Simple CountFacts about the other app come from its own US App Store listing, checked on 17 October 2026. We make Simple Count, so read this with that in mind; tap through to the App Store before you buy. See all apps side by side on our comparison page.
The main difference: the widget
| Simple Count | Countdown (Find Appiness) | |
|---|---|---|
| Home Screen widgets | Free, every size | Premium |
| Lock Screen widgets | Free | Premium |
| Ads | None | Yes, removed by the unlock |
| Paid option | Pro $4.99 one-time (photo backgrounds, unlimited sharing) | $6.99 one-time ("Unlock widget and remove ads forever") |
| Shared countdowns that sync for everyone | Yes, one free | Sharing listed |
| Apple Watch | Free: watch face, Smart Stack, app | Yes |
Where Countdown is better
It counts working days, organises events with tags, and has a very large user base. If you need those, it's a good choice.
Where Simple Count is better
Every widget is free, there are no ads, and the App Store privacy label is "Data Not Collected". Shared countdowns stay linked, so a date or photo change updates on everyone's phone and widgets. You also get notes with checklists, Live Activities, Siri, iPhone/iPad sync and the Apple Watch app, all free.
Questions
Is there a countdown app like Countdown but with free widgets?
Yes. Simple Count has every Home Screen and Lock Screen widget free, plus Live Activities and Dynamic Island, with no ads and no subscription.
Can I move my events from Countdown?
Simple Count can import events from your iPhone Calendar. If your countdowns are in your calendar, import them from there; otherwise add them again (Siri makes it quick: "Add a countdown in Simple Count").