Comparison

ChainFlow vs PulseTabata

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

Head to head
About

ChainFlow

Create highly customized interval timers for any routine, from HIIT workouts to study sessions. Set unique work and rest periods for each segment, with clear audio cues and a distraction-free interface. Save your routines for easy access and hands-free operation.

Highlights
  • Custom interval chaining
  • Adjustable work/rest times per interval
  • Clear audio cues
  • Hands-free operation
  • Screen-off functionality
  • Routine saving
  • Dark interface
Features
Read full description

A custom interval timer for routines where every interval can be different. Most workout timers are built around repeating the same work and rest periods. ChainFlow lets you build the exact sequence you need, with individual timing for every step. Create HIIT workouts, circuit training sessions, stretching and mobility routines, boxing rounds, exercise sequences, drawing practice, focus sessions, and more. BUILD ANY ROUTINE Add as many intervals as you need. Give each one its own name and timing, then drag them into the exact order you want. START FAST WITH TEMPLATES Begin with ready-made HIIT, Tabata, Boxing, Morning Mobility, Pomodoro, and Gesture Drawing templates—or start completely from scratch. Every template becomes a normal ChainFlow routine you can fully edit. HANDS-FREE TIMING Hit Start and focus on what you're doing instead of watching the clock. ChainFlow automatically moves through your sequence and gives you clear audio cues at each transition. • Works while your phone is locked or ChainFlow is in the background • Live Activities and Dynamic Island support • See your current interval and what comes next • Pause, skip forward, or return to the previous interval • Optional 3-2-1 countdown before starting • Works alongside music, podcasts, and other audio • Optional audio ducking during cues BUILD ONCE. USE IT AGAIN. Save your favorite routines, duplicate individual intervals or entire chains, reorder them anytime, and quickly adjust a routine for your next session. ChainFlow works especially well when your routine doesn't fit a rigid repeating timer: • Custom interval workouts • Circuit training • HIIT and Tabata • Stretching and mobility • Boxing and round training • Exercise and strength training • Yoga and meditation sequences • Gesture and figure drawing practice • Pomodoro and focus sessions Whether you're training, stretching, drawing, studying, or building a routine of your own, ChainFlow keeps the timing out of your head so you can stay in the flow.

About

PulseTabata

Features
Read full description

PulseTabata is a focused interval timer for Tabata, HIIT, and custom workouts. Build your own training plans, start sessions quickly, and keep your workout flow simple on iPhone and Apple Watch. Features: - Tabata, EMOM, and custom interval workouts - Create and edit your own workout plans - Apple Watch companion for workout control and metrics - Workout history saved on device - Sound, voice, and haptic cues - Clean, fast workout screens built for repeat training PulseTabata is designed for people who want a lightweight workout timer without accounts, ads, or unnecessary complexity.

Screenshots

ChainFlow4 screens
PulseTabata4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PulseTabata at none against ChainFlow's 1. PulseTabata also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads, 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. ChainFlow sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. PulseTabata asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ChainFlow ships an update every 2 months, PulseTabata every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 3, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
ChainFlow versus PulseTabata: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChainFlowPulseTabata
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Number of ratings1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size22 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMichael Ebako-HodgsonVitalii Hurkovskyi

In-app purchases

1 purchases

ChainFlow

One-time1
  • ChainFlow Pro$4.99
None

PulseTabata

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ChainFlow free?
ChainFlow is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is PulseTabata free?
PulseTabata is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do ChainFlow or PulseTabata have ads?
Neither ChainFlow nor PulseTabata shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ChainFlow or PulseTabata?
ChainFlow ships an update every 2 months, and PulseTabata every 2 weeks. Most recently, ChainFlow was updated on September 3, 2026 and PulseTabata on September 11, 2026.

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