Top CrossFit Clocks – Reviewed and Rated for 2024
James
AnaA good CrossFit timer clock is a great reminder that you can do just about anything for 10 seconds. What we love most about these convenient devices is that they display the time left in your workout in big numbers so that you can push yourself a little farther. They often come with helpful countdown alarms with pre-programmed Tabata timers that keep your heart rate in the zone.
These clocks are incredibly versatile and are essential not only for Crossfit but for basic cardio and weight training exercises as well. While your phone may work in a pinch, they are less than ideal for high-intensity workouts. So, give your phone a break and check out some of our very favorite CrossFit timer clocks to take your workouts to the next level!
In a Hurry? The test winner after 10 hours of research
Multiple linking ability
95 DB buzzer
Custom workouts recordable
Compact
9 Best CrossFit Timer Clocks
1. Gymboss Interval Timer
Multiple linking ability
95 DB buzzer
Custom workouts recordable
Compact
Not rechargeable
The Gymboss Interval Timer - Stopwatch is an innovatively designed interval timer that enables us to time one and two intervals ranging between 2 seconds and up to 99 minutes in total.
Read moreIt also offers designed in fully accurate stopwatch and accurate clock performance features.
The auto mode repeats through the intervals, and you also get chime and vibration interval notifications. The alarm can be set for one, two, five or nine seconds.
This timer/stopwatch is waterproof so, it can be used in inclement weather. A secure removable belt clip is included with your purchase.
2. Marathon TI030017WH 100 Hour
Volume adjustable
Contrasting color LED
Top class manufacturing
Magnetic back
Weak magnets
The Marathon TI030017BK Countdown Timer counts up to 100 hours in up as well as down counting. It comes with a battery and due to its volume adjustability and flashing light features, it is also good for people with limited vision or hearing capability.
Read moreIt has LED Visual indicators with contrasting colors which makes it easy to read the digits. It also has a magnetic back so it can be stuck to a metal stick or stand.
The Marathon Countdown Timer is capable of recording 2 activities simultaneously. This is ideal for all types of sports and activities.
3. Synergee Premium
Count up/down features
EMOM alarm
Large LCD screen
Slightly expensive
This design from Synergee is the perfect option for those that need a little extra push. This wall-mounted unit boasts large and bright numbers that are easy to see, even if there is a bucket of sweat in your eyes! Plus, it comes with a lot of very helpful features that will push you just a little bit further.
Read moreVarious settings are what make this design stand out from the pack. It offers an EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute) setting that beeps when you hit minutes. It also has a 10 and a 20-minute Tabata programmed in the settings that are able to kick off with the press of a button.
Users also have the option of toggling between counting up and counting down. Whether getting closer to zero gets you pumped, or watching the time go up gets you moving, this design does both. It comes with an easy to use remote with large buttons that even shaky and exhausted hands are able to control.
If you are in the market for something that boasts a large and motivational display that is packed with a ton of helpful features to keep you going, this design is a great choice. It may cost a little bit more than some of the other options that we have seen, but we feel that this option is worth every penny!
4. BTBSIGN LED Interval Timer
Pre-set programs
Four-inch numbering
Custom intervals
In-depth instructions provided
Remote control
Keep an eye on power
The LED Timer provides you with a large, single-sided LED display, remote control unit and dozens of pre-set programs and programmable interval settings.
Read moreIt can either be wall-mounted or paired with a stand that is sold separately. This comes with a remote control unit so the timer can be placed on a wall where all can see it and controlled by remote.
The display shows the numbers in red and the number of rounds in green. The bright four-inch numbers can be seen from over a hundred yards away.
The timer allows you to save up to 10 custom programs at any one time. It even features several unique preset modes.
This option is perfect for putting on a wall or surface and operating via remote.
5. Ledgital
Includes mounting hardware
Easy to use
Color-coded remote
5 brightness settings
Slightly expensive
What we liked most about this option from Ledgital is that it is easy to use and comes with a ton of pre-programmed features that help you get the best out of your workouts. This option comes equipped with all of the hardware you need to mount it, and includes an easy-to-use remote control to change up your workouts quickly and efficiently.
Read moreOne of the most notable features of this option is the large digital display. Users have the option to toggle between five different brightness settings. A brightness setting is ideal for early birds that can’t deal with a lot of light before the sun comes up. The large digital numbers are also super easy to read.
We also like that this design comes with a ton of programmed workouts at your disposal. It includes 10 and 20-minute interval training that beeps when your timer is almost up. Users can select between counting up to a certain number or counting down to zero. Plus, it also boasts a basic stopwatch setting as well.
If you are in the market for something that is super easy to use and provides users with a ton of extra features that keep you on top of your game, this is a great choice. It may cost a little bit more than some of the more affordable options, but we feel that it is well worth it!
6. Vehipa
Bright screen
Easy to program
Countdown alarm
Affordable
Bulky
No pre-programmed workouts
Battery-powered
If you love the look of the large LCD wall-mounted units but have limited funds, this slightly more affordable design from Vehipa is a great choice. It has almost all of the functionality of some of the higher-end designs, but it is more affordable. It’s a little bulkier than most, but that doesn’t hinder its performance.
Read moreWhat makes this design different from the rest lies in the construction of the frame as well as the cost. The frame is a little bulkier than some of the slimmer designs that we have seen, and it’s missing a few pre-programmed settings. It comes with a color-coded remote that makes it easy to start and stop the timer as needed.
Users have the ability to count up or count down. It doesn’t have any preprogrammed EMOM or Tabata settings, but you can create your own workout timers using the remote control. It also has an alarm setting that alerts you when your timer is almost up.
This design from Vehipa is a great choice for CrossFitters that need a versatile timer that is easy to use and clocks in at an affordable price point. Users find that this design is super simple to set up and use, and the bright LCD screen can be read from all corners of your home gym.
7. TITLE Boxing Pro
Compact
Robust
Extra large display
Volume easily adjusted
No programs
The TITLE Boxing Pro Digital Gym Timer is a countdown digital timer that works well in all gym settings, even though it is designed for boxing gyms.
Read moreThis timer allows you to set round lengths between 30 seconds and 9 minutes. The rest time can be adjusted between 30 seconds and 5 minutes.
The timer is perfect for MMA, boxing, grappling, wrestling, and combat training. It features a large 2-inch digital display that will be clearly visible in your gym setting.
It features accompanying lights that show work, rest or 30 seconds remaining in the round. There is also a high, medium and low bell volume control.
8. Pellor
Customizable workouts
Countdown alarm
Large LCD screen
Expensive
Difficult to learn
If you need something that is a little more customizable for your unique workout plans, this design from Pellor is well worth the cost. While it may cost a bit more than some of the other designs that we have seen, we feel that it is worth every penny for home workouts that are a little outside the normal timed parameters. It has a steep learning curve, but it is well worth it in the end!
Read moreIt’s important to note that while this design allows users to program their own workouts, the learning curve is a little steep. It requires that you really sit down with the instruction booklet to learn how to program your own workouts, and you may need to continue to consult your manual until you really learn how this option works.
This design allows you to program how long your interval runs, as well as programmed rest periods. It also provides users with a modest buzzer to alert them when their timer is almost up. For quick workouts, it also has a pre-programmed 10 or 20-minute Tabata setting as well.
If you are willing to spare no expense for the best of the best and you have the time to learn how to use this option, we feel that this timer from Pellor is worth every penny. It allows you to craft your own workout routines outside of the regular parameters, but also offers standard workouts to get you started quickly.
9. Ivation
Brightness setting
Easy to use
Very large screen
Slightly expensive
No pre-programmed workouts
If you feel that many of the designs out there on the market are a little on the small size, this larger design from Ivation is worth checking out. What we loved most about this option is that it has a giant display screen that is much larger than many of the other designs that we have seen. Plus, it boasts pre-programmed workout settings and it is incredibly easy to use.
Read moreThe very first thing that we noticed about this design is the sheer size of the screen. It measures to be 8 inches tall and 24 inches wide, making it one of the largest designs out there on the market. It comes with an AC adapter with a long cord that works almost anywhere in your home gym.
We also like that this design comes with an easy to use remote that has a very shallow learning curve. It offers a stopwatch function, a countdown setting, and eight different alarms to keep things interesting.
If you are in the market for a large display, this design from Ivation is a great choice. Users love that it comes with a simple remote that is super easy to use and get started right out of the box. It even has a brightness setting for those early morning workouts as well.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Ease of Use
To keep your workouts snappy, you need a device that is easy to use.
The way you use your timer will be determined by what you need to use it for. One way you can use your timer is for Tabata training. If you are unfamiliar with this type of training, we will let you know just how you can use your little handy timer to try this out!
Let’s see where Tabata came from, and how helpful it actually is. Tabata training is a workout that is considered to be HIIT or high-intensity interval training, and it will be very intense since your heart rate will go over 200 in under four minutes!
You can definitely give this program a try with your CrossFit clock.
Battery Life
No one likes replacing batteries, so we selected designs that boast a long battery life.
The battery life of your clock will determine how reliable your new little buddy is, and how long it can go before it needs to be charged, or before the batteries need to be replaced. The clocks we described here have three different ways of charging or staying on. Most of the clocks have removable regular batteries, which you will need to replace every few weeks or so, depending on how much you use the clock, or how good the batteries are. Some of the clocks are charged just like our cell phones are, and their batteries also usually last anywhere between a full 24 hours to a few weeks or more.
The plus is that they only need to be charged for an hour or slightly more so you won’t lose precious time waiting for them to charge. And lastly, the most reliable option is the clocks that you need to plug into a socket, just like you would do with regular household appliances. This is great because you don’t need to replace the batteries or recharge the device, but it’s a problem if there are no sockets present, or if the cable is too short or it bothers you.
The cable can also stop working, so you’ll be left with a dead clock. Ultimately, there is no definitive winner here, and what you choose will depend on what works best for you. Just in case, we will share some tips on how you can make your li-on and regular-battery-powered clocks last longer than anticipated!
Regular batteries simply need to be replaced, and there’s no special way to make them last longer than usual. But if you choose rechargeable batteries the story changes.
First, choose NiMH batteries, or Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries. NiMHs can be recharged over and over again, thousands of times before you take them to be recycled. But if you do not plan to recharge batteries, do not go for NiMHs - alkaline batteries last longer without needing to be charged (or thrown out). As we said, NiMHs lose their power fast so you will need to recharge them often, which can be pretty boring.
However, the amount of electricity needed to charge them is not a lot, and alkaline batteries last longer if they are charged often. Store your batteries in a cool and dry place when you don’t use them. You can even try storing NiMHs in a fridge! Warm temps can deplete their life, and a fridge can help them last longer. Just make sure to let the batteries warm up to room temps before you pop them into your clock.
Li-ion batteries are a different story. You must remember to use your Li-ion batteries - they will not only degrade when you use them, but they will also degrade when you don’t use them. This is exactly the reason why manufacturers tell you the cycle life of the batteries, and sometimes even their calendar life. This is why it’s best to buy batteries that are the newest, just like everything else.
Features
Extra features allow you to create workout programs suited to your needs.
What your clock can do is actually quite an important criterion. In order to fully experience the benefits of CrossFit Clocks, you will need one that can do a lot of things, and lucky for you, all of the clocks we listed here are quite versatile, with many features for you to enjoy!
Some clocks have the ability to sync up with other clocks of the same brand and name. This is very useful if you exercise in a very large gym, and if there are multiple people with you - this way, they can all hear and see what's going on, so in turn, you all sync up. If you need to sync up more timers together, check whether the clocks have this feature or not before you buy them. All of the timers have a regular clock. When they don’t count down your sessions, or when they don’t help you do your Tabata routine, they simply show the time, and some even show the date. Some clocks do not have this feature though, and if you want to be able to tell the time when your clock is idle, make sure that it can actually do that.
Most clocks can count up and down, which is also useful for obvious reasons. All of the clocks we mentioned here have a stopwatch feature, which is just a simple way the timer lets you know how much of the exercise you have left. The stopwatch is easy to control thanks to the many buttons the clocks have. Some stopwatches count only seconds, while others count milliseconds as well, and it’s generally better to find a clock that can do both things at once. We talked about Tabata in our ease of use section, and how useful the exercise is - this is why most of the clocks are programmed to have the Tabata countdown in them! Some clocks have other programs too, but Tabata is the most common one. Some clocks have Every Minute on the Minute and Fight Gone Bad presets on them, which are two popular training methods in CrossFit, and you will greatly benefit if the timer already knows what you want. A lot of timers come with remote control.
This way, when the time is up, you don’t actually have to go to the timer to change the setting - you can simply push a button on the remote and you’re good to go. But make sure that the remote is reliable! Some can reach only 10 feet, while others can reach the clock even if it's 50 feet away.
This is why you need to consider how big your gym is beforehand. Also, where do you intend to place your timer? On the wall or on the floor? No matter what you decide, most of the clocks come with a stand or with a wall mount, so you don’t have to worry about that. Again, think about where you want the timer to be, and then shop according to that. The very first thing many users complain about is the sound or the loudness of their buzzers and alarms. This is because you probably won’t be working out in complete silence, and the buzzer is hard to hear over loud music. Go for a clock that is loud, and you will definitely hear it no matter what you like to listen to. Also, many of the clocks have a big LED display, and you won’t need to approach the clock to see how much time you’ve got left.
These are just some of the features your timer will come with, but not all of them are created equally, so think about what you need your clock to do before you actually go to buy it!
Durability
We made sure to select designs that are made to stand the test of time, so to speak.
Your timer needs to be durable. The durability will be largely affected by the battery life, but it can also be affected by how the clock was constructed, and what the clock is actually made out of. The software is also something you should look into - the clock will not die if it doesn’t work well, but if you refuse to use it because it’s faulty, it might as well be dead!
So, your clock needs to be constructed well, and out of good materials. Most clocks will be made out of a variety of plastic, which is completely okay. You need to make sure how heavy the clock is - a lightweight clock is likely cheaply constructed, and will not last long. You obviously can’t do this if you’re buying your timer online, so read the specifications and experiences from other people.
The buttons also need to be sturdy. After all, if they stop working, you won’t be able to use your clock! The remote with which you control your clock also needs to be constructed well. When your remote dies, you will need to go up to the clock every time you need to change a setting, and that can definitely become cumbersome! We already covered their battery life, so make sure you went over that section in order to learn how to make the most out of your clocks. If you drop your clock (and you will, accidents happen), you don’t want it to break into pieces and stop working as soon as it hits the floor.
Portability
The portability of your clock doesn’t matter so much unless you plan to change the location where you exercise a lot - then it matters very much!
Luckily, most of the clocks are little, and can easily fit inside your backpack. Some even come with a carry case, making them even more portable. The only problem can be the remotes and the fragility of the clock itself. When you want to carry the clock around you wherever you go, make sure that there is no way for the clock to be damaged - protect it with clothes, bubble wrap, or even a box, and the clock will serve you no matter where you are!
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Ease of Use Battery Life Features Durability Portability
Having a special timer just for your gym can mean a world of difference. With it, you don’t need to fumble with your smartphone and endanger it by using it around heavyweights. Also, phones do not have a stand, so it’s likely that you won’t be able to see what the clock is showing unless you proper the phone up somehow.
Most timers have a much larger face, and won’t interfere with other processes on your phone, making them much more convenient. They also have built-in programs, including the Tabata program, so controlling it is also much easier than trying to figure out how to set up your phone to do so. Also, truth be told, CrossFit clocks are cool. Why not give one a try?
Look for a product that genuinely gives easy use, because that is the whole point of having one of these timers.
Visit online stores which have a good international reputation, read the real feedback from people who have purchased and used the different timer products. This way you will glean valuable information from those that have actually tried the various models.
With this type of useful product feedback from users, it will be a lot easier to make the right choice for a good performing timer.
Other Factors to Consider
Connectivity
Some clocks will allow you to connect a device to it. This is easily done with Bluetooth or even ANT+. But you must make sure that the Bluetooth range is good enough, otherwise, the device won’t be able to connect with it. The connection also has to be stable, or the data being transferred might be lost.
Connecting your clock with a device can be beneficial because you can then easily load that data your clock collected into a fitness app, and it can tell you how you did during your session, how long you worked out for, how much calories you burned and so on.
Weather Resistance
Most CrossFit clocks are resistant to dirt, sweat, and even water in some cases. Of course, they won’t be completely resistant towards the things we just mentioned, but they will be resistant enough so you can continue using the timer without worrying. How resistant the clock is will be marked with the IP Code.
This code is consisted out of one or two numbers, and a letter. These numbers tell you just how resistant the clock is to dirt, sweat, and water. The higher the number is, the more resistant the clock will be, so aim for higher numbers! But, make sure that you care well for your clock no matter how high the rating is, and it will last even longer!
Bottom Line
If you never used a CrossFit clock before, you might even wonder how useful the clock really is, and whether it’s a worthy investment. We’re here to tell you that you should definitely try the clocks out! They have many features that will make exercising even easier, and you will be able to time your session correctly, so you reap the most benefits out of your work out.
We hope our guide has helped you understand this CrossFit gear piece better, and that you will have fun using your CrossFit clock!
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What are some of the benefits of a CrossFit timers clock?
When it comes to high-intensity training, it's all about the timing. You need to elevate your heart rate quickly, and then rest for a very specific amount of time. While the stopwatch on your phone can work in a pinch, it's not quite the same. Having a large running clock on the wall of your home gym is super helpful in keeping your focus.
When you use your phone, your hands will be sweaty and tired and you are more likely to drop your phone. Plus, when you go to set a timer you may notice that you have a few missed texts that you will be inclined to respond to. By tucking your phone away and using a wall-mounted clock, your focus will be 100 percent on the task at hand, turning your gym into a distraction-free zone!
q: Are CrossFit clocks expensive?
Well, this all depends on who made the clock, how many features it has, and how pricey the materials the clocks are made out of were. If the clock you want has many features, if it is made by a famous brand, or has a lot of programming, expect it to be pricey! But CrossFit clocks are very valuable, and their price shouldn’t scare you.
It’s better to go for a pricier variety and enjoy everything that it has to offer, for a long time, than to go for a cheap clock and then end up throwing it away only after you use it a few times! Even the cheapest timer will probably be over 150$, so be prepared.
q: How long do these timers last?
The life of your clock is determined by how it’s made, and how well you care for it. We covered this in our durability section, and to sum it all up, a quality clock that you watch out for will have the longest lifespan. But a lot of clock manufacturers offer a warranty! Check to see how long the warranty lasts, and what kind of problems they offer to fix.
A long-lasting warranty is a good indicator that shows your clock is durable in the first place - this is because the manufacturer expects it to last this long, and it’s really not that good for them to replace your clock every now and then, so most of them will give a truthful number.
q: How big does the clock face need to be?
If you’re going to keep the clock near you the whole time, then the display size doesn’t matter so much. But let’s face it - you will likely use the timer from a distance. This is why the LCD screen needs to be at least four inches, and the colors need to be bright and sharp so you can easily see the numbers shown on the screen! Anything smaller might be too hard to read, especially if you have problems with eyesight.
q: Can I buy a used clock?
Sure, why not! And the likelihood you will find a used clock is actually quite high, but the reason why is not so happy. Many Crossfit gyms today fail to blossom, and the people running it decide to shut it down. This results in many extra devices and equipment the owner doesn’t need, and they sell it, including their timers and clocks. These timers might be holding onto a thread, but if you struggle with your budget you can go for these clocks since they will surely help you as much as they can!
q: Can’t I just use a regular clock or my phone?
Well, you can, you can even download an app, like a Tabata timer. However, using a phone to do this is not convenient - the phone’s processes can interrupt the clock, running your session. Your phone is also harder to handle than a simple mounted or propped up timer, and you will need to find a way to prop the phone up so you can see the numbers.
The sound of the buzzer might not be so loud, and you won’t have that many programs built into the apps. Your device can also be damaged while you exercise, and who wants that to happen? So your best bet is a quality CrossFit clock, it outweighs the phone, without a doubt!
Sources
- , 15 Health and Fitness Benefits of CrossFit, Article
- , Four Easy Tips To Make Your Batteries Last Longer, Article
- , What is Tabata Training?, Article
