Best Shot Timer App 2026 | iPhone & Android Comparison
Looking for a timer app to improve your shooting? There are two types: shot timers detect gunshots and record split times automatically, while par timers give you a start beep and end beep to train against. (Full comparison here)
For dry fire training at home, you need a par timer (no shot to detect). For live fire at the range, shot timers can record your actual splits. We compared both types to help you find the right app.
Quick Comparison: Timer Apps
| App | Type | Platform | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par Timer Pro | Par timer | iOS, Android | Free to try | Dry fire training |
| IPSC Shot Timer | Shot timer | Android | Free | Live fire shot detection |
| Splits | Shot timer | Android | Free | Basic shot detection |
| Shot Timer - Range Trainer | Shot timer | iOS | Free w/ IAP | Coaching features |
| Recoil Shot Timer | Shot timer | Apple Watch | Subscription | Watch-based timing |
Timer Apps Reviewed
1. Par Timer Pro – Best Par Timer (iOS & Android)
Par Timer Pro is a par timer app available on both iPhone and Android. It's not a shot timer—it doesn't detect gunshots. Instead, it gives you a start beep and an end beep at your target par time, which is exactly what you need for dry fire training.
- Works on both iOS and Android
- Clean, simple interface
- Drill history tracking
- Video drill guides
- Random start delay
- Works offline
- Par timer only (no shot detection)
- No Apple Watch app
Best for: Dry fire training, USPSA/IDPA competitors who want a simple par timer without complexity.
2. IPSC Shot Timer (Android)
The IPSC Shot Timer is one of the most popular shot timer apps on Android. It uses your phone's microphone to detect gunshots and record split times, similar to a hardware shot timer.
- Detects actual shots via microphone
- Records split times automatically
- Multiple timing modes
- Free to use
- Android only
- Shot detection can be inconsistent
- Sensitive to background noise
- Older interface design
Best for: Android users who want automatic shot detection for live fire training.
3. Splits (Android)
Splits is another Android shot timer app that focuses on simplicity. It offers basic shot detection and timing features without a lot of extra complexity.
- Simple, clean interface
- Shot detection via microphone
- Free
- Android only
- Limited features
- Less active development
Best for: Android users who want a minimal shot timer without extra features.
4. Shot Timer - Range Trainer (iOS)
Shot Timer - Range Trainer is an iOS app that combines shot timing with coaching features. It includes various drill types and the ability to attach photos to your drill history.
- Multiple drill types
- Coaching tips
- Photo attachments for results
- Good interface
- iOS only
- Some features require in-app purchase
Best for: iPhone users who want guided coaching and structured training programs.
5. Recoil Shot Timer (Apple Watch)
Recoil Shot Timer from Scoring Technologies takes a unique approach: it runs on your Apple Watch and detects shots through recoil impulse rather than sound. This makes it work in noisy range environments where microphone-based detection fails.
- Works in noisy environments
- Recoil-based detection is innovative
- Timer on your wrist
- Requires Apple Watch
- Subscription pricing
- Only works with live fire
Best for: Apple Watch owners who shoot at busy ranges where microphone detection doesn't work.
Shot Timer App vs. Hardware Shot Timer
Should you use a shot timer app or buy a dedicated hardware timer like the Competition Electronics Pocket Pro or PACT Club Timer?
Use an app if:
- You primarily do dry fire training at home
- You want a low-cost solution
- You need par time functionality
- You're just getting started with timed training
Consider hardware if:
- You need reliable shot detection at a busy range
- You're a match director or run stages
- You want the most accurate split times possible
- You compete seriously and need consistent timing
Best App for Dry Fire Training
For dry fire training, you don't need shot detection—there's no gunshot to detect. What you need is a reliable par timer that gives you a start beep and an end beep so you can practice drawing, reloading, and transitioning against the clock.
Par Timer Pro is built specifically for this use case. Set your target par time, and the app beeps to start and beeps again when time runs out. Track whether you're beating your par times and see your improvement over training sessions.
Best Shot Timer App for USPSA & IDPA
Competitive shooters training for USPSA, IDPA, or IPSC matches benefit from both par timer drills (for specific skill work) and shot detection (for measuring actual performance).
For home dry fire, use Par Timer Pro to practice draws, reloads, and position entries. For live fire at the range, Android users can try IPSC Shot Timer for automatic split recording, while iOS users might consider Shot Timer - Range Trainer or a hardware timer for the most reliable results.
Conclusion
The best timer app depends on how you train:
- Dry fire at home: Par Timer Pro – par timer (iOS & Android)
- Live fire on Android: IPSC Shot Timer – shot detection
- Live fire on iPhone: Shot Timer - Range Trainer or hardware timer
- Apple Watch users: Recoil Shot Timer – recoil-based detection
For most shooters, starting with a par timer app for dry fire training delivers the most improvement per dollar spent. You can always add a hardware shot timer later when you need reliable shot detection at the range.