01 — Ranking
Other free options, ranked
Google 'timer'
google.com
4.3Search 'set timer for 10 minutes' for an instant timer.
- Best for
- Fast one-off countdowns.
- Free plan & limits
- Free. It closes if you navigate away from the search page, and has no laps or saved presets.
Phone Clock app
support.apple.com
4.5Built-in timer and stopwatch on iOS and Android.
- Best for
- Timers that must ring even when the screen is locked.
- Free plan & limits
- Free and works offline. It's less visible on a projector or shared screen.
Online-Stopwatch.com
online-stopwatch.com
4.0Classroom favorite with themed visual timers.
- Best for
- Teachers who want fun visual timers on a projector.
- Free plan & limits
- Free with ads. Some timers use heavy animations.
Pomofocus
pomofocus.io
4.4A Pomodoro timer with tasks and breaks.
- Best for
- Structured 25/5-minute focus sessions with a task list.
- Free plan & limits
- Free core features. Reports and integrations need a premium plan.
02 — Comparison
Side by side
Scroll sideways to see every tool. The first column stays pinned.
| Feature / Criterion | This timer | Google timer | Phone Clock | Pomofocus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countdown + stopwatch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Timer only |
| Laps | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Time left in the tab title | Yes | No | N/A | Yes |
| Keyboard shortcuts | Yes | No | N/A | Some |
| Rings with the screen locked | No (tab must stay open) | No | Yes | No |
| Ads | No | No | No | No |
03 — Guide
How to use an online timer step by step
Pick a preset or set a custom time
Presets start straight away. For a custom time, enter hours, minutes and seconds, then press Start.
Keep the tab open with sound on
Browsers allow audio after you interact with the page, so the chime will play. The tab title shows the countdown, so you can work in other tabs.
Use keyboard shortcuts
Press Space to start or pause and R to reset. Shortcuts are disabled while you type in a field, so they don't interfere.
Try the Pomodoro technique
Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four rounds, take a 15–30 minute break. It reduces the urge to multitask and makes large tasks easier to start.
04 — FAQ
Common questions
Does the timer keep running if I switch tabs?
Yes. The countdown is calculated from your device's clock rather than by counting ticks, so it stays accurate even when browsers slow down background tabs. The chime plays when time is up.
Will the alarm work if my computer goes to sleep?
No. A sleeping computer pauses web pages. For critical alarms (cooking, medication), use your phone's Clock app, which rings even when the screen is locked.
Can I use it on a projector or in a classroom?
Yes. The large digits are readable from across a room. Use your browser's full screen mode (F11, or Ctrl+Cmd+F on Mac) to show only the timer.
Is this online timer free?
Yes. It's free, with no ads, accounts or limits.
Scores reflect our own assessment of free-tier value. Prices and limits change, so check them on each provider's site before you buy.