Set vs The Waves.
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ with what reviewers say about each.
Set
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Set-Rest Timer is a simple, customizable interval timer for any timed activity. - Set number of rounds, work time, rest time, and optional preparation time - Shows current phase and countdown with large, readable digits - Plays sound alerts at each transition - Useful for stretching, rehab, circuits, strength training, or similar routines - No ads, no login, no internet required Ready to use on install.
The Waves.
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Every craving follows the same arc: it rises, peaks, and dissolves on its own. Always. In about ninety seconds. Ancient monks called this vedana โ the wave nature of desire. Modern neuroscience confirmed it. You don't need willpower. You just need to stay with it a little longer than feels comfortable. The Waves is a single-purpose meditation tool. When a craving hits โ for food, your phone, a cigarette, anything โ open the app and touch to begin. Ninety seconds of guided awareness. That's it. WHAT HAPPENS IN 90 SECONDS โข A gentle countdown with body-scan prompts guides your attention โข Ocean sounds shift as the wave builds and passes โข A singing bowl marks the beginning and end โข Subtle haptic feedback anchors you in the moment THE PRACTICE Most of us experience desire as a command. The Waves treats it as data. Commands demand action, but data invites investigation. You cannot remove the craving. You can change your relationship to it. That is the only variable. And it is enough. The wave always passes. You only have to watch.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Set at none against The Waves.'s 3. Set also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 2 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS
Both are free to download. The Waves. sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Set asks for nothing beyond the download.
Set ships an update daily, The Waves. every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Set | The Waves. |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Daily โ better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No โ better | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad โ better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Further details โ not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 60 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Lari Partanen | Oscar Fogelstrom |
In-app purchases
Set
No in-app purchases
The Waves.
- Small Wave$0.99
- Steady Tide$3.99
- Deep Ocean$9.99









