Zen Bell Timer vs PictoTimer
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Zen Bell Timer
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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.
PictoTimer
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
| Parameter | Zen Bell Timer | PictoTimer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days — better | Weekly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 68 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | KOIZUMI SEISAKUSHO, K.K. | William Tifft |
In-app purchases
Zen Bell Timer
- Function expansion$1.001 Month
- Function expansion$5.006 Months
- Function expansion$8.001 Year
PictoTimer
No in-app purchases









