Comparison

Instant Timer vs Zen Bell Timer

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

Head to head
About

Instant Timer

Features
Read full description

START TIMERS INSTANTLY With Instant Timer, you can start timers quicker than with other apps. HOW IT WORKS Other timer apps usually require you to first set a duration before the timer can start. With Instant Timer, it's the other way around: First, you start a new timer. Then, while this timer is already running, you set its duration. This is why timers can be started so quickly with Instant Timer. LESS STRESS With Instant Timer, you first start a timer and then set the duration afterward. That way you can take the stress out of the moment and set the duration when it suits you best. GREAT FOR COOKING Imagine you are cooking. The water boils, but you also must hurry to finish chopping the vegetables. You quickly put the ingredients into the water - but for how long again? Take the heat out of the moment: Start a timer for the water now, finish chopping the vegetables, and then you have all the time in the world to dig out the recipe and set the water timer's duration accordingly. MANY USE CASES Instant Timer is a flexible tool that can be used for all kinds of situations, including: • Productivity • Cooking • Tea timers • Sports • Presentation rehearsals • When someone asks you to start a timer and you don't even know why yet • Whatever other special use cases you may have in your life Download Instant Timer now and find out how Instant Timer can be the right tool for things in your life. OTHER FEATURES • Manage multiple timers at once • Notifications for active timers • Clean and focused design DOWNLOAD INSTANT TIMER NOW Download Instant Timer now for free. --- ALREADY HAVE INSTANT TIMER INSTALLED? If you enjoy using Instant Timer, consider subscribing to one of the ad-free subscriptions to support its development ;) --- Terms of Use: https://instanttimer.viewout.net/terms-and-conditions/

About

Zen Bell Timer

Features
Read full description

〇Introducing "Zen Bell Timer" Zen Bell Timer” is a timer application that can be used for meditation, yoga, relaxation, and sleep onset. The application uses the “Tamayurarin”, a much-loved item in Japan, and features a dignified and pleasant sound. The actual “Tamayurarin” is characterized by its round shape and swaying motion, and you can enjoy the swaying motion in the application as well. The simple interface makes it easy to use. 〇Characteristic ・This is a timer application using “Tamayura-ring”, a bell with a characteristic round shape. ・Simple design and easy-to-understand user interface. 〇Function ・You can set the timer time by moving your finger on the bell. ・Tap the bell to start the countdown with a comfortable sound and swaying motion. ・You can be set in seconds or minutes, with a maximum setting time of 60 minutes. ・You can set the bell volume from 10 levels ・You can choose from several backgrounds 〇Paid Version Benefit Features ・Repeat function ・Interval function ・end-call function ・Bell sound ON/OFF function ・Vibration function ・Background music to play function monthly fee:$1 〇About Subscriptions How to subscribe 1. Tap “Choose Plan” on the Settings screen 2. Select update interval 3. Subscribe to Subscription ・This is an auto-renewing monthly fee (subscription-type) service. ・Unless you cancel your subscription, you will automatically be charged each month. ・Registration, management, and cancellation can be done through your App Store account settings. 〇About Tamayurarin Tamayurarin is a bell (orin) characterized by its round shape and swaying motion when it is rung. By supporting the bell (oron) with a single post, the sound resonates for a longer period of time, unlike conventional bowl-shaped orons. Tamayurarin, which has been patronized by many people since its launch in 2004, was born from the requests for a compact bell that produces good sound. Tamayurarin" was born from an unconventional idea that makes an orin upside down. After repeated challenges with the cooperation of local companies, a new bell (orin) with a swaying motion was completed. In 2005, we received the Good Design Award from Japan. Tamayurarin is used not only as a Buddhist altar, but also for meditation, yoga, relaxation.

Screenshots

Instant Timer4 screens
Zen Bell Timer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Zen Bell Timer at none against Instant Timer's shown. Zen Bell Timer also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 25 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.4). On price, 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

Both are free to download. Instant Timer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Zen Bell Timer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.00 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Instant Timer ships an update every 25 months, Zen Bell Timer every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 3 level
Instant Timer versus Zen Bell Timer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterInstant TimerZen Bell Timer
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 25 monthsEvery 5 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.413.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB68 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDavid Leander Dias DuarteKOIZUMI SEISAKUSHO, K.K.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Instant Timer

Subscriptions2
  • Instant Timer Pro (Monthly)$0.991 Month
  • Instant Timer Pro (Yearly)$10.001 Year
3 purchases

Zen Bell Timer

Subscriptions3
  • Function expansion$1.001 Month
  • Function expansion$5.006 Months
  • Function expansion$8.001 Year

Questions

Is Instant Timer free?
Instant Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Zen Bell Timer free?
Zen Bell Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Instant Timer or Zen Bell Timer have ads?
Instant Timer shows ads; Zen Bell Timer does not.
Which is updated more often, Instant Timer or Zen Bell Timer?
Instant Timer ships an update every 25 months, and Zen Bell Timer every 5 days. Most recently, Instant Timer was updated on October 25, 2026 and Zen Bell Timer on October 27, 2026.

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