Comparison

5 Minute Timer vs Glow Timer

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

Head to head
About

5 Minute Timer

This utility app provides a straightforward countdown timer for precisely five minutes. Its animated interface clearly displays remaining time with a progress ring, and it features an alarm that functions even in silent mode. Designed for simplicity, it's ideal for quick tasks like games or cooking.

Highlights
  • One-tap start, pause, and reset
  • Alarm in silent mode
  • Remembers timer progress
  • Vibrant animated interface
  • Large, easy-to-use buttons
  • Screen stays on during countdown
Read full description

Need a quick, reliable 5-minute timer? With 5 Minute Timer, you start your countdown with just one tap. The vibrant, animated interface shows you exactly how much time remains – with a colorful progress ring and large, easy-to-read time display. What makes 5 Minute Timer special: • Simple operation – Start, pause, and reset with one tap • Alarm even in silent mode – You'll never miss it • Remembers your timer – After an app restart, it picks up right where you left off • Vibrant design – Animated background with colorful particles • Large buttons – Easy to use, even in stressful situations • Screen stays on – No automatic lock while the timer is running Perfect for board games, cooking, short breaks, or anywhere you need exactly 5 minutes.

About

Glow Timer

Features
Read full description

Time you can see, for work, study, and the moments in between. Glow Timer turns a countdown into a changing field of light, color, and waves. Keep it beside your notes, your book, or your workspace to see how much time is left. SET YOUR OWN PACE Start with a 3-, 15-, 25-, or 50-minute preset. Swipe to adjust the duration, and double-tap to start, pause, or resume. FOCUS, THEN TAKE A BREAK Use focus mode to move between a work session and a short break. Adjust the work and break durations in Settings. FIND YOUR GLOW Choose a color theme to suit the moment, and change the app language from Settings. Some themes require an in-app purchase.

Screenshots

5 Minute Timer4 screens
Glow Timer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: 5 Minute Timer at none against Glow Timer's 1. 5 Minute Timer also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 3 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Glow Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. 5 Minute Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

5 Minute Timer ships an update every 6 days, Glow Timer every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
5 Minute Timer versus Glow Timer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
Parameter5 Minute TimerGlow Timer
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 days — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperChristopher BischoffKazuma Takahashi

In-app purchases

None

5 Minute Timer

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Glow Timer

One-time1
  • Premium Mode$3.99

Questions

Is 5 Minute Timer free?
5 Minute Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Glow Timer free?
Glow Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do 5 Minute Timer or Glow Timer have ads?
Neither 5 Minute Timer nor Glow Timer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, 5 Minute Timer or Glow Timer?
5 Minute Timer ships an update every 6 days, and Glow Timer every 3 months. Most recently, 5 Minute Timer was updated on October 28, 2026 and Glow Timer on November 5, 2026.

Other comparisons