Last updated: February 2026
Both Box Timer and Tabata Timer are popular interval timer apps. Here is an honest comparison to help you choose the right one for your training.
Box Timer is a free, ad-free timer with a gym-style digital display. It supports count up, count down, and interval timers with no limitations.
Tabata Timer: Interval Timer by Oleksandr Serhiienko offers Tabata and HIIT timers with image/GIF support for exercises and Apple Watch compatibility. The free version contains ads and limits saved workouts to 2.
| Box Timer | Tabata Timer | |
|---|---|---|
| Workouts AMRAP EMOM Tabata For Time Custom Intervals | Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes | No No Yes No Yes |
| Price | Free | Free & Paid $0.99–$7.99 |
| Ad free | Yes | Paid only |
| Saved workouts (free) | Unlimited | 2 |
| In-app purchases | None | Yes |
| Sound effects | Yes | Yes |
| Works with music | Yes | Yes |
| Exercise images/GIFs | No | Yes |
| Workout history | Yes | Yes |
| Landscape mode | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Watch | No | Yes |
| Languages | 6 | 3 |
| App Store rating | 4.9 stars | 4.9 stars |
Related: Best Workout Timer Apps for iPhone in 2026 · Box Timer vs SmartWOD · Box Timer vs Interval Timer · Box Timer vs Seconds Pro · Box Timer vs Tabata Stopwatch Pro
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