Comparison

Box Timer vs Tabata 20

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

Head to head
About

Box Timer

This app provides a simple, distraction-free timer designed for intense training sessions like CrossFit, HIIT, and functional fitness. It features a massive, high-contrast display, customizable interval options, and seamless audio cue integration with music apps. All workouts are automatically saved for easy tracking and reuse.

Highlights
  • Massive, high-contrast display
  • Supports AMRAP, EMOM, For Time, Tabata
  • Customizable work/rest intervals and rounds
  • Works with music apps, clear audio cues
  • Automatic workout history and reuse
  • Background operation and screen lock support
  • No ads or sign-up required
Features
Read full description

SIMPLE TIMER BUILT FOR SERIOUS TRAINING Box Timer brings the power of a CrossFit box timer to your phone. Massive display. Zero distractions. Works perfectly whether you're in the gym, at home, or training outdoors. BUILT FOR CROSSFIT, HIIT & FUNCTIONAL FITNESS From crushing WODs to HYROX training and daily circuits — Box Timer handles every workout type with a clean interface that keeps you focused on the work, not the timer. EVERY WORKOUT TYPE COVERED - AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible) - EMOM (Every Minute On the Minute) - For Time workouts with countdown - Tabata (20/10 protocol) - Custom intervals with work/rest periods and rounds - Count up or count down modes DESIGNED FOR VISIBILITY – Massive timer display with high-contrast text – Landscape mode for maximum size – Readable from 10+ meters away – Perfect for garage gyms and home workouts AUDIO THAT WORKS WITH YOUR MUSIC – Crystal-clear audio cues for round changes – Works seamlessly with Spotify, Apple Music, and any audio app – No interruptions to your playlist – Simple settings for audio on/off SAVE YOUR GO-TO TIMERS – Save any timer as a named preset – Load it again with one tap from the timer screen – Edit or delete presets anytime – Never set up the same workout twice ZERO FRICTION EXPERIENCE – Works in background and with screen locked – No account or sign-up required – No ads – Lightning-fast timer setup – Runs smoothly even during intense workouts GLOBAL FITNESS COMMUNITY Available in English, Swedish, German, Spanish, Polish, French, and Japanese WHY ATHLETES CHOOSE BOX TIMER "This app is a must have for CrossFit workouts. Ideal for emoms, amraps and for time workouts. I even use it for strength work like squats by programming beeps for 45 seconds work and 2 minutes rest. And it’s free! I mean come on." Whether you're an elite athlete or just starting your fitness journey, Box Timer delivers exactly what you need: a powerful, distraction-free timer that stays out of your way. Get it now and experience the difference.

About

Tabata 20

This app provides a simple and efficient timer for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) using the 20-second exercise, 10-second rest format. Its intuitive interface allows users to start workouts quickly and focus on their training without distractions.

Highlights
  • 20-second exercise intervals
  • 10-second rest intervals
  • Simple and intuitive interface
  • Streamlined workout timer
  • Focuses on HIIT efficiency
Features
Read full description

The Tabata 20-10 timer app is a streamlined and efficient tool tailored for "20-second exercise / 10-second rest" interval training, a form of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that maximizes workout efficiency. It's an essential companion for fitness enthusiasts who demand precision and ease-of-use in their training routines. The app boasts a simple and intuitive interface, allowing users to start their workouts with minimal setup. Its clean design minimizes distractions, enabling users to focus solely on their workout. Tabata 20-10 stands out for its simplicity, functionality, and user-focused design.

Screenshots

Box Timer4 screens
Tabata 201 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ratings volume: Box Timer at 2.9K against Tabata 20's 1. Tabata 20's advantage is iOS requirement (16.4 vs 18). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Box Timer against 5.0 for Tabata 20. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Box Timer has 2.9K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Box Timer versus Tabata 20: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBox TimerTabata 20
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (2.9K ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews93.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings2.9K — better1
Update frequencyMonthly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS1816.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEdvin LindenAnthony Klausing

Customer experience

Box Timer

All ratings2,916 ratings
Positive96.9%
Neutral1.5%
Negative1.6%
Written reviews132 reviews
Positive93.2%
Neutral0.0%
Negative6.8%

Tabata 20

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

Box Timer

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Timer not functioning properly in landscape mode
  • Review prompt interfering with timer operation
  • Compatibility issues on certain iPad models

Requested features

4 requests
  • Round count display during rest periods
  • Customizable countdown beeps or sounds
  • Ability to save and load custom timer settings
  • Apple Watch app support

Tabata 20

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Box Timer

No in-app purchases

None

Tabata 20

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Box Timer free?
Box Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Tabata 20 free?
Tabata 20 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Box Timer or Tabata 20?
Tabata 20 is rated higher. Box Timer averages 4.9 out of 5 from 2.9K ratings, while Tabata 20 averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Box Timer or Tabata 20 have ads?
Neither Box Timer nor Tabata 20 shows ads.

Other comparisons