# Periodic Timer vs Ian's Awesome Counter

The clearest difference is rating: Ian's Awesome Counter at 4.8 against Periodic Timer's 4.1. Ian's Awesome Counter also leads on review sentiment (90% vs 52%) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). Periodic Timer's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 33 months) and ratings volume (167 vs 55). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Ian's Awesome Counter holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 167 and 55 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of Periodic Timer's written reviews are positive against 90% of Ian's Awesome Counter's.

Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, Ian's Awesome Counter every 33 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Periodic Timer | Ian's Awesome Counter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (167 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer/id933241656/reviews) | **[4.8 (55 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ians-awesome-counter/id1562654021/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **167** | 55 |
| Positive reviews | 52.1% of reviews | **90.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 33 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 23 MB | 6 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) | [Cross Forward Consulting, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/295660206) |

## 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


### Ian's Awesome Counter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ians-awesome-counter/id1562654021)

This utility app helps users improve focus and self-awareness with customizable prompts. Set intervals, start/end times, and track your progress over time to stay on task. Ideal for individuals or parents assisting with attention management.

**Highlights:** Customizable prompt intervals, Set daily start and end times, Track successful focus periods, View historical performance, Optional notification alerts

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Periodic Timer free?

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

### Is Ian's Awesome Counter free?

Ian's Awesome Counter is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Periodic Timer or Ian's Awesome Counter?

Ian's Awesome Counter is rated higher. Periodic Timer averages 4.1 out of 5 from 167 ratings, while Ian's Awesome Counter averages 4.8 from 55 ratings.

### Do Periodic Timer or Ian's Awesome Counter have ads?

Neither Periodic Timer nor Ian's Awesome Counter shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Periodic Timer or Ian's Awesome Counter?

Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, and Ian's Awesome Counter every 33 months. Most recently, Periodic Timer was updated on September 24, 2026 and Ian's Awesome Counter on September 19, 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.*