Interval Timer - Tabata Timer Reviews

by Tyfku

I’ve happily used this timer for years both personally and professionally. Recently it started shutting itself off mid-interval. This obviously defeats the purpose of an interval timer. Super annoying. In an attempt to keep it on, I left my phone on with the timer running on the screen. This led to my phone jumping into an advertisement posted in IntervalTimer , AND the timer STILL shut itself off. Come on guys. I appreciate that ads are your revenue, but to prioritize them over the functionality of IntervalTimer ? I’m dropping IntervalTimer, and going with one that I have paid for.

About a month ago, I added IntervalTimer back on to my phone. There simply isn’t a better interval timer. But the ads bog it down so completely. Today the screen went black and won’t let me use it anymore. I would happily pay $20 for a good timer like this, but a subscription? That’s crazy town.

by LudivousKain

IntervalTimer used to be great. Perfect for me, in reality. Since the change to the “lock” functionality however, I will be uninstalling this timer.

Locking something is supposed to prevent changes. When a parent starts playing a cartoon on a tablet before locking it and handing said device to their toddler, one would expect that the “lock” would prevent the cartoon from being stopped, paused, or otherwise interrupted. When someone locks the doors of their car or home, one would be fully reasonable to expect said door to not open until being unlocked.

This completely rational association of a “lock” preventing “something” must be a agilely new concept to IntervalTimer developers. When locked, the interval can still be interrupted. Repeatedly. Sure, the “stop” function is TECHNICALLY removed, but replacing it with “pause” is shamefully unintelligent. It’s the equivalent of removing only the opened bottles of chemicals from beneath the kitchen sink, rather than outright locking the door when there’s a toddler in the house. Like being held at knifepoint while in ones car and rolling up the window without locking the door.

So pull up your workout, cue it with music that changes each interval, then hit play and get lost in the workout. Until you realize it decided to pause even after being locked. Then do what I’m doing and get a different app.

by Jestracer

I wanted to love this as much as my wife did, so I installed it, upgraded to the premium and added it to my Apple Watch to run some intervals.
IntervalTimer and the Apple workouts app are apparently not compatible. When I started my run I also started the timer with a 30 second warmup. I never heard the alert to start the first high intensity interval. I noticed that the workouts app was on display, so I switched between that and the intervals app, and then I got the double ding for high intensity immediately followed by the single one for low intensity. If I kept the intervals timer app on display, I would get the audible notifications, but if the watch screen went idle or switched back to the workouts app (default view) then I got no notifications.
The whole reason I got this and upgraded was for audible notifications without constantly having to check my watch for the time.
Almost...

by Angry-bird-2310

Worked perfectly for more than two years, until a couple weeks ago, at which point it: has begun showing ads each time I open it; sometimes freezes up due to the ads, which can’t even be remedied by restarting my phone; doesn’t consistently chime at the end of each interval anymore; and, *most annoyingly* it no longer works in sync with music, which is one of the main functions of IntervalTimer .

During my most recent workout, I had to restart my music no fewer than 15 times in the first ten minutes of the workout. I see that other users have had the same complaint in the last few weeks. So, I’d like to ask IntervalTimer ’s developers: Why’d you wreck your app? Is your use of ads intended to turn users away? If so, you’re succeeding.

by Tryintobefit

I have used interval timer for about five years. It has been great. I have LOVED IT, really. However, recently IntervalTimer started interrupting my workouts with annoying adds. First the adds just displayed at the bottom of the screen, which I could tolerate. Now they have become more intrusive and actually pop-up, blocking the screen for several seconds or more, causing me to have to stop and try to remove the add so I could see my freakin' time! I have tried a request to limit the adds through the Google option they give you, but it is a joke....they keep coming. I despise these advertisers and whatever they are peddling and I will bet that most people who are having their workouts/precious time interrupted feel the same, so STOP IT! The pop ups are just unacceptable.

by Shneor

IntervalTimer has annoying video ads as of late, but is otherwise very good.

I've been using IntervalTimer for years to time and track my daily physical activity routines. However, every now and again the seller decides it's time to try and milk it a bit more, and pushes out an update that adds more aggressive ads, and it's never in the update description, of course. For instance, the December 2019 (version 4.2.1) update added video adds at the end of every routine, but the update description was "We are happy to introduce a new in-app purchase to let you remove the Ads. Removing the Ads is just an option for those users hope to remove it and not mandatory. It doesn't change the way you used Interval Timer before. Just grab what you need. This new version is worth you update because we also fixed some bugs to make it more stable."

It is possible to circumvent the video ads by turning off cellular data for IntervalTimer and disconnecting from WiFi, but it's far from ideal.

by Mcarthey

I want to state that up front that I’m willing to put up with ads to a point, and also willing to pay to remove ads. I have paid for and have subscriptions to many apps and services. That said, IntervalTimer overdoes it with the constants interruptions. Also, why is there a yearly subscription? What happened to just outright paying for an app? I am willing to purchase this for a flat rate but I already have too many subscriptions and don’t need to add another. This model needs to be changed as I’m guessing there’s more than just me pushing back against continued subscriptions.
IntervalTimer is fine for what it is, but a glorified timer doesn’t warrant a continuous payment.

by Kirsten Helman

IntervalTimer is really great, I really love it a lot, but just recently every single time I use it while listening to music, who doesn’t listen to music when they work out, it takes whatever order I have my music in and puts it in order on the playlist. For example, I hit shuffle on my music, open the internal timer and use it and when the next song hits, it’s not the song that was supposed to be next in shuffle, it’s the song that’s next on the playlist when it’s in order. It’s very frustrating because now I’m always pausing my workout to go into my music app, which I use Apple Music, and select the song I wanted to hear next, not the one that’s next in order.

by Crystaltips007

UPDATE: the developer’s quick response and prompt correction of my complaint detailed below has encouraged me to give IntervalTimer a 2nd chance. i do like the simplicity and versatility of this timer that allows me to store my own personal HIIT timer sequences, so fingers crossed that it remains IntervalTimer that i have counted on for so long. ORIGINAL COMPLAINT: i have been using IntervalTimer since 2013 and (as others have noted) had no problem ignoring the banner ads at the bottom.... until now. the latest version interrupts me every time i complete a sequence, try to resume or interact with IntervalTimer during a workout and forces me to sit through 5 seconds of noisy ad before i can make it go away. i am furious and downloading a different app so i can discard this horror immediately.

by Xsaberbellum

If you want to purely use IntervalTimer on your phone, then it’s fantastic. It allows you to fully customize your HIIT cycles and helps keep track so you can keep focused on your workout. The Apple Watch app is good, but just not fully there yet. It’s missing the cycle alarms like the iPhone version has, which is one of the major benefits of the whole app in my opinion. It’s distracting to have to constantly check what cycle I’m on and how far along I am, because I like to be zone in on my workouts and lose track of time easily. I’d give IntervalTimer a 5 star rating otherwise, but it’s definitely a solid 4 star for now.

by LatteChk

This has become my go to app for my HIIT workouts, including for treadmill intervals. I love that the timer still works when looking at other apps and that I can write what exercise is next. The timer is loud and very clear.

I like that I can put in rest intervals, even if it’s only five seconds to give me a chance to set up for the next exercise. It would be nice if in that rest or low interval there was the option to show what exercise is coming up so I don’t have to wait until that interval starts to get into position. I also wish there was an option to look at the workout as a list during the workout. As it is now, I have exit the workout to actually just look at it as a whole.

by Kristina Girod

This timer is great. In comparison to others I like the ability to easily create a complex timer for multiple moves and the different options for colors as a visual for a new move. I also love that I can change the sounds of the bells.

My only stick is that I wish I could duplicate an exercise (or interval) within a workout. For example, I do a lot of circuit training in my classes, so we will do 3 moves back to back and repeat them for 3-5 rounds. Currently, I have to either let the timer run out and press start again after each round, or I have to manually create an interval for every exercise in every round. I prefer to do the the latter bc I hate running back to the timer to press start.

It would make the creation process so much better if I could simply duplicate an interval I’ve created and then move it to where it needs to be.

There is an app called a Flex Timer that allows for this, but it’s missing the visual appeal that I like with IntervalTimer. So, I use this one way more. Appreciate your work and hope the duplication options become available. Thanks!

by Medstudentyo

I’ve been looking for an app that has adjustable timers. I don’t do HIIT, but I use IntervalTimer to time and alert me for stretching after my workouts. You can adjust the length of both your “active” and “rest” timeframes. I set my stretches for 90sec, then 10sec “rest” as I get into a new stretch. The 2 different types of dings alert you to when to switch and what stage you’re at without you having to look at your phone. It’s been an absolute godsend and even though I’m not using it for its original purpose, I can’t sing its praises enough.

by JudasFrank

IntervalTimer used to be good. So good. Almost too good to be true but unfortunately things have changed for the worse in very saddening ways. The Trump ads don’t bother me, as much I dislike him I couldn’t care less about his ads, but other changes are extremely frustrating. No longer can you have IntervalTimer open while playing audio in another app without sound stopping every 5 seconds (due to ads apparently), no longer do timer sounds work properly when IntervalTimer is open in the background and no longer do the developers seem to care at all about providing a product with some semblance of consumer satisfaction. The worst part, however, is that this is still the best app of it’s kind on IntervalTimer Store. So until a better one comes along, I guess I’ll have to suffer through this one.

by Marigolds6

I originally got this to use for timing Fartlek runs and speed intervals. The cycles are easy to customize and provide great feedback through sound and vibration. But then I started doing interval training at home (circuit, HIIT, and technique drills). Now I could add in visual keys and create complex hour long workouts and practices. Colors, sounds, titles, intervals, rests, cycles, repeats, all are customizable on the free app. If I could add one feature, it would be either a three period cycle or a cycle start warning, so that I can do high/low/get ready or left/right/rest. If I could make one change, it would be the ability to make a one time premium purchase instead of a subscription. I would like to put some money towards IntervalTimer , perhaps for new templates (like the suggestion above) or for sharing, but I am wary of subscription services over one time purchases.
That said, I now use the premium service and is has even more flexibility, to the point that I use it over even physical timers at the gym.

by Agbloom

I have been using IntervalTimer for three years now and have recommended it to countless people for running intervals, strength training intervals, and for kid games. I use the free version, but have been heavily considering getting the premium version just so I can get the intervals on my watch. I wish there were more reviews about that functionality to push me to pay. Otherwise, this is beautiful app that does exactly what I need it to. The ads aren’t too intrusive, so long as you open your timer seconds prior to when you want to start your routine. I really have no huge complaints for the free version.

by G3t But Phukked

The only thing that would make this better is the ability to easily make suggestions (there's another app I use that has an "angry shake" feature where if you shake the device twice it asks if you have an improvement idea) all apps should have this, it's better than ratings and comes up when the user encounters the issue.

I think that's something all apps should have in some way, everything needs a suggestion box.

BUT that being said atm this is exactly what I needed, it keeps track of time used and progress made which is amazing and is super customizable. Love it!

by Tmawr

I’m challenging myself this year to try a new workout every week (need to lose 55lbs before Vegas vacation in July). This weeks choice was jumping jack intervals with 30 seconds on, and 30 seconds doing squats, bicycles, planks, arm circles, lunges, etc.
The standard iPhone clock wasn’t working for me- so I looked for an app. This was my first app choice- and I have to thank the developer for making it my only choice. It was easy to figure out (after playing a little with the “sets” which I’m new to- I just go until I’m tired normally) and I was up and running in under a minute. What a difference an interval timer makes- no more stopping to reset the timer!
Thanks!

by Seanooohoho

I’m a 14th year Breakdancer. IntervalTimer has become a key ingredient to my daily routines regarding stretching and conditioning.

One bit of improvement I’d like to see regarding the calendar. I often stretch after midnight and that session will record on the calendar for the technical date. I wish there could be an option for adjusting the day my session is recorded on. For example: if I stretch after 12am the night of the 28th, IntervalTimer ’s calendar will represent that time as the 29th. As a result, this sort-of renders the calendar a bit useless for me.

Thank you, again, I love IntervalTimer, it’s very useful for me, I didn’t even know the calendar was a thing until I downloaded it, but now that I know it exists...I’d really find it helpful if that adjustment could be made somehow.

by Bigker56

So I have been trying to find a decent timer in order to use my interval running program. Every timer out there that I found had some limitation making useless. Not this one. I can enter a simple or complex program, name each rep and set, plus add individual colors and sounds for a particular set. I don’t have to be looking at the timer to know which rep I’m on, and if I do look at it, I can see the displayed color, eliminating the need to read something - awesome without my reading glasses. I like the countdown feature and time remaining dial too. The developer did a nice job on this one.

by No, Non - NO

IntervalTimer has good interface but it lacks the requisite pauses between intervals that are required for any hiit workout to work for you. You need to do your intervals and rest- getting the heart rate lower and then high intensity or alternating low intensity but always getting your heart rate up higher than resting. You are supposed to go from interval to interval without a designated pause. So either IntervalTimer doesn’t do that or the intervals are set at an u usually high time before rest - like intervals of ten mi utes more before rest. But for a newbie to hiit, this is way toooo long. Going back to the original hiit base line of 20 secs. Activity to 30 seconds rest, then building to 30 seconds activity to 30 seconds rest. Etc

by 4hotshoes

When I first got IntervalTimer, the ads stayed at the bottom of the screen and that was acceptable. Now they are popping up between every timer upon completion. For me a typical stretch workout, I will have 20 short routines that vary in length from 45 seconds to 2 minutes. That means that now 20 ads take over my screen that either need to be clicked away or that stay on for 7 seconds. And if you try to click those away, you will end up on a website. Otherwise, its a $1 per month to avoid the ads. IntervalTimer is not that good, to spend a $1 per month! Even without the ads, you still need to click away the message that your routine is done to get to the next one, every time. I will be looking for another app.

by Kydnac

According to the developer IntervalTimer was recently updated to fix the issue where alerts don’t sound when IntervalTimer is in the background. I have all updates yet IntervalTimer still won’t play alerts when in the background. I view and follow my workouts in another app and use this timer to alert me when it’s time to move to the next round. I found IntervalTimer very helpful and enjoyed using it in this way until this glitch. Now it is very difficult and slows my workout having to go back and forth between the timer and workout app. If you (developer) have any suggestions on something I need to do to remedy this, please let me know. Otherwise I’ll be looking for a new timer app.

by King Orange Man

Been using IntervalTimer for years. A few months ago, a big came up. I would turn on the music in iTunes, then open the timer app. I would start my timer, and then for some reason, the song would be put on repeat in iTunes. The only way to shift songs is manually, or go into itunes and undo the repeat. But if I did that, and went back to this app, the repeat would be activated again.

This big went away, but with a new version that updated around Sept 30, 2010, the bug came back. It is a very annoying bug.

Otherwise the timer works as expected, and is very good.

by Jex Universe

#1: You cannot use multiple timers at once. You must "discard" one before using another. Pressing "Save" doesn't resume the exact amount of Seconds either.

#2: IntervalTimer will not resume your countdown if you accidentally close IntervalTimer . You also cannot see the timer on the lock screen, nor does a notification appear for when an interval is complete.

It's still an outstanding app, cool interface, nice colors, and decent sounds, but I'm uninstalling because I need something that can handle multiple timers at once for the sake of my productivity. If they provide these features, i will download again.

by Klubber

I use IntervalTimer in my training almost daily and I love it. I use it for HIIT training, at the top of the minute workouts, etc. The only function that I would like to see (maybe it’s there and I just can’t figure it out) is to be able to split the high intensity segments of each interval into multiple segments within each rep. Many of the workouts I do may have 3 30 second exercises that I perform before the rest period and I would like to be able to transition between the exercises with a ding from IntervalTimer without having to look at the timer. It’s a minor thing but it would make IntervalTimer even better.

by Litarider

I have used IntervalTimer for at least five years. It’s my second favorite workout timer but my favorite stopped updating about five years ago and Apple pulled it from my devices for that reason. I started using IntervalTimer when my fave stopped working right.

The main thing I’d like improved in IntervalTimer: when I am working out with a continuous timer but need to take a break or transition to a new exercise, a second or two may pass before I press pause after the timer sounds the end of the work period. When I hit the back button, it doesn’t return to the top of that period but goes back more than a minute (for example, the time is at 1:06 but returns to 0:00 instead of 1:00). This also subtracts a minute from my workout total. I cope by hitting both back and forward.

I also find it challenging to program complex workouts with rests and multiple rounds and getting that to equal a set amount of time (e.g., five rounds of exercises including sets to equal a 60 minute workout) but that could be my personal math challenges.

by Tstz74

I’ve tried other timers for my tabatas but they all tried to get money from me to do even the simplest of things. IntervalTimer not only works better but has extra features like weekly and monthly tracking and the ability to edit my workout with the number of workouts, time between sets, time of HIIT, warm up and cool down, etc. My only complaint is that I can’t specifically say what each exercise is so I have to have a piece of paper with me so I don’t forget what I’m doing! Also, when I do a cardio workout, I do 2 exercises one at a time and I lose count! Otherwise, I recommend IntervalTimer hands down over the competition.

by JennJenn3833

I have searched and used and searched and used and searched and used for a very long time and always was disappointed. I like to do hiit at the gym after lifting weights and I don't have Bluetooth headphones so I have to tuck my phone in my bra. All the others wouldn't keep going if I went out of IntervalTimer . So I couldn't close my phone and when it was in my bra it would keep pausing it, closing and I had to keep restarting the timer. Super easy to use and get the timer and rounds going and I love seeing my hard work on the screen throughout the week

by The-Coach....

I've used several different timing apps and they all had the same flaw, no ability to save a routine for continued/repeat use. IntervalTimer makes it easy to set different timing schedules for those who workout and need different rest/routine times. I also like that it gives you the ability to see/graph your workout times in a monthly/weekly format. (Good to have to keep track of whether or not your "skipping workouts)

Unlike some of the other people who have posted I've never experienced IntervalTimer freeze and I use it every day for 3 different types of workouts. (Maybe it conflicts with their other apps, or they have low memory?)

Like Ron Popeil says "Set it, and forget it"

by Jsolive138

I use this primarily for boxing training. The option to make complex workouts, with different interval times is great. You can program in your entire workout, hit start and just go. No stopping to reset the timer or change the length of intervals. Best part is, you can save and name them. It’s a little tedious, but afterwards, you’ll have a full stable of workouts you can keep on rotation while training. Pretty much been using IntervalTimer every training session for months now, no complaints or issues.

by M. Dufek

If I wanted to create a HIIT timer, I could not do better than this. I love that you can adjust the timer volume so that when it switches to the high-intensity portion, the “ding” doesn’t break your eardrums. I set it just loud enough to be heard over my running music. The controls are so easy and intuitive, I had this set up and ready to go in about 5 minutes after downloading! Kudos to the designers and programmers of IntervalTimer! It’s helping me make a huge difference in my life By making HIIT an easy thing to do. How is this free?! Thank you!

by Eyebrow74

I have downloaded so many interval apps looking for something to help me hold stretches longer. This is the best so far. Perfect. - 5 years later. Still love it. Still use it.

It would be great if the description outlined the difference between the free version and pro. I can't tell the difference.

Also the timer sounds are pretty bad. It would be awesome if there were a simple "ding". The current options are too loud, too long, jarring, aggressive. I use the tweeting one because it's more soothing but it's lime 5 seconds long! No bueno

by Road Bike Nub

Pros: Love IntervalTimer , love how customizable it is, love that I can easily save my created timers, love how the song changes every cycle or interval....it keeps the energy up throughout the workout.

Cons: I only wish IntervalTimer had Apple Watch support and that I could get my created timers on my wrist. If I could start the interval time on the watch and it talked to the health, and activity app so I could get calories burned and credit for the workout that would be amazing. Even without this, it’s still the best timer in the market.