Comparison

Periodic Timer vs MultiTimer

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

MultiTimer

Manage multiple countdowns and count-ups simultaneously with customizable timers for any task. Organize your time with flexible layouts, personalized alerts, and easy sharing options. Optimize productivity for work, study, or daily activities.

Highlights
  • Multiple timer creation
  • Customizable layouts
  • Personalized labels, colors, icons
  • Timer history tracking
  • Web sharing of timers
  • iCloud sync
  • Apple Watch support
Features
Read full description

MultiTimer – Unlock New Productivity and Time Management Opportunities! **NO ADS** Whether it’s daily tasks, cooking, studying, or workouts, MultiTimer offers customizable timers for any situation. With options like task timers, kitchen timers, Pomodoro timers, and many other features, you'll always be organized and efficient. **VERSATILE TIMERS FOR ANY SITUATION Create multiple timers for any purpose. Choose from: - Countdown - Quick Start - CountUp - Pomodoro - Interval Timer - Stopwatch - Counter - Clock - Buttons - Container **FLEXIBLE LAYOUT FOR YOUR NEEDS Customize timer boards the way you like. Choose between adaptive and flexible layouts. Copy, delete, and move timers at your discretion. Create multiple boards to place different timers side by side and manage them effortlessly. **PERSONALIZE YOUR TIME Give your timers and counters a personal touch with numerous labels, colours, icons, alert styles, custom sounds, and notifications. **MAXIMUM CONTROL & CUSTOMIZATION Full control over your timers. Set timer start delays, add or subtract time from running timers, and choose the "Auto-repeat" option for automatic timer restart. **SAVE TIME WITH EASE Track and save the entire history of your timers and counters. **SHARE TIMERS Use the web feature to share a link with friends, family, or colleagues to track ongoing or upcoming events or tasks. **AND MANY OTHER GREAT FEATURES - Place timers on separate screens (boards) or manage them in fullscreen mode. - Sync timer data across devices using iCloud. - Use all available types of widgets. - Check out Siri integration, shortcuts, and x-callback-URL support. - Try 3D Touch for quick timer management through the pop-up menu. - Use MultiTimer on your Apple Watch. - Export boards and timers to another device. - Use the built-in tools to run and manage multiple timers at the same time. MultiTimer is your indispensable assistant, whether in the kitchen, gym, at work, or in the office. Focus on what really matters with quick timer settings, optimize your time management, and achieve your goals faster and more efficiently. Download MultiTimer and start managing your time today with unlimited boards, timers, and various features (some features are part of the Pro upgrade). We love feedback! Send your suggestions and ideas to support@persapps.com or use the "Feedback" option in the app settings. **ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Terms of Use: http://persapps.com/terms/ Standard Agreement: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Icons by icons8: https://icons8.com/

Screenshots

Periodic Timer4 screens
MultiTimer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: MultiTimer at 4.7 against Periodic Timer's 4.1. MultiTimer also leads on review sentiment (79% vs 52%) and ratings volume (16K vs 167). Periodic Timer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On price, ads, 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

Both are free to download. MultiTimer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Periodic Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MultiTimer holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MultiTimer has 16K ratings behind it against 167, 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 79% of MultiTimer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, MultiTimer fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Periodic Timer versus MultiTimer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPeriodic TimerMultiTimer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (167 ratings)4.7 (16K ratings) — better
Positive reviews52.1% of reviews79.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings16716K — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS17.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size23 MB96 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperVladimir KelinSergey Astakhov

Customer experience

Periodic Timer

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

MultiTimer

All ratings15,626 ratings
Positive94.3%
Neutral2.7%
Negative3.0%
Written reviews511 reviews
Positive79.3%
Neutral6.8%
Negative13.9%

User reviews

Periodic Timer

From 167 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 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

Room to improve

  • 🔊 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

MultiTimer

From 16K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🌟 Excellent multi-timer functionality
  • 👍 Highly customizable timers
  • 🎨 Beautiful and intuitive design
  • 🔍 Versatile for various use cases (cooking, workouts, productivity, etc.)
  • 🌍 Syncs across devices via iCloud

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
  • 🔇 Alarms not always audible when phone is locked or in silent mode
  • 🕰 Apple Watch app has limited functionality compared to iPhone app
  • 💰 Pro version considered expensive by some users

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

MultiTimer

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Interval timers not playing sounds consistently
  • Timers not syncing properly between iPhone and Apple Watch
  • Timers continuing to countdown after being reset

Requested features

5 requests
  • Allow custom timer durations
  • Add ability to copy/duplicate timers
  • Implement text-to-speech for alert tones
  • Improve Apple Watch app to match iPhone app functionality
  • Add option to automatically repeat timers

In-app purchases

None

Periodic Timer

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

MultiTimer

Subscriptions3
  • MultiTimer Pro7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • MultiTimer Pro7 Days trial$7.991 Year
  • MultiTimer Pro7 Days trial$8.991 Year
One-time1
  • MultiTimer Pro$17.99

Questions

Is Periodic Timer free?
Periodic Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is MultiTimer free?
MultiTimer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Periodic Timer or MultiTimer?
MultiTimer is rated higher. Periodic Timer averages 4.1 out of 5 from 167 ratings, while MultiTimer averages 4.7 from 16K ratings.
Do Periodic Timer or MultiTimer have ads?
Neither Periodic Timer nor MultiTimer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Periodic Timer or MultiTimer?
Periodic Timer ships an update every 2 months, and MultiTimer fortnightly. Most recently, Periodic Timer was updated on October 11, 2026 and MultiTimer on October 12, 2026.

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