From your kitchen to your workout session, a decent timer app will certainly help you optimize and time everything right. That’s why I tested around 40 timer apps and shortlist 8 that are best in every category.
1. Time Timer- Best Kitchen Timer
Let’s start with the kitchen. I cook a lot and timing is everything, Time Timer is the digital version of the classic Oven Timer that lets you set multiple timers on your iPhone. You can simply rotate the dial to set a time limit on the dial and tap the play button to start it. You can add multiple timers and name each one differently to make things even easier.
The app can run multiple timers at once and you can see the status of each timer by simply swiping left and right to switch between them. What’s better? You can even set a different tone for every timer that goes off. The app is free on the App Store. Install Time Timer ($2.99)
2. Be Focused- Best Productivity Timer
Pomodoro is a well-known technique to increase productivity at work or even at home. Be Focused is a simple Pomodoro timer app for iPhone and iPad that allows you to focus on your work using the technique. You can set multiple 25-5 minute work-break timers and the app would buzz at the end of each segment. It is simple enough to get the job done, however, you can check out our list of best Pomodoro apps if you want more variety. They are also available on the mac.
Install Be Focused (free)
3. Interval Timer-Best Workout Timer
I have a pretty casual workout routine which is a simple warmup and sets-break-set cycle. Interval Timer app lets you plan your entire workout with it. You have two modes of exercise; simple and complex. A simple routine is a warm-up, followed by an interval cycle. I usually start with a 1:30 minute warmup and then 1-minute sets followed by 30-second breaks. Read: 6 Best Apple Watch Workout Apps to Train Harder in 2019
The good thing about the app is that it changes color for every interval cycle giving you a clear indication of whether you’re in a set cycle or a rest cycle. It can also play and control your music library which is an added advantage. Install Interval Timer (free)
4. Disney’s Magic Timer- Toothbrush Timer for Kids
While you can technically set a two-minute timer on any of the above apps including the default clock app on iPhone, good luck getting your kids to follow that. That’s why this timer app for iPhone exists. Magic Timer is an interactive app designed to make your kids brush without boring them with beeps and ticks. When it’s brushy-brushy time, the app reveals an animation of a secret image at the end of the timer. By the way, are you using an Apple Watch? Even I brushed to this app while testing this app. It’s great. Install Magic Timer (free)
5. Finger Timer- Rubik’s Cube Timer
If you’re practicing for the upcoming Rubik’s cube championship or organizing one at your school, you’d find this app interesting. Finger Timer is a digital version of the Cube Timers used in championship games. This app simulates the feature of the actual timer and you have to tap both hands on the pads and wait for the LEDs to blink to begin a timer. It can even project the timer to a browser using a local server. Use this app if you wanna practice your cube moves or if you want to hold an unofficial tournament at your school. Install Finger Timer (free)
6. Chess Clock
Speed Chess is an exciting mental exercise but requires a chess clock. Instead of buying an actual clock, you can simply use Chess Clock timer app for iPhone to time your moves. You can keep the app next to your board and it displays two clocks in each half of the screen. Simply tap your side of the clock to begin the timer for your opponent and they do the same. The default time is set at 5 minutes but you can change that from settings.
Install Chess Clock (Free)
7. Timer+: Multi Timer
It is the app of choice when you want a simple timer app that just does multiple timers. The interface is reminiscent of the Clock app on iOS and you can add multiple timers by simply tapping the + button. Every Timer can be renamed and have a different tone to let you know which timer has gone off without looking at the screen.
The timer can even run in the background and go off when the phone is locked. The only limitation is that you can only see the active timers within the app or from the widgets. You would have to manually enable the widget. Install Timer+ (free)
8. Relax Melodies- Sleep Timer
If you have a tough time falling asleep then using Relax Melodies will have you sleep like a baby. It has an interface that allows you to play a combination of up to 12 different music/noises. After setting up the music, set the timer and the app will play the sounds until the timer runs out. It’s a great and effective way to fall asleep. Install Relax Melodies (free)
Wrapping Up: Timer Apps for iPhone
These were some of the best timer apps that I found helpful for their respective use cases. I like Time Timer as it helps me out in the kitchen. Other than that, I use Timer+ for general purposes and Be focused for getting work done. What about you?
