# HRV vs Critter

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Critter at none against HRV's 8. Critter also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 weeks) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HRV sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Critter asks for nothing beyond the download.

Critter holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

HRV ships an update every 6 weeks, Critter every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HRV | Critter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hrv-tracker/id6746576506/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/critter-counter/id6763320337/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **4** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 14 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Philippe Gerin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1817452297) | [CHRISTOPHER RYAN SPURLOCK](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895261670) |

## What reviewers say

### HRV

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hrv-tracker/id6746576506)

This app analyzes heart rate variability from Apple Health and Apple Watch to provide actionable insights into your daily stress, energy levels, sleep quality, and recovery. It uses scientific visualizations and dual HRV metrics to help you understand your autonomic nervous system activity.

**Highlights:** Dual HRV metrics (SDNN + RMSSD), All-day stress curve, Energy (Body Resources) reserve tracking, Nightly Sleep Score, Personalized Recovery score, Interactive trend charts, Apple Watch complications

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bronze Supporter | $1.99 | one-time |
| Bronze Supporter Tier | $1.99 | one-time |
| Silver Supporter | $4.99 | one-time |
| Gold Supporter | $11.99 | one-time |
| Platinum Supporter | $44.99 | one-time |


### Critter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/critter-counter/id6763320337)

Easily track and count any animals or objects you spot during your walks. The app logs the time, location, and quantity of each sighting, allowing you to review your discoveries on a map and in your walk history. It offers a simple, one-tap interface and an Apple Watch companion for convenient counting.

**Highlights:** Count anything with custom lists, One-tap logging for sightings, Sighting map with location data, Detailed walk history, Apple Watch companion app, Calm, dark-mode-friendly design, Guest mode for privacy

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HRV free?

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

### Is Critter free?

Critter is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, HRV or Critter?

Critter is rated higher. HRV averages 4.8 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Critter averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do HRV or Critter have ads?

Neither HRV nor Critter shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HRV or Critter?

HRV ships an update every 6 weeks, and Critter every 2 weeks. Most recently, HRV was updated on October 9, 2026 and Critter on October 7, 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.*