Comparison

Box Timer vs Tabata Interval Timer

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 Interval Timer

This app provides a versatile workout timer for various training styles like HIIT, Tabata, and CrossFit. It features a clean interface, customizable routines, and background operation to keep users focused on their fitness goals.

Highlights
  • Timers for AMRAP, EMOM, For Time, Tabata, HIIT
  • Custom interval routines
  • Round and set counters
  • Mid-workout alerts
  • Background mode
  • Save and reuse workouts
Features
Read full description

Workout Timer for WOD, EMOM, HIIT, and Tabata WOD Timer is the ultimate workout timer for functional fitness, CrossFit, and HIIT athletes. Stay focused on your AMRAP, EMOM, For Time, Tabata, or custom interval workouts with a simple, powerful timer that keeps you moving—no matter where you train. FOCUS ON YOUR WORKOUT, NOT THE CLOCK Choose your workout type, set your time, and go. WOD Timer’s clean, easy-to-read interface and large numbers make it effortless to track intervals—even mid-workout. Works seamlessly on your iPhone and Apple Watch. BUILT FOR FUNCTIONAL FITNESS & CROSSFIT • Timers for AMRAP, EMOM, For Time, Tabata, HIIT, and custom intervals • Custom mode to build your own interval routines • Round and set counters to track progress • Mid-workout alerts and reminders • Background mode so you never lose your workout PERFECT FOR EVERY ATHLETE Whether you're prepping for CrossFit Open, HYROX, or just improving your fitness, WOD Timer adapts to your training. Create, save, and reuse your favorite interval workouts to stay consistent and motivated. GO PREMIUM FOR MORE CONTROL Unlock even more features: • Unlimited custom workouts • Advanced timer configurations • All future premium features included PRICING • $0.99 per week • $24.99 per year Prices apply to U.S. customers and may vary by region. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage your subscription in App Store settings. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula

Screenshots

Box Timer4 screens
Tabata Interval Timer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Box Timer at 4.9 against Tabata Interval Timer's 1.0. Box Timer also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ratings volume (2.9K vs 1). Tabata Interval Timer's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs monthly). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Tabata Interval Timer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Box Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Box Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 1.0. 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Box Timer ships an update monthly, Tabata Interval Timer every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Box Timer versus Tabata Interval Timer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBox TimerTabata Interval Timer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (2.9K ratings) — better1.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews93.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings2.9K — better1
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS1817.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB23 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEdvin LindenDanilo Vilhena

Customer experience

Box Timer

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

Tabata Interval Timer

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

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 Interval Timer

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Box Timer

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Tabata Interval Timer

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Weekly3 Days trial$0.997 Days
  • Pro Yearly$24.991 Year

Questions

Is Box Timer free?
Box Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Tabata Interval Timer free?
Tabata Interval Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Box Timer or Tabata Interval Timer?
Box Timer is rated higher. Box Timer averages 4.9 out of 5 from 2.9K ratings, while Tabata Interval Timer averages 1.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Box Timer or Tabata Interval Timer have ads?
Neither Box Timer nor Tabata Interval Timer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Box Timer or Tabata Interval Timer?
Box Timer ships an update monthly, and Tabata Interval Timer every 2 days. Most recently, Box Timer was updated on September 29, 2026 and Tabata Interval Timer on September 20, 2026.

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