# Gentle Timer vs Backmark

The clearest difference is price: Gentle Timer at Free against Backmark's $4.99. Gentle Timer also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs weekly) and device support (3 vs 1). Backmark's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Gentle Timer is free to download; Backmark costs $4.99 up front. Gentle Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Backmark asks for nothing beyond the download.

Gentle Timer ships an update every 2 days, Backmark weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gentle Timer | Backmark |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $4.99 |
| Rating | **[4.6 (382 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gentle-timer-visual-countdown/id6738017755/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **382** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 211 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [JOHNNY LI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1778905380) | [Mohamed Saliha Abdul Azeem](https://appshunter.io/developer/6808695963) |

## 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


### Backmark

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backmark-bookmark-organizer/id6808695961)

A private memory tool for iPhone that lets you save links, text, screenshots, and files. Organize your saved content into searchable memories and boards, with optional AI enhancements for content enrichment and image generation on compatible devices. Your data stays on your iPhone, with no accounts or cloud services required.

**Highlights:** Save links, text, screenshots, files, and map links, Searchable memories with original source links, Organize content into folders and boards, Route planning between saved places, On-device AI for content enrichment and image generation, Private by design, no account or cloud required, Export and restore all local data

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gentle Timer free?

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

### Is Backmark free?

Backmark costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Gentle Timer or Backmark have ads?

Neither Gentle Timer nor Backmark shows ads.

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

Gentle Timer ships an update every 2 days, and Backmark weekly. Most recently, Gentle Timer was updated on October 18, 2026 and Backmark on October 3, 2026.

---

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