Comparison

Tabata Timer vs Buddy Timer

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Tabata Timer

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
Read full description

Become better, faster, and stronger — together with Tabata Timer for Workouts! A simple yet powerful HIIT and Tabata timer for cardio, CrossFit, and any high-intensity training. Beginners can start with one tap, while advanced users get full control over every interval. Create custom workouts: adjust work and rest times, sets, and cycles; add interval names, background music, and voice cues. The app runs smoothly in the background, supports vibration, music ducking, and much more. More than just a stopwatch — your personal workout partner that keeps you focused, motivated, and on track anywhere — at home, in the gym, or outdoors. https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Buddy Timer

Features
Read full description

From high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to deep work sessions using the Pomodoro Technique, Buddy Timer is designed to optimize every second of your time. Whether your phone is across the room or you're blasting your favorite workout playlist, Buddy Timer keeps you on track with intuitive guidance. 【Versatile for Every Scene】 - For Fitness: Perfect for HIIT, Tabata, CrossFit, and managing rest intervals during your daily strength training. - For Focus: Ideal for the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focus, 5 minutes of rest). Visual color cues help your brain switch modes seamlessly. - Simple & Offline: No tedious registration required. Whether you’re in a basement gym or off the grid, your "Buddy" is ready to start the moment you open the app. 【Key Features】 - Visual Timer: Large countdown display with dynamic color changes—see your status at a glance, even from a distance. - Smart Guidance: Calm, integrated voice navigation that works perfectly alongside your music. - Custom Routines: Save your personalized combinations of work, rest, and sets. - Quick Start: Launch your favorite presets with a single tap. 【Recommended For】 - Athletes looking to push their limits with HIIT or Tabata. - Students and professionals aiming to boost productivity via Pomodoro. - Anyone who wants to stay active while listening to Spotify or Apple Music. - Users who need to track time visually while keeping their phone at a distance. Experience a new level of focus. Start your journey with Buddy Timer today. -------- Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Tabata Timer4 screens
Buddy Timer4 screens

Verdict

The call

Tabata Timer and Buddy Timer are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Tabata Timer sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month and Buddy Timer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Tabata Timer ships an update every 10 days, Buddy Timer every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Tabata Timer versus Buddy Timer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTabata TimerBuddy Timer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (9.4K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews98.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings9.4K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 10 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size40 MB34 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOleksandr SerhiienkoWATARU SHINDOU

Bugs and requests

Tabata Timer

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

5 requests
  • 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

Buddy Timer

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Tabata Timer

Subscriptions4
  • Premium$1.491 Month
  • Premium$2.993 Months
  • Premium$4.496 Months
Show 1 more
  • Premium$7.491 Year
One-time1
  • Premium$9.99
2 purchases

Buddy Timer

Subscriptions1
  • Buddy Timer Pro$0.991 Month
One-time1
  • Buddy Timer Pro$9.99

Questions

Is Tabata Timer free?
Tabata Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Buddy Timer free?
Buddy Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Tabata Timer or Buddy Timer have ads?
Both Tabata Timer and Buddy Timer show ads.
Which is updated more often, Tabata Timer or Buddy Timer?
Tabata Timer ships an update every 10 days, and Buddy Timer every 2 weeks. Most recently, Tabata Timer was updated on October 20, 2026 and Buddy Timer on October 7, 2026.

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