The 6 Best Chess Timers
This wiki has been updated 15 times since it was first published in April of 2020. When playing a timed chess match, players need a reliable way to indicate that their turn is over. This is where small clocks come in. Accurately keeping time is extremely critical in rapid, blitz, or bullet game modes, as competitors may take less than a second to make a move. These timers exist in all shapes and sizes, but their level of accuracy is ultimately most important. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Robolife PQ9907S
2. Xflyee Digital Clock
3. DGT DM4ARD
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.
4. DGT 3000 Limited Edition
5. US Chess Federation ZMFII
6. Betterline Retro Clock
Nate Lakritz is a tech writer from San Jose, CA. He’s currently studying computer engineering at UC Santa Cruz and has worked at a few well-known Silicon Valley tech companies over the years. He’s been a staff writer for several online gaming publications including BagoGames, GameGrin, and his own personal project — Launch Party Gaming. A successful career as a game reviewer, interviewer, and news writer led to him Ezvid Wiki in early 2020. Knowledgeable about the newest trends in cutting-edge technology, he hopes to share his excitement for the latest and greatest devices with the world.