The 6 Best Chess Timers

Editor's Notes

May 14, 2020:

Chess timers are usually the last thing a competitive player wants to think about when preparing for or engaging in a fast-paced match of the classic game. However, it can make or break their performance. If one of these clocks malfunctions it will at best distract the participants. In some cases, such a scenario will cause the entire game to be voided. These timers commonly support a wide variety of game modes and are used to prevent players from arguing about time or dragging out a match.

I chose the Robolife PQ9907S for our top spot because it’s affordable and reliable. Most chess timer buyers aren’t trying to get a flashy product. Instead, they want something that works, will last a long time, and is easy to set up. This item fits that description perfectly and doesn’t make a simple task more complicated than it needs to be. Sure, there aren't modes for certain rare variations of chess, but it’s a great option for most people.

The Betterline Retro Clock should definitely be mentioned here, since it’s the only analog device on this list. These types of chess timers have gotten less popular over recent years because their buttons are usually hard to press and they don’t present time as accurately as digital ones. However, players often love the tactile feel of slamming on a button to intimidate their opponent and swap turns. Also, they have a nice classic look that pairs well with an old school game like chess.