# Periodic Timer vs Random Timer Generator

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Periodic Timer at none against Random Timer Generator's 1. Periodic Timer also leads on rating (4.1 vs 3.8). Random Timer Generator's advantage is review sentiment (83% vs 52%) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Random Timer Generator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Periodic Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Periodic Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 167 and 56 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 52% of Periodic Timer's written reviews are positive against 83% of Random Timer Generator's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Periodic Timer | Random Timer Generator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (167 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/periodic-timer/id933241656/reviews)** | [3.8 (56 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/random-timer-generator/id1621894479/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **167** | 56 |
| Positive reviews | 52.1% of reviews | **82.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 23 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vladimir Kelin](https://appshunter.io/developer/933241655) | [OneUp App LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1533692452) |

## 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


### Random Timer Generator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/random-timer-generator/id1621894479)

This app generates random countdown timers within a specified time range. It's versatile for games, meditation, exercise, studying, and more. Customize sounds, vibrations, and looping modes for a personalized experience.

**Highlights:** Configurable random countdowns, Adjustable time ranges (0 seconds to 24 hours), Background operation support, Customizable sound and vibration alerts, Upload custom alarm sounds, Looping mode with break periods, Progress tracking for loops

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lifetime access | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and streamlined interface
- 👍 Works as intended for various purposes
- 👍 Customizable features
- 👍 Useful for board games and practice sessions
- 👍 Great for musicians and dog training

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Strange battery usage reported
- 🐛 Font for counts/reps is too small
- 🐛 Can't use without paying for longer timers
- 🐛 Counter freezes at random times
- 🐛 Notifications (sound/iWatch) stop working

**Reported bugs**

- App consumed most battery without usage
- Counter freezes at random times
- Notifications (sound/iWatch) stop working after a short period
- Custom sounds are cut off when looping and using breaks
- Alarm always includes vibrate, no sound alone option

**Requested features**

- Make counts/reps font bigger
- Allow setting 'active hours' for timer
- Option for 'weekdays only' timer scheduling
- Save and name various timers and settings
- Upload, delete, and select among multiple sounds


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Periodic Timer free?

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

### Is Random Timer Generator free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Periodic Timer or Random Timer Generator?

Periodic Timer is rated higher. Periodic Timer averages 4.1 out of 5 from 167 ratings, while Random Timer Generator averages 3.8 from 56 ratings.

### Do Periodic Timer or Random Timer Generator have ads?

Neither Periodic Timer nor Random Timer Generator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Periodic Timer or Random Timer Generator?

Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, and Random Timer Generator every 2 months. Most recently, Periodic Timer was updated on October 11, 2026 and Random Timer Generator on October 7, 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.*