Best 9 Timer Apps in 2026: Time Your Day Better

Introduction

Interval Timer & Tabata Timer supports several training styles, making it one option for a range of workout needs. This roundup compares nine apps, from Android interval timers for exercise and study to iPhone apps for visual and everyday countdowns.

Quick comparison

The first seven picks are Android workout or interval timers, though some can also time everyday tasks. The two iOS options focus on visual or general-purpose countdowns. Prices aren’t specified here, so check each app’s store listing before downloading.

1. BareTimer: WoD and Gym Timer

Best for: CrossFit-style workouts and gym sessions.

BareTimer brings several familiar training formats together in one workout timer: countdowns, For Time, AMRAP, EMOM, and intervals. That variety can be useful if your sessions change from day to day or follow a structured workout. Its main distinction is the range of workout modes, which goes beyond simple work-and-rest intervals.

2. Relay: Interval & HIIT Timer

Best for: Switching between exercise and focused study sessions.

Relay pairs workout timing with a Pomodoro option for studying. Its built-in sessions include Tabata, HIIT, and EMOM, so you can use it for both exercise and focused work periods. If you want one timer app for different parts of the day, that combination may be a good fit.

3. Interval Timer & Tabata Timer

Best for: People who want a flexible workout timer.

This Android app supports HIIT, Tabata, running, boxing, and circuit training. It may suit people who switch between cardio and other timed workouts instead of sticking to one format. The range of supported activities lets you set up several kinds of training in one place.

4. Interval Timer: HIIT Workout

Best for: Varied training formats, from gym rests to running intervals.

The app offers modes for HIIT, Tabata, EMOM, boxing rounds, and running intervals. It also includes gym rests, which can help with both structured exercise and recovery between sets. Its range of formats means you can use one interval timer for different training styles.

5. Tabata Timer

Best for: A clear visual guide during interval training.

Color coding marks different stages of a workout, and built-in profiles give you a starting point for timed sessions. Sound and vibration cues signal when intervals change, so you don’t need to keep watching the display. The color-coded stages are a helpful visual addition to those alerts.

6. Interval Timer - HIIT & Tabata

Best for: Timing different kinds of workouts with one app.

A customizable timer and stopwatch cover HIIT, Tabata, running, boxing, yoga, and other timed activities. You can use interval alerts for one workout, then switch to elapsed-time tracking for another. Having both tools in one app may be useful if your activities vary from day to day.

7. Hiitmi HIIT Timer

Best for: Using one interval timer for workouts and everyday tasks.

Hiitmi covers HIIT, Tabata, yoga, and boxing, and it can also time studying and cooking. That gives it uses beyond exercise, unlike a timer focused only on training sessions. Consider it if you want one interval-style app for a mix of activities.

8. Time Timer App

Best for: Visual countdowns on iPhone.

Time Timer App lets you set countdowns and reuse them, which can save setup time for activities you repeat. Instead of focusing on workout modes, it centers on displaying and managing a countdown. Reusable timers make it a practical option if you often need the same duration for familiar tasks.

9. (Not Boring) Timer App

Best for: People who want a more engaging everyday timer.

(Not Boring) Timer is geared toward ordinary activities, rather than workout formats such as EMOM or boxing rounds. Its activity-focused design sets it apart from the Android interval timers in this list. It may suit you if you want an iPhone timer for everyday use and prefer an experience shaped around the activity you’re timing.

How we picked these apps

This roundup focuses on clearly described timing features and distinct uses. We compared the workout modes listed for each app, including HIIT, Tabata, EMOM, running, and boxing. We also considered customization, visual cues, and support for tasks outside exercise, such as studying or cooking.

Platform availability helped shape the selection: seven apps are listed for Android and two for iOS. The comparisons stick to the features provided for each app. Where price details weren’t available, the table marks them as unknown.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for in a timer app?

Start with the timing style your task calls for: interval alerts for workouts, a visual countdown, or reusable timers for activities you repeat. Check for useful modes and cues, such as sound, vibration, or color changes. Also confirm that the app is available for your Android or iPhone device.

Which timer app is best for workouts?

Look for modes that match your training. HIIT and Tabata suit structured work-and-rest intervals, while EMOM or running options may work better for other routines. BareTimer and several of the interval-timer picks cover multiple formats. If you also need a timer for studying or cooking, Relay or Hiitmi may be a better match.

Can I use a timer app for more than exercise?

Yes. Relay includes study timing, Hiitmi lists studying and cooking, and Time Timer App and (Not Boring) Timer focus on everyday countdowns. These options serve different needs, so think about what you time most often: changing exercise intervals, a repeat task, or a simple countdown.

The verdict

For workouts, Interval Timer & Tabata Timer covers HIIT, Tabata, running, boxing, and circuit training. Relay also includes study sessions, while Time Timer App offers visual countdowns on iOS. Check platform availability and choose the app that fits what you need to time most often.