Best countdown apps for iPhone
Compare four iPhone apps on free widgets, sharing and paid extras.
By Outside, one of the apps compared. Sources checked October 2, 2026.
Free widgets. Shared countdowns.
Create a date in Outside, invite your people, then each add a widget.
Get Outside for iPhone
Free widgets, sharing and paid extras
Outside
Trips, reunions and other dates you want to count down to together.
- Widgets
- Home Screen, Lock Screen and StandBy included free.
- Sharing
- Create, share and join the same countdown with a free account.
- Paid extras
- Optional Pro: custom reminders, calendar sync, camera-roll wallpapers, photo uploads and premium styles.
Countdown (Day Counter)
Personal dates and birthdays, especially if you prefer a one-time widget purchase.
- Widgets
- Home Screen, Lock Screen and StandBy require Premium.
- Sharing
- Send a countdown link that friends can view without the app.
- Paid extras
- One-time Premium unlock adds widgets, automatic calendar imports and removes ads.
Pretty Progress
Visual progress and a choice of single-event or dashboard widgets.
- Widgets
- Single-event Home Screen, Lock Screen and StandBy widgets available to all users.
- Sharing
- Check the current app details for the sharing workflow you need.
- Paid extras
- Dashboard widgets displaying several events require PRO.
Countdown Star
Counting down or up, repeating annual events and syncing across your own devices.
- Widgets
- The current listing includes small, medium and large Home Screen widgets.
- Sharing
- iCloud sync keeps your own Apple devices up to date; this is different from inviting other people.
- Paid extras
- Free version has ads and an optional ad-removal purchase; a paid ad-free version is also available.
Plans and prices can change. Confirm the features you need and the price shown before purchasing.
Before you download
Which iPhone countdown apps have free widgets?
Outside includes Home Screen, Lock Screen and StandBy widgets in its free plan. Pretty Progress makes single-event widgets available to all users. Countdown (Day Counter) lists its widgets as Premium. Check the current App Store listing before downloading because feature plans can change.
Can two people share the same countdown?
In Outside, one person creates the countdown and sends an invite. Each person signs in to a free account and joins in the app, then adds their own widget. Other apps may share a viewable link or an image instead, so check that the sharing workflow matches what you need.
What does Outside Pro add?
The free plan includes creating, sharing and joining countdowns plus Home Screen, Lock Screen and StandBy widgets. Optional Pro extras include custom reminders, calendar sync, camera-roll wallpapers, photo uploads, group chat and premium styles. Prices and trial eligibility appear before purchase.
How do I get a countdown onto my iPhone Home Screen?
After creating a countdown in your app, touch and hold an empty area of your Home Screen. Tap Edit, then Add Widget, choose the app and add a widget. For Outside, use Edit Widget to select your countdown if needed. Downloading the app does not automatically add a widget.