Comparison

Step Learning vs Planetary Hours

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

Head to head
About

Step Learning

This focus timer helps you manage your time effectively with countdown and count-up modes. Track your focus sessions, analyze trends, and sync with your calendar for better productivity. Enjoy a distraction-free experience with no ads.

Highlights
  • Countdown and count-up timer modes
  • Focus statistics and trend analysis
  • Calendar sync for session tracking
  • Dynamic Island and Live Activities support
  • Customizable multi-scene tags
  • iCloud multi-device synchronization
Features
Read full description

Step Learning — Make Every Minute Count A focus timer that supports both count-up and count-down modes. Whether you're studying, exercising, or coding, let the little panda keep you focused. Core Features • Countdown Mode: Set a focus duration and concentrate until completion • Count-Up Mode: Open-ended timing for tasks with no fixed duration • Dynamic Island shows focus progress in real time (iPhone 14 Pro+) • Live Activities on Lock Screen — check timer without unlocking Multi-Scene Tags • Preset tags: Study, Exercise, Coding, Work, Pomodoro • Custom tags for personalized tracking Focus Statistics • Focus streak tracking to build consistent habits • Weekly trend charts for time allocation insights • Tag distribution analysis of your focus patterns Calendar Sync • Automatically sync completed sessions to iOS Calendar • Easy daily review and reflection iCloud Sync • Automatic iCloud data synchronization • Seamless multi-device experience Why Step Learning? • Lightweight and distraction-free • No ads — a pure focus experience • 15 languages supported • Count-up mode — a unique feature most Pomodoro apps lack Perfect for students, professionals, freelancers — anytime you need to focus.

About

Planetary Hours

This app provides a dynamic clock that displays planetary hours, adapting to the natural flow of the sun. It offers real-time calculations based on your location and supports various iOS features like Live Activities and Apple Watch complications for at-a-glance timing updates.

Highlights
  • Dynamic Island & Live Activities
  • Apple Watch Complications
  • StandBy & Lock Screen Widgets
  • Interactive Home Screen Widgets
  • Precision Astronomy Calculations
  • Offline Processing
  • Customizable Notifications
Features
Read full description

Unlock the ancient rhythm of time with Planetary Hours. Unlike standard mechanical clocks, planetary hours adapt to the natural flow of the sun, dividing day and night into unequal segments ruled by the seven classical planets. Whether you practice electional astrology, planetary magic, or simply wish to align your schedule with cosmic rhythms, this app is your precision tool. EXCLUSIVE iOS FEATURES We leverage the full power of your device to keep you in sync without opening the app: Dynamic Island & Live Activities Track the current planetary ruler and remaining time instantly from your Lock Screen or Dynamic Island. Never miss a transition again. Pro Apple Watch Experience • Complications: Rich data on your wrist. See the current planet, symbol, and countdown directly on your favorite watch face (Modular, Infograph, Circular supported). • Standalone App: Fully functional on Apple Watch, no iPhone needed nearby. StandBy & Lock Screen Widgets Turn your iPhone into a magical altar clock at night. Our StandBy widgets look stunning on your nightstand, while Lock Screen widgets give you at-a-glance timing updates. Interactive Home Screen Widgets Beautiful, data-rich widgets that adapt to Light and Dark mode. View the current hour, next transition, and day/night progress directly from your Home Screen. CORE FEATURES • Precision Astronomy: Real-time calculation based on your exact GPS coordinates and local sunrise/sunset. • Chaldean Order: Accurate sequence for all 7 classical planets (Saturn to Moon). • Privacy First: All calculations happen offline on your device. No tracking, no data collection. • Notification System: Get notified exactly when the planetary hour changes. Download now to synchronize your life with the solar rhythm.

Screenshots

Step Learning4 screens
Planetary Hours4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Step Learning at $1.99 against Planetary Hours's $4.99. Step Learning also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

Step Learning costs $1.99 and Planetary Hours $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Step Learning ships an update fortnightly, Planetary Hours monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Step Learning versus Planetary Hours: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStep LearningPlanetary Hours
Price$1.99 — better$4.99
Rating—4.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, MaciPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS17.017
Further details — not scored
Size16 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer小祯 汪雪 蔺

Customer experience

Step Learning

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Planetary Hours

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Step Learning

No in-app purchases

None

Planetary Hours

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Step Learning free?
Step Learning costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Planetary Hours free?
Planetary Hours costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Step Learning or Planetary Hours have ads?
Neither Step Learning nor Planetary Hours shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Step Learning or Planetary Hours?
Step Learning ships an update fortnightly, and Planetary Hours monthly. Most recently, Step Learning was updated on September 30, 2026 and Planetary Hours on September 29, 2026.

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