Table of Contents

9 sections 13 min read

Quick answer

Our overall pick is the Honmax 8100 for its ability to handle complex programs with up to 25 different intervals. Other picks suit different needs, from large wall-mounted displays for group workouts to ultra-compact, clip-on timers for portable training.

An interval training timer is a crucial tool for structuring high-intensity workouts like HIIT, Tabata, and EMOM, helping you focus on performance instead of the clock. Whether you’re running intervals, doing circuit training in a home gym, or leading a fitness class, the right timer can keep you on pace. We compared manufacturer listings and specifications for 13 of the best interval training timers available to help you find one that fits your training style and environment.

Quick picks

13 Best Interval Training Timers compared

# Product Best for Display Type/Size Power Source Notification Methods
1 Honmax 8100 Professional Interval Timer Best overall for complex interval programs Backlit LCD USB-C rechargeable Chime and vibration
2 Digi 1st T-5020 Fitness Interval Timer Best with a dedicated pacer mode LCD AAA battery Beep and vibration
3 Tempospark 12″ LED Gym Timer Best large display with remote control 12″ LED USB/power bank Audible alarm (implied)
4 Synergee 16.5″ Interval Timer Best wall-mounted timer with preprogrammed modes 16.5″ LED Wall plug (implied) Audible beep
5 ANJANK Portable Gym Timer Best portable timer with a built-in remote Digital Built-in battery Audible alarm (implied)
6 LUCORB Portable Gym Timer Best with a visual progress bar Digital with progress bar Rechargeable battery Warning sound
7 Honmax 8200 Interval Timer Best compact, credit-card sized timer Backlit LCD USB-C rechargeable Vibration or ringtone
8 Gymboss Plus Interval Timer Best for loud alerts in group settings LCD Not listed Loud chime and vibration
9 PULIVIA Interval Timer Best with removable clip and watch strap LCD Not listed Sound and vibration
10 Gymboss Charge Interval Timer Best weatherproof with backlit display Backlit LCD Not listed Chime and vibration
11 FCXJTU Charge Timer & Watchstrap Bundle Best bundle with a dedicated watch strap Backlit LCD USB-C rechargeable Loud alarm & vibration
12 Biscount Interval Timer Best ultra-compact for pocket carry Digital Not listed Vibration and audible alarm
13 Gymboss Interval Timer (Violet/Pink) Best classic, battery-powered design LCD AAA battery Chime and vibration

How we chose

We compared manufacturer listings and specifications on Amazon as of November 2026. We did not test, use, or review any products hands-on. Our picks are based on comparing features like programmability, display size, power source, portability, and notification methods to identify the best interval training timers for different needs.

Best for Complex & Advanced Programming

These timers offer deep customization for intricate workout structures.

1. Best overall for complex interval programs: Honmax 8100 Professional Interval Timer

The Honmax 8100 is a professional-grade interval timer designed for complex programs. It can track up to 25 different intervals from two seconds to 99 minutes and save up to five programs across four interval modes. It includes a stopwatch and clock, features USB-C charging, a backlight, and provides notifications via chime and vibration with adjustable alarm durations.

Best for: Athletes and trainers who need to program intricate, multi-interval workouts.

2. Best with a dedicated pacer mode: Digi 1st T-5020 Fitness Interval Timer

The Digi 1st T-5020 features a unique Interval Pacer Mode to help you focus on pace and count, which the listing suggests can boost endurance. It also has an Interval Timer Mode for two-interval sequences and an Auto repeat function. It provides beep and vibration notifications and includes a detachable belt clip. It’s compact and powered by one AAA battery (not included).

Best for: Runners and cyclists looking for rhythm-based training feedback.

Best Large Display & Wall-Mounted Timers

Ideal for home gyms, garages, or group settings where visibility is key.

3. Best large display with remote control: Tempospark 12″ LED Gym Timer

3
Tempospark 12" LED Gym Timer

Tempospark 12" LED Gym Timer

Tempospark
View on Amazon.com
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 12-inch large LED display with remote
  • Multiple preset and custom programs
  • USB powered with memory backup

Cons

  • Cannot be powered by batteries
  • The listing does not mention battery backup for longer outages.

The Tempospark Gym Timer features a large 12-inch LED display with adjustable brightness for clear visibility. It offers three fixed workout modes (Tabata, FGB, EMOM) and ten customizable programs. It includes a remote control, functions as a wall clock, and operates via USB power or a power bank. It has memory backup for brief power interruptions.

Best for: Home gyms, boxing studios, or group classes where a large, visible clock is needed.

4. Best wall-mounted timer with preprogrammed modes: Synergee 16.5″ Interval Timer

The Synergee Premium Interval Timer is a wall-mounted clock with a 16.5-inch crystal-clear LED display. It comes preprogrammed with widely used settings like Tabata and EMOM and includes a special EMOM feature that beeps at the end of each minute. It comes with a remote control with a 60-foot range and is designed for home or commercial gyms.

Best for: Gym owners and home fitness enthusiasts who want a dedicated, preprogrammed wall clock.

Best Portable & Magnetic Timers

Compact, battery-powered timers designed to go where you train.

5. Best portable timer with a built-in remote: ANJANK Portable Gym Timer

The ANJANK Portable Gym Timer is a compact, 6.89-inch device with a strong magnet for attachment. It features multiple modes including Tabata, FGB, and custom intervals. Its key feature is a remote control built into the back of the timer, so you can’t lose it. It also functions as a 12/24-hour clock and has a powerful built-in battery.

Best for: Personal workouts where you want remote control convenience without a separate device.

6. Best with a visual progress bar: LUCORB Portable Gym Timer

6
LUCORB Portable Gym Timer

LUCORB Portable Gym Timer

LUCORB
View on Amazon.com
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Shows a time progress bar and rounds
  • Rechargeable battery lasts up to 20 hours
  • Strong magnet for attachment

Cons

  • The listing does not mention a remote control.

The LUCORB Portable Gym Timer displays a time progress bar and interval rounds on its screen. It has seven preset modes and nine customizable plans. It provides audio warnings in the last three seconds of each round and has a built-in rechargeable battery lasting up to 20 hours. A strong magnet on the back allows for easy attachment.

Best for: Visual learners who want clear feedback on workout progress and time remaining.

7. Best compact, credit-card sized timer: Honmax 8200 Interval Timer

The Honmax 8200 is a small and lightweight interval timer, approximately half the size of a credit card. It can set one or two intervals, has an auto repeat mode, and includes clock, stopwatch, and alarm features. It has a backlight, uses USB-C charging, and provides vibration or ringtone notifications. It’s designed to be sweat-resistant.

Best for: Runners and outdoor athletes who need a minimal, easy-to-carry timer.

8. Best for loud alerts in group settings: Gymboss Plus Interval Timer

8
Gymboss Plus Interval Timer

Gymboss Plus Interval Timer

Gymboss
View on Amazon.com
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Very loud beep ideal for groups
  • Increased water and sweat resistance
  • Chime and vibration notifications

Cons

  • The listing does not specify the charging or battery type.

The Gymboss Plus is a compact interval timer for one or two intervals. It features a very loud beep suitable for group classes or outdoor use, with the option to use vibrate-only mode. It has increased water resistance for outdoor use, auto repeat mode, and includes stopwatch and clock functions. It is sweat and impact resistant.

Best for: Fitness instructors or outdoor athletes who need a loud, audible signal.

9. Best with removable clip and watch strap: PULIVIA Interval Timer

9
PULIVIA Interval Timer

PULIVIA Interval Timer

PULIVIA
View on Amazon.com
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Includes both a clip and a watch strap
  • Sound and vibration alerts
  • Compact design

Cons

  • The listing does not mention the power source or battery type.

The PULIVIA Interval Timer is a compact device that times one or two intervals. It includes stopwatch and clock functions and comes with a removable clip and a watch strap for versatile carrying. It provides sound and vibration alerts with adjustable alarm durations. The listing does not specify the power source.

Best for: Athletes who want the option to wear their timer on their wrist or clip it on.

10. Best weatherproof with backlit display: Gymboss Charge Interval Timer

The Gymboss Charge is a compact interval timer with a backlit LCD for visibility in any light. It is weatherproof for use in heavy rain, sweat, and humid conditions (but not submersible). It times one or two intervals, has auto repeat, and provides chime and vibration notifications. It includes a removable belt clip.

Best for: Training in variable outdoor conditions where weather resistance is important.

11. Best bundle with a dedicated watch strap: FCXJTU Charge Timer & Watchstrap Bundle

This FCXJTU bundle includes an interval timer and a separate watch strap. The timer handles one or two intervals, has a backlit LCD, and is weatherproof. It features a loud alarm with a mute function, is USB-C rechargeable with an automatic shutdown feature, and includes a removable belt clip.

Best for: Those who want a wrist-worn option and a rechargeable timer in one package.

12. Best ultra-compact for pocket carry: Biscount Interval Timer

12
Biscount Interval Timer

Biscount Interval Timer

Biscount
View on Amazon.com
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Ultra-compact and portable
  • Vibration and loud dual alarms
  • Customizable interval cycles

Cons

  • The listing does not mention the power source or battery life.

The Biscount Interval Timer is an ultra-compact, portable timer designed for HIIT, boxing, and gym workouts. It supports customizable repeat timing cycles for work and rest periods. It offers dual alarm modes with vibration and a loud sound, and features a stopwatch and countdown timer. It’s small enough to fit in a pocket.

Best for: Minimalists who need a simple, pocket-sized timer for basic interval workouts.

13. Best classic, battery-powered design: Gymboss Interval Timer (Violet/Pink)

This classic Gymboss timer is a compact device the size of a small pager. It times one or two intervals, includes a stopwatch and clock, and has auto repeat mode with chime and vibration notifications. It comes with a removable belt clip, is sweat and impact resistant, and is powered by one AAA battery (not included).

Best for: Anyone seeking a simple, reliable, and proven interval timer design.

How to choose an interval training timer

Selecting the right interval timer depends on how you train, where you train, and the complexity of your workouts. The best interval training timers for runners doing track repeats may differ from those needed for a garage gym HIIT session.

What to look for

  • Program Complexity: For simple work/rest cycles, a basic one- or two-interval timer suffices. For complex circuit training with multiple different intervals, look for a model that can store several programs or handle many unique intervals, like our overall pick.
  • Portability vs. Visibility: Clip-on or wrist-worn timers are great for running or outdoor workouts. For a home gym, a large wall-mounted display or a magnetic timer you can place on equipment offers better visibility from a distance.
  • Power Source: Consider convenience. USB-C rechargeable timers are modern and eliminate battery changes. Battery-powered models offer ultimate portability but require spares. Plug-in wall timers are reliable for fixed locations but need an outlet.
  • Notifications: Vibration is essential for quiet environments or when you can’t hear a beep. A loud audible alarm is key for group classes or noisy gyms. Some timers offer both. For more on structuring effective workouts, see our guide on interval training.
  • Durability: If you train outdoors or sweat heavily, look for listings that mention water, sweat, or weather resistance. Always follow the manufacturer’s manual for care and usage limits.

Finally, consider extra features like a built-in stopwatch, clock, or remote control. A remote is invaluable for a wall-mounted timer, while a progress bar on the display can help you pace your effort. Match the features to your specific running training or cross-training needs to get the most out of your equipment.

FAQ

What’s the difference between a Tabata timer and a regular interval timer?

Tabata is a specific type of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with a set work-to-rest ratio (typically 20 seconds of work, 10 seconds of rest). Many modern interval timers have a preprogrammed Tabata mode that automatically sets this ratio. A regular interval timer allows you to customize the work and rest periods to any length you choose, making it more versatile for other protocols like EMOM or custom circuits.

Can I use an interval timer for running?

Absolutely. Interval timers are excellent for structuring running workouts, whether you’re doing track repeats, fartlek training, or hill sprints. A compact, clip-on timer with vibration alerts is ideal for outdoor runs so you can feel the interval changes without looking at your watch. For more on running gear, explore our list of the best running treadmills for indoor training.

Are wall-mounted timers difficult to install?

Most wall-mounted interval timers are designed for easy installation, often using screws or strong adhesive strips. They typically need to be plugged into a nearby outlet. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The main consideration is placing it where it’s clearly visible from your workout area.

How important is water resistance?

Water resistance is crucial if you plan to use the timer outdoors in the rain or during sweaty indoor workouts. Look for terms like “sweat-resistant,” “weatherproof,” or “increased water resistance” in the listing. However, note that most are not designed to be submerged. For safety in all conditions, review tips at weather.gov.

References

  1. Amazon product listings and manufacturer specifications (accessed November 2026)
  2. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
  3. National Weather Service – Cold Weather Safety