# Gentle Start vs AM Routine

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

Both are free to download. Gentle Start sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and AM Routine sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Gentle Start | AM Routine |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 46 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [JOHNNY LI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1778905380) | [Onemu Lab](https://appshunter.io/developer/6776069315) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### AM Routine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/am-routine-morning-timer/id6776069313)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Pro (Lifetime) | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gentle Start free?

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

### Is AM Routine free?

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

### Do Gentle Start or AM Routine have ads?

Neither Gentle Start nor AM Routine shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Gentle Start or AM Routine?

Gentle Start ships an update every 3 days, and AM Routine every 3 weeks. Most recently, Gentle Start was updated on October 1, 2026 and AM Routine on October 5, 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.*