Comparison

Periodic Timer vs BlipBeep

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Periodic Timer

This app provides a simple, repeating interval timer that can run in the background without distracting you. It offers customizable alerts, quick start options, and prevents your screen from locking while active. Ideal for various activities like fitness, cooking, and learning.

Highlights
  • Repeating interval timer
  • Background operation
  • Customizable alerts (vibration/sound)
  • Prevent lockscreen
  • Shake to start
  • Multiple timer output modes
Features
Read full description

Keep track of time without being distracted by the device! Simple and easy timer that repeats at your chosen interval. FEATURES - Vibration, if sound is off. - Works in the background. - 3 timer output modes: intervals, total time, countdown. - You can cancel or pause the timer with help of a notification. - Quick Start from icon. - Shake To Start - can be enabled in settings. - Prevent Lockscreen - another useful setting, the screen will not lock, while the timer is running. USE CASES Here is a list of known use cases based on the real feedback: Fitness and health: - Stretching - Stationary bicycle (interval training) - On a treadmill - For HIIT - Jogging - Timed medication - Boxing Cooking - While frying potatoes - Roasting steaks - Checking an over or a grill to prevent burning Learning & science - Foreign language learning - As a lab timer - Periodic data collection - Speech training - Presentation timing Other - Mindfulness - Communication - To have a sense of time flying away :) HELP Q: Why the timer doesn't work in the background? A: You should allow notifications. Q: How to turn off the sound and turn on the vibration? A: On the device, turn the Silent Mode on. (Side Switch) Q: Alert is limited for 5 seconds! A: Go to Settings app, then Periodic Timer > Notifications > Banner Style > Persistent. Q: How to switch the Timer Output Mode? A: To switch the Output Mode touch the timer display at the top of the screen. Q: What is Shake To Start for? A: Shake To Start setting allows to start/cancel the timer by shaking the device. Thus, you don't touch the screen, what can be useful while cooking, for example. In order for this mode to work, the app should be open. If you still have questions or suggestions, you can visit the support page (https://goo.gl/forms/pggVBcaBxdW85EGE3), the Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/groups/PeriodicTimer/) or you can email me (periodictimer.sup@gmail.com). If you like the app - please, rate it!

About

BlipBeep

This utility app provides customizable sound reminders at set intervals, functioning as a mindfulness bell or a task-specific alert. You can configure specific times and days for notifications and customize alert text for various purposes.

Highlights
  • Customizable sound intervals
  • Mindfulness bell functionality
  • Time and day specific scheduling
  • Customizable notification text
  • Start notifications from zero minutes
Features
Read full description

The Simple Time Reminder plays sounds at regular intervals (1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours). This reminder can also serve as a mindfulness bell—each time it rings, it gives you an opportunity to reflect on the current time or what you are doing at that moment. By default, it plays a sound at the specified intervals, regardless of the day or time. However, you can configure the time signals to limit when the sounds play to specific hours or days. Additionally, you can use this reminder for specific tasks, such as drinking more water or taking a break from your computer screen, by customizing the text in the notification. If you encounter any issues, please use the "Report Problem" feature within the app to describe your problem. Be sure to include logs and your device configuration for better assistance. New feature "Start notifications from zero minutes" added to the project.

Screenshots

Periodic Timer4 screens
BlipBeep4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Periodic Timer at 4.1 against BlipBeep's 1.9. Periodic Timer also leads on review sentiment (52% vs 13%) and in-app purchases (none vs 9). BlipBeep's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. BlipBeep sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. Periodic Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Periodic Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 1.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Periodic Timer has 167 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of Periodic Timer's written reviews are positive against 13% of BlipBeep's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, BlipBeep every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Periodic Timer versus BlipBeep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPeriodic TimerBlipBeep
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (167 ratings) — better1.9 (9 ratings)
Positive reviews52.1% of reviews — better12.5% of reviews
Number of ratings167 — better9
Update frequencyEvery 2 months — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS17.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVladimir Kelingangadhar goud

Customer experience

Periodic Timer

All ratings167 ratings
Positive75.4%
Neutral6.0%
Negative18.6%
Written reviews140 reviews
Positive52.1%
Neutral10.7%
Negative37.1%

BlipBeep

All ratings9 ratings
Positive22.2%
Neutral0.0%
Negative77.8%
Written reviews8 reviews
Positive12.5%
Neutral12.5%
Negative75.0%

Bugs and requests

Periodic Timer

Reported bugs

12 issues
  • Sound/notifications fail to trigger despite settings enabled
  • Timer cancels when phone is shaken or moved
  • Vibration doesn't work when screen is locked or off
  • App crashes on launch (especially after updates)
  • Watch app crashes or doesn't function
Show 7 more
  • Notifications inconsistent on Apple Watch
  • Timer speed inaccurate (runs too fast)
  • App won't open after deletion and reinstall
  • Upgrade popup spams every second, making app unusable
  • Heart rate monitor stays active, draining battery
  • Vibration doesn't work on silent mode
  • Watch green light stays on continuously

Requested features

15 requests
  • Adjustable sound volume and custom alert sounds
  • Customizable vibration patterns
  • Settings menu for user preferences
  • Ability to add notes/labels to timers
  • Seconds-only timer option
Show 10 more
  • Simple countdown timer (non-repeating)
  • Separate exercise and rest period intervals
  • Start timer at specific time of day
  • Disable sound option for silent vibration-only mode
  • Prevent screen lock while timer is running
  • Apple Watch vibration support
  • Seconds increment option (not just minutes)
  • Better Apple Watch complications and integration
  • Free trial period before purchase requirement
  • Disable shake-to-cancel functionality

BlipBeep

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Periodic Timer

No in-app purchases

9 purchases

BlipBeep

One-time9
  • Bell$0.99
  • Harp$0.99
  • Tropfen$0.99
Show 6 more
  • Cat$0.99
  • Dog$0.99
  • Hen$0.99
  • Holy Bell$0.99
  • Elevator Bell$0.99
  • Chime Bell$0.99

Questions

Is Periodic Timer free?
Periodic Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is BlipBeep free?
BlipBeep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Periodic Timer or BlipBeep?
Periodic Timer is rated higher. Periodic Timer averages 4.1 out of 5 from 167 ratings, while BlipBeep averages 1.9 from 9 ratings.
Do Periodic Timer or BlipBeep have ads?
BlipBeep shows ads; Periodic Timer does not.
Which is updated more often, Periodic Timer or BlipBeep?
Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, and BlipBeep every 3 months. Most recently, Periodic Timer was updated on September 24, 2026 and BlipBeep on September 8, 2026.

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