# Simple Espresso Timer vs Third Samurai

The clearest difference is price: Simple Espresso Timer at Free against Third Samurai's $1.99. Simple Espresso Timer also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.5). Third Samurai's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 months) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Simple Espresso Timer is free to download; Third Samurai costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Simple Espresso Timer holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 4 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Simple Espresso Timer ships an update every 6 months, Third Samurai fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simple Espresso Timer | Third Samurai |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-espresso-timer/id889735610/reviews)** | [4.5 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/third-samuraicoffee-timer/id1490741242/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 4 | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 3 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Peter Bodskov](https://appshunter.io/developer/889735613) | [Ivan Dzyubenko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1462172688) |

## What reviewers say

### Simple Espresso Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-espresso-timer/id889735610)

This app automatically starts a timer when it detects the sound of your espresso machine brewing. Simply press stop when your shot is complete. It's designed to be placed near your machine for easy use.

**Highlights:** Automatic timer start via sound detection, Manual stop function, Simple, minimalist interface, Designed for proximity to espresso machine

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Third Samurai

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/third-samuraicoffee-timer/id1490741242)

Discover new coffee brewing techniques and recipes with this app. It features a detailed timer with step-by-step guidance and hints to help you achieve the perfect cup.

**Highlights:** Recipe discovery, Recipe experimentation, Brewing timer, Detailed brewing steps, Brewing hints

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simple Espresso Timer free?

Simple Espresso Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Third Samurai free?

Third Samurai costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Simple Espresso Timer or Third Samurai?

Simple Espresso Timer is rated higher. Simple Espresso Timer averages 5.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Third Samurai averages 4.5 from 4 ratings.

### Do Simple Espresso Timer or Third Samurai have ads?

Neither Simple Espresso Timer nor Third Samurai shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Simple Espresso Timer or Third Samurai?

Simple Espresso Timer ships an update every 6 months, and Third Samurai fortnightly. Most recently, Simple Espresso Timer was updated on June 1, 2026 and Third Samurai on September 21, 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.*