# Onsen Tamago vs Gentle Start

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Onsen Tamago at none against Gentle Start's 1. Onsen Tamago also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). Gentle Start's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Gentle Start sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Onsen Tamago asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Onsen Tamago against 5.0 for Gentle Start. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

Onsen Tamago ships an update every 2 months, Gentle Start every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Onsen Tamago | Gentle Start |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onsen-tamago-focus-timer/id6754348811/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gentle-start-focus-timer/id6767757117/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 1 |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 229 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Troubadour Game Studio LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1496572797) | [JOHNNY LI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1778905380) |

## What reviewers say

### Onsen Tamago

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onsen-tamago-focus-timer/id6754348811)

This app encourages focused work sessions by gamifying phone usage. Users engage in a virtual onsen experience that progresses as they stay off their device for set periods. It aims to improve concentration and well-being through mindful breaks.

**Highlights:** Gamified focus timer, Virtual onsen experience, Encourages phone-free time, Promotes well-being, Progressive onsen growth

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Gentle Start

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gentle-start-focus-timer/id6767757117)

This app provides a simple, one-tap timer to help overcome procrastination. It focuses on the act of starting, counting up from zero without pressure or goals. Designed for those who struggle with initiating tasks, it offers a calm experience with visual themes and ambient sounds.

**Highlights:** One-tap timer start, Upward counting timer, Living themes with animations, Ambient soundscapes, Live Activities integration, No streaks or goals

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Gentle Start Premium | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Onsen Tamago free?

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

### Is Gentle Start free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Onsen Tamago or Gentle Start?

Onsen Tamago and Gentle Start are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Onsen Tamago or Gentle Start have ads?

Neither Onsen Tamago nor Gentle Start shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Onsen Tamago or Gentle Start?

Onsen Tamago ships an update every 2 months, and Gentle Start every 3 days. Most recently, Onsen Tamago was updated on October 10, 2026 and Gentle Start on October 1, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*