# ShadowTimer vs Book Reading Light

The clearest difference is monetization model: ShadowTimer at free against Book Reading Light's freemium. ShadowTimer also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ShadowTimer sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Book Reading Light sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for ShadowTimer against 5.0 for Book Reading Light. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 2 respectively.

ShadowTimer ships an update every 2 months, Book Reading Light every 6 months. Both last shipped on October 8, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ShadowTimer | Book Reading Light |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowtimer/id6756530472/reviews) | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/book-reading-light-lamp/id6760687640/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 2 |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 66 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Michael Paulick](https://appshunter.io/developer/1861202322) | [MNB DIGITAL LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1872854649) |

## What reviewers say

### ShadowTimer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadowtimer/id6756530472)

This app provides an immersive, atmospheric torch timer for tabletop role-playing games. It features a dynamic, burning torch that visually represents the passage of time, adding tension to gameplay. Designed for offline use with minimal distractions, it enhances the gaming experience.

**Highlights:** Animated, living torch flame, Customizable timer durations, Offline functionality, Clear, high-contrast visuals, Scalable text for all devices, Optional sound effects and haptics, Minimalist, distraction-free interface

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ShadowTimer | $5.99 | one-time |
| Bearer of the First Light | $19.99 | one-time |


### Book Reading Light

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/book-reading-light-lamp/id6760687640)

This app transforms your device into a customizable reading lamp with various light modes and color presets. It also includes a book tracker to organize your reading list and notes. Enjoy a personalized reading experience without disturbing others.

**Highlights:** Full-screen warm reading light, Adjustable brightness, Multiple light modes, Book tracking and organization, Personal reading notes, Timer with fade-out

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Premium | $19.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ShadowTimer free?

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

### Is Book Reading Light free?

Book Reading Light is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, ShadowTimer or Book Reading Light?

ShadowTimer and Book Reading Light are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 2 ratings respectively.

### Do ShadowTimer or Book Reading Light have ads?

Neither ShadowTimer nor Book Reading Light shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ShadowTimer or Book Reading Light?

ShadowTimer ships an update every 2 months, and Book Reading Light every 6 months. Most recently, ShadowTimer was updated on October 8, 2026 and Book Reading Light on October 8, 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.*