# Hourglass vs GameTimer For BoardGames

The clearest difference is review sentiment: GameTimer For BoardGames at 100% against Hourglass's 30%. GameTimer For BoardGames also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and rating (5.0 vs 4.5). Hourglass's advantage is ratings volume (255 vs 8). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hourglass sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. GameTimer For BoardGames asks for nothing beyond the download.

GameTimer For BoardGames holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hourglass has 255 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 30% of Hourglass's written reviews are positive against 100% of GameTimer For BoardGames's.

Hourglass ships an update weekly, GameTimer For BoardGames every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hourglass | GameTimer For BoardGames |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (255 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hourglass-simple-timer/id6449443481/reviews) | **[5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gametimer-for-boardgames/id6464464402/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **255** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 30.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 52 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Focaccia, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1689143851) | [Takahiro Yoshii](https://appshunter.io/developer/1619002884) |

## What reviewers say

### Hourglass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hourglass-simple-timer/id6449443481)

A visual timer app that uses falling sand to help you track time peacefully. Ideal for focus sessions, meditation, or any activity where a calm sense of time passing is desired. Offers customizable colors and time visibility with a Pro upgrade.

**Highlights:** Visual falling sand timer, Customizable timer durations, Relaxing sand animation, Timer completion notifications, Restart recent timers, Customizable colors (Pro), Toggle time visibility (Pro)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro - Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Hourglass Timer Pro | $4.99 | one-time |


### GameTimer For BoardGames

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gametimer-for-boardgames/id6464464402)

This utility app helps manage board game sessions with up to eight players. Customize player profiles with names and icons, and save game settings for quick restarts. It's designed for a seamless board game experience.

**Highlights:** Supports up to 8 players, Customizable player names and icons, Handicap settings, Game save and reset function, Compatible with various board games

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hourglass free?

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

### Is GameTimer For BoardGames free?

GameTimer For BoardGames is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Hourglass or GameTimer For BoardGames?

GameTimer For BoardGames is rated higher. Hourglass averages 4.5 out of 5 from 255 ratings, while GameTimer For BoardGames averages 5.0 from 8 ratings.

### Do Hourglass or GameTimer For BoardGames have ads?

Both Hourglass and GameTimer For BoardGames show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Hourglass or GameTimer For BoardGames?

Hourglass ships an update weekly, and GameTimer For BoardGames every 2 weeks. Most recently, Hourglass was updated on November 3, 2026 and GameTimer For BoardGames 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.*