Are you looking for one of the best chess clocks? You’re in the right place. In this article, we go over 7 of the best chess clocks and timers for sale on the market today.
Last Updated: June 18th, 2022
What To Look For
When it comes to choosing a timer for playing chess over the board, it only comes down to three criteria.
Durability, reliability, and longevity.
The clock should be made with quality construction so it won’t break if it drops on the ground. It should work perfectly every time you turn it on. And it should last a long time so you don’t have to buy another one every month or so. All of the clocks in this list meet this criteria, and more.
Our Pick
LEAP Digital Chess Clock
Best Chess Clock For Simplicity
This timer is practical, durable, and reliable. It has just what you need. The toggle doesn’t make an annoying clicking sound. It has timer customizations such as time controls to add time after every move. And it’s compact.
1. DGT PI Chess Clock
This DGT clock has to be mentioned first, because it’s not just a Chess timer. It’s the ultimate Chess coach. How would you like a Chess clock that turns your Chess board into the ultimate sparring partner to practice with? That’s the claim by DGT and they stand by it.
How would you like to use Stockfish, offline? Yes, this timer actually has Stockfish, arguably the strongest of all chess engines built into it. Not only that, but it has other engines as well. Including Texel, Arasan, and Rodent II just to name a few. This is why we are putting this clock at numero uno.
2. BHB Special Mechanical Chess Clock
This timer by is hands down one of the best chess clocks you’ll come across. Made by one of the largest Chess magazines, New in Chess, you know they won’t put their name on anything but the best for Chess players.
If you’re thinking, “$80 for just a chess timer?” like I was—yes, spending $80 for a proper, well functioning clock while playing chess is worth every penny.
Imagine playing a game and shifting your eyes to your clock only to see two clock hands that stopped moving. It happens all the time when you’re using cheap timers.
3. DGT 3000
The DGT 3000 is one of the most popular Chess timers on the market. It has all the bells and whistles you could want in a timer. Made by the DGT company which one of the veterans in the Chess world. They have been making a wide variety of Chess equipment like boards and timers since 1992. To learn more about them, visit the about page at DGT.
4. DGT North American Timer
The DGT North American Timer is another one of the best timers out there. You can’t go wrong with getting a timer or anything else Chess related from DGT.
The clock comes with a whopping 16 contrast settings so you can use it in any lighting. It even has multi-period delay settings so you can customize it for your needs. Not to mention the bonus (“Fischer”) options that it also comes with.
5. Zmart Fun II
The Zmart Fun II digital clock has a solid and vibrant look to it. Its neon blue colors make it fun to use on a Friday night at a party, because who doesn’t play Chess at parties? Its name has the word “Fun” in it for a reason. Made by Zmart, this timer is well built making it’s durability top notch.
6. Leap Digital Chess Clock
This LEAP digital Chess clock is the timer I personally use every day. I’m very happy that I bought this one. My biggest concern about buying a timer was getting one that did not make an annoying sound when you hit the timer after every move.
This timer doesn’t make an annoying “clicking” sound, in fact it feels good to hit the timer. The way it slides down, the material the toggle is made of is what makes the difference.
7. Queens Gambit Clock
Fan of The Queens Gambit? How would you like the same chess clock from the show? This retro clock is of similar design used back in the time period that the show is based in.
It has the classic retro analog style that is uniquely designed according to The Queens Gambit. And it’s made by LEAP, the same company as the timer above that I use every day.
Update: This clock has recently sold out. This is a similar timer that’s recommended.
Final Thoughts
The fact is, not all Chess clocks are created equal, even though they might seem simple, it’s the small details that make the difference. So if you want to feel like you’re playing Chess in the 1960’s, this timer would be one to try.
I hope this list of the best chess timers gave you some good suggestions on which one will work for your needs. If you’re interested in other resources, check out the list of the best chess magazines. For more information on timers, refer to the guide on chess Clocks.
