# Study Timer vs Meanwhile

The clearest difference is monetization model: Study Timer at free against Meanwhile's free with in-app purchases. Meanwhile's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs monthly). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Study Timer sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Meanwhile sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Study Timer against 5.0 for Meanwhile. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 5 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Study Timer ships an update monthly, Meanwhile every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Study Timer | Meanwhile |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/study-timer-shadow-task/id6737145799/reviews) | [5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/meanwhile-focus-and-pomodoro/id6758001008/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **5** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 9 MB | 318 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Curvachip LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1774903560) | [Sunnyside Creative Co. LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1673297065) |

## What reviewers say

### Study Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/study-timer-shadow-task/id6737145799)

This app helps you focus on tasks with customizable timers, motivational quotes, and visual progress tracking. It prioritizes user privacy by storing all data locally on your device. Features include Pomodoro timers, repeating sessions, and lock screen integration.

**Highlights:** Customizable timed tasks, Dynamic Island and Live Activity integration, Pomodoro timer with customizable cycles, Repeating sessions scheduling, Visual progress tracking chart, Motivational quotes, No data collection

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cup of Coffee | $2.99 | one-time |
| Pomodoro Patron | $4.99 | one-time |
| Deep Work Donor | $9.99 | one-time |


### Meanwhile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/meanwhile-focus-and-pomodoro/id6758001008)

This minimal focus timer helps you reduce scrolling, dedicate time to hobbies, or concentrate on work. It features an app blocker to control phone usage and an analytics dashboard to track time spent. An optional one-time purchase unlocks additional themes, focus soundtracks, and ambient sounds.

**Highlights:** Minimal focus timer, Full-screen mode, Multiple themes, App blocker, Analytics dashboard, Focus soundtracks, Ambient sounds

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Lifetime Membership | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Study Timer free?

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

### Is Meanwhile free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Study Timer or Meanwhile?

Study Timer and Meanwhile are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 5 ratings respectively.

### Do Study Timer or Meanwhile have ads?

Neither Study Timer nor Meanwhile shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Study Timer or Meanwhile?

Study Timer ships an update monthly, and Meanwhile every 10 days. Most recently, Study Timer was updated on October 3, 2026 and Meanwhile on October 4, 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.*