Comparison

Hourglass vs MindAstra

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” 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

MindAstra

Features
Read full description

Ideas grow from a center. MindAstra is a radial mind mapping app designed for visual thinking. Unlike traditional tree-based mind maps, MindAstra starts with a central idea and lets thoughts expand naturally in every direction. With a clear node structure and spatial layout, you can understand the big picture while exploring details step by step. A more natural way to think. Ideas are not always linear. One topic can connect to many directions, and one inspiration can lead to countless possibilities. MindAstra helps you: β€’ Start from a central idea β€’ Expand thoughts naturally β€’ Move between overview and details β€’ Understand relationships more clearly Designed for different thinking scenarios. Learning Build knowledge frameworks, organize study materials, and make complex topics easier to understand. Creative Thinking Capture ideas, explore possibilities, and develop creative concepts visually. Planning Break down goals, structure complex thoughts, and turn ideas into clear directions. Simple and focused. MindAstra focuses on a calm and intuitive thinking experience: β€’ Radial mind layouts β€’ Clear node structures β€’ Natural exploration β€’ Minimal visual design Organizing ideas is not just about recording information. It is about discovering connections. Start with one idea. Create your own thought space with MindAstra. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/appstore/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Hourglass2 screens
MindAstra4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Hourglass at none against MindAstra's 1. Hourglass also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs fortnightly). MindAstra's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, 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

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

Both are free to download. MindAstra sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Hourglass asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Hourglass ships an update every 4 days, MindAstra fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences Β· 3 level
Hourglass versus MindAstra: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHourglassMindAstra
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 days β€” betterFortnightly
AdsYesNo β€” better
In-app purchasesNo β€” betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.015.0 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size27 MB38 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerkenji abe丽敏 εΌ 

In-app purchases

None

Hourglass

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

MindAstra

One-time1
  • MindAstra Pro$3.99

Questions

Is Hourglass free?
Hourglass is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is MindAstra free?
MindAstra is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Hourglass or MindAstra have ads?
Hourglass shows ads; MindAstra does not.
Which is updated more often, Hourglass or MindAstra?
Hourglass ships an update every 4 days, and MindAstra fortnightly. Most recently, Hourglass was updated on November 12, 2026 and MindAstra on November 13, 2026.

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