# Interval Timer vs Tabata Timer

The clearest difference is ads: Interval Timer at none against Tabata Timer's shown. Tabata Timer's advantage is review sentiment (98% vs 77%) and ratings volume (9.2K vs 534). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Interval Timer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Tabata Timer sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Tabata Timer holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Tabata Timer has 9.2K ratings behind it against 534, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 77% of Interval Timer's written reviews are positive against 98% of Tabata Timer's.

Interval Timer ships an update every 4 weeks, Tabata Timer every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Interval Timer | Tabata Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (534 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/interval-timer-bit-timer/id505848680/reviews) | **[4.9 (9.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tabata-timer-interval-timer/id1255964203/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 534 | **9.2K** |
| Positive reviews | 76.8% of reviews | **98.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 15 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Peiter Buick](https://appshunter.io/developer/505848683) | [Oleksandr Serhiienko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1255964202) |

## What reviewers say

### Interval Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/interval-timer-bit-timer/id505848680)

This app provides a simple and intuitive interval timer for workouts like HIIT, EMOM, and CrossFit. It features quick setup, guiding tones and colors, and background functionality to keep you focused on your training.

**Highlights:** Instant interval setup, Guiding tones and colors, HealthKit integration, Background functionality, Save and sync favorite timers, Preparation countdown, Pause and resume workouts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bit Timer Pro | $1.99 | per month |
| Bit Timer Pro | $4.99 | per year |
| Bit Timer Pro | $9.99 | per year |
| Bit Timer Pro Lifetime | $17.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Simple and easy to use
- 👍 Elegant and intuitive design
- ✨ Effective for interval training
- 💯 Works great for the basics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Paid app now requires subscription
- 💰 Asking users to pay again after initial purchase
- 🔇 Audio cues too quiet
- ⏱️ Limited to 4 minutes of work time

**Reported bugs**

- Timer continues counting down even after app is closed
- Issues with music volume reduction while app is in use

**Requested features**

- Ability to save and load custom workout routines
- Option to increase work interval duration beyond 4 minutes
- Apple Watch app integration
- More sound effect options


### Tabata Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tabata-timer-interval-timer/id1255964203)

This app provides a versatile interval timer for high-intensity workouts like HIIT and Tabata. Users can create custom routines with adjustable work/rest times, sets, and cycles, and receive voice cues. It functions as a background companion to keep you focused during training.

**Highlights:** Customizable interval timers, HIIT and Tabata training support, Adjustable work and rest times, Set and cycle configuration, Interval naming, Background operation, Voice cues

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $1.49 | per month |
| Premium | $2.99 | per 3 months |
| Premium | $4.49 | per 6 months |
| Premium | $7.49 | per year |
| Premium | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly
- 🚀 Customizable workouts
- 🔊 Clear audio cues
- 💡 Ability to save multiple workouts
- 🎵 Plays music in the background

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or glitches
- 🔒 Limited free version (only 2 saved workouts)
- 💰 Paid version required for more features
- 🔀 Easy to accidentally skip intervals
- 🔍 Cluttered interface for some users

**Reported bugs**

- Workouts not saving properly
- Sync issues between app and Apple Watch
- Occasional freezing or restarting of device

**Requested features**

- Ability to name and save more workouts in free version
- Option to add exercise images or videos
- Sync workouts across devices
- Customizable sounds and alerts
- Workout history and progress tracking


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Interval Timer free?

Interval Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Tabata Timer free?

Tabata Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Interval Timer or Tabata Timer?

Tabata Timer is rated higher. Interval Timer averages 4.7 out of 5 from 534 ratings, while Tabata Timer averages 4.9 from 9.2K ratings.

### Do Interval Timer or Tabata Timer have ads?

Tabata Timer shows ads; Interval Timer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Interval Timer or Tabata Timer?

Interval Timer ships an update every 4 weeks, and Tabata Timer every 10 days. Most recently, Interval Timer was updated on September 17, 2026 and Tabata Timer on September 24, 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.*