# Mind Timer vs GonguZen

The clearest difference is rating: GonguZen at 4.0 against Mind Timer's 3.0. GonguZen also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs monthly). Mind Timer's advantage is ratings volume (8 vs 1) and iOS requirement (7.1 vs 15.1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Mind Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and GonguZen sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

GonguZen holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Mind Timer has 8 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Mind Timer ships an update monthly, GonguZen every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Mind Timer | GonguZen |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mind-timer-a-simple-timer-for-insight-meditation/id901569488/reviews) | **[4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gonguzen-meditation-timer/id6762090123/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **8** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 35.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 8 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 13 MB | 96 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.1** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AppSimple LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/672076841) | [SOMMER Media s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1716179984) |

## What reviewers say

### Mind Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mind-timer-a-simple-timer-for-insight-meditation/id901569488)

This app provides a straightforward timer for meditation sessions. It offers customizable intervals, various chime sounds, and background options to enhance your practice. It also includes instructions and a link to guided meditations.

**Highlights:** Meditation intervals, 5 chime sounds, 5 timer backgrounds, Easy-to-use interface, Meditation instructions, Link to guided meditations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Features | $1.99 | one-time |


### GonguZen

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gonguzen-meditation-timer/id6762090123)

Find calm with a simple meditation timer for sleep, mindfulness, and breath. Enjoy a clean interface with no ads or account requirements. Offers guided breathing, ambient sounds, and progress tracking.

**Highlights:** Meditation timer with custom durations, Real singing bowls and bells, Breathing guidance, Ambient nature and ocean sounds, Sleep mode with fadeout, Progress tracking and daily streaks, Privacy-first design with no account needed

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Premium Lifetime | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Mind Timer free?

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

### Is GonguZen free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Mind Timer or GonguZen?

GonguZen is rated higher. Mind Timer averages 3.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while GonguZen averages 4.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Mind Timer or GonguZen have ads?

Neither Mind Timer nor GonguZen shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Mind Timer or GonguZen?

Mind Timer ships an update monthly, and GonguZen every 8 days. Most recently, Mind Timer was updated on November 1, 2026 and GonguZen on October 31, 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.*