Comparison

Box Timer vs Tempo

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

Tempo

Features
Read full description

Tempo is an interval timer for people who actually train. Two tools in one app: a rest timer for between sets, and a routine builder for HIIT, Tabata, EMOM and circuits. FREE, FOREVER - Rest timer with 30s, 1:00, 1:30, 2:00 and 3:00 presets and a live progress ring - Set and round counters you tap as you go - Four built-in routines: Tabata 20/10, HIIT 30/30, EMOM 10 and a Pyramid - Build and save a routine of your own - Keeps running with the screen locked, and tells you when rest is over - Editing and deleting your routines is free, and always will be - Everything stays on your device. No account, no sign-up THE WORKOUT PLAYER Start a routine and the whole screen becomes the workout. A large ring counts the current interval down, the colour tells you whether you are working or resting, and the line underneath shows what is coming next and how far through the routine you are. Pause, skip an interval, or stop at any point. BUILD ANY INTERVAL PATTERN Work and rest from 5 seconds to 10 minutes, any number of rounds, and a separate break between rounds. Drag the intervals into the order you want. Tempo shows you the total workout time before you start. TEMPO PRO - Save as many routines as you want, instead of one - Every pattern you can build, kept: work, rest, rounds and round breaks - Restored on every iPhone and iPad signed into your Apple Account WHAT YOU WILL NOT FIND No ads. No account to create. No quiz before the app works. No coach selling you a programme. Tempo Pro is a subscription: 2.99 USD per month, or 19.99 USD per year with the first 14 days free. Prices are shown in local currency by region. Cancel any time during the free trial and you are not charged. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription renews automatically for the same price and period unless it is cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel it in your Apple Account settings after purchase. Terms of Use (EULA): https://thedolceway.com/terms Privacy Policy: https://thedolceway.com/privacy

Screenshots

Box Timer4 screens
Tempo4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Box Timer at monthly against Tempo's every 5 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Box Timer ships an update monthly, Tempo every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Box Timer versus Tempo: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBox TimerTempo
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (2.9K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews93.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings2.9K — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 5 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS1817.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEdvin LindenDt nova

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

Tempo

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Box Timer

No in-app purchases

None

Tempo

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Box Timer free?
Box Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Tempo free?
Tempo is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Box Timer or Tempo have ads?
Neither Box Timer nor Tempo shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Box Timer or Tempo?
Box Timer ships an update monthly, and Tempo every 5 months. Most recently, Box Timer was updated on September 24, 2026 and Tempo on September 15, 2026.

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