Comparison

The Artclock vs Simple Clock JP

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

The Artclock

This app reimagines your desk clock with a fluid, visual representation of time. It uses dynamic layering and smooth animations to display the passage of hours and minutes through color and motion, offering a calming and aesthetic alternative to traditional timekeeping.

Highlights
  • Fluid representation of time
  • Dynamic color and motion
  • Adjustable transparency and depth
  • Satisfying hour reset animation
  • Visual hourly progress indicator
  • Minimalist customization (numbers/words)
Features
Read full description

Time isn’t just numbers; it’s a living canvas. Reimagine your desk clock. No ticking, no clutter—just color, motion, and time. The Artclock is a high-concept, kinetic timepiece designed for the modern aesthetic. It moves away from the ticking clock and toward a fluid representation of "the now." Experience a clock that breathes. The Artclock transforms the passage of time into a mesmerizing visual journey of light and color. Inspired by the natural rhythms of the day, The Artclock uses dynamic layering and smooth animations to show you exactly where you stand in the current hour. Watch as the minutes "slice" through a foreground of color, gradually revealing the foundation beneath. As the day turns to night, The Artclock follows the sun, shifting its palette to match the world outside your window. Features You’ll Love: Tailored Transparency: Use the custom glassmorphic slider to adjust the depth and intensity of the clock's layers. Fluid Transitions: Watch the hour reset with a satisfying sweep animation that resets the canvas. Visual Hourly Progress: See the hour pass through a growing circular reveal. Always On: Perfect for use as a dedicated desk clock or nightstand display. Minimalist Customization: Switch between numbers and words, and adjust transparency to match your style.

About

Simple Clock JP

Features
Read full description

Simple Clock JP shows the current time in large, bold digits, easy to read at a glance from across the room or the stage. Just open the app and the clock is there. No setup, no complicated controls. Features - Large, easy-to-read time display - Shows hours, minutes, and seconds - Date and day of the week - Simple black background - The screen stays on while the clock is shown - On iPad, resize the window freely and place it next to your sheet music or set list app - Picture in Picture: float a compact clock over any other app - No ads, no account, no setup Use it as a desk clock, at work, at events, or on stage whenever you want to see the time in big numbers. A simple clock made for one thing: showing the time, big.

Screenshots

The Artclock2 screens
Simple Clock JP1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Simple Clock JP at every 4 weeks against The Artclock's every 4 months. The Artclock's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

The Artclock ships an update every 4 months, Simple Clock JP every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
The Artclock versus Simple Clock JP: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThe ArtclockSimple Clock JP
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 4 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS13.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size15 MB0 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRien HealdKantaro Kobayashi

In-app purchases

None

The Artclock

No in-app purchases

None

Simple Clock JP

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is The Artclock free?
The Artclock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Simple Clock JP free?
Simple Clock JP is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do The Artclock or Simple Clock JP have ads?
Neither The Artclock nor Simple Clock JP shows ads.
Which is updated more often, The Artclock or Simple Clock JP?
The Artclock ships an update every 4 months, and Simple Clock JP every 4 weeks. Most recently, The Artclock was updated on October 31, 2026 and Simple Clock JP on November 10, 2026.

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