# StartWise vs Gentle Start

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: StartWise at none against Gentle Start's 1. StartWise also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). Gentle Start's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 11 days). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Gentle Start sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. StartWise asks for nothing beyond the download.

StartWise ships an update every 11 days, Gentle Start every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StartWise | 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 | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 38 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bob Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1865151316) | [JOHNNY LI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1778905380) |

## What reviewers say

### StartWise

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startwise/id6758532594)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 StartWise free?

StartWise is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Gentle Start free?

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

### Do StartWise or Gentle Start have ads?

Neither StartWise nor Gentle Start shows ads.

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

StartWise ships an update every 11 days, and Gentle Start every 3 days. Most recently, StartWise was updated on October 8, 2026 and Gentle Start on October 1, 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.*