# Minimalistic Countdown Timer vs Sidebar | Fast Notes

The clearest difference is rating: Sidebar | Fast Notes at 5.0 against Minimalistic Countdown Timer's 4.0. Sidebar | Fast Notes also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and review sentiment (100% vs 72%). Minimalistic Countdown Timer's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.6). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Minimalistic Countdown Timer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per year. Sidebar | Fast Notes asks for nothing beyond the download.

Sidebar | Fast Notes holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 12 and 7 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of Minimalistic Countdown Timer's written reviews are positive against 100% of Sidebar | Fast Notes's.

Minimalistic Countdown Timer ships an update monthly, Sidebar | Fast Notes every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Minimalistic Countdown Timer | Sidebar | Fast Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minimalistic-countdown-timer/id612374149/reviews) | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sidebar-fast-notes/id6450434079/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **12** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 72.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 26 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Igor Donkov](https://appshunter.io/developer/612374152) | [Chris Woods](https://appshunter.io/developer/1693297958) |

## What reviewers say

### Minimalistic Countdown Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/minimalistic-countdown-timer/id612374149)

This app provides a simple and intuitive way to set countdown timers with customizable options. It features large, visible numbers, optional sounds, and extended time tracking for presentations and practice. Its minimalist design ensures easy use and a clean aesthetic.

**Highlights:** Easy swipe and tap time setting, Autorestart, Count Down, Count Up, Extended time tracking, Optional sounds and loud ringer, Minute or Unit based counting, Large, highly visible numbers, Ignorable timeout screen

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PRO Yearly | $1.99 | per year |
| PRO Lifetime | $3.99 | one-time |


### Sidebar | Fast Notes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sidebar-fast-notes/id6450434079)

Quickly capture thoughts and ideas without the need for organization. Entries are timestamped logs that can be tagged as to-dos or personal wins/losses. Syncs across devices with custom themes and a stealth mode.

**Highlights:** Instant note capture, Timestamped entries, To-do list integration, Personal scoreboard, Cross-device sync, Custom themes, Stealth mode

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Minimalistic Countdown Timer free?

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

### Is Sidebar | Fast Notes free?

Sidebar | Fast Notes is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Minimalistic Countdown Timer or Sidebar | Fast Notes?

Sidebar | Fast Notes is rated higher. Minimalistic Countdown Timer averages 4.0 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Sidebar | Fast Notes averages 5.0 from 7 ratings.

### Do Minimalistic Countdown Timer or Sidebar | Fast Notes have ads?

Neither Minimalistic Countdown Timer nor Sidebar | Fast Notes shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Minimalistic Countdown Timer or Sidebar | Fast Notes?

Minimalistic Countdown Timer ships an update monthly, and Sidebar | Fast Notes every 2 months. Most recently, Minimalistic Countdown Timer was updated on November 1, 2026 and Sidebar | Fast Notes on November 3, 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.*