# Disco Timer vs StartWatch

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: StartWatch at none against Disco Timer's 1. StartWatch also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 5 months) and device support (4 vs 2). Disco Timer's advantage is iOS requirement (15.4 vs 26.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Disco Timer against 4.7 for StartWatch. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 97 and 49 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 89% of Disco Timer's written reviews are positive against 85% of StartWatch's.

Disco Timer ships an update every 5 months, StartWatch every 6 days. Both last shipped on September 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Disco Timer | StartWatch |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (97 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/disco-timer-visual-countdown/id986510052/reviews) | [4.7 (49 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startwatch-instant-timers/id1537732824/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **97** | 49 |
| Positive reviews | **89.5% of reviews** | 85.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 26 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.4** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Codulis](https://appshunter.io/developer/335542761) | [Apostol & Hall](https://appshunter.io/developer/320592318) |

## What reviewers say

### Disco Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/disco-timer-visual-countdown/id986510052)

This app provides a visually intuitive countdown timer for various tasks, from cooking to presentations. Its unique rotary gesture for setting time and large display make it easy to use and read from a distance. Customize alerts and colors for a personalized experience.

**Highlights:** Rotary gesture time setting, Large, high-contrast display, Glanceable from a distance, Disable auto-lock option, Customizable color combinations (Premium), Variety of exclusive alert tones

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Disco Timer Premium | $2.99 | one-time |


### StartWatch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startwatch-instant-timers/id1537732824)

This app allows you to start a stopwatch instantly and then convert it into a timer. You can run multiple timers and stopwatches simultaneously, with options to customize display and track past events. It offers advanced features like markers and live activities for efficient time management.

**Highlights:** Instant stopwatch start, Convert stopwatch to timer, Run multiple timers/stopwatches, Customize display units, History and undo functionality, Markers for elapsed time, Live Activities with Dynamic Island

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Disco Timer free?

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

### Is StartWatch free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Disco Timer or StartWatch?

Disco Timer and StartWatch are both rated 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 97 and 49 ratings respectively.

### Do Disco Timer or StartWatch have ads?

Neither Disco Timer nor StartWatch shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Disco Timer or StartWatch?

Disco Timer ships an update every 5 months, and StartWatch every 6 days. Most recently, Disco Timer was updated on September 29, 2026 and StartWatch on September 29, 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.*