# Gym Timer vs The Tabata Timer

The clearest difference is ads: Gym Timer at none against The Tabata Timer's shown. Gym Timer also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.2). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Gym Timer ships an update every 3 weeks, The Tabata Timer every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gym Timer | The Tabata Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (460 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gym-timer-timer-for-rest-time/id1146409173/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **460** | — |
| Positive reviews | 55.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 19 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 18.2 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Giuseppe Fasano](https://appshunter.io/developer/1022759807) | [Alberto Rella](https://appshunter.io/developer/498065473) |

## What reviewers say

### Gym Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gym-timer-timer-for-rest-time/id1146409173)

This app helps you track gym sessions and manage rest times between sets. It's designed for use on a smartwatch, allowing you to leave your phone behind. The app alerts you when it's time to train again, ensuring your workout flows smoothly.

**Highlights:** Track gym sessions, Time rest periods between sets, Smartwatch optimized, Phone-free gym experience, Alerts for training intervals, HealthKit integration

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Simple and functional
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 💪 Helps keep track of sets and rest times
- 🔔 Vibration/audio alerts for rest time

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and bugs, especially on Apple Watch
- 🔍 Lack of customization options
- 💤 No background/low-power mode support
- 📢 Intrusive ads interrupting workouts

**Reported bugs**

- Timer resets unexpectedly
- Set/rep count not updating correctly
- Syncing issues with Apple Watch
- Notifications not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Add option to track exercise time
- Implement workout history/progress tracking
- Provide Apple Watch complications
- Offer paid ad-free version


### The Tabata Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-tabata-timer/id6747645726)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gym Timer free?

Gym Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is The Tabata Timer free?

The Tabata Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Gym Timer or The Tabata Timer have ads?

The Tabata Timer shows ads; Gym Timer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Gym Timer or The Tabata Timer?

Gym Timer ships an update every 3 weeks, and The Tabata Timer every 3 months. Most recently, Gym Timer was updated on September 20, 2026 and The Tabata Timer on September 13, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*