11 Best Pilates Instructor-Approved Stopwatches Or Timers Of 2024
Chandel is a Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer, Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist, and the owner of Curls & Pilates, a fitness company. She has 4 years of experience and trains some of the top names on the Fortune 500 list, teaching them how to tune into their bodies and create fitness practices that blend strength training and Pilates in with their busy lifestyles.
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Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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rajeshwari das Rajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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In This Article
In the era of smartphones, people have started sidelining the importance of separate stopwatches or timers. But not only does it benefit you to stay disciplined, but the best stop watch timer can also be a prized possession that will help you succeed. You don’t have to be a full-fledged athlete to own something like this. To gain speed and accuracy over any task like cooking, writing, push-ups, a good stopwatch will help you challenge yourself. This compact list of the 11 top stopwatch timers has multi-functions for you to explore!
[table “1359” not found /]11 Best Stopwatches Of 2024– Reviews & Buying Tips
1. Best With Simple Settings:Gymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch
The Gymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch offers great performance. It times one or two intervals between 2 seconds and 99 minutes. It has a clock feature, allowing you to set an alarm and control the alarm duration. The alarm duration can be set for 1, 2, 5, or 9 seconds. The Auto mode keeps repeating through intervals up to 99 repeats. With a compact design that resembles a small pager, its dimensions are 2.25 inches x 1.75 inches x 0.5 inches. It has a secure, removable belt that allows you to easily clip it to your waistband. It is powered by a AAA battery. This basic function stopwatch is great for running, sprinting, HIIT, strength training, CrossFit, boxing, Tabata, cardio, weight lifting, party games, etc. Check out this demo video where the user provides an in-depth review to better understand the functions of this product.
Pros
- Simple stopwatch
- Multiple interval training modes
- Easy to use
- Simple settings
- Times one or two intervals between two seconds and 99 minutes
- Alarm duration can be set for 1, 2, 5, or 9 seconds
- Auto mode keeps repeating through intervals up to 99 repeats
- Compact design
- Secure and removable belt
- Great for running, fitness training, and party games
Cons
- Stiff buttons
- Instructions not provided for new users
- Does not include a AAA battery
"This timer has been a great help for my interval training and it is super handy to set up on the fly during my breaks. I find its clip to be secure and the beep loud enough. I’ve used it while swimming and it does not have any issue. Also, it has survived a few drops from me as well."
Did You Know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 4,182 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
2. Best Shock-Resistant:Accusplit Pro Survivor Stopwatch
The Accusplit Pro Survivor Stopwatch has a large display, Magnum XL digits for easy viewing and reading, and Special Million Cycle Switches that operate precisely and reliably every time they are pressed. This is a durable stopwatch, and it features cumulative split timing and one-button start-split-split system where the first split is the first place, the second split is second place, and shows a one-two fast finish.
This type of stopwatch has a 24-hour Timing Range, displays date and month, event and time out, and split and release action. It is also an accurate stopwatch as it is tested and calibrated to be within 0.04 sec/hour for 12 months. This stopwatch works on the WOS 2.5 Operating system, and is water- and shock-resistant. This simple stopwatch runs on lithium (CR2032) battery (3v & 3v.1 versions) and the expected battery life is 5 years! It is the best budget stopwatch of 2024. Watch this YouTuber’s honest review to get user insights about the product and its functions. Furthermore, you can also check out several positive reviews on Amazon for this product to make a more informed decision.
Pros
- Large display
- Best budget stopwatch
- Features cumulative split timing
- Magnum XL digits for easy viewing and reading
- Calendar function – Displays time and date
- Has 24-hour timing range
- Special Million Cycle Switches that work without a glitch
- Works on the WOS 2.5 Operating system
- Tested and calibrated to be within 0.04 sec/hour for 12 months
- Water-resistant
- Shock-resistant
- Good reliability
- Comes with a neck strap
- Good for sports, fitness, IQ testing, and games
- Works on lithium battery
- Expected battery life is 5 years
Cons
- Instructions not provided for new users.
- Cannot be worn on waistband.
"This stopwatch helps me keep track of my runs and sports stuff and I really like the product. It is very reliable and I like how comfortable it feels to hold it. The bold display is my favorite."
Quick Tip3. Best Dust-Resistant:Marathon Adanac 3000 Digital Sports Stopwatch Timer
If you want to buy an accurate stopwatch with a large display, the Marathon Adanac Digital Sports Stopwatch Timer is a good option. This stopwatch features a simple design with a split mode that times single and split events (like running or HIIT). It also features freeze split-time display with the total timing of an activity.
This laser-tuned stopwatch ensures 1/100th of a second accuracy and displays the hour, minute, second, month, day and date. It has an alarm clock with a beeping sound. It has a 46″ black lanyard or neck strap and is water-, dust-, and shock-resistant. Overall, reviewers agree that this is a good stopwatch for coaches, fitness instructors, athletes, and physical education teachers.
Pros
- Large display
- Laser-tuned stopwatch ensures 1/100th of a second accuracy
- Split time function
- Alarm clock
- Time feature – shows hour, minute, and second
- Calendar function – displays month, day, and date
- Water-resistant
- Dust-resistant
- Shock-resistant
- Good for sports events, practice, and games
- Come with a 46” neck strap
- Battery included
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Difficult to time 2 runners
- Cannot be attached to the waistband.
- Not very sturdy
"I like its big and clear display and it is waterproof too. I have even dropped it once or twice and it works fine. Some features and the button setup were a little confusing in the initial days but not anymore. It is reliable for everyday use."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 2,877 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Gymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch Best With Simple Settings | Accusplit Pro Survivor Stopwatch Best Shock-Resistant | Marathon Adanac 3000 Digital Sports Stopwatch Timer Best Dust-Resistant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Plastic Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene | Plastic | Plastic |
| Color | Black / Blue | Black | Yellow |
| Batteries | 1 AAA batteries required | - | 1 LR44 batteries required |
| Weight | 1.23 ounces | 0.02 Pounds | 2.4 ounces |
| Dimensions | 55 x 14 x 44 inches. | - | 3 x 3 x 1 inches. |
| Dimensions LxWxH | - | 0.75 x 2.5 x 3 inches | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,182 | 2,575 | 2,877 |
| Price | $19.95 | $21.11 | $11.95 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best For Athletes:Ultrak 100 Lap Memory Timer
The Ultrak 100 Lap Memory Timer has 100 dual split recallable memory feature and can recall memory during operation. This is great for timing two or more runner or swimmers. It displays laps and splits and measures up to 10 hours. It also measures stroke/frequency with time, calendar, and an alarm clock.
The large display in three rows makes it easy to read and navigate the stopwatch features. You can easily test out this waterproof stopwatch that runs on a lithium battery and comes with a neck strap, as it also has a warranty period of 5 years.
Pros
- 100 dual split recallable memory
- Memory recall during operation
- Takes splits from within recall mode
- Time, calendar function, and alarm feature with a beeping sound
- Lap and splits
- Large 3-row display
- Measures up to 10 hours, stroke/frequency with time, calendar, and an alarm clock
- Water-resistant
- Includes lanyard or neck strap
- Lithium battery
- 5-year warranty
- Good for athletes and coaches
Cons
- Expensive
- Buttons are not durable
"This stopwatch has coach-friendly functions and handles all kinds of weather. It's got good digital display durability. However, I love its interface and it is dependable for sports timing. For me, it works fine and meets my expectations."
5. Best For Kids:Learning Resources Simple 3 Button Stopwatch
The Learning Resources Stopwatch is a basic function stopwatch with three buttons. It is meant for kids above 5 years of age and is great for gym activities, science lab experiments, IQ tests, math exercises, games, and sports. This lightweight plastic stopwatch measures 1.2 x 4.5 x 8 inches and weighs 2.4 ounces.
The green button is the Go button, the red button is the Stop button, and the yellow button clears the display. This simple stopwatch displays minutes, seconds, and 1/100 seconds. It is easy to use and the display is large and clear enough to read. Most importantly, these timers come in various colors that appeal to kids.
Pros
- Simple stopwatch
- Great for kids
- Only three buttons
- Easy to read display
- Displays minutes, seconds, and 1/100 seconds
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Comes with a neck strap
- Great for science lab experiments, sports, games, math exercises, IQ tests, etc.
- Available in many colors
- Included 1 LR44 battery
Cons
- Short battery life
- Pressing hard can push the buttons inside.
- Does not include a wrist strap.
"This simple stopwatch is cool with user-friendly functionality. The big display and easy three-button deal are the features I love about this watch. If you're all about simplicity and don't need any fancy extras, it's a practical choice."
6. Best With Large Display:MARATHON Adanac 4000 Digital Stopwatch Timer
Looking for a multifunction stopwatch? The MARATHON Adanac 4000 Digital Stopwatch Timer is the one. It is laser tuned to ensure high accuracy of 1/100th of a second. This stopwatch times 1/100th of a second for 30 minutes and then offers 1-second increments up to 24 hours. It times single and split events with a split-mode timing. Hence, it can be used easily for timing running or swimming laps as well as HIIT or other gym training sessions.
The freeze split-time feature is displayed even while the total timing continues. This water-resistant, dust-resistant, and shock-resistant stopwatch features durability and simplicity, which makes it the best timer for all sports, games, educational, and gym activities.
Pros
- Laser tuning ensures 1/100th of a second accuracy
- Extra large display with back light feature
- Large buttons
- Separate start-stop and reset buttons
- Times single and split events
- Freeze split-time display while total timing continues
- Displays hour, minute, second, month, day, and date
- Has an alarm clock with a beeping sound
- Durable, easy to use, compact
- Water-resistant
- Dust-resistant
- Shock-resistant
- Includes a 46” neck strap
- Great for athletes, coaches, and physical education teachers
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Does not include a wrist strap.
- The screen may sometimes get foggy.
"I use this stopwatch for my regular use. I find the visibility to be clear and the buttons responsive. A small issue I noticed is that it doesn't have a backlight. Also, I like that it's a good fit for smaller hands. Since I prefer functionality without all the fancy extras, it's a solid pick in my book."
7. Best With Alarm Clock:Robic Stopwatch with Countdown Timer
The Robic Stopwatch with Countdown Timer is a multi-function stopwatch that comes with an easy-to-use countdown timer. It is a reliable and economic stopwatch that features a countdown range of 10 hours with 1/100th of a second of resolution for accurate timing. The stopwatch allows for an unlimited number of time readings to be taken. It can be easily used for timing single events, laps, or split timings.
This powerful stopwatch features a countdown timer that shows the time remaining and counts up to completion. An audible alarm chimes at the completion of the countdown. An extra large display, soft rubberized push-buttons, and side grips make this stopwatch a pleasure to hold and operate for anyone. It is water-resistant, includes a Lr44 battery, a 46” neck strap, and comes with a one-year warranty. At this price range, this is the best swimming stopwatch and works great for the gym, track sports, games, and educational purposes.
Pros
- A full 10-hour stopwatch
- Countdown timer precise to 1/100th of a second
- Two finish time memory recall
- Unlimited number of time readings can be taken
- Countdown timer shows time remaining and it counts up to completion.
- Alarm clock
- Extra large display
- Soft rubberized push-buttons
- Compatible with sports activities
- Side grips allow comfortable holding
- Water-resistant
- Easy to operate
- Simple stopwatch
- 46” neck strap
- Best swimming stopwatch
- Good for track sports, educational purposes, and games
- Value for money
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Does not come with a wrist strap.
- Not shockproof or dustproof.
"This stopwatch is my go-to for all kinds of things. I use it for workouts, competitions, and even in the kitchen. It is not as heavy as it seems. I like its big display and the beeper too is a great help. In my opinion, it is good for everyday activities and intense workouts."
8. Best Multifunctional:Extech 365510 Stopwatch
With just three simple buttons, great design, and a large display, the Extech 365510 is a multi-function stopwatch and clock that can time two people in a competition. It displays elapsed time, accumulated elapsed time, or split time measurements with 1/100th of a second resolution. It can count up to 23 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds. This digital timer boasts an impressive accuracy to ±3 seconds per day.
The colorful, yellow stopwatch has an alarm feature with a beeping sound. The hourly chime reminds you of the time, which is especially useful for exams and other competitions. A 12- or 24-hour clock feature and a wake and snooze alarm clock help you keep your sleep schedule on track. It comes with a 39” neckstrap for hands-free use and is water-resistant.
Pros
- Multi-functionality
- Can time two people in a competition
- Displays elapsed time and accumulated elapsed time
- Accurately displays split time measurements with 1/100th second of a resolution
- Can count up to 23 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds
- Impressive accuracy to ±3 seconds per day
- Large display
- Calendar function – displays date, day, and month
- Adjustable alarm settings
- Lightweight plastic stopwatch
- Features hourly chime
- 12- or 24-hour clock and a wake and snooze alarm
- Water-resistant
- 39” neck strap
- 1 Lr44 battery included
- 1 year warranty
Cons
- No wrist strap
- User manual is not provided for new users.
"This stopwatch has been my go-to for all sorts of things. I really like it. It works fine for my needs and feels very comfortable to hold. For me, the big display is a win, and it's easy to figure out. When I bought this, it took a bit to adjust initially. But once it settles in, it's good to go. All in all, it's been a reliable tool for my diverse needs."
9. Best User-Friendly:Travelwey Digital Stopwatch
Travelwey has created one of the best digital stopwatches with a classic design. The Travelwey Digital Stopwatch is a sophisticated and simple stopwatch that can be used by adults and children for various sports or educational purposes. It is designed to meet the demands of customers who do not use the complicated or advanced features in a multi-function stopwatch. Instead of so many buttons and data to display, the Travelwey Digital stopwatch features a large display and has a user-friendly on/off button.
Since there are less number of buttons, this fabulous digital stopwatch is super easy to operate. It has a start, a reset, and a stop button. The counter contains minutes, seconds, and hundredths of a second. It is a lightweight plastic stopwatch and comes with a neckstrap. It can easily be used for soccer and other sports by athletes, fitness coaches, and referees, and during games and fun activities.
Pros
- Ease of use
- Large display
- On and off button
- Has a start, reset, and a stop button
- The counter contains minutes, seconds, and hundredths of a second.
- User-friendly
- Can be used for sports, games, or educational activities
- Lightweight
- Comes with AAA batteries
- Comes with neck strap
- Economical
Cons
- No wrist strap
- Cannot be attached to the waistband.
- The stop button sometimes lags.
"This digital stopwatch is best for my coaching gigs and my son's refereeing. It's no-nonsense, just start, stop, and clear. The big display is good and I can see it without my glasses. For me, it is a practical choice for sure."
10. Best For Swimmers:ProCoach RS-013 Water Resistant Sports Stopwatch
If you are a runner, the ProCoach RS-013 Water Resistant Sports Stopwatch is the right stopwatch for you. This accurate stopwatch measures time at one-hundredth of a second. The special feature of the split time function precisely measures multiple events. It is lightweight, easy to use, has a large display, gives accurate timings, and you can wear it around your neck. In fact, this is a good stopwatch for swimming as it is waterproof.
The alarm clock with a beeping sound helps track time during athletic performances. The stopwatch also displays time. It requires a AG13/LR44 battery. It is usable in any weather condition, be it rain, snow, frost, or sunshine. This champion stopwatch is great for athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, fitness enthusiasts, and physical education teachers.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Large LCD display
- Accurate stopwatch – measures time at 1/100th of a second
- Waterproof stopwatch
- Great for runners and swimmers
- Clear and easy to read
- Waterproof stopwatch
- Lightweight stopwatch
- Requires AG13/LR44 battery
- Comes with an instruction leaflet
- For coaches, athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and physical education teachers
- Comes with a neck strap
- Lightweight plastic stopwatch
- Can be used in any weather conditions
- Economical
Cons
- Short battery life
- The hourly alarm may go off at the wrong time.
"I've been using this stopwatch for all sorts of things, and I love how it clicks loudly and has a big display. Seriously, it's a game-changer for helping me stay on track with my tasks. The only issue is that the buttons are a bit delicate, which can be a bit irritating during measurements. And while it's good with water, it's not totally foolproof. Still, hands down, one of my best buys to date! Do handle it with care for long-lasting use."
11. Best Anti-Slip:Marathon Adanac Solar Stopwatch
The Marathon Adanac Solar Stopwatch is a solar-powered stopwatch that is a perfect choice for running marathons. Its energy store is backed up by eco-friendly, two Lr44 batteries. Hence, you do not have to worry about running on a cold or cloudy day. The large display and buttons make it super easy to use.
It features dual split recallable memory and 99 split times. The anti-slip ridges provide a firm grip. It comes with a neck strap. It also features shock-resistance, dust-resistance, and water-resistance. It is great for both outdoor and indoor settings.
Pros
- Dual-powered – solar and two Lr44 batteries
- Dual split memory
- 9 recallable memory and 99 split times
- Easy to use
- Good for running marathons as the batteries last long
- Waterproof stopwatch
- Dust-resistant
- Shock-resistant
- Has an alarm clock
- Good for indoor and outdoor sports or events
- Anti-slip ridges provide a firm grip
- Lightweight
- 24” neck strap
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Recalls only first nine splits.
- May not give the last split upon hitting the stop button.
- No countdown feature to set alerts.
"This stopwatch is one of my best purchases because of its durability and simplicity. I like this product as it shows precise timing and feels comfortable and light in my hands. I can also read it without my glasses, making it my go-to for trail runs. I have been using it for the past 8 years and counting."
These are the 11 best stopwatches of 2024 with comfortable grips. But before you buy one, here’s what you must know about stopwatches.
Are Stopwatches Accurate?
Yes, they are. In fact, digital stopwatches are more accurate than mechanical stopwatches. Digital stopwatches have been fine-tuned for precision and accuracy. But you have to be aware of the human error and response time. The human precision measures only 1/10, irrespective of the device. Hence, the accuracy of a stopwatch depends on the make, quality, and the user.
Benefits Of Using A Stopwatch
You can ask any certified personal trainer, and they will tell you how a stopwatch is great for improving time of completion of an activity, track progress, and keep your mindset in the competition mode. It gives you a close-to-accurate measure of your fitness and the work needed to achieve your goal. It is a great way to push yourself and stay motivated. Stopwatches are also fun if used for games in picnics and parties. You can also use stopwatches to maintain time efficiency. Chandel Stallworth, a nationally certified Pilates instructor, and the owner of Curls & Pilates, a fitness company, says, “As someone who is constantly using my phone to record videos, having a stopwatch handy helps me ensure that my videos don’t run past the time that I’ve set for them.”
You can consider the following factors before buying a stopwatch.
What To Look For In A Stopwatch?
- Lap Timing: The most important function of a good stopwatch is to measure the time taken for the athlete from start to finish. Hence, ensure the lap timing is accurate and your stopwatch measures advanced performance tracking. Advanced stopwatches tend to be more precise. Go for it if you are an athlete or a coach.
- Water Resistance: Whether you are a swimmer, runner, or bicyclist, your stopwatch has to be water-resistant. It should be splash-resistant, resistant to fogging issues, and durable even after regular use in water or any other weather conditions.
- Battery Life: If you are a serious trainer or a pro athlete or coach, you stopwatch has to last long. Hence, check the battery life in terms of hours and buy the one that looks the most promising.
- Alarm: Most stopwatches have alarm clocks. But some may not. Some may even have a faulty alarm system where it won’t set off at the right time or it will be hard to stop. Also, buy a stopwatch with an alarm clock as it will help keep track of time with hourly beeps. Being in a time-measured routine is the kind of discipline needed to win competitions.
Infographic: What To Look For When Buying A Stopwatch
Stopwatches have been used to track time since 1822. Traditional stopwatches have evolved to meet the needs of the current era as technology has progressed. They help you become more self-disciplined, thoughtful, and content in your daily endeavors. If you want to get your hands on a stopwatch, check out the infographic below to know what factors to consider.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
The Bottom Line
Basic Stopwatches and timers are a traditional way of recording the time consumed for a particular task. However, with the evolution of smartphones, these high-end stopwatches and timers are sidelined. But still, the devices carry their own charm. The Gymboss Interval Timer and Stopwatch – Black/Blue SOFTCOAT is a versatile option with multiple interval training modes, while the ACCUSPLIT Pro Survivor Stopwatch is a durable option with a split timing feature. If you need a multifunction stopwatch with high-precision accuracy, the Marathon Adanac 3000 Digital Sports Stopwatch Timer is perfect. These modern digital stopwatches and timers provide more accurate measures. Besides measuring the time, the devices also feature an alarm clock. However, consider investing in water-resistant and shock-resistant devices to deal with humidity and impacts. But avoid devices that have low battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a stopwatch and a timer?
Timers record a set countdown, whereas stopwatches are more advanced devices that precisely record elapsed time more.
How do you reset your athletic work stopwatch?
Press the reset button found on either side of the athletic watch and then set the timer back to zero.
Which is a more sensitive stopwatch or stop clock?
A stop clock is less sensitive than a stopwatch. The least count for a stopwatch is 0.5 seconds, whereas the least count for a stop clock is one second.
Who invented the stopwatch?
Nicolas Mathieu Rieussec invented the stopwatch in 1822.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Our writer, Aditi Naskar, holds a diploma in health and wellness and created the list of the best stopwatches that you can purchase. Aditi has scoured numerous websites and reviewed the functioning and durability before handpicking these products. A stopwatch helps you in your fitness journey and enables the proper utilization of your time. Aditi has created this list after going through reviews from customers on various e-commerce websites.
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