# Gentle Timer vs Tempo

The clearest difference is update cadence: Gentle Timer at every 2 days against Tempo's every 2 months. Gentle Timer also leads on ratings volume (366 vs 2). Tempo's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Tempo holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Gentle Timer has 366 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Gentle Timer ships an update every 2 days, Tempo every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gentle Timer | Tempo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (366 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gentle-timer-visual-countdown/id6738017755/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tempo-visual-countdown-timer/id6757446047/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **366** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 207 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [JOHNNY LI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1778905380) | [Foundry24 LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1828222955) |

## What reviewers say

### Gentle Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gentle-timer-visual-countdown/id6738017755)

This app offers a visually appealing, ad-free timer for focus, productivity, and managing children's routines. It supports various timer types, including countdown, Pomodoro, and interval, with extensive customization options for backgrounds, music, and themes. It also includes helpful everyday tools like a calculator and breathing exercises.

**Highlights:** Visual countdown timers, Pomodoro focus sessions, Interval training timers, Multi timer support, Customizable backgrounds and music, Everyday utility tools

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Go Premium | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 😍 Adorable and cute visuals
- 🎵 Fun and pleasant music/sounds
- 👍 Smooth, snappy, and easy to use
- 🎨 Artistic and whimsical design
- 🚀 Great functionality and performance

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 More free options desired
- 🔇 Occasional sound issues (no sound)
- 📱 Landscape mode not supported
- ⏳ Seconds not displayed on countdown
- ⬆️ Seconds set in increments of 10

**Reported bugs**

- No sound issues reported
- Seconds not displayed on countdown
- Landscape mode not working

**Requested features**

- More free options
- Landscape mode support
- Ability to set specific seconds
- Toggle off motion on settings menu
- Cat character option


### Tempo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tempo-visual-countdown-timer/id6757446047)

This app transforms countdown timers into clear visual progress indicators, helping you stay focused on tasks like work, study, or cooking. It offers multiple visualization options and a distraction-free interface, working reliably offline without requiring an account.

**Highlights:** Multiple visualization options, Clean, distraction-free interface, Works offline, No account setup, Reliable background operation, Privacy-focused

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tempo Pro | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gentle Timer free?

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

### Is Tempo free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Gentle Timer or Tempo?

Tempo is rated higher. Gentle Timer averages 4.6 out of 5 from 366 ratings, while Tempo averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Gentle Timer or Tempo have ads?

Neither Gentle Timer nor Tempo shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Gentle Timer or Tempo?

Gentle Timer ships an update every 2 days, and Tempo every 2 months. Most recently, Gentle Timer was updated on October 5, 2026 and Tempo on September 23, 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.*