Comparison

Sandy Timer vs Switching Hourglass

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Realistic sand timer simulation
  • Device orientation control
  • Tap to change settings
  • Simple and intuitive interface
Features
Read full description

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!

About

Switching Hourglass

Features
Read full description

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

Sandy Timer4 screens
Switching Hourglass4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Sandy Timer versus Switching Hourglass: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSandy TimerSwitching Hourglass
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (9 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews25.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings9 — better—
Update frequencyWeeklyWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS26.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB22 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCesar Mejia ValeroChisato Yoshida

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Sandy Timer

One-time1
  • Pro$3.99
1 purchases

Switching Hourglass

One-time1
  • Switching Hourglass Full$1.99

Questions

Is Sandy Timer free?
Sandy Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Switching Hourglass free?
Switching Hourglass is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Sandy Timer or Switching Hourglass have ads?
Neither Sandy Timer nor Switching Hourglass shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Sandy Timer or Switching Hourglass?
Sandy Timer ships an update weekly, and Switching Hourglass weekly. Most recently, Sandy Timer was updated on November 4, 2026 and Switching Hourglass on November 6, 2026.

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