Hourglass vs Switching Hourglass
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β with what reviewers say about each.
Hourglass
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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.
Switching Hourglass
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Switching Hourglass is a visual timer designed to help children and caregivers move from one activity to the next. Set a clear cue such as "5 more minutes" or "Bath time when the sand runs out." Showing both the ending and the next activity on screen helps everyone share the same expectation without relying only on repeated reminders. Main features: - Hourglass timer - Saved next actions - Sand color options - Finish sounds - Device notifications - Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, and Korean - Restore previous purchase The free version includes the basic timer. The Full Version unlocks additional colors and finish sounds and increases the number of saved next actions. Settings and saved actions are stored on this device. LIFLO does not collect your timer settings or saved action text. Data may be lost if the app is deleted, the device fails, or the operating system or storage is reset. This app is not intended for diagnosis, treatment, or professional parenting guidance. Use it as a simple aid for everyday transitions.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Hourglass at none against Switching Hourglass's 1. Switching Hourglass's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Switching Hourglass sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Hourglass asks for nothing beyond the download.
Hourglass ships an update every 4 days, Switching Hourglass weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Hourglass | Switching Hourglass |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days β better | Weekly |
| Ads | Yes | No β better |
| In-app purchases | No β better | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod β better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.0 β better |
| Further details β not scored | ||
| Size | 27 MB | 22 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | kenji abe | Chisato Yoshida |
In-app purchases
Hourglass
No in-app purchases
Switching Hourglass
- Switching Hourglass Full$1.99
Questions
Is Hourglass free?
Is Switching Hourglass free?
Do Hourglass or Switching Hourglass have ads?
Which is updated more often, Hourglass or Switching Hourglass?
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