The short answer
CNDWN is the only app of the four with no in-app purchases and no ads — its Home Screen and Lock Screen widgets, iCloud sync and Live Activities are all free. NanoCount puts iCloud sync in its paid Pro version ($5.99), Countdown by Find Appiness charges $7.99–13.99 to unlock its widgets and remove ads, and Countdown Star shows ads unless you pay $1.99.
Feature comparison
| Feature | CNDWN | NanoCount | Countdown (Find Appiness) | Countdown Star |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Download | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | None | Pro: $5.99 one-time | Widgets + no ads: $7.99–13.99 | Remove ads: $1.99 |
| Ads | No | No | Yes, until you pay | Yes, until you pay |
| Home Screen widgets | Free | Free | Paid | Free |
| Lock Screen widgets | Free | Free | Paid | Not listed |
| iCloud sync | Free | Paid (Pro) | Free | Free |
| Live Activities / Dynamic Island | Free | Free (final day only) | Not listed | Not listed |
| Your own photos as background | Free | Paid (Pro) | Not listed | Free |
| Repeating countdowns | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Count up since a date | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Vision Pro | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro |
Source: each app's US App Store listing, checked in October 2026. Prices in US dollars; they differ by country and can change. “Not listed” means the listing does not mention the feature.
App Store listings: CNDWN · NanoCount · Countdown (Find Appiness) · Countdown Star
This page is published by the developer of CNDWN. If anything here is out of date, email [email protected] and it will be corrected.
Which one is right for you?
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CNDWN If you want every feature — widgets, iCloud sync, Live Activities, progress bars — free, with no ads and nothing to buy.
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NanoCount If you like its counter styles and photo backgrounds and don't mind paying $5.99 for Pro to get iCloud sync.
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Countdown (Find Appiness) If you want one of the most-rated countdown apps and are fine paying to unlock its widgets.
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Countdown Star If you want a long-established app with free Home Screen widgets and don't mind ads (or paying $1.99 to remove them).
Frequently asked questions
Which countdown app has free widgets and free iCloud sync?
Of the four apps compared here, CNDWN is the only one where Home Screen widgets, Lock Screen widgets and iCloud sync are all free with no ads. NanoCount's widgets are free but iCloud sync needs Pro, Countdown's iCloud sync is free but its widgets are paid, and Countdown Star's widgets and sync are free but it shows ads.
Is NanoCount free?
NanoCount is free to download. iCloud sync, photo backgrounds, premium counter styles and advance reminders are part of NanoCount Pro, a one-time purchase of $5.99 on the US App Store (October 2026). In CNDWN, iCloud sync is free.
Does the Countdown app by Find Appiness have a free widget?
No. Its App Store listing marks the Home Screen, Lock Screen and StandBy widgets as Premium features; unlocking them (which also removes ads) costs $7.99–13.99 on the US App Store (October 2026). CNDWN's widgets are free.
Does Countdown Star have ads?
Yes. Its App Store listing says the free version includes ads, with an optional Remove Ads purchase for $1.99 on the US App Store (October 2026). CNDWN has no ads.
