Comparison

Simple Interval Timer vs New York Road Runners

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

New York Road Runners

Stay connected to the action of running events, from local races to major marathons. Track runners in real-time, receive important race updates, and cheer on participants from anywhere. Access interactive features like leaderboards and course maps.

Highlights
  • Live runner tracking
  • Race schedules and alerts
  • Cheer from anywhere
  • Interactive leaderboards
  • Course maps
  • Live race feeds
Features
Read full description

Whether you’re racing, spectating, or supporting the community, stay updated on all things NYRR. Track your favorite runners in real time, support community programs, and stay updated on races year-round – from weekly events to the TCS New York City Marathon. * Live Runner Tracking – Track your favorite runners with real-time race-day updates * Stay Informed – Get schedules, alerts, and key race details all year long * Cheer from Anywhere – Support and celebrate runners no matter where you are * Interactive Race Features – Explore live leaderboards, course maps, and essential race-day tools * Pro Race Coverage – When elite athletes compete, watch live race feeds, follow top contenders, and dive into athlete bios * Make Every Mile Count – Make a donation to support NYRR’s free youth and community programs Download now and experience the transformative power of running!

Screenshots

Simple Interval Timer4 screens
New York Road Runners4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Simple Interval Timer at 85% against New York Road Runners's 16%. Simple Interval Timer also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (14.5 vs 16.4). New York Road Runners's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ads (none vs shown). On price 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. New York Road Runners asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Simple Interval Timer ships an update every 8 months, New York Road Runners fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Simple Interval Timer versus New York Road Runners: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimple Interval TimerNew York Road Runners
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (5.4K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews84.7% of reviews — better15.7% of reviews
Number of ratings5.4K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 8 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone
Requires iOS14.5 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size10 MB108 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer0FFNew York Road Runners, Inc.

Customer experience

Simple Interval Timer

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

New York Road Runners

Written reviews121 reviews
Positive15.7%
Neutral0.8%
Negative83.5%

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

New York Road Runners

From App Store reviews

What we love

  • 🚀 Provides race information and runner tracking
  • 👍 Helpful for following runners

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes consistently during and after races
  • 🤔 Overly complicated menu and user interface
  • 🤯 Lost user data and account information after update
  • 🤔 Lacks basic functionality like signing in and managing account

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

New York Road Runners

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Runner tracking list capped at 50
  • Credit card and gift card issues after update

Requested features

2 requests
  • Ability to track entire club/team without individual selection
  • Improved race registration status and information

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

New York Road Runners

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Simple Interval Timer free?
Simple Interval Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is New York Road Runners free?
New York Road Runners is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Simple Interval Timer or New York Road Runners have ads?
Simple Interval Timer shows ads; New York Road Runners does not.
Which is updated more often, Simple Interval Timer or New York Road Runners?
Simple Interval Timer ships an update every 8 months, and New York Road Runners fortnightly. Most recently, Simple Interval Timer was updated on October 17, 2026 and New York Road Runners on October 16, 2026.

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