# Handy Reader vs Countdown Timer Planner

The clearest difference is rating: Handy Reader at 4.8 against Countdown Timer Planner's 4.6. Handy Reader also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Handy Reader sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Countdown Timer Planner sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Handy Reader holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 9 respectively.

Handy Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, Countdown Timer Planner every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on July 7, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Handy Reader | Countdown Timer Planner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-reader-speed-reading/id822214888/reviews)** | [4.6 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/countdown-timer-planner/id6739138510/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 6 | **9** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 18 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ihor Prysiazhniuk](https://appshunter.io/developer/822214891) | [AppFlux Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/1882687293) |

## What reviewers say

### Handy Reader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/handy-reader-speed-reading/id822214888)

Enhance your reading speed with this app, designed for efficient comprehension of digital texts. It supports various file formats and offers a distraction-free interface with customizable display options to suit your reading style.

**Highlights:** Speed reading functionality, Supports PDF, FB2, EPUB, DOCX, TXT, ODT, HTML, Word-focused display, Customizable fonts and themes, Adjustable reading speeds, Distraction-free interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Handy Reader Pro | $7.99 | one-time |


### Countdown Timer Planner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/countdown-timer-planner/id6739138510)

Organize and track important moments like birthdays, weddings, and trips. Set customizable timers and reminders to stay on top of upcoming events and create excitement for special days.

**Highlights:** Countdown to events, Plan and track upcoming events, Customizable timers, Event reminders, User-friendly interface

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Subscription | $24.99 | per year |
| Get Pro Access | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Handy Reader free?

Handy Reader is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Countdown Timer Planner free?

Countdown Timer Planner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Handy Reader or Countdown Timer Planner?

Handy Reader is rated higher. Handy Reader averages 4.8 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Countdown Timer Planner averages 4.6 from 9 ratings.

### Do Handy Reader or Countdown Timer Planner have ads?

Neither Handy Reader nor Countdown Timer Planner shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Handy Reader or Countdown Timer Planner?

Handy Reader ships an update every 2 weeks, and Countdown Timer Planner every 5 weeks. Most recently, Handy Reader was updated on July 7, 2026 and Countdown Timer Planner on September 20, 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.*