Comparison

OpenPPG vs Chimer

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

Head to head
About

OpenPPG

Features
Read full description

OpenPPG is a free, research-oriented iOS application designed to close the gap in accessible and transparent PPG data acquisition. Built by researchers for researchers, it enables recording of raw, high-quality photoplethysmography (PPG) signals directly from the smartphone camera, with full export for scientific analysis. Key Features • Raw signal access – capture unprocessed PPG waveforms with complete control over export (CSV format). • Flexible preprocessing – raw signals, basic and advanced filtering, signal quality assessment or fully calculated metrics in one app to enhance your research • Feature extraction – access directly over 11 automatically calculated temporal and morphological metrics without need for advanced signal processing • Metadata & annotations – mark events while taking measurements in real time and customise forms to fit your study protocol • Explainable pipeline – reproducible acquisition process with transparent documentation to ensure research reliability. Why OpenPPG? Most mobile tools restrict access to raw data, hide acquisition details, or require payment. OpenPPG removes these barriers by providing a free, standardised, and reproducible way to acquire PPG signals. It supports innovation in signal processing, machine learning, and digital biomarker discovery. Important: OpenPPG is intended solely for research purposes. It is not a medical device and must not be used for diagnosis, treatment, or patient self-monitoring.

About

Chimer

Features
Read full description

Time-teller is a simple spoken time app for work, exercise, reading, studying, driving, or staying focused. Key features: • Automatic announcements every 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 30, or 60 minutes • Custom intervals and exact-time announcements • Traditional Chinese and English voices • Background playback and Picture in Picture The free version only shows a banner ad at the bottom and does not interrupt operation. Make a one-time Remove Ads Forever purchase for a permanently ad-free experience. No subscription.

Screenshots

OpenPPG4 screens
Chimer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OpenPPG at none against Chimer's 1. OpenPPG also leads on ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. Chimer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. OpenPPG asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OpenPPG ships an update monthly, Chimer every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Ā· 4 level
OpenPPG versus Chimer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOpenPPGChimer
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 6 weeks
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.616.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB485 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerresearch appPING HUA HSIEH

In-app purchases

None

OpenPPG

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Chimer

One-time1
  • ę°øä¹…ē§»é™¤å»£å‘Š$5.99

Questions

Is OpenPPG free?
OpenPPG is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Chimer free?
Chimer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do OpenPPG or Chimer have ads?
Chimer shows ads; OpenPPG does not.
Which is updated more often, OpenPPG or Chimer?
OpenPPG ships an update monthly, and Chimer every 6 weeks. Most recently, OpenPPG was updated on October 30, 2026 and Chimer on November 6, 2026.

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