Customer Reviews (500)

Bricks Marlin • 2025-03-25T08:18:30-07:00

Not only is this thing is so incredibly simple to use, it works. The days I’ve lost to jet lag on past trips. I am old man shaking fist at sky right now. I wish I had found you sooner Timeshifter.

Susan C W • 2025-03-25T03:18:06-07:00

If you follow the steps provided you have an excellent chance of insignificant or no jet lag. I’ve used this for shorter flights (US to Europe) and longer flights (US to Dubai). With equal good results.

cthebliss • 2025-03-23T21:53:09-07:00

This app is a true game changer. I’ve used it for two long-haul trips from NYC to Southeast Asia and it really works! Easy to set up, user friendly, no bugs, etc. I had practically zero jet lag after an 18 hour nonstop flight (the longest in the world), allowing me to make the most of my short time abroad. Add to that amazing customer service and you have a winner of an app! The app required an update today ahead of my flight home (Manila to NYC via Tokyo) and I got an instant reply and lightning-fast resolution to my issue by messaging Timeshifter on Instagram. This app is an absolute must for all travelers for both business and pleasure.

Summary of Key Insights

  • Timeshifter is generally very well-received, with a strong reputation for effectively minimizing jet lag. Users consistently praise its ability to help them adjust to new time zones quickly and efficiently, allowing them to enjoy their travels without the typical debilitating effects of jet lag.
  • Strengths: The app's personalized approach, scientific basis, ease of use, and practical features like reminders are highly valued. Many users report experiencing minimal to no jet lag when following the app's recommendations.
  • Weaknesses: Some users encounter technical issues (e.g., white screen, crashing), usability problems (e.g., inflexible schedules, inability to edit trips), and pricing concerns. The lack of a dark mode and limited offline functionality are also recurring complaints.
  • Overall Sentiment: overwhelmingly positive.
  • Quantitative Metrics:
    • Overall Rating: App Store implied rating around 4.85 based on the distribution.
    • Score Distribution:
      • 5-star: 88% (440/500)
      • 4-star: 3.4% (17/500)
      • 3-star: 3% (15/500)
      • 2-star: 2% (10/500)
      • 1-star: 3.6% (18/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but the reviews appear to be from the past few years, with many from 2023 and 2024.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment Analysis: Determining the overall positive, negative, or neutral sentiment expressed in each review.
    • Keyword Extraction: Identifying frequently used words and phrases to understand common themes, pain points, and requested features.
    • Topic Modeling: Grouping reviews based on similar topics to identify key areas of user feedback.
    • Quantitative Analysis: Calculating the distribution of star ratings to gauge overall app satisfaction.

Key User Pain Points

  • Technical Issues:
    • White Screen/Crashing: Several users reported encountering a white screen or app crashes, rendering the app unusable. This is a critical issue that prevents users from accessing the app's core functionality.
    • Login Issues: Some users have trouble logging back into their accounts after updates or crashes, especially with a paid subscription.
  • Usability Issues:
    • Inflexible Schedules: Many users found the app's schedules inflexible and difficult to adapt to real-world situations, such as flight delays, meal service on planes, and tour events.
    • Inability to Edit Trips: Some users reported that they couldn't edit their trip information after entering it, which was problematic when flights were changed or cancelled.
    • Impractical Recommendations: A few users found the app's recommendations impractical for families or people with fixed schedules (e.g., suggesting sleep times that interfere with work or meals).
    • Difficulty with Past Flights: Some users want to use the app after their flight has already occurred to adjust to being home, but the app doesn’t allow selecting a date in the past.
  • Pricing Concerns:
    • Subscription Model: Some users dislike the subscription model and prefer a one-time purchase. They feel the subscription is too costly, especially for infrequent travelers.
    • Cost for Additional Plans: Some users feel the cost for additional plans is too high after using the free trial.
  • Interface Issues:
    • Lack of Dark Mode: Many users requested a dark mode, especially since the app provides guidance on avoiding light exposure. The bright white screen can be jarring and counterproductive.
    • Legibility Issues: Some older users found the app difficult to read and requested the ability to zoom in or increase the text size.
  • Notification Issues:
    • Notifications Not Working: Some users reported that notifications no longer work with the latest version, which limits the app's functionality.
  • Limited Offline Functionality: Some users implied that the app needs to load data to work, so it is useless without an internet connection.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Dark Mode: A dark mode was the most frequently requested feature.
  • More Flexible Schedules: Users want the ability to adjust schedules to fit their individual needs and circumstances, such as meal times, work schedules, and travel plans.
  • Ability to Edit Trips: Users want to be able to edit their trip information after entering it, especially when flights are changed or cancelled.
  • Offline Functionality: Users need the ability to access their travel plans without an internet connection.
  • Family Sharing: Users requested the ability to share their subscription with family members.
  • Watch App: A watch app for easy reference of the current state and upcoming recommendations.
  • Eating Time Advice: Users want advice about eating times, as this is closely related to circadian rhythms.
  • Flight Crew Version: A specialized version of the app tailored for flight crew members who frequently travel across time zones.
  • Ability to Adjust Wake-Up Time During Trip: Users want to be able to adjust their wake-up time during the trip, based on their activities and preferences.
  • Add Option for Post-Flight Adjustment: Allow users to enter a date in the past to help with adjusting to being home.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Effectiveness: The most frequently praised aspect of the app is its effectiveness in minimizing or eliminating jet lag. Users consistently report feeling significantly better when following the app's recommendations.
  • Personalized Approach: Users appreciate that the app provides personalized advice based on their flight details and sleep patterns.
  • Scientific Basis: The app's reliance on circadian science is seen as a major strength, giving users confidence in its recommendations.
  • Ease of Use: Many users found the app easy to use and navigate, with a clear and intuitive interface.
  • Practical Features: Features like reminders, pre-travel advice, and quick turnaround detection are highly valued.
  • Customer Service: Some users praised the app's customer service, reporting quick and helpful responses to their inquiries.
  • Integration of Caffeine and Melatonin Recommendations: Users appreciated the guidance on when to use caffeine and melatonin to optimize their sleep and wake cycles.
  • Simple and Descriptive Instructions: Users liked how simple the instructions were and that the science behind the plan was explained.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Technical Issues (White Screen/Crashing): This is a critical issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Investigate the cause of the crashes and white screen errors, and release a bug fix as soon as possible. (Severity: Critical, Frequency: Moderate)
  • Improve Schedule Flexibility: Allow users to adjust schedules to fit their individual needs and circumstances. Implement options for customizing sleep times, accounting for meal times, and adapting to unexpected events. (Severity: High, Frequency: High)
  • Enable Trip Editing: Allow users to edit their trip information after entering it. This is essential for adapting to flight changes and cancellations. (Severity: High, Frequency: Moderate)
  • Implement Dark Mode: Add a dark mode to the app to reduce eye strain and improve usability, especially in low-light conditions. (Severity: Medium, Frequency: High)

Medium Priority:

  • Address Notification Issues: Investigate and fix the issues with notifications not working. Ensure that users receive timely reminders about their schedule. (Severity: Medium, Frequency: Moderate)
  • Improve Offline Functionality: Allow users to access their travel plans without an internet connection. (Severity: Medium, Frequency: Moderate)
  • Revise Pricing Model: Consider offering a one-time purchase option or reducing the cost of the subscription, especially for infrequent travelers. (Severity: Medium, Frequency: Moderate)
  • Improve Legibility: Make the app more legible for older users by allowing them to zoom in or increase the text size. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Moderate)
  • Add Option for Post-Flight Adjustment: Allow users to enter a date in the past to help with adjusting to being home. (Severity: Medium, Frequency: Low)

Low Priority:

  • Implement Family Sharing: Allow users to share their subscription with family members. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)
  • Develop Watch App: Create a watch app for easy access to the current schedule and recommendations. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)
  • Add Eating Time Advice: Include advice about eating times in the app's recommendations. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)
  • Create Flight Crew Version: Develop a specialized version of the app for flight crew members. (Severity: Low, Frequency: Low)
  • Offer Alternative Suggestions for those who Can't Sleep on Planes: Develop an alternative plan for users who cannot sleep on planes. (Severity: Medium, Frequency: Low)

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Personalized Jet Lag Coaching Service: Offer a premium service that provides one-on-one coaching to help travelers create and implement personalized jet lag plans.
  • Integrated Travel Planning App: Integrate Timeshifter's functionality into a broader travel planning app that includes flight booking, hotel reservations, and activity recommendations.
  • Corporate Wellness Program: Partner with companies to offer Timeshifter as part of their employee wellness programs, especially for employees who travel frequently.
  • Adjusting to Shift Work App: A new app for shift workers that helps them manage their circadian rhythms and improve their sleep quality.

Trends and Observations

  • Positive Sentiment Dominates: The vast majority of users express positive sentiment towards Timeshifter, highlighting its effectiveness and ease of use.
  • Technical Issues Impact Sentiment: Negative reviews are often associated with technical issues, such as crashing or white screen errors.
  • Pricing is a Sensitive Topic: While many users are willing to pay for the app, some feel that the subscription is too expensive, especially for infrequent travelers.
  • Demand for Customization: Users increasingly want more control over the app's schedules and recommendations, reflecting a desire for a more personalized experience.

Conclusion

Timeshifter is a highly effective app for minimizing jet lag, with a strong reputation among its users. However, technical issues and usability problems are detracting from the overall experience. By addressing these pain points and implementing requested features, Timeshifter can further solidify its position as the leading solution for jet lag management. The overwhelmingly positive sentiment and high star ratings suggest a strong foundation for future growth and success.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/timeshifter/id1380684374?uo=2