# Aestu vs Gentle Start

The clearest difference is update cadence: Gentle Start at every 3 days against Aestu's every 5 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Aestu sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Gentle Start sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Aestu ships an update every 5 weeks, Gentle Start every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Aestu | Gentle Start |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gentle-start-focus-timer/id6767757117/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 13 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **18.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Giuseppe Pignataro](https://appshunter.io/developer/363279853) | [JOHNNY LI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1778905380) |

## What reviewers say

### Aestu

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aestu-visual-focus-timer/id6757825967)

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aestu Lifetime | $1.99 | one-time |


### 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 Aestu free?

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

### Is Gentle Start free?

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

### Do Aestu or Gentle Start have ads?

Neither Aestu nor Gentle Start shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Aestu or Gentle Start?

Aestu ships an update every 5 weeks, and Gentle Start every 3 days. Most recently, Aestu was updated on October 9, 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.*