Comparison

Timer vs CheckMate Chess Clock

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

Head to head
About

Timer

This advanced timer allows for precise time management across various activities. Set multiple special events with customizable triggers like sounds, messages, or screen flashing. It's ideal for games, workouts, cooking, meditation, and any task requiring accurate timing, even when the app is in the background.

Highlights
  • Multiple complex timers simultaneously
  • Scheduled event triggers (sounds, messages, photos)
  • Customizable display modes (textual, graphical)
  • Background operation with sound/message alerts
  • Looping timers
  • Delayed start and flexible stop time entry
  • Screen blocking and flashlight alerts
Features
Read full description

Timer is an advanced timer for performing various tasks at specific times that you set. It is your perfect companion for board games, sport workouts, cooking, zen meditation or whatever activity that needs a precision and powerful timer. Timer allows to define multiple special events that will be triggered when the timer is running. Sounds, messages, photos, screen flashing and more actions can be triggered at any time thanks to a complex time scheduling system (that can be easily previewed). The majority of these actions can be done when the application is open, but it is still possible to play sounds and display messages when the application is closed. Here are some events you'll be able to create (and combine) : * "Play a Gong sound 30 seconds before end" * "Every 10 seconds during 1 minute, produce a sound with an increasing pitch" * "Play a tic tac sound every seconds" * "Once One-half the time is elapsed, play an iPod song and show a custom message on the screen" * "While in background, plays a Tibetan bell sound 4 times (every 25%) until 6PM" * "Take a photo every minute" Here are the main features : - 9 complex timers with time scheduled events can be used at the same time. - The timer can be looped forever or for a specific number (the number of loops being displayed). - Elapsed time, remaining time, current time can be either displayed. Various display modes are available (including textual or graphical ones). - The time is displayed in full screen, in the biggest possible way. Two different areas can be customized. - The timer start can be delayed, allowing to have a short preparation time before the timer is automatically started. - The stop time can be entered as a relative duration or as an absolute hour value. - Portrait and Landscape visualization modes are handled in all application screens. - The timer can be used when silence is needed (thanks to a flashing screen, vibrations and a dimmed display). - When the timer is done, the time is still displayed, allowing to know since how long the timer elapsed. - The screen can be blocked, keeping the timer visible, in order to avoid pressing accidentally the buttons. - Different dedicated alarm sounds can be used (Bell, Cooking timer, Watch, Gong, Danger, Lama Bell...) - Shepard tones can also be used : those tones creates the auditory illusion of a tone that continually ascends or descends in pitch. - Import custom sounds or record them directly. Use them as audio alerts when the application is opened. Play a random iPod song. - Custom musics/sounds can be selected from the iPod library to be used as internal alarms. The iPod music can also be stopped. - Automatically take pictures at given times. Use the flashlight as a visual alert. - Load, save, import and export your settings, allowing you to share and have multiple configurations ready to be used. - Customize the look of each timer to your taste.

About

CheckMate Chess Clock

Features
Read full description

Chess Clock - Professional Timer for Chess Players Experience the ultimate chess clock app designed for players of all levels. Whether you're playing casual games with friends, competing in tournaments, or practicing online, our intuitive chess timer provides everything you need for precision timing. KEY FEATURES Customizable Time Controls Set individual times for each player perfect for handicap games. Choose from popular presets like 1+1, 3+2, 5+5, 10+0, and more. Increment support from 0 to 60 seconds with custom time settings from 1 to 60 minutes. Professional Design Large, crystal-clear time display for easy reading. Active player indication with larger font and visual cues. Optional pulse effect synchronized with each second. Clean, modern interface optimized for all screen sizes. Advanced Features Asymmetric time controls for training and handicap games. Visual pulse effect that can be toggled on or off. Instant feedback with success notifications. Automatic game state management with pause and restart functionality. Perfect For Tournament play and competitive chess. Training sessions with time handicaps. Casual games with friends and family. Online chess practice. Chess clubs and schools. All skill levels from beginner to master. Multilingual Support Available in 17 languages including English, German, Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and more. Why Choose Our Chess Clock Precision timing you can trust. Intuitive controls - tap to switch turns. Professional tournament-ready features. Completely free with no ads. Works offline - no internet required. Optimized for both portrait and landscape modes. Download now and elevate your chess game with professional timing precision. Perfect for players who demand accuracy and reliability in their chess timing.

Screenshots

Timer4 screens
CheckMate Chess Clock4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Timer at every 7 months against CheckMate Chess Clock's every 26 months. Timer also leads on iOS requirement (12 vs 15.0). CheckMate Chess Clock's advantage is price ($0.99 vs $3.99). 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

Timer costs $3.99 and CheckMate Chess Clock $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Timer ships an update every 7 months, CheckMate Chess Clock every 26 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and May 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Timer versus CheckMate Chess Clock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTimerCheckMate Chess Clock
Price$3.99$0.99 — better
Rating4.8 (218 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews80.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings218 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 7 months — betterEvery 26 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size24 MB1 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFrancis BonninGustav Gutsche

Bugs and requests

Timer

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Timer randomly changing time during use
  • Alarm not sounding when app is in background
  • Screen dimming and locking issues

Requested features

4 requests
  • Multiple timers running concurrently
  • Ability to save and share custom timer presets
  • More vibration and sound alert options
  • Improved background mode and iOS 4 support

CheckMate Chess Clock

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Timer

No in-app purchases

None

CheckMate Chess Clock

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Timer free?
Timer costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is CheckMate Chess Clock free?
CheckMate Chess Clock costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Timer or CheckMate Chess Clock have ads?
Neither Timer nor CheckMate Chess Clock shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Timer or CheckMate Chess Clock?
Timer ships an update every 7 months, and CheckMate Chess Clock every 26 months. Most recently, Timer was updated on September 22, 2026 and CheckMate Chess Clock on May 17, 2026.

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