The reason for this list of free online timers lies in my hunt for an exercise timer. A Google search netted me quite a few, along with a mixed bag of online timers and clocks for all sorts of purposes. If the PDA and the mobile phone wasn't enough, these online timers are threatening to turn the watch (or clock) into just a fashion accessory or a wall decoration. Most of us won't shed too many tears as an URL can save us quite a few bucks as online timers are commonly free and accessible via the browser.

Online timers have many uses. It can not only be used to track time and keep to deadlines but also be used for play and tests. It can also be used to do everyday stuff like cook eggs and workouts.

Here are ten free online timers that may help you use time more wisely.

Tabata Timer

free online timers

Tabata is a high-intensity cardio workout with alternating cycles of different exercises and short rest intervals. This free online Tabata Timer mirrors the iPhone app but is free unlike the app. Of course, unlike the iPhone app you cannot carry it around. But if you are exercising in front of your computer, the vocal prompts and the configurable exercise options should do the trick.

You can find two more Tabata clocks at Online Tabata Clock and SpeedBagForum.

Chess Clock

online countdown timers

Each player gets the default of 20 minutes in a game but you can click on the clock to change the time. Hit Start and the game is on. Clicking Switch or hitting the spacebar shifts to the other players' chess clock. You also get five time control options. If you aren't sure of your Internet connection, the file can also be downloaded and used offline. Online-Stopwatch.com also has a cool collection of nearly dozen stopwatch and timer apps which can be run online or downloaded to the desktop.

CubeTimer

online countdown timers

If you think that you can best the Rubik's Cube in the quickest time possible, log all your solve times on this online timer app. Using the dropdown, you can keep time for different variations of the Rubik's cube.The timer uses a cookie to store your solve times and computes your average time from the total. Added usability includes clearing the solve times individually, or all at once.

Egg Watchers

online countdown timers

The concept is about having some idle fun while an egg gets cooked. The egg timer takes your choice of egg preparation and calculates the time to cook it and accordingly shows you a YouTube video. The video is random, so there's a chance that you will get a blank black screen if the YouTube video has been removed due to any reason. But yes, you will need a computer in the kitchen to watch the egg timer counting up (see also Directory mention).

Kitchen Timer [No Longer Available]

online timers

If you are still there on the stove, the Kitchen Timer does double duty as a recipe search engine and as an egg timer. Search for your favorite recipe using the integrated Google Search and set your timer according to the recipe. You can also add multiple timers and run them simultaneously.

Steep.it [No Longer Available]

online timers

This timer does for tea what the above two do for eggs and other recipes. You can follow the times listed for different types of tea or just type in the time as shown in the address bar. The timer announces the countdown with a ring.

online timers

If you haven't heard about the Pomodoro Technique, it's not a problem. It is a time management method that breaks down any task into chunks of 25-minutes with short rest intervals and is based on the idea that frequent breaks can improve focus. The online app works on the principal by counting down the 25 minutes (and also recording the sessions) and helping you boost your focus in the process. You can also download the free desktop app (see also Directory mention).

x.Minutes.at

Here's another way to stop wasting time by idle web browsing. Use the field box to enter the URL of any site with the time you plan to spend there. The online timer lets you know when the time's up. Minutes.at uses frames to display the countdown. I really wanted to use it on my Gmail account, but one has to open Gmail in a separate window as Gmail does not play nice with frames. Facebook doesn't do too. But the timer still functions in the adjoin tab and pops up a alert when the clock runs down (see also Directory mention).

The Poker Clock [Broken URL Removed]

A fancy online poker clock helps you do away with a physical one. The online clock has a really loud bell when the countdown to a round ends. You can choose the blinds and set the time for the rounds before clicking on Start (see also Directory [Broken URL Removed] mention).

Do Nothing For 2 Minutes

free online timers

Reading this post must have been a strain on the eyes. Click on the above link and seek a bit of relaxation. Just don't touch the mouse or the keys.

At the end of 2 minutes, do let us know about any cool or unusual free online timers that got left out of this list. Also, let us know about any favorite timer or clock app that you regularly use for time management or productivity.

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