Comparison

Zen Bell Timer vs PictoTimer

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

Head to head
About

Zen Bell Timer

Features
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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.

About

PictoTimer

Features
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PictoTimer transforms countdown timers into a visual experience. Watch your photos gradually reveal as time passes, making waiting fun and engaging. PERFECT FOR: • Kids learning time management • Focus sessions and productivity • Cooking and meal prep • Exercise and workout routines • Study breaks and pomodoro sessions • Any activity where you want a visual countdown KEY FEATURES: Photo Timers Create personalized countdown timers using photos from your library or take new ones with your camera. Each timer is unique and meaningful to you. Multiple Reveal Styles Choose from four beautiful animation styles: • Photo Reveal - Watch your image gradually appear from top to bottom • Pixelate - Start with a pixelated image that becomes crystal clear • Puzzle - Assemble your photo piece by piece • Clock Face - Traditional clock hands move over your image Flexible Duration Set timers from seconds to 24 hours. Perfect for quick tasks or extended activities. Multiple Timers Create and save multiple timers for different activities. Organize your day with visual reminders. End Alerts Get notified when your timer completes with a clear sound alert. Live Activities & Widgets Stay on top of your timers with Live Activities on your Lock Screen and Dynamic Island, plus home screen widgets. Privacy First All your photos and timers are stored locally on your device. We don't collect, transmit, or share any of your data. Perfect for parents, students, professionals, and anyone who wants a more engaging way to track time. Make waiting fun with PictoTimer!

Screenshots

Zen Bell Timer4 screens
PictoTimer3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PictoTimer at none against Zen Bell Timer's 3. Zen Bell Timer's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence and ads 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. Zen Bell Timer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.00 per month. PictoTimer asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Zen Bell Timer ships an update every 5 days, PictoTimer weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 3 level
Zen Bell Timer versus PictoTimer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterZen Bell TimerPictoTimer
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterWeekly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size68 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKOIZUMI SEISAKUSHO, K.K.William Tifft

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Zen Bell Timer

Subscriptions3
  • Function expansion$1.001 Month
  • Function expansion$5.006 Months
  • Function expansion$8.001 Year
None

PictoTimer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Zen Bell Timer free?
Zen Bell Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PictoTimer free?
PictoTimer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Zen Bell Timer or PictoTimer have ads?
Neither Zen Bell Timer nor PictoTimer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Zen Bell Timer or PictoTimer?
Zen Bell Timer ships an update every 5 days, and PictoTimer weekly. Most recently, Zen Bell Timer was updated on October 3, 2026 and PictoTimer on October 5, 2026.

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