# Hacker Clock vs Desktop Astro Clock

The clearest difference is rating: Hacker Clock at 4.5 against Desktop Astro Clock's 3.7. Hacker Clock also leads on ratings volume (41 vs 3) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). Desktop Astro Clock's advantage is monetization model (free vs paid). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Hacker Clock holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hacker Clock has 41 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Hacker Clock ships an update every 15 months, Desktop Astro Clock every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hacker Clock | Desktop Astro Clock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (41 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacker-clock-green-matrix/id659883519/reviews)** | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktop-astro-clock/id1588806370/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **41** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 53.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 15 months | **Every 9 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Size | 12 MB | 416 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Leszek Szary](https://appshunter.io/developer/464282200) | [BEHR Consulting International](https://appshunter.io/developer/385816833) |

## What reviewers say

### Hacker Clock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hacker-clock-green-matrix/id659883519)

Transform your device into a unique clock displaying animated hexadecimal code. Watch green hexadecimal values flow across the screen, simulating complex data processing. Ideal for computer enthusiasts, hackers, and fans of futuristic aesthetics.

**Highlights:** Animated hexadecimal code display, Three color variants (green, red, blue), Horizontal and vertical display modes, 12- and 24-hour format options, Unique clock for geeks and fans

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Desktop Astro Clock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktop-astro-clock/id1588806370)

This utility app displays time in various formats, including Julian, Sidereal, and GMT. It offers always-on display options, moon and meteor shower information, and customizable clock configurations. Widgets and a watchOS app are also supported for enhanced functionality.

**Highlights:** Multiple time formats (Julian, Sidereal, GMT), Always-on display with battery threshold, Moon phase and meteor shower information, Customizable display configurations, Widget support, WatchOS app with specialized displays

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hacker Clock free?

Hacker Clock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Desktop Astro Clock free?

Desktop Astro Clock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Hacker Clock or Desktop Astro Clock?

Hacker Clock is rated higher. Hacker Clock averages 4.5 out of 5 from 41 ratings, while Desktop Astro Clock averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do Hacker Clock or Desktop Astro Clock have ads?

Neither Hacker Clock nor Desktop Astro Clock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Hacker Clock or Desktop Astro Clock?

Hacker Clock ships an update every 15 months, and Desktop Astro Clock every 9 months. Most recently, Hacker Clock was updated on October 14, 2026 and Desktop Astro Clock on September 19, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*