U.S. survey foot. - Distance Calculation Methods: Options include iOS Default, Haversine, Hubeny (Simple Formula), Bowring, or Hubeny (Original). Bowring's method offers the best accuracy. - Reference Ellipsoid: Choose between WGS84 or GRS80. - GNSS Accuracy: Specify the allowed range of error. - Automatic Shut Off: If there's no movement for about 5 minutes, surveying will stop automatically. - Do Not Use Thumbnail: This option hides thumbnails. - Use Light Mode for Maps: The map is displayed in light mode even if you are using dark mode. Notice: Continued use of GNSS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.

About

Today Was

Features
Read full description

Some days disappear before you have time to write them down. Today Was makes keeping them simple: open the app, speak naturally, and save the moment in your own words. Today Was is a private, voice-first journal for remembering everyday life without the pressure of writing the perfect entry. Keep your Verbatim transcript alongside a Cleaned version that turns scattered thoughts into clearer, more cohesive sentences without inventing details. CAPTURE THE DAY YOUR WAY • Speak or type a memory • Keep the original transcript and optional audio • Attach multiple photos, browse them in a full-screen gallery, and add another moment to the same day • Highlight the days you want to find again • Personalize Today with a background photo and readable, adaptive contrast REMEMBER THE WHOLE SETTING With your permission, Today Was can add a place, weather, and moon phase to a memory. Your journal works offline after setup: write, search, and save locally without service; weather and map details can refresh when you reconnect. FIND YOUR WAY BACK Browse your journal as a timeline or calendar, search your words and tags on-device, revisit highlighted days, and set a discreet daily reminder. BUILT FOR PRIVACY New journal entries, transcripts, photos, audio, settings, and saved day context are encrypted and stored on your device. Search and Cleaned writing run on-device after your vault is unlocked. You choose whether to add location or weather context. YOUR STORY, PORTABLE Create a decrypted export with your words and media when you want a copy you control, then import it later. There is no automatic cloud backup or multi-device sync, so keep your recovery key and exports somewhere safe. Your first 10 memories are free. Unlock Full Journal with one non-consumable, one-time in-app purchase—no subscription—and keep adding to your story. Say today. Keep it true.

Screenshots

Pace Ruler3 screens
Today Was4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Today Was at none against Pace Ruler's shown. Pace Ruler's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price and in-app purchases 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

Both are free to download. Pace Ruler sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Today Was sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Pace Ruler versus Today Was: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPace RulerToday Was
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.6 (13 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews37.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings13 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 months—
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTakafumi AMANOCharged Alpha

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Pace Ruler

One-time1
  • Remove Ads$1.99
1 purchases

Today Was

One-time1
  • Full Journal$29.99

Questions

Is Pace Ruler free?
Pace Ruler is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Today Was free?
Today Was is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Pace Ruler or Today Was have ads?
Pace Ruler shows ads; Today Was does not.

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