Best 9 Rest Timers in 2026: Find Your Perfect Interval

Introduction

Home Workout Timer & Tracker is the best rest timer for most people who want a simple, reliable countdown between sets. This list covers standalone rest timers and workout trackers with solid timer features. You'll find iOS and Android options, from minimal timers to full training logs.

Quick comparison table

1. Home Workout Timer & Tracker

Best for: the best overall rest timer for customizable gym sessions.

Home Workout Timer & Tracker works as a standalone rest timer, so you don't have to build a full workout log just to start a countdown. Set custom rest intervals and start or stop the timer with minimal taps. That's handy for lifting, HIIT sessions, and circuit training when you want a clear on-screen timer that stays out of the way.

Standout features:

• Custom sessions with exercises, meters, reps, or seconds
• Template packs for Tabata, HIIT, strength, bodyweight, and core
• Saved trainings for repeat sessions without rebuilding the timer
• Optional location tracking for live distance on running segments

Get Home Workout Timer & Tracker · Home Workout Timer & Tracker on the App Store

2. RepCount

Best for: a strength-training log with a built-in rest timer.

RepCount records sets and reps while keeping rest countdowns visible. A foreground notification shows the remaining time even when the app is in the background, so you can switch apps without losing track. It's a solid choice for lifters who want one tool for both logging and timing. It runs on iOS and Android.

3. Gym Rest Timer

Best for: a dedicated Android rest timer for simple intervals.

Gym Rest Timer keeps things basic. Large buttons for common rest periods like 30, 60, and 90 seconds are easy to tap between sets. An automatic set counter helps track reps during high-intensity sessions without extra input. It's Android only and best for minimal-fuss timing.

4. Hevy

Best for: a cross-platform tracker with automatic rest timers.

Hevy includes workout planning, logging, and rest timers between sets. On iOS, Live Activities support puts the rest countdown on the lock screen, so you can still see it if you lock your phone. The timer ties into your logged workout rather than running separately. You can use it on iOS and Android.

5. FitNotes

Best for: a customizable workout log timer.

FitNotes can automatically start a rest timer after you complete a set, so you don't have to reach for the phone. You can adjust sounds, vibration, and notification preferences to match your training space. It stays lightweight, and you'll find it on iOS and Android.

6. Strong

Best for: a popular all-rounder for routine logging.

Strong handles routine logging and progress tracking. You can customize the rest timer per exercise, so heavy compound lifts get longer breaks than isolation work. The interface is clean, and it's available on iOS and Android.

7. Stronglifts

Best for: progressive strength programs.

Stronglifts starts the rest timer automatically when you log a set. It adjusts the next countdown based on how the set went: shorter after a successful set, longer after a failed one. This makes it a natural fit for 5x5-style lifting. It runs on iOS and Android.

8. Seconds Pro

Best for: advanced interval and HIIT timing.

Seconds Pro goes beyond a basic rest timer with custom sequences, circuits, and interval training. Voice cues call out intervals so you can keep moving without checking the screen. It works on iOS and Android.

9. Fit Terminal

Best for: a privacy-focused iPhone timer for lifters.

Fit Terminal keeps your rest countdown visible with notifications and Live Activities support. Muscle recovery heatmaps sit alongside the timer to help you plan training around recovery. No account needed, and it's iOS only.

How we picked these apps

Reliability came first. A rest timer has to keep running in the background, fire notifications on time, and be easy to start between sets. We then looked at customization, platform availability, and whether the app works with or without a full workout log. The list intentionally mixes dedicated rest timers with full workout trackers that have strong timer features. We prioritized apps that start automatically or with one tap. Apps with stale updates, confusing setup, or unreliable background alerts were left out.

Frequently asked questions

Is a dedicated rest timer better than a full workout tracker?

A dedicated rest timer is better if you only need countdowns between sets. A full tracker is more useful when you also want to log sets, reps, and progression. Home Workout Timer & Tracker gives you the timer without forcing a full workout log, so it works well for simple gym sessions.

How do rest timer apps behave in the background?

Most apps use foreground notifications, sound, vibration, or iOS Live Activities to keep the countdown visible when the screen is off or another app is open. Android options like Gym Rest Timer rely on persistent notifications, while iPhone apps like Fit Terminal and Home Workout Timer & Tracker can show countdowns on the lock screen.

Do rest timers auto-start after a set?

Some trackers, including FitNotes and Stronglifts, can start the rest timer automatically after you log a set. Others take one tap. Free versions usually cover basic timers, while paid tiers may add advanced intervals, more customization, or remove ads.

The verdict

Home Workout Timer & Tracker is the top pick for most people who want a straightforward rest timer. It covers custom rest intervals, starts and stops with minimal taps, and doesn't require you to log a full workout. Use it for lifting, HIIT, or circuit training without extra clutter. Android users or advanced lifters can check the alternatives above for dedicated interval timing or deeper strength tracking. For a simple, reliable rest timer, start with Home Workout Timer & Tracker.