Best Interval Timer Reviews 2023

Interval timers come in various styles and designs with different features that it is almost impossible to indicate a general price range for them. There are a number of factors like the type, the size, and featured functions that can affect the price of this device. Some are suitable for use as personal exercise timers while some are equipped for use in larger spaces like gyms. A factor like this will surely affect its price.

From our research, we found that with a budget of between $20 and $200 you will be able to get a good interval timer. Needless to say, what you will get for $20 will be very different from what you will get for $200 or more. Depending on how you intend to use your interval timer, you could find the $20 timer sufficient. The timers we have listed will offer you value. We made sure to avoid cheap interval timers as we will advise that you do too as they may not offer you the value you expect.

Choosing the right interval timer will be easier when certain factors have been thoroughly considered. To help you achieve this, we have listed some of these factors and they include:

• Type
• Size
• Indicators
• Volume control
• Programmability
• Functions

Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

There are different types of interval timers though they are not actually classified based on any clear set of rules. They are just in different forms, offering different features. A simple example is a personal interval timer which can be strapped on, clipped on, installed as an app on the phone, placed on a desk or even mounted on a wall in an exercise space. These types are different among themselves and also from the bigger types that are suitable for use in larger spaces and gyms.

When you choose an interval timer, you will certainly have to consider the differences listed above. If it’s for personal training, will you prefer something small that can be clipped onto your clothing or strapped to your wrist? Would you prefer something that can be mounted on the wall in your space or placed on a desk or surface?

These are basically issues of personal preference which will largely be determined by the type of workout you do. If for example you actually go out to run, it’s not likely you will go for a wall mountable version. You will clearly go for the clip-on or strap-on versions or even the app versions which you can install on your phone.

The same goes for anyone getting an interval timer for a public space or gym. For these, clip-on and strap-on timers are already off the list. Here size will matter a lot. Aside from the functions of the interval timer, issues like the size and visibility of the digits (for LED timers) and the volume of the indicator will be important factors to consider. Since it will be used in a bigger space, it is important that it be visible from a good distance and that the indicator be loud enough to be heard over the gym noise. Most gyms prefer the large wall mountable LED displays or the box like type with buzzer and light indicators.

This brings us to the issue of indicators. Indicators are very important for the effective use of an interval timer. An indicator alerts you when it’s time to change your routine. If for example you’ve set the interval timer for 3-minute workouts and 30- second rests, the indicator will alert you when the 3-minute workout time is complete so you can start your 30 seconds rest period. When the 30 seconds are up, it will also alert you so you can resume the next 3-minute workout round. This is what keeps interval training effective.

An indicator can be seen, heard or felt. Whichever will be best for you will once again depend on both your exercise space and the type of exercise you do. For personal interval timers especially the strap-on or clip-on types, they usually have beeps and or vibrators. While running on the road, you may not hear the beep because of the noise on the road or the music you are listening to but you can feel when it vibrates against your body so you know it’s time to switch.

For open spaces and gyms, the most effective option is usually the loud buzzer indicator that can be heard in every part of the gym. There’s also the visual indicator which comes in the form of lights. Some have green, yellow and red lights which indicate the workout period, the point when to get ready to rest and the rest period. Though these lights are usually bright, they are usually supplemented with the buzzer sound. It is important to know what kind of indicator the model you want to get has.

For the convenient use of an interval timer, some features need to be present. One of these is some form of control over the volume. Some users have bought a product only to discover that the indicator is too loud and that they cannot lower the volume. When you are in a personal space or in your house, you want to be able to either mute or lower the volume of the indicator. Without this feature, some have resorted to solutions like muffling the timer by padding it with cloths. This is an important feature to consider.

Another thing to look at is the programmability of the timer. The more control you can have over the settings of your interval timer, the more you can use it for different types of exercises and the more you can vary your interval workout. Once again, this is a thing of personal choice which will be influenced by the type of interval training you do.

Finally, many interval timers are multi-functional. Many can functions as regular clocks, countdown or count up timers, stop watches and of course interval timers. If these features are important to you, then ensure the interval timer you get has them.