# Tabata Timer vs IRON LAB

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: IRON LAB at none against Tabata Timer's 5. IRON LAB also leads on ads (none vs shown). Tabata Timer's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs every 2 months). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Tabata Timer sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. IRON LAB asks for nothing beyond the download.

Tabata Timer ships an update every 10 days, IRON LAB every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tabata Timer | IRON LAB |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (9.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tabata-timer-interval-timer/id1255964203/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **9.2K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 98.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 40 MB | 165 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.5** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Oleksandr Serhiienko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1255964202) | [IRON LAB INC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1675369109) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### IRON LAB

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iron-lab/id6445998332)

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tabata Timer free?

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

### Is IRON LAB free?

IRON LAB is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Tabata Timer or IRON LAB have ads?

Tabata Timer shows ads; IRON LAB does not.

### Which is updated more often, Tabata Timer or IRON LAB?

Tabata Timer ships an update every 10 days, and IRON LAB every 2 months. Most recently, Tabata Timer was updated on September 26, 2026 and IRON LAB on September 10, 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.*