World Clock
Current local time:
Time-Zone Converter
Convert time between any two time zones:
Converted time:
Timer
Set a countdown:
Stopwatch
Measure elapsed time and laps:
Hint: While using the stopwatch, you can press L for a lap and R to reset (when focused on the stopwatch buttons).
Focus Timer (Pomodoro)
Practice the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.
What is a "time app"?
A time app is any application or tool that helps you work with time. This broad term can refer to basic utilities like clocks and timers, as well as productivity tools that track or manage your time. For example, your phone’s built-in Clock app is a time app (providing alarms, stopwatch, etc.), and so is a time tracking app that logs hours worked. In short, if it deals with time—showing it, measuring it, or helping you use it more effectively—it falls under “time app.”
Because time apps cover multiple jobs-to-be-done, it’s important to choose the right type for your need. Next, we compare common categories of time apps and their features.
Types of Time Apps: Comparison
| Time App Type | Shows Current Time / World Time | Countdown Timer & Stopwatch | Focus / Pomodoro Sessions | Usage & Screen-Time Tracking | Project Time Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clock / World Clock | ✓ (core function) | ✓ (many include basic timers/stopwatch) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Timer / Stopwatch | ✗ | ✓ (core function) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Focus / Pomodoro | ✗ | ✓ (uses timers for sessions) | ✓ (focus/break cycles) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Digital Wellbeing | ✗ | ✗ (not primary feature) | ✓ (may include focus modes) | ✓ (tracks app/device usage) | ✗ |
| Time Tracking | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ (focus on tasks/projects) | ✓ (logs work hours/tasks) |
This table highlights how different time app categories serve different purposes. For example, a Clock app lets you check current times and set alarms, but won’t track how long you worked on a project. Conversely, a Time Tracking app can log hours on tasks but won’t have an alarm clock. Some apps combine features (e.g. all-in-one productivity apps might include timers, trackers, and more), but typically it’s best to use the tool designed for your specific need.
Best Time Apps of 2025
How we chose: Our team spent several weeks hands-on with dozens of time-related apps. We evaluated them on accuracy, ease of use, features, and cross-platform support, following review guidelines similar to Zapier and other independent reviewers:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. No one can pay for placement in our list – these recommendations are based on real-world testing and user experience. We tested the latest versions as of 2025 on multiple devices (an iPhone, an Android phone, and a Windows PC) to ensure a balanced, people-first review.
Below, we’ve picked standout apps in four categories: Time Tracking, Clock/World Clock, Focus/Pomodoro, and Digital Wellbeing. Each pick includes what it’s best for, key features, pricing, and a note on when it might not be the ideal choice.
Best Time Tracking Apps
Time tracking apps help you log how long you spend on work tasks or projects. They’re essential for freelancers, teams, or anyone who bills by the hour. These apps usually provide start/stop timers, manual time entry, reporting, and often integrations with billing or project management. Based on our testing (and in line with other trusted sources:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}), here are top picks:
- Toggl Track – Best overall for simple & flexible time tracking. Toggl Track has a clean interface and lets you start a timer with one click. It offers detailed reports and charts to analyze your time usage. Platforms: Web, Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android. Pricing: Generous free plan (up to 5 users); paid plans from $10/user month. Standout Features: one-tap tracking, idle time detection, tags/projects, and many integrations (calendar, project tools). When not to use: If you need screenshots of activity or client invoicing built-in, Toggl doesn’t provide those (consider Harvest or Time Doctor instead).
- Harvest – Best for invoicing and team management. Harvest not only tracks time but also handles invoicing and expense tracking. It’s great for teams who need to approve timesheets and bill clients. Platforms: Web, Mac, Windows, iOS, Android. Pricing: Free for 1 user/2 projects; paid plans from $12/user month (with unlimited projects). Standout Features: Integrations with project management tools, automated reminders to submit hours, and the ability to turn timesheets into invoices. When not to use: If you’re a solo user who only needs basic tracking, Harvest might be overkill (and its free tier is limited) – a simpler free app like Clockify could suffice.
- Clockify – Best free unlimited time tracker. Clockify is an excellent choice if you want a full-featured time tracker without paying. It supports unlimited users and projects on its free plan. Platforms: Web (browser), Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension. Pricing: Free for all core features; optional upgrades (from $4.99/user month) add extras like admin controls and deeper reporting. Standout Features: Easy start/stop timer, detailed analytics, and the ability to categorize time by project and client. When not to use: Clockify’s interface is a bit dense compared to Toggl. If you prefer a more minimalist experience and don’t need team features, Toggl’s interface might appeal more.
Best Clock & World Clock Apps
Sometimes, the built-in clock is all you need. Here we highlight the default clock apps on Android and iOS, plus a handy world-time tool:
- Google Clock (Android) – Best basic clock for Android devices. The Google Clock app comes pre-installed on most Android phones:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}. It combines alarms, timers, a stopwatch, and a simple world clock. It’s clean, reliable, and ties into Android features (like Google Assistant routines for alarms). Platforms: Android (phone, tablet, Wear OS watch). Pricing: Free. Standout Features: Multiple alarm settings (with gradually increasing volume), Bedtime mode with sleep sounds, and integration with Spotify/YouTube Music for alarm tones. When not to use: If you need advanced alarm scheduling (like complex recurring rules) or world clocks with map displays, you might need a specialized app – but for most users, Google Clock handles daily needs.
- Apple Clock (iOS & macOS) – All-in-one clock for Apple users. Apple’s Clock app on the iPhone and Mac covers alarms, a world clock, timer, and stopwatch:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}. It’s seamlessly integrated with Siri (ask “Hey Siri, set a 20 minute timer”) and with Bedtime scheduling in the Health app. Platforms: iPhone, iPad, macOS (built-in). Pricing: Free. Standout Features: Multiple timers at once, customizable alarm sounds or songs, and a Sleep Mode that dims the screen at night. When not to use: This app is only on Apple devices – if you need a clock on other platforms or want something like an on-screen multi-clock dashboard, consider a third-party world clock app or web tool like timeanddate.com.
- World Time Buddy – Best for coordinating across time zones. World Time Buddy isn’t a traditional clock app but a scheduling tool (available as a website and mobile app). You add cities to a grid and easily compare times to plan meetings or calls. Platforms: Web, iOS, Android. Pricing: Free for basic use (up to 4 locations); paid plans available for more features. Standout Features: Interactive slider to find the best meeting time across time zones, and integration with calendar apps. When not to use: If you just need to quickly check one other time zone, using a simpler world clock (like the ones built-in on your phone or on TimeApp above) might be faster. World Time Buddy shines when you’re juggling multiple time zones regularly.
Best Focus & Pomodoro Apps
Focus apps use timers and techniques like Pomodoro (25-minute work sprints) to help you concentrate. Our top picks help beat procrastination:
- Forest – Best for gamifying focus sessions. Forest makes staying off your phone fun: when you start a focus session, you plant a virtual tree that grows for as long as you don’t leave the app. If you try to use your phone, the tree dies. Over time, you grow a forest as a record of your focused time. Platforms: iOS, Android, Chrome browser extension. Pricing: $3.99 on iOS (one-time); free on Android (with ads) or $1.99 Pro. Standout Features: Whitelisting of apps (so you can allow certain apps without killing the tree), gentle ambient soundtracks, and even the option to plant real trees with earned coins. When not to use: If you need a focus timer with detailed statistics or task integration, Forest might feel too simplistic (its stats are basic). In that case, a more data-oriented app like Focus To-Do or RescueTime might suit you better.
- Focus To-Do – Best Pomodoro + task manager combo. Focus To-Do combines a Pomodoro timer with a lightweight to-do list. You can break your work into tasks, assign Pomodoro sessions to each, and track progress. Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Chrome extension. Pricing: Free with sync across 3 devices; Premium ~$8 (one-time) unlocks unlimited device sync and detailed reports. Standout Features: Alerts you when break time is over, charts of how many Pomodoro sessions you completed per day, and the ability to categorize tasks (work, study, etc.). When not to use: If you already have a task management system and just want a quick focus timer, Focus To-Do might be overkill – a simpler timer (like the one on TimeApp or a basic Pomodoro app) could be easier.
Best Digital Wellbeing (Screen Time) Apps
Digital wellbeing apps help you track and limit your device usage – useful if you find yourself glued to your phone. In many cases, you won’t need to download anything extra:
- Apple Screen Time (iOS & macOS) – Built-in screen time tracker for Apple users. Screen Time shows how long you spend on each app, how often you pick up your phone, and more:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. You can set daily time limits for specific apps or categories (like “Social Media”). It also lets parents manage their kids’ device usage. Platforms: Built into iOS, iPadOS, macOS. Pricing: Free. Standout Features: Weekly reports, “Downtime” scheduling (e.g. disable apps at bedtime), and one-tap allowances to extend time when limits expire. When not to use: Screen Time only tracks Apple devices. If you want to monitor usage on non-Apple platforms (or if you prefer more detailed productivity analytics), consider a cross-platform solution like RescueTime.
- Google Digital Wellbeing (Android) – Built-in wellbeing suite for Android. Google’s Digital Wellbeing is analogous to Screen Time but for Android phones. It tracks app time, unlocks, and notifications. You can set app timers (e.g. 30 minutes a day on Instagram), enable Focus Mode to pause distracting apps, and use Bedtime Mode to limit blue light at night. Platforms: Built into most modern Android phones (Settings > Digital Wellbeing). Pricing: Free. Standout Features: Daily device usage report, app timers with grayed-out icons when time’s up, and integration with Do Not Disturb for a distraction-free bedtime. When not to use: If your phone doesn’t have Digital Wellbeing (some older or non-stock Android phones may not), you can try third-party apps like ActionDash. And similar to Screen Time, it’s platform-specific – it won’t track your PC usage.
- Freedom – Best for blocking distractions across devices. Freedom is a third-party app that enforces your focus by blocking websites and apps you specify. You create schedules or start sessions on the fly – during which time you cannot access those distractions (on any synced device). Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome & Firefox extensions. Pricing: Free trial (7 sessions); Premium $3.33/month (billed annually) for unlimited use. Standout Features: Ability to block across all your devices at once, preset block lists (e.g. “All Social Media”), and a “locked mode” to prevent you from editing your block settings mid-session. When not to use: If you’re looking for passive tracking or insights into your behavior, Freedom isn’t for that – it’s a brute-force blocker. For insight-focused apps, look at RescueTime or your phone’s built-in screen time reports.
How to Choose the Right Time App
Not sure which kind of time app you need? Use this simple decision flow:
In summary, match your need to the tool: track work hours? Get a time tracker. Increase focus? Try a Pomodoro app. Reduce screen time? Use built-in digital wellbeing settings or a blocker. And if it’s something simple like checking time or timing an egg, your phone’s default clock (or TimeApp’s utilities above) will do the trick.
- Identify your primary goal: Are you trying to be on time, manage your time, or limit your time on something? This determines the category of app.
- Leverage built-in tools first: Both Android and iOS come with capable clock and screen-time features. They’re free and already on your device.
- Evaluate ease of use: The best app is one you’ll actually use. A simpler timer might beat a complex project tracker if all you need is a nudge to focus.
- Check platforms: If you use multiple devices (phone, laptop, etc.), choose an app that syncs across them. For example, a time tracker with both mobile and desktop apps can log all your work seamlessly.
- Mind your privacy: Some apps may track what you do on your device. This can be useful (automatic time tracking), but make sure you’re comfortable with how that data is stored or shared.
FAQ
Are there free time apps without ads?
Yes. Many built-in time apps on your phone or computer are free and ad-free. For example, both Android’s Google Clock and Apple’s Clock app come with no ads:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}. Some third-party apps also offer free tiers without ads, though advanced features may require a paid upgrade.
Do iPhones and Android phones already have a time app?
Yes – both iPhone and Android include default time apps. iPhones have Apple’s Clock app (with world clock, alarms, timer, stopwatch) pre-installed:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}. Android devices similarly come with Google’s Clock app:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}. These built-in apps cover most basic needs without requiring any downloads.
How accurate are world clock apps across daylight saving time changes?
Quality world clock apps and websites update automatically for daylight saving time (DST) changes, using reliable time zone databases. For example, TimeApp’s world clock and converter use the latest timezone rules, so you’ll see correct local times even when DST shifts. It’s always a good idea to double-check unusual time zones or transition dates if planning travel or meetings.
Can I set a timer or stopwatch on the web?
Absolutely. TimeApp’s Timer and Stopwatch tools run entirely in your browser – no download needed. They work offline after loading, so you can use them even without internet access. Just keep the page open, and your timer or stopwatch will continue running. Many modern browsers or search engines also have simple timer features built-in.
What’s the best way to track my team’s work hours on mobile?
If you need to track a team’s hours, consider dedicated time tracking apps with mobile support. Options like Toggl Track, Harvest or Clockify offer team features, mobile apps, and cloud syncing of timesheets. Ensure the app supports collaboration and that all team members use it consistently. For employee attendance (clock-in/clock-out), look for “time clock” apps that include GPS or verification features.
Do time tracking apps respect my privacy?
Reputable time-tracking apps are transparent about data usage. Many, like Toggl Track or Harvest, mainly log time entries you create. Automatic trackers (e.g., RescueTime) may record app or website usage – check their privacy policies to see if data stays on your device or is encrypted. Apple’s Screen Time keeps data private to your iCloud account:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}, while enterprise-focused trackers might share data with employers. Always review permissions and privacy settings, especially for apps that monitor activity.
Why Trust TimeApp?
Expertise & experience: This guide was written by a veteran productivity reviewer and vetted by a certified project manager for accuracy. Our team has years of experience using and reviewing productivity tools – from simple timers to enterprise time-tracking systems.
Research process: We personally tested each app featured here, and we regularly reference authoritative sources (like official support pages and trusted publications) to ensure our information is current. For instance, we checked Apple’s documentation:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15} and user guides to validate built-in features, and consulted neutral roundups (e.g., Zapier, TechRadar, WIRED) for a broad perspective:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}:contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
No bias or sponsorship: TimeApp is not paid by any company to promote these products. If we include affiliate links for app downloads, we disclose it (and it doesn’t affect our picks or rankings). Our recommendations are purely based on merit and user benefit.
Continually updated: We update this page regularly (at least twice a year) to reflect new app releases or significant updates. If a popular “time app” changes or a new contender emerges, you’ll see it mentioned here. (Last updated: August 30, 2025.)
References
- Google Play Store – Google Clock (Android)
- Apple – Apple Clock app (iOS/macOS)
- Apple Support – Use the Clock app on iPhone (World Clock)
- Apple Support – Use Screen Time on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Zapier – The 5 Best Time Tracking Apps in 2025
- TechRadar – Best Time Tracking Apps of 2025
- WIRED – Best Time Management Apps to Tame the Chaos (2025)