# Simple Interval Timer vs Gym Timer

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.

Both are free to download. Simple Interval Timer sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Gym Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simple Interval Timer | Gym Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (5.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-interval-timer/id458334253/reviews)** | [4.5 (460 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gym-timer-timer-for-rest-time/id1146409173/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.4K** | 460 |
| Positive reviews | **84.7% of reviews** | 55.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 10 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.5 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [0FF](https://appshunter.io/developer/455256988) | [Giuseppe Fasano](https://appshunter.io/developer/1022759807) |

## What reviewers say

### Simple Interval Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-interval-timer/id458334253)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Espresso | $0.99 | one-time |
| Americano | $1.99 | one-time |
| Ad-free version | $2.99 | one-time |
| Caramel Cappuccino | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gym-timer-timer-for-rest-time/id1146409173)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*