# Aura vs Gentle Start

The clearest difference is update cadence: Gentle Start at every 3 days against Aura's every 3 weeks. Aura's advantage is iOS requirement (16.1 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Aura sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Gentle Start sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Aura ships an update every 3 weeks, Gentle Start every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Aura | 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 3 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 37 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.1** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Anar Askarova](https://appshunter.io/developer/1889562392) | [JOHNNY LI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1778905380) |

## What reviewers say

### Aura

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aura-adhd-focus-timer-and-flow/id6761427753)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aura Premium Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Aura Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |


### 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 Aura free?

Aura 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 Aura or Gentle Start have ads?

Neither Aura nor Gentle Start shows ads.

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

Aura ships an update every 3 weeks, and Gentle Start every 3 days. Most recently, Aura was updated on October 31, 2026 and Gentle Start on October 31, 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.*