Comparison

The Start Button vs Calcandy

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

The Start Button

Read full description

Tap Start. That's it. No pause. No reset. No undo. The timer begins when you do, and it never stops. This is not a habit app. Not a streak. Not a countdown. It is the time since you committed — still running, whether you open the app or not. ONE TAP A single Start. Done. THEN IT STAYS Elapsed seconds. The place you were. A widget on the Home Screen that keeps counting while you live the rest of the day. Share a snapshot when the number means something. Your start time lives on the device. Location is used only at the tap, to remember where you were. Nothing is sent to us. Tap once. Time keeps going.

About

Calcandy

Personalize your calculations with a wide array of themes, fonts, and color options. This powerful calculator offers standard arithmetic, multiple number formats, and automatic history saving. Enjoy a private and customizable experience with offline functionality and optional iCloud sync.

Highlights
  • Dozens of built-in themes
  • Over a hundred display fonts
  • Customizable button shapes and colors
  • Standard arithmetic with parentheses
  • Multiple number formats
  • Automatic calculation history
  • Optional iCloud sync
Features
Read full description

Calcandy is a beautifully customizable calculator designed to match your personal style. Choose from dozens of built-in themes, over a hundred display fonts, and fine-tune every detail — from button shapes to individual colors. MAKE IT YOURS • handcrafted themes across 16 collections — from pastels to neons, noir to vintage • Create unlimited custom themes with full control over 12+ color elements • Choose from over a hundred display fonts including serif, sans-serif, monospace, and decorative styles • Adjust button shape, roundness, text size, and stretch to your preference • Light and dark mode support for every theme POWERFUL CALCULATOR • Standard arithmetic with parentheses support • Multiple number formats: standard, currency, percentage, and scientific notation • Customizable decimal separator and thousands grouping • Negative number display options • Haptic feedback for a tactile experience NEVER LOSE A CALCULATION • Full calculation history saved automatically • Review and reuse past results anytime • Optional iCloud sync across all your devices • Clear individual entries or your full history PRIVACY FIRST • Works completely offline — no internet required • No account needed • No data collection or tracking • Optional Face ID / Touch ID protection • iCloud sync is optional and stays in your private iCloud Designed for iPhone and iPad. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

The Start Button3 screens
Calcandy4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: The Start Button at none against Calcandy's 2. The Start Button also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Calcandy sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. The Start Button asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

The Start Button ships an update weekly, Calcandy every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
The Start Button versus Calcandy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThe Start ButtonCalcandy
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.5 (63 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—75.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—63 — better
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 5 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS26.0 — better26.2
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB101 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHoi Mau HungLife Utility Apps, LLC

In-app purchases

None

The Start Button

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Calcandy

Subscriptions1
  • Monthly$2.991 Month
One-time1
  • Lifetime Access$14.99

Questions

Is The Start Button free?
The Start Button is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Calcandy free?
Calcandy is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do The Start Button or Calcandy have ads?
Neither The Start Button nor Calcandy shows ads.
Which is updated more often, The Start Button or Calcandy?
The Start Button ships an update weekly, and Calcandy every 5 weeks. Most recently, The Start Button was updated on October 12, 2026 and Calcandy on October 24, 2026.

Other comparisons