Comparison

Periodic Timer vs RepeaTimer

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

RepeaTimer

This utility allows you to set a countdown timer that automatically repeats until manually stopped. Restart the timer with a single tap, even mid-cycle. Ideal for study sessions, interval training, and other time-based activities.

Highlights
  • Automatic repeating countdown
  • Single-tap restart
  • Customizable timer intervals
  • Versatile use cases
  • Simple interface
Features
Read full description

The set timer can be run repeatedly. Once the time is set, the timer will repeat automatically as many times as necessary until it is stopped. You can restart the timer with a single tap even in the middle of the timer. It can be used in various ways, from studying for certifications to training intervals.

Screenshots

Periodic Timer4 screens
RepeaTimer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: RepeaTimer at 100% against Periodic Timer's 52%. RepeaTimer also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). Periodic Timer's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (167 vs 6). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support 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.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

RepeaTimer holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Periodic Timer has 167 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 52% of Periodic Timer's written reviews are positive against 100% of RepeaTimer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Periodic Timer versus RepeaTimer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPeriodic TimerRepeaTimer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (167 ratings)4.8 (6 ratings) — better
Positive reviews52.1% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings167 — better6
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterAd-supported
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS17.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB34 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVladimir KelinASANO SHOTA

Customer experience

Periodic Timer

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

RepeaTimer

All ratings6 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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

RepeaTimer

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Periodic Timer

No in-app purchases

None

RepeaTimer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Periodic Timer free?
Periodic Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is RepeaTimer free?
RepeaTimer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Periodic Timer or RepeaTimer?
RepeaTimer is rated higher. Periodic Timer averages 4.1 out of 5 from 167 ratings, while RepeaTimer averages 4.8 from 6 ratings.
Do Periodic Timer or RepeaTimer have ads?
RepeaTimer shows ads; Periodic Timer does not.
Which is updated more often, Periodic Timer or RepeaTimer?
Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, and RepeaTimer every 2 months. Most recently, Periodic Timer was updated on October 11, 2026 and RepeaTimer on October 2, 2026.

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