# Count Up Down Timer vs DarkScreenReader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Count Up Down Timer at none against DarkScreenReader's 1. Count Up Down Timer also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 weeks). DarkScreenReader's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. DarkScreenReader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Count Up Down Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Count Up Down Timer ships an update every 3 weeks, DarkScreenReader every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 4, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Count Up Down Timer | DarkScreenReader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/darkscreenreader/id6790046139/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 9 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Satoshi Yamakawa](https://appshunter.io/developer/1864114622) | [兴雨 蔡](https://appshunter.io/developer/6775318889) |

## What reviewers say

### Count Up Down Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/count-up-down-timer/id6756993156)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### DarkScreenReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/darkscreenreader/id6790046139)

This tool allows discreet reading of local novel files by displaying text only in a small, user-defined area against a black screen. It mimics a locked phone to avoid drawing attention in public spaces. Features include customizable display, tap-to-hide functionality, and automatic page turning.

**Highlights:** Selected display area on black screen, Tap to hide/resume text, Automatic page turning, Swipe navigation, Customizable display area, Local file support

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DarkScreenReader Pro LifeTime | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Count Up Down Timer free?

Count Up Down Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is DarkScreenReader free?

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

### Do Count Up Down Timer or DarkScreenReader have ads?

Count Up Down Timer shows ads; DarkScreenReader does not.

### Which is updated more often, Count Up Down Timer or DarkScreenReader?

Count Up Down Timer ships an update every 3 weeks, and DarkScreenReader every 5 weeks. Most recently, Count Up Down Timer was updated on October 4, 2026 and DarkScreenReader on September 28, 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.*