The Best Stopwatch Apps for iPhone and Android (2025)A stopwatch is a simple tool with powerful uses: tracking workouts, timing productivity sprints, measuring experiments, or managing cooking and games. In 2025, both iPhone and Android users can choose from a wide range of stopwatch apps — from minimal single-purpose timers to feature-rich training suites that sync across devices. This article reviews the best stopwatch apps available for iOS and Android, highlights key features to look for, and suggests which app fits common use cases.
What to look for in a stopwatch app
Before the reviews, consider these factors so you pick an app that actually fits your needs:
- Accuracy and reliability: millisecond precision is important for sprinting, labs, or speedcubing; casual timing can tolerate lower precision.
- Lap/split management: Easy recording, naming, and exporting of laps.
- Ease of use: Big start/stop buttons and readable display for active use.
- Background operation: Keeps timing when the app isn’t foregrounded or the device sleeps.
- Data export and history: CSV, PDF, or cloud sync when you want long-term tracking or analysis.
- Integrations: Apple Health, Google Fit, Wear OS, or external sensors (GPS, heart rate).
- Customization: Themes, sounds, haptics, and display units (ms, s, min).
- Offline functionality and privacy: No required account or ads for sensitive use.
Top stopwatch apps in 2025
1) ChronoMaster (iOS & Android)
Overview: ChronoMaster is a polished, pro-grade stopwatch and interval manager designed for athletes and coaches. It combines precise timing with strong lap analysis and session export.
Key features:
- Sub-millisecond precision and stable background timing.
- Customizable interval sets for HIIT, Tabata, and complex workouts.
- Advanced lap analytics: averages, best/worst splits, and moving averages.
- Session export to CSV and coaching notes; sync via cloud or local Wi‑Fi.
- Wear OS and watchOS support with remote lap control.
Best for: Runners, coaches, and competitive athletes who need detailed lap data and reliable background timing.
2) SimpleStop (iOS & Android)
Overview: True to its name, SimpleStop focuses on a clean, distraction-free stopwatch experience. It’s fast, reliable, and ideal for everyday use.
Key features:
- Large, easy-to-press controls and a clutter-free interface.
- Lap recording and simple export (CSV).
- Light/dark themes, vibration feedback, and minimal ads (one-time unlock to remove).
- Works offline with guaranteed background operation.
Best for: Users who want a straightforward, no-frills stopwatch for workouts, cooking, or casual timing.
3) PulseTimer (Android first, iOS parity in 2025)
Overview: Originally built for interval training and fitness classes, PulseTimer blends stopwatch features with heart-rate integration and audio cues.
Key features:
- Connects to Bluetooth heart-rate monitors and smartwatches.
- Audio checkpoints and voice prompts for laps and intervals.
- Detailed workout logs with HR overlays; export to common fitness platforms.
- Custom interval templates and playlist sync for music cues.
Best for: Fitness enthusiasts who want heart-rate-aware timing and audio guidance.
4) SplitLab (iOS)
Overview: SplitLab is aimed at precision sports timing — think speedcubing, track sprints, and lab experiments. It emphasizes accuracy, lap management, and competition-friendly features.
Key features:
- High-precision timing with hardware-assisted timestamps on supported devices.
- Bulk lap editing, tagging, and comparison tools.
- Competition mode: quick reset, best-of-N, and session publishing.
- Export formats tailored to sports communities.
Best for: Competitive timers and niche sports requiring the most accurate, repeatable lap measurements.
5) FocusStop (iOS & Android)
Overview: FocusStop combines a stopwatch with productivity features like Pomodoro timers, session notes, and task integration. It’s aimed at people who want to measure work sprints rather than athletic performance.
Key features:
- Switch between stopwatch and Pomodoro-style timers.
- Session tagging, notes, and simple analytics (time per task, streaks).
- Integrations with task managers via APIs and local export.
- Do-not-disturb mode and automatic session history.
Best for: Knowledge workers and students using time-blocking or Pomodoro techniques.
6) Stopwatch+ (Cross-platform web + apps)
Overview: Stopwatch+ offers continuity across devices via a web app plus native apps. It’s useful for teams and lab environments where multiple people need access to the same session data.
Key features:
- Real-time session syncing across devices and users.
- Role-based controls (start/stop rights) for group tasks.
- Export, audit logs, and secure local hosting for enterprises.
- Offline-first design with conflict resolution on reconnect.
Best for: Teams, classrooms, or labs needing shared timing sessions and auditability.
Comparison table
| App | Platforms | Precision | Best use case | Key integration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChronoMaster | iOS, Android | Sub-ms | Competitive training, coaching | Wear OS, watchOS, CSV export |
| SimpleStop | iOS, Android | ms | Everyday timing | Offline, minimal export |
| PulseTimer | Android, iOS | ms | HR-driven workouts | Bluetooth HR, music cues |
| SplitLab | iOS | Sub-ms | Speedcubing, labs | Competition export |
| FocusStop | iOS, Android | ms | Productivity / Pomodoro | Task managers, notes |
| Stopwatch+ | Web, iOS, Android | ms | Team/shared timing | Real-time sync, enterprise export |
How to choose the right app for you
- If you need extreme accuracy and analytics: choose ChronoMaster or SplitLab.
- For a clean, simple stopwatch: choose SimpleStop.
- For heart-rate integration and guided workouts: choose PulseTimer.
- For productivity and Pomodoro-style sessions: choose FocusStop.
- For team use or shared sessions: choose Stopwatch+.
Tips for getting the most from any stopwatch app
- Test background timing by locking the phone or switching apps to ensure it continues.
- Use CSV export to run deeper analysis in a spreadsheet if you need custom metrics.
- For workouts, pair with a heart-rate monitor or GPS watch for richer data.
- Keep an eye on permissions and privacy settings if you sync to cloud services.
If you want, I can:
- Recommend the single best app for your specific use (sports, labs, productivity).
- Provide step-by-step setup for one of these apps (intervals, exports, device pairing).
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