Comparison

Box Timer vs Pacer

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

Pacer

Features
Read full description

Pacer is a simple metronome built for runners who want to lock in their cadence without giving up their music. Type in a target steps-per-minute number, drag the slider, or tap a quick preset (160/170/180 spm) and Pacer clicks and taps in time, right alongside whatever you're already listening to. It won't pause your music, podcast, or audiobook to play its click; it mixes in on top, the same way a workout app's voice cues do. FEATURES • Numeric input, slider, or one-tap presets to set your target cadence • Plays its click alongside Music, Spotify, podcasts, or any other audio app • Optional haptic tap on every beat, so you can feel the rhythm even with headphones cranked up • Keeps running in the background with the screen locked • Estimated ground contact time and vertical oscillation targets for your chosen cadence, as a guideline for working on your form • Clean, distraction-free interface just set it and go Pacer doesn't track your runs, connect to GPS, or need any sensors. It's a focused tool for one job: keeping your feet turning over at the rate you want, for as long as you run.

Screenshots

Box Timer4 screens
Pacer1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Box Timer at Free against Pacer's $0.99. Box Timer also leads on iOS requirement (18 vs 26.5). On 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

Box Timer is free to download; Pacer costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Box Timer versus Pacer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBox TimerPacer
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating4.9 (3K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews93.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings3K — better—
Update frequencyMonthly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS18 — better26.5
Further details — not scored
Size7 MB4 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEdvin LindenNew World Code Ltd

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

Pacer

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Box Timer

No in-app purchases

None

Pacer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Box Timer free?
Box Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Pacer free?
Pacer costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Box Timer or Pacer have ads?
Neither Box Timer nor Pacer shows ads.

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