# Simple Timer & Stopwatch vs Gentle Start

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Simple Timer & Stopwatch at none against Gentle Start's 1. Simple Timer & Stopwatch also leads on iOS requirement (16.1 vs 18.0). Gentle Start's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 4 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Gentle Start sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Simple Timer & Stopwatch asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simple Timer & Stopwatch ships an update every 4 months, Gentle Start every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on August 26, 2026 and July 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simple Timer & Stopwatch | Gentle Start |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gentle-start-focus-timer/id6767757117/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 13 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.1** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cong Le](https://appshunter.io/developer/954373766) | [JOHNNY LI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1778905380) |

## What reviewers say

### Simple Timer & Stopwatch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-timer-and-stopwatch/id6737737475)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Gentle Start

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gentle-start-focus-timer/id6767757117)

This app provides a simple, one-tap timer to help overcome procrastination. It focuses on the act of starting, counting up from zero without pressure or goals. Designed for those who struggle with initiating tasks, it offers a calm experience with visual themes and ambient sounds.

**Highlights:** One-tap timer start, Upward counting timer, Living themes with animations, Ambient soundscapes, Live Activities integration, No streaks or goals

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gentle Start Premium | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simple Timer & Stopwatch free?

Simple Timer & Stopwatch is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Gentle Start free?

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

### Do Simple Timer & Stopwatch or Gentle Start have ads?

Neither Simple Timer & Stopwatch nor Gentle Start shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Simple Timer & Stopwatch or Gentle Start?

Simple Timer & Stopwatch ships an update every 4 months, and Gentle Start every 3 days. Most recently, Simple Timer & Stopwatch was updated on August 26, 2026 and Gentle Start on July 29, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*