# Interval Timer vs Tabata Timer

Interval Timer and Tabata Timer both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 98% of Tabata Timer's written reviews are positive against 73% of Interval Timer's. Tabata Timer also leads on ratings volume (9.2K vs 296). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Interval Timer sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Tabata Timer sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Interval Timer against 4.9 for Tabata Timer. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tabata Timer has 9.2K ratings behind it against 296, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 73% of Interval Timer's written reviews are positive against 98% of Tabata Timer's.

Interval Timer ships an update fortnightly, Tabata Timer every 10 days. Both last shipped on September 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Interval Timer | Tabata Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (296 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/interval-timer-purehiit/id1198752738/reviews) | **[4.9 (9.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tabata-timer-interval-timer/id1255964203/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 296 | **9.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 73.3% of reviews | **98.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 45 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Miklos Pavel](https://appshunter.io/developer/979923367) | [Oleksandr Serhiienko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1255964202) |

## What reviewers say

### Interval Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/interval-timer-purehiit/id1198752738)

This app provides a simple and customizable timer for interval training like HIIT, Tabata, and EMOM. It offers audio cues, background operation, and integrates with Apple Watch for health tracking. Pre-built routines and workout reminders help users stay consistent with their fitness goals.

**Highlights:** Customizable interval timer, Audio alerts for rounds, Background operation, Apple Watch integration, Workout reminders, Pre-built routines

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| Premium features | Free | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Custom sounds | $1.99 | one-time |
| Premium features | $4.99 | one-time |
| Premium features | $9.99 | one-time |
| Premium features | $14.99 | one-time |


### Tabata Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tabata-timer-interval-timer/id1255964203)

This app provides a versatile interval timer for high-intensity workouts like HIIT and Tabata. Users can create custom routines with adjustable work/rest times, sets, and cycles, and receive voice cues. It functions as a background companion to keep you focused during training.

**Highlights:** Customizable interval timers, HIIT and Tabata training support, Adjustable work and rest times, Set and cycle configuration, Interval naming, Background operation, Voice cues

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $1.49 | per month |
| Premium | $2.99 | per 3 months |
| Premium | $4.49 | per 6 months |
| Premium | $7.49 | per year |
| Premium | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly
- 🚀 Customizable workouts
- 🔊 Clear audio cues
- 💡 Ability to save multiple workouts
- 🎵 Plays music in the background

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or glitches
- 🔒 Limited free version (only 2 saved workouts)
- 💰 Paid version required for more features
- 🔀 Easy to accidentally skip intervals
- 🔍 Cluttered interface for some users

**Reported bugs**

- Workouts not saving properly
- Sync issues between app and Apple Watch
- Occasional freezing or restarting of device

**Requested features**

- Ability to name and save more workouts in free version
- Option to add exercise images or videos
- Sync workouts across devices
- Customizable sounds and alerts
- Workout history and progress tracking


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Interval Timer free?

Interval Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Tabata Timer free?

Tabata Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Interval Timer or Tabata Timer?

Tabata Timer is rated higher. Interval Timer averages 4.8 out of 5 from 296 ratings, while Tabata Timer averages 4.9 from 9.2K ratings.

### Do Interval Timer or Tabata Timer have ads?

Both Interval Timer and Tabata Timer show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Interval Timer or Tabata Timer?

Interval Timer ships an update fortnightly, and Tabata Timer every 10 days. Most recently, Interval Timer was updated on September 29, 2026 and Tabata Timer on September 29, 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.*