Comparison

TruTimer vs Tabata Timer

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

Head to head
About

TruTimer

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Stop glancing at your phone mid-workout. TruTimer talks you through every set with custom voice, sound, and vibration cues — timed to the exact second you choose. BUILD YOUR OWN TIMELINE Add cues wherever you want: "halfway," "switch arms," a beep at 15 seconds, a countdown before the next move. Every exercise gets its own timeline — no other timer app lets you customize down to the second. READY-MADE TEMPLATES Jump straight into isometric holds, strength circuits, stretching, rehab routines, and mindfulness sessions: • Plank, Side Plank, Wall Sit, Dead Hang • Farmer's Carry, Single Arm Curls • Tabata Circuit, Full Body / Upper Body / Lower Body Circuits • Physical Therapy, Yoga Pose • Meditation, Box Breathing CHAIN WORKOUTS TOGETHER Build multi-exercise, multi-round routines with the Workout Builder — or tap Quick Timer for an instant one-off session with your own duration, rest, and rounds. SMART GUIDANCE • Announces the next exercise before it starts • Optional 3-2-1 countdown into every segment • Halfway alerts so you always know where you stand • Full history of every completed session TRUTIMER PRO Unlock the full template library and unlimited saved workouts with a single one-time purchase — no subscription. Free users get 3 saved workouts and a starter set of templates. No account required. Your data stays on your device.

About

Tabata Timer

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Tabata Timer is a focused interval timer for Tabata, HIIT, core work, sprints, and custom circuits. Set up a routine once, press start, and let the timer guide the session. START TRAINING FAST • Choose built-in routines, including Classic Tabata • Set prepare, work, rest, and set-break times • Choose rounds per set and total sets • Create, edit, reorder, or delete routines • Add an exercise name to any workout segment STAY IN THE WORKOUT • Hear the current phase or exercise name • Hear the next exercise announced during rest • Get countdown beeps for the final 3 seconds • Use vibration and keep the screen awake while training • Choose to auto-pause when you leave the app SEE YOUR PROGRESS • Keep workout history on your device • Review weekly training volume and personal records • Track achievements and total training days • Set a weekly goal and daily reminders • Choose a light, dark, or system theme PRIVATE BY DESIGN No account is needed to train. Your routines, workout history, achievements, and settings stay on your device and are not synced to our servers. All workouts, routines, history, and stats are available without a purchase. Monthly and yearly subscriptions renew automatically until canceled in App Store settings; the lifetime option is a one-time purchase. Every paid option removes ads only. The App Store handles payment and subscription management. Privacy Policy: https://privacy.tabatatimer.lifeeapp.com/ Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

TruTimer4 screens
Tabata Timer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Tabata Timer at every 5 days against TruTimer's every 4 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. TruTimer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Tabata Timer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TruTimer ships an update every 4 weeks, Tabata Timer every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference Ā· 5 level
TruTimer versus Tabata Timer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTruTimerTabata Timer
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeksEvery 5 days — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.415.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size50 MB28 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTrulsson Ingrup ABHsiao hung su

In-app purchases

1 purchases

TruTimer

One-time1
  • TruTimer Pro$4.99
3 purchases

Tabata Timer

Subscriptions2
  • Remove Ads Monthly$0.991 Month
  • Remove Ads Yearly$7.991 Year
One-time1
  • Remove Ads Lifetime$11.99

Questions

Is TruTimer free?
TruTimer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Tabata Timer free?
Tabata Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do TruTimer or Tabata Timer have ads?
Both TruTimer and Tabata Timer show ads.
Which is updated more often, TruTimer or Tabata Timer?
TruTimer ships an update every 4 weeks, and Tabata Timer every 5 days. Most recently, TruTimer was updated on September 30, 2026 and Tabata Timer on October 1, 2026.

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