# Periodic Timer vs Loop

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Periodic Timer at none against Loop's 3. Loop's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 4.1) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 2 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Loop sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Periodic Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Loop holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 167 and 67 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of Periodic Timer's written reviews are positive against 63% of Loop's.

Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, Loop every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Periodic Timer | Loop |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (167 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer/id933241656/reviews) | **[4.5 (67 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loop-interval-and-multi-timer/id1537384788/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **167** | 67 |
| Positive reviews | 52.1% of reviews | **62.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 23 MB | 81 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.4** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vladimir Kelin](https://appshunter.io/developer/933241655) | [Leon Boettger](https://appshunter.io/developer/1537384790) |

## 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


### Loop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/loop-interval-and-multi-timer/id1537384788)

Easily create and manage multiple timers for various activities like sports, meditation, and study. Set interval timers, save presets, and import custom sounds. The app offers automatic resets, Apple Watch integration, and iCloud sync for a seamless experience.

**Highlights:** Multiple timer types (interval, Tabata), Natural text input for quick timers, Automatic timer reset and alarm options, Customizable presets with icons and colors, Import custom start, finish, and interval sounds, Background meditation sounds, iCloud sync across devices

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Loop+ Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Loop+ Yearly | $3.99 | per year |
| Upgrade to Loop+ | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Periodic Timer free?

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

### Is Loop free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Periodic Timer or Loop?

Loop is rated higher. Periodic Timer averages 4.1 out of 5 from 167 ratings, while Loop averages 4.5 from 67 ratings.

### Do Periodic Timer or Loop have ads?

Neither Periodic Timer nor Loop shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Periodic Timer or Loop?

Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, and Loop every 10 days. Most recently, Periodic Timer was updated on September 24, 2026 and Loop on September 18, 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.*