Comparison

Periodic Timer vs Metronome Acoustic/Haptic

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

Metronome Acoustic/Haptic

This utility provides a metronome for runners and musicians, offering customizable beats per minute and tone selection. It also features haptic feedback and can be controlled remotely via an Apple Watch.

Highlights
  • Adjustable beats per minute
  • Selectable tones
  • Haptic feedback option
  • Apple Watch remote control
  • Independent Apple Watch app
Features
Read full description

A simple metronome to keep your pace while running or as a support for musicians. Besides selecting beats-per-minute, you can select different tones and even enable haptic feedback. If you have an Apple Watch, you can use it to remotely control all the settings of the paired device or use the Watch app independently.

Screenshots

Periodic Timer4 screens
Metronome Acoustic/Haptic1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Periodic Timer at 52% against Metronome Acoustic/Haptic's 0%. Metronome Acoustic/Haptic's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, Metronome Acoustic/Haptic every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Periodic Timer versus Metronome Acoustic/Haptic: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPeriodic TimerMetronome Acoustic/Haptic
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (167 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews52.1% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings167 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS17.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVladimir KelinBernhard Krenz

Customer experience

Periodic Timer

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

Metronome Acoustic/Haptic

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

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

Metronome Acoustic/Haptic

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Periodic Timer

No in-app purchases

None

Metronome Acoustic/Haptic

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Periodic Timer free?
Periodic Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Metronome Acoustic/Haptic free?
Metronome Acoustic/Haptic is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Periodic Timer or Metronome Acoustic/Haptic have ads?
Neither Periodic Timer nor Metronome Acoustic/Haptic shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Periodic Timer or Metronome Acoustic/Haptic?
Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, and Metronome Acoustic/Haptic every 3 weeks. Most recently, Periodic Timer was updated on October 11, 2026 and Metronome Acoustic/Haptic on September 30, 2026.

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