Comparison

Box Timer vs GymPulseTimer

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

GymPulseTimer

This interval timer app is designed for HIIT, Tabata, and circuit training. It features customizable work and rest periods, large visual countdowns, and audio cues. Live Activities display your progress on the Lock Screen and in the Dynamic Island, keeping you focused during workouts.

Highlights
  • Customizable work and rest intervals
  • Save workout presets
  • Large, readable countdown display
  • Audio beeps and voice cues
  • Lock Screen and Dynamic Island integration
  • Offline functionality
Features
Read full description

GymPulseTimer is a simple, powerful interval timer for HIIT, Tabata, and circuit workouts. SET UP YOUR WORKOUT - Configure Get Ready, Work, and Rest intervals - Set your Rounds and Sets - Save presets for your favorite workouts (1 free, unlimited with Pro) TRAIN WITH CLARITY - Large countdown ring that's easy to read mid-workout - Audio beeps and voice cues for phase changes - 3-2-1 countdown alerts before each transition LIVE ACTIVITIES - See your countdown right on the Lock Screen - Track progress in the Dynamic Island - Never miss a transition, even with your phone locked STAY FOCUSED - Pause, resume, and restart anytime - Screen stays on during your workout - Works offline — no account, no internet needed Download GymPulseTimer and start training smarter.

Screenshots

Box Timer4 screens
GymPulseTimer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Box Timer at 93% against GymPulseTimer's 0%. Box Timer also leads on rating (4.9 vs 3.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). GymPulseTimer's advantage is update cadence (every 6 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. GymPulseTimer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. 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 3.0. 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. Written reviews point the same way: 93% of Box Timer's written reviews are positive against 0% of GymPulseTimer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Box Timer ships an update monthly, GymPulseTimer every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Box Timer versus GymPulseTimer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBox TimerGymPulseTimer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (2.9K ratings) — better3.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews93.4% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings2.9K — better1
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 6 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS1817.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEdvin LindenDaniel Ancuta

Customer experience

Box Timer

All ratings2,944 ratings
Positive96.9%
Neutral1.5%
Negative1.6%
Written reviews136 reviews
Positive93.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative6.6%

GymPulseTimer

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral100.0%
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

GymPulseTimer

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Box Timer

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

GymPulseTimer

One-time1
  • Unlock GymPulse Pro$4.99

Questions

Is Box Timer free?
Box Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is GymPulseTimer free?
GymPulseTimer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Box Timer or GymPulseTimer?
Box Timer is rated higher. Box Timer averages 4.9 out of 5 from 2.9K ratings, while GymPulseTimer averages 3.0 from 1 ratings.
Do Box Timer or GymPulseTimer have ads?
Neither Box Timer nor GymPulseTimer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Box Timer or GymPulseTimer?
Box Timer ships an update monthly, and GymPulseTimer every 6 days. Most recently, Box Timer was updated on October 11, 2026 and GymPulseTimer on October 4, 2026.

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