# Workout Timer Essential vs Interval Timer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Interval Timer at 97% against Workout Timer Essential's 50%. Interval Timer also leads on rating (4.9 vs 2.7) and update cadence (monthly vs every 16 months). Workout Timer Essential's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Workout Timer Essential sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Interval Timer sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $2.09 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Interval Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 2.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Interval Timer has 384 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Workout Timer Essential's written reviews are positive against 97% of Interval Timer's.

Workout Timer Essential ships an update every 16 months, Interval Timer monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Workout Timer Essential | Interval Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/workout-timer-essential/id1316272592/reviews) | **[4.9 (384 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/interval-timer-tabata-and-hiit/id6443672034/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **384** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **96.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 16 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 31 MB | 113 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alessandro Pettazzoni](https://appshunter.io/developer/1316272591) | [SimpleInnovation LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1479770962) |

## What reviewers say

### Workout Timer Essential

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/workout-timer-essential/id1316272592)

A streamlined workout timer designed for simplicity and essential functionality. It offers a clean, bicolor interface and integrates with HealthKit for Apple Watch workout data. Support the developer with an optional in-app purchase to remove ads.

**Highlights:** Essential bicolor layout, HealthKit integration, Apple Watch workout functions, Streamlined design, Optional ad removal

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ads Removal | $0.99 | one-time |


### Interval Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/interval-timer-tabata-and-hiit/id6443672034)

This app provides a customizable interval timer for various training routines, including HIIT and Tabata. Easily set up custom workouts, track your progress, and stay motivated with visual cues and audio notifications. It's suitable for a wide range of activities from fitness to productivity.

**Highlights:** Customizable workout setup, Progress tracking with calendar, Saveable custom presets, Color-coded notifications, Listen to music/audiobooks, Large, full-screen display, Widget for easy access

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

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Timer PRO for 1 month: 30% OFF | $2.09 | per month |
| Timer PRO for 1 month: 25% OFF | $2.29 | per month |
| Interval Timer PRO for 1 month | $2.99 | per month |
| Interval Timer PRO for 1 month | $2.99 | per month |
| Interval Timer PRO - 30% OFF | $15.00 | per year |
| Interval Timer PRO - 25% OFF | $16.49 | per year |
| Interval Timer PRO for 1 year | $21.99 | per year |
| Tabata Timer PRO for 1 year | $21.99 | per year |
| Interval Timer - no Ads | $2.99 | one-time |
| HIIT Timer PRO Forever 30% OFF | $27.99 | one-time |
| HIIT Timer PRO Forever 25% OFF | $29.99 | one-time |
| Exercise Timer PRO Forever | $39.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 🚀 Intuitive interface
- 🔋 Doesn't drain battery
- 💪 Effective for interval training
- 📆 Tracks workout history

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔔 Frequent prompts to rate the app
- 🔒 Concerns about data privacy and permissions
- 🔧 Limited customization options

**Reported bugs**

- Occasional app crashes
- Compatibility issues with older devices

**Requested features**

- More pre-designed workout routines
- Ability to name and customize exercises
- Option to adjust countdown time between intervals


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Workout Timer Essential free?

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

### Is Interval Timer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Workout Timer Essential or Interval Timer?

Interval Timer is rated higher. Workout Timer Essential averages 2.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Interval Timer averages 4.9 from 384 ratings.

### Do Workout Timer Essential or Interval Timer have ads?

Interval Timer shows ads; Workout Timer Essential does not.

### Which is updated more often, Workout Timer Essential or Interval Timer?

Workout Timer Essential ships an update every 16 months, and Interval Timer monthly. Most recently, Workout Timer Essential was updated on October 2, 2026 and Interval Timer on October 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.*