Comparison

Workout Timer Essential vs KISS Gym Timer Lite

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

Head to head
About

Workout Timer Essential

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
Read full description

Hi, my name is Alessandro, 23yo from Italy. I've been going to the gym since I was a teen and I've tried pretty much all the gym apps in the App Store, both paid and not. Nothing worked. They were either cluttered messes, no longer maintained, terribly designed or simply not working anymore. So I've set out to design my own, targeting the latest Apple hardware and Development Kit, sticking to the true simplicity of a bicolor, essential layout. I decided to share it with you, for free, with a small in app purchase to remove ads if you want to support the development, hoping you'll enjoy it as much as I do. Thank you.This App integrates with Health Kit to use the Workout functions in your Apple Watch.

About

KISS Gym Timer Lite

Features
Read full description

Keep It Smart and Simple (KISS) - Our apps are minimalist and clutter-free. Designed by a gym enthusiast for fellow fitness lovers. Whether you're focusing on counted sets or interval training, our app has you covered. Key Features: Reps Set mode: Do your reps and track your current and complete sets with a recovery (rest) timer. Interval Set mode: Ideal for interval training (HIIT/Tabata). Hands-Free: Continuous and uninterrupted interval training workout. Set it and leave it. Dark Mode and Light Mode: Choose between dark and light modes to suit your preference. Audible Cues: Get ready for your next with the 5-second notification beeps (can be turned off). Pausable Timers: All timers can be paused and resumed Customizable Settings: Adjust settings to fit your workout routine. We've tried other apps, but they were either too complicated or missing key features. That's why we created this app to be both functional and simple. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting, KISS Gym Timer will help you stay on track and get the most out of your workouts.

Screenshots

Workout Timer Essential4 screens
KISS Gym Timer Lite4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: KISS Gym Timer Lite at none against Workout Timer Essential's 1. KISS Gym Timer Lite also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 16 months). Workout Timer Essential's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and device support (4 vs 1). On price there is nothing between them.

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. Workout Timer Essential sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. KISS Gym Timer Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Workout Timer Essential ships an update every 16 months, KISS Gym Timer Lite fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Workout Timer Essential versus KISS Gym Timer Lite: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWorkout Timer EssentialKISS Gym Timer Lite
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.7 (3 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 16 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone
Requires iOS12.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size31 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlessandro PettazzoniWilliam Garcia

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Workout Timer Essential

One-time1
  • Ads Removal$0.99
None

KISS Gym Timer Lite

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Workout Timer Essential free?
Workout Timer Essential is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is KISS Gym Timer Lite free?
KISS Gym Timer Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Workout Timer Essential or KISS Gym Timer Lite have ads?
KISS Gym Timer Lite shows ads; Workout Timer Essential does not.
Which is updated more often, Workout Timer Essential or KISS Gym Timer Lite?
Workout Timer Essential ships an update every 16 months, and KISS Gym Timer Lite fortnightly. Most recently, Workout Timer Essential was updated on October 2, 2026 and KISS Gym Timer Lite on October 17, 2026.

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