Comparison

Periodic Timer vs Repeating Beep

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

Repeating Beep

This utility app provides customizable sound alerts at set intervals, running in the background or when the device is locked. It's ideal for various routines, from reminders and practice to cooking and focus sessions. The app offers presets, custom timing, and live activity integration.

Highlights
  • Customizable intervals
  • Background operation
  • Offline functionality
  • Six quick presets
  • Live Activity integration
  • Optional vibration
Read full description

Tap Start to hear a repeating beep every 30 seconds, or whatever interval you choose. The timer can keep running in the background or while your device is locked. It works offline and remembers your settings. Use Repeating Beep for reminders, pacing, practice, focus, cooking, or any routine that needs a regular sound. • Six quick presets • Custom intervals • Live Activity with elapsed time and Stop • Test beep • Optional vibration while the app is open on supported iPhones • No account, ads, or tracking Sound follows your media volume and selected output. Force-quitting the app stops the timer.

Screenshots

Periodic Timer4 screens
Repeating Beep2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Repeating Beep at 100% against Periodic Timer's 52%. Repeating Beep also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). Periodic Timer's advantage is price (Free vs $3.99). On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement 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

Periodic Timer is free to download; Repeating Beep costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, Repeating Beep every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Periodic Timer versus Repeating Beep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPeriodic TimerRepeating Beep
PriceFree — better$3.99
Rating4.1 (167 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews52.1% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings167 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVladimir KelinSamuel Devaney

Customer experience

Periodic Timer

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

Repeating Beep

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

Repeating Beep

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Periodic Timer

No in-app purchases

None

Repeating Beep

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Periodic Timer free?
Periodic Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Repeating Beep free?
Repeating Beep costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Periodic Timer or Repeating Beep have ads?
Neither Periodic Timer nor Repeating Beep shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Periodic Timer or Repeating Beep?
Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, and Repeating Beep every 9 days. Most recently, Periodic Timer was updated on October 11, 2026 and Repeating Beep on October 12, 2026.

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