Comparison

Simple Interval Timer vs Gym Timer

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

Head to head
About

Simple Interval Timer

This app provides a straightforward interval timer for various training types like running, cycling, and HIIT. Customize sets, action, and break durations for a personalized workout experience. It runs in the background and saves recent configurations.

Highlights
  • Customizable sets, action, and break durations
  • Plain and simple design
  • Saves last 5 configurations
  • Runs in the background
  • iOS screen dimming prevention
  • Apple Watch integration with heart rate monitoring
Features
Read full description

Simple Interval Timer (SIT) can be used for any kind of interval training, such as running, cycling, HIIT sessions (including Tabata method), stretching, etc. SIT is exactly what you would expect. An interval timer, which is easy to set up and use. It features a nice plain design, with no unnecessary controls. Adjust Number of Sets, Action and Break duration to your needs and you are ready to go! On the iOS an extra switch control allows you to prevent the screen from dimming. SIT remembers the last 5 configurations you have used. Swipe left across the Settings screen to switch to another configuration. SIT can run in the background, while you are playing music, watching videos or doing anything else on your iOS device. SIT Watch features the same simplicity as the iOS app while offering the same functionality, plus it will measure your heartbeat during the workout sessions. The recordings will be available in the Apple's Health app. SIT Watch runs independently of the phone, so no need to have your phone around during your workouts (although you will need your phone during the very first time you launch SIT watch). SIT lets you avoid any tedious set up and focus on your training!

About

Gym Timer

This app helps you track gym sessions and manage rest times between sets. It's designed for use on a smartwatch, allowing you to leave your phone behind. The app alerts you when it's time to train again, ensuring your workout flows smoothly.

Highlights
  • Track gym sessions
  • Time rest periods between sets
  • Smartwatch optimized
  • Phone-free gym experience
  • Alerts for training intervals
  • HealthKit integration
Features
Read full description

Gym Timer helps you tracking your gym sessions and timing rest time. - You can leave your smartphone in the locker room: An app designed from the concept of the Apple Watch's app to give you the best mobility in the gym, without the need to lug around the smartphone. It's all on your wrist. With CareKit and HealthKit integration, your workout will never be interrupted if your Apple Watch goes into standby mode. - It does everything: With Gym Timer, you just set the number of sets and the rest time between one set and the other, then you just need to start the timer at the end of each set. When is time to start to train again, it will alert you. Follow us on our social media to be the first to know about new features we're developing, to get in touch with our community and give us a feedback. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gymtimer/ Instagram: @gym_timer Twitter: @gym_timer Gym Timer uses Health Kit for some functionalities like staying active while your watch screen is off.

Screenshots

Simple Interval Timer4 screens
Gym Timer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Gym Timer at none against Simple Interval Timer's 4. Gym Timer also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 8 months). Simple Interval Timer's advantage is review sentiment (85% vs 55%) and rating (4.9 vs 4.5). On price, 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. Simple Interval Timer sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Gym Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Simple Interval Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simple Interval Timer has 5.4K ratings behind it against 460, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of Simple Interval Timer's written reviews are positive against 55% of Gym Timer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Simple Interval Timer ships an update every 8 months, Gym Timer every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Simple Interval Timer versus Gym Timer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimple Interval TimerGym Timer
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (5.4K ratings) — better4.5 (460 ratings)
Positive reviews84.7% of reviews — better55.0% of reviews
Number of ratings5.4K — better460
Update frequencyEvery 8 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple WatchiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch
Requires iOS14.513.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer0FFGiuseppe Fasano

Customer experience

Simple Interval Timer

All ratings5,444 ratings
Positive97.6%
Neutral1.2%
Negative1.2%
Written reviews398 reviews
Positive84.7%
Neutral4.5%
Negative10.8%

Gym Timer

All ratings460 ratings
Positive86.1%
Neutral4.6%
Negative9.3%
Written reviews238 reviews
Positive55.0%
Neutral10.5%
Negative34.5%

User reviews

Simple Interval Timer

From 5.4K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Simple and easy to use
  • 🚀 Efficient and straightforward
  • 💰 Actually free, no paywall
  • 🔊 Unobtrusive audio cues
  • 🎶 Works well with music playback

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
  • ⚙️ Limited customization options
  • 🔋 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
  • 🔍 Difficulty deleting/managing saved configurations

Gym Timer

From 460 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Simple and functional
  • 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
  • 💪 Helps keep track of sets and rest times
  • 🔔 Vibration/audio alerts for rest time

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes and bugs, especially on Apple Watch
  • 🔍 Lack of customization options
  • 💤 No background/low-power mode support
  • 📢 Intrusive ads interrupting workouts

Bugs and requests

Simple Interval Timer

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Timer stops working when screen is locked
  • Countdown beeps not syncing with timer
  • Interval times not accurately tracked

Requested features

4 requests
  • Ability to name and delete saved configurations
  • More granular interval time settings (e.g., 1-second increments)
  • Stronger haptic feedback on Apple Watch
  • Integration with workout tracking apps

Gym Timer

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Timer resets unexpectedly
  • Set/rep count not updating correctly
  • Syncing issues with Apple Watch
  • Notifications not working as expected

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add option to track exercise time
  • Implement workout history/progress tracking
  • Provide Apple Watch complications
  • Offer paid ad-free version

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Simple Interval Timer

One-time4
  • Espresso$0.99
  • Americano$1.99
  • Ad-free version$2.99
Show 1 more
  • Caramel Cappuccino$2.99
None

Gym Timer

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Simple Interval Timer free?
Simple Interval Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Gym Timer free?
Gym Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Simple Interval Timer or Gym Timer?
Simple Interval Timer is rated higher. Simple Interval Timer averages 4.9 out of 5 from 5.4K ratings, while Gym Timer averages 4.5 from 460 ratings.
Do Simple Interval Timer or Gym Timer have ads?
Simple Interval Timer shows ads; Gym Timer does not.
Which is updated more often, Simple Interval Timer or Gym Timer?
Simple Interval Timer ships an update every 8 months, and Gym Timer every 3 weeks. Most recently, Simple Interval Timer was updated on September 22, 2026 and Gym Timer on September 20, 2026.

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