# Gentle Start vs 15minutes

The clearest difference is update cadence: Gentle Start at every 3 days against 15minutes's every 8 days. 15minutes's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). 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 15minutes sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Gentle Start ships an update every 3 days, 15minutes every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gentle Start | 15minutes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 8 days |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 46 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [JOHNNY LI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1778905380) | [Nikola Hack](https://appshunter.io/developer/1495244458) |

## 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 |


### 15minutes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/15minutes-screen-time-limit/id6795075160)

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium Subscription | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Premium Subscription | $5.99 | per month |
| Annual Premium Subscription | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gentle Start free?

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

### Is 15minutes free?

15minutes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Gentle Start or 15minutes have ads?

Neither Gentle Start nor 15minutes shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Gentle Start or 15minutes?

Gentle Start ships an update every 3 days, and 15minutes every 8 days. Most recently, Gentle Start was updated on October 31, 2026 and 15minutes on November 6, 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.*