Comparison

Hourglass vs Oil Timer

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

Head to head
About

Hourglass

Features
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This is an approximately 3-minute hourglass that uses physics simulation to recreate realistic movements. You can enjoy watching the grains of sand smoothly fall under natural gravity while keeping track of time. With a simple and intuitive design, it's an ideal tool for meditation or improving focus. When the gyroscope sensor is enabled, the movement of the sand adjusts in real-time according to the tilt of your device. Each session offers a different atmosphere, allowing you to relax and experience the comforting analog feel within a digital space.

About

Oil Timer

Read full description

Make every minute a little more relaxing. Oil Timer is a simple timer app featuring soothing liquid motion inspired by classic oil timers. Set the time you want and enjoy watching the colorful liquid flow while you study, work, read, relax, or take a break. Perfect for: • Studying and staying focused • Work and productivity sessions • Reading and hobbies • Taking relaxing breaks • Meditation and quiet time • Anyone who wants something more enjoyable than an ordinary timer Features: • Set any timer duration you like • Relaxing liquid animation • Simple and easy-to-use interface • Great for study, work, breaks, reading, and more Turn everyday time management into a calmer, more enjoyable experience. Set your timer, watch the liquid flow, and enjoy the moment. standard Apple Terms of Use (EULA) https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Hourglass2 screens
Oil Timer2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Hourglass at every 4 days against Oil Timer's every 7 months. Hourglass also leads on device support. On price, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Hourglass ships an update every 4 days, Oil Timer every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Ā· 4 level
Hourglass versus Oil Timer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHourglassOil Timer
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterEvery 7 months
AdsYes—
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPad — better—
Requires iOS16.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size27 MB53 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerkenji abeFocaccia, Inc.

In-app purchases

None

Hourglass

No in-app purchases

None

Oil Timer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Hourglass free?
Hourglass is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Oil Timer free?
Oil Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which is updated more often, Hourglass or Oil Timer?
Hourglass ships an update every 4 days, and Oil Timer every 7 months. Most recently, Hourglass was updated on November 4, 2026 and Oil Timer on October 31, 2026.

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