Chess Clock by Chess.com vs Chess Timer
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Chess Clock by Chess.com
This free app functions as a digital chess clock, offering customizable time controls for any game. It supports various increment and delay types, multiple stages, and handicapping, making it ideal for casual play and tournaments. Adjust time on the fly and enjoy clear displays and audio alerts.
- Customizable time controls
- Fischer and Bronstein increments
- Multiple-stage time controls
- Handicapping support
- On-the-fly time adjustments
- Pause and interruption support
- Audio alerts
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Replace your chess clock with this free game timer! It's easy to use, yet fully featured to handle any time control. 100% free: no in-app purchases, no ads! Choose your time control and you're ready to play. The 2nd player presses her button to start the 1st player's clock - and the game is on! FEATURES - Large, easy-to-read buttons - Works in landscape and portrait on all devices - Quickly customize the app for one-tap access to all your favorite time controls - Time controls include base minutes per player and optional per-move delays or bonus time. The app supports both Fischer and Bronstein increments, as well as simple delays. The duration is up to you! - Supports multiple-stage time controls commonly seen in tournaments, such as "40 moves in 2 hours + game in 60 minutes." A glance at the clock shows your current stage! - Support for handicapping lets you set different time controls for each player! - You can adjust the time remaining on the fly, in the middle of your game, for either or both players! - Clock pauses automatically if the app is interrupted; manually pause the clock at any time - Pleasant sounds for buttons and "time's up" alert At Chess.com, we really do love chess, and *sometimes* we even play it offline! For times like that, we created this clock - and we hope you love it as much as we do.
Chess Timer
A straightforward dual timer designed for over-the-board chess and other two-player competitive games. It allows for customizable time increments, delays, and overtime limits, functioning as a simple chess clock or for games like Scrabble and Go.
- Dual timer for two-player games
- Fischer, Bronstein, and simple delay increments
- Overtime limits with penalties
- Supports games like Scrabble and Go
- Intuitive tap-to-switch interface
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Chess Timer is a simple dual timer for over-the-board chess and other two player games. Place you phone flat on the table beside the chess board. Only one clock runs at a time. Tapping the clock face stops one clock and starts the other players clock. Can be used with other competitive two-player board game such as Scrabble, shogi or go. Pro Features: Extra time can be added every turn in one of three ways: Fischer, Bronstein, or a simple delay. Fischer: Time is added to the clock at the end of each turn. Bronstein: Time is added to the clock at the end of each turn, but never more than the turn time. E.g. if the increment is 10 seconds, but the player only takes only 6 seconds on their turn, then 6 seconds is added to the clock. Simple delay: A simple delay before the clock starts each turn. Overtime: An overtime limit can be allowed for each player and penalty points are given for the amount of overtime used. This can be used, for example, as a Scrabble clock.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Chess Clock by Chess.com at 91% against Chess Timer's 43%. Chess Clock by Chess.com also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and rating (4.6 vs 4.3). On price, ads and device support 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
Both are free to download. Chess Timer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Chess Clock by Chess.com asks for nothing beyond the download.
Chess Clock by Chess.com holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Chess Clock by Chess.com has 338 ratings behind it against 55, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 91% of Chess Clock by Chess.com's written reviews are positive against 43% of Chess Timer's.
Chess Clock by Chess.com ships an update every 3 months, Chess Timer every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Chess Clock by Chess.com | Chess Timer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (338 ratings) — better | 4.3 (55 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 90.6% of reviews — better | 42.9% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 338 — better | 55 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months — better | Every 11 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #142 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 — better | 16.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 3 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Chess.com | DAVID CROOKS SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT LIMITED |
Customer experience
Chess Clock by Chess.com
Chess Timer
Bugs and requests
Chess Clock by Chess.com
Reported bugs
2 issues- Time not always reduced when pressing the clock quickly
- Custom time settings not always saved properly
Requested features
4 requests- Add warning/countdown alerts for time running out
- Allow setting different times for each player
- Provide more theme/color options
- Add vibration feedback when pressing the clock
Chess Timer
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Chess Clock by Chess.com
No in-app purchases
Chess Timer
- Chess Timer Pro$2.99
Questions
Is Chess Clock by Chess.com free?
Is Chess Timer free?
Which has better reviews, Chess Clock by Chess.com or Chess Timer?
Do Chess Clock by Chess.com or Chess Timer have ads?
Which is updated more often, Chess Clock by Chess.com or Chess Timer?
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