# Interval Timer Alarm vs Periodic Timer

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Periodic Timer at none against Interval Timer Alarm's 1. Periodic Timer also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 11 months). Interval Timer Alarm's advantage is iOS requirement (15 vs 17.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Interval Timer Alarm sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Periodic Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Periodic Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Periodic Timer has 167 ratings behind it against 18, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 49% of Interval Timer Alarm's written reviews are positive against 52% of Periodic Timer's.

Interval Timer Alarm ships an update every 11 months, Periodic Timer every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Interval Timer Alarm | Periodic Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/interval-timer-alarm/id591668763/reviews) | **[4.1 (167 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer/id933241656/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 18 | **167** |
| Positive reviews | 48.6% of reviews | **52.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 12 MB | 23 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [SHIGETO TAKAGI](https://appshunter.io/developer/519611619) | [Vladimir Kelin](https://appshunter.io/developer/933241655) |

## What reviewers say

### Interval Timer Alarm

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/interval-timer-alarm/id591668763)

This free productivity app provides customizable interval timers with repeating alarms and vibrations. It's designed for various uses like study sessions, interval training, and time management, ensuring continuous operation even on lock screens.

**Highlights:** Customizable interval timers, Repeating alarms and vibrations, Notes for each interval, Two sound types, Optional seconds count sound, Background operation

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |


### 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 Interval Timer Alarm free?

Interval Timer Alarm 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, Interval Timer Alarm or Periodic Timer?

Periodic Timer is rated higher. Interval Timer Alarm averages 3.9 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while Periodic Timer averages 4.1 from 167 ratings.

### Do Interval Timer Alarm or Periodic Timer have ads?

Interval Timer Alarm shows ads; Periodic Timer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Interval Timer Alarm or Periodic Timer?

Interval Timer Alarm ships an update every 11 months, and Periodic Timer every 2 months. Most recently, Interval Timer Alarm was updated on September 21, 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.*