# Maelstrom vs TickBoom

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Maelstrom at none against TickBoom's 3. TickBoom's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 8 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TickBoom sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Maelstrom asks for nothing beyond the download.

Maelstrom ships an update every 8 months, TickBoom every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Maelstrom | TickBoom |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Size | 32 MB | 74 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Richard Helm](https://appshunter.io/developer/1763890605) | [Njelison Razafindrakoto](https://appshunter.io/developer/1832529092) |

## What reviewers say

### Maelstrom

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maelstrom-routine-builder/id6649161353)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### TickBoom

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tickboom-focus-timer-for-adhd/id6751061434)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly Subscription | $3.99 | per month |
| Premium Annual Subscription | $34.99 | per year |
| Premium Lifetime Subscription | $79.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Maelstrom free?

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

### Is TickBoom free?

TickBoom is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Maelstrom or TickBoom have ads?

Neither Maelstrom nor TickBoom shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Maelstrom or TickBoom?

Maelstrom ships an update every 8 months, and TickBoom every 3 weeks. Most recently, Maelstrom was updated on October 9, 2026 and TickBoom on October 28, 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.*