# Periodic Timer vs Haptic Focus Timer

The clearest difference is rating: Periodic Timer at 4.1 against Haptic Focus Timer's 2.6. Periodic Timer also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 11 months). Haptic Focus Timer's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Haptic Focus Timer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Periodic Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Periodic Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Periodic Timer has 167 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 52% of Periodic Timer's written reviews are positive against 60% of Haptic Focus Timer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, Haptic Focus Timer every 11 months. Both last shipped on September 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Periodic Timer | Haptic Focus Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (167 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer/id933241656/reviews)** | [2.6 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/haptic-focus-timer/id1496560576/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **167** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 52.1% of reviews | **60.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 11 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 23 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vladimir Kelin](https://appshunter.io/developer/933241655) | [KnightCode LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/343341135) |

## What reviewers say

### Periodic Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer/id933241656)

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:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and intuitive interface
- ⏱️ Effective repeating/interval timer functionality
- 🎯 Does exactly what it's designed to do
- 🔇 Vibration-only option available
- 📱 Works in background with screen off

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔊 Sound/notification issues (unreliable or missing)
- 💰 Aggressive premium upselling in free version
- 🐛 Timer cancels when phone is shaken
- 🔋 Activates heart rate sensor, drains battery
- 📵 Doesn't work reliably with screen locked

**Reported bugs**

- 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

**Requested features**

- 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


### Haptic Focus Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/haptic-focus-timer/id1496560576)

This app helps you time focus and meditation sessions using discreet haptic feedback on your watch. It allows for multiple, unique vibrations to mark time or segment your session without sound or screen interaction. Optionally track your heart rate and mindfulness minutes.

**Highlights:** Haptic notifications for silent alerts, Multiple notifications per timer, Customizable haptic experiences, Configure multiple timers, Dark/Light Mode support, Optional HealthKit heart rate monitoring

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Unlimited | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly Unlimited | $9.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Periodic Timer free?

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

### Is Haptic Focus Timer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Periodic Timer or Haptic Focus Timer?

Periodic Timer is rated higher. Periodic Timer averages 4.1 out of 5 from 167 ratings, while Haptic Focus Timer averages 2.6 from 5 ratings.

### Do Periodic Timer or Haptic Focus Timer have ads?

Neither Periodic Timer nor Haptic Focus Timer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Periodic Timer or Haptic Focus Timer?

Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, and Haptic Focus Timer every 11 months. Most recently, Periodic Timer was updated on September 29, 2026 and Haptic Focus Timer on September 29, 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.*