# Core Timer vs Puzzle Pointer

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Core Timer at none against Puzzle Pointer's 2. Puzzle Pointer's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 6 days). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Puzzle Pointer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Core Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Core Timer ships an update every 6 days, Puzzle Pointer every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Core Timer | Puzzle Pointer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/puzzle-pointer-puzzle-solver/id6809997519/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **4** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 days | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 12 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **17.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [James Mowat](https://appshunter.io/developer/1839159413) | [Bobby Landerman](https://appshunter.io/developer/6804782721) |

## What reviewers say

### Core Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/core-timer/id6752376369)

**In-app purchases:** none


### Puzzle Pointer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/puzzle-pointer-puzzle-solver/id6809997519)

This app helps you find the correct spot for difficult jigsaw puzzle pieces. Simply photograph a loose piece, and it will show you potential locations on your puzzle's image, rotated to match. It supports a wide range of puzzles and offers a free trial.

**Highlights:** AI-powered piece placement suggestions, Scan puzzle box barcodes for quick setup, Supports over 10,000 puzzles, No account or sign-up required, Saves puzzle progress, Private photo storage, Free trial available

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| 10 Search Pack | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Core Timer free?

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

### Is Puzzle Pointer free?

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

### Do Core Timer or Puzzle Pointer have ads?

Neither Core Timer nor Puzzle Pointer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Core Timer or Puzzle Pointer?

Core Timer ships an update every 6 days, and Puzzle Pointer every 2 days. Most recently, Core Timer was updated on November 5, 2026 and Puzzle Pointer on November 10, 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.*