Comparison

Orbitimer vs DeskTabby

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

Head to head
About

Orbitimer

Features
Read full description

Orbitimer is an interval timer and metronome built around tempo and rhythm. Whether you're doing strength training and HIIT, staying focused while studying or working, practicing an instrument, or pacing a presentation, Orbitimer helps you break time into segments and keep a steady rhythm. ■ Today's Session - Choose a goal and the time you have to create a three-step plan on your device - Review and edit the draft before saving; existing sets and settings stay unchanged ■ Flexible interval timers - Arrange Work and Interval steps to build your own routine - Set a duration and title for each step, reorder by drag - Batch-generate rounds and rest periods with the interval generator ■ Precise metronome (with haptics) - Lock in tempo by BPM and note value (quarter, eighth, sixteenth) - Feel the beat through the Taptic Engine—great where you can't make noise - Accented downbeats ■ Per-step customization - Attach a photo, video, or recorded cue / background audio to any step - Encouragement messages and custom pre-end notifications ■ Effect packs - Built-in Standard, Energetic, Calm, and Business packs - Swap start/warning/end sounds and finish animations (fireworks / confetti / stars) - Create your own custom packs ■ Themes - 8 built-in themes plus a full custom theme editor - Export and import themes via share codes ■ Community - Discover and import timer presets and themes made by other users - Share your own presets and themes with everyone ■ Presentation mode (stealth notifications) - Route audio only to Bluetooth earphones, or use Apple Watch haptics only - Stay on time during meetings and talks without anyone noticing ■ Never stops your music - Mixes with Apple Music and other audio without interrupting playback - Turn sound off for a silent, haptics-only experience ■ Privacy & pricing - Completely free. No ads, no tracking, no account required - Your data stays on your device (with optional iCloud sync) - If you love the app, you can leave an optional tip to support development (tips unlock nothing—just our thanks) Universal app for iPhone and iPad. Start today's routine at your own rhythm.

About

DeskTabby

This app uses a charming virtual cat to help you stay focused using the Pomodoro technique. It offers a gentle, non-judgmental approach to productivity, rewarding your progress with in-game growth and customization options. Enjoy offline functionality and privacy-focused features.

Highlights
  • Pomodoro focus sessions
  • Live Activity on Dynamic Island and Lock Screen
  • Cat growth and customization
  • Offline functionality
  • Daily goals and streaks
  • Optional cosmetic in-app purchases
Read full description

Make a little time for one thing, with a cat beside you. DeskTabby keeps you company while you read, study, write, or work on something of your own. · Meet your cat: Bring it home, then start when ready. You can also choose a one-minute trial. Naming your cat and choosing a personality can wait. · One thing at a time: Choose a task or start a simple focus session. Pause and return when you need to. · Pick up again: Leave a short progress note or a next step, then find it when you come back. · A shared history: Look back on focused time, completed sessions, and the things you did together. Your cat grows with your focus. · A look of your own: Choose coat colors, patterns, and eyes. Try hats, glasses, scarves, little companions, and desk or sleep scenes together. · Optional gift packs: Some cosmetic choices are available as in-app purchases. They do not buy focus time or growth. · Private by default: No DeskTabby account, ads, analytics, or tracking. Task names and notes are stored locally and excluded from the optional iCloud progress backup. Local file backup and optional private iCloud progress backup are separate choices. Bring one thing. Leave a line. Come back whenever you are ready.

Screenshots

Orbitimer4 screens
DeskTabby4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: DeskTabby at every 5 days against Orbitimer's every 3 weeks. 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. Orbitimer sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and DeskTabby sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Orbitimer ships an update every 3 weeks, DeskTabby every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
Orbitimer versus DeskTabby: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOrbitimerDeskTabby
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB130 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTomonori Kowatari军 郭

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Orbitimer

One-time3
  • Small Tip$1.99
  • Medium Tip$4.99
  • Large Tip$9.99
9 purchases

DeskTabby

One-time9
  • Eyewear Pack$3.99
  • Headwear Pack$3.99
  • Patterns Pack$3.99
Show 6 more
  • Neckwear Pack$3.99
  • Sleep Scene Pack$3.99
  • Desk Scene Pack$3.99
  • Pastel Coat Pack$5.99
  • Sidekicks Pack$5.99
  • Everything, Forever$24.99

Questions

Is Orbitimer free?
Orbitimer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is DeskTabby free?
DeskTabby is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Orbitimer or DeskTabby have ads?
Neither Orbitimer nor DeskTabby shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Orbitimer or DeskTabby?
Orbitimer ships an update every 3 weeks, and DeskTabby every 5 days. Most recently, Orbitimer was updated on October 28, 2026 and DeskTabby on October 29, 2026.

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