Sandy Timer vs Switching Hourglass
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Sandy Timer
Simulates a real sand timer using your device's orientation. Simply flip your phone to start the countdown. Tap the screen to adjust timer settings.
- Realistic sand timer simulation
- Device orientation control
- Tap to change settings
- Simple and intuitive interface
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This a real sand timer app simulator. Gravity does its job... Just turn your device upside down to start the timer! Single tap the screen to change the timer options. Make sure to turn the device orientation lock Off... and turn it upside-down!
Switching Hourglass
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Switching Hourglass is a visual timer designed to help children and caregivers move from one activity to the next. Set a clear cue such as "5 more minutes" or "Bath time when the sand runs out." Showing both the ending and the next activity on screen helps everyone share the same expectation without relying only on repeated reminders. Main features: - Hourglass timer - Saved next actions - Sand color options - Finish sounds - Device notifications - Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, and Korean - Restore previous purchase The free version includes the basic timer. The Full Version unlocks additional colors and finish sounds and increases the number of saved next actions. Settings and saved actions are stored on this device. LIFLO does not collect your timer settings or saved action text. Data may be lost if the app is deleted, the device fails, or the operating system or storage is reset. This app is not intended for diagnosis, treatment, or professional parenting guidance. Use it as a simple aid for everyday transitions.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is device support: Switching Hourglass at 3 against Sandy Timer's 1. Switching Hourglass also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). On price, update cadence, ads 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
Both are free to download. Sandy Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Switching Hourglass sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Sandy Timer | Switching Hourglass |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.1 (9 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 9 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 5 MB | 22 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Cesar Mejia Valero | Chisato Yoshida |
In-app purchases
Sandy Timer
- Pro$3.99
Switching Hourglass
- Switching Hourglass Full$1.99
Questions
Is Sandy Timer free?
Is Switching Hourglass free?
Do Sandy Timer or Switching Hourglass have ads?
Which is updated more often, Sandy Timer or Switching Hourglass?
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