Online Timer - Free Countdown Timer

Free Online Timer — Set a Countdown Timer with Alarm

OnlineAlarm.org's free online timer lets you set a countdown from any combination of hours, minutes, and seconds. When the time is up, a loud alarm sound plays to alert you. No app to download, no account to create — just set the duration and press Start Timer.

Works on Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPhone, iPad, and Android — anywhere you have a web browser.

How to Set a Timer Online

Choose the duration — Select Hours, Minutes, and Seconds using the dropdowns, or tap a quick preset (15s, 20s, 30s, 45s, 1m, 5m, 10m, 15m).
Pick an alert sound — Choose from 12 alarm tones: Classic, Clock, Siren, Flute, Alien, Birds, Buzzer, Childhood, Mystic, Nuclear, Rain, or Rooster. Preview any sound before starting.
Label your timer (optional) — Add a name like “Pasta”, “Break Time”, or “Stretch”.
Click “Start Timer” — The countdown begins immediately with a large, easy-to-read display. The browser tab title updates with the remaining time so you can track it from another tab.

Timer Controls

Once the timer is running, you have full control:

Pause — Temporarily stop the countdown. The remaining time is preserved.
Resume — Continue from where you paused.
Restart — Reset to the original duration and start the countdown again from the beginning.
Stop — End the timer immediately and clear the countdown.

When the countdown reaches zero, your selected alarm sound plays continuously until you press Stop or Restart.

Set Timer for a Specific Duration

Use these direct links to quickly set a timer for a specific duration:

Features of Our Online Timer

Custom duration — Set any time from 1 second to 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds.
8 quick presets — One-click buttons for 15s, 20s, 30s, 45s, 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes.
12 alarm sounds — Gentle tones (Birds, Rain, Flute) to urgent alerts (Siren, Nuclear, Buzzer). Preview before starting.
Pause & resume — Take a break without losing your progress.
Restart button — Repeat the same timer with a single click — great for intervals and repetitions.
Live countdown in tab title — Monitor the timer even while working in another tab.
Progress bar — Visual indicator shows how much time remains at a glance.
Custom timer name — Label your countdown so you know what it's for.
Auto-save settings — Your last-used duration, sound, and name are remembered for next time.
Multiple timers — Open separate browser tabs to run several countdowns simultaneously.
Responsive design — Large digits that look great on phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops.
Dark & light mode — Switches automatically with your system or manually toggle.

When to Use an Online Timer

Cooking & baking — Never overcook pasta, burn cookies, or forget about boiling eggs. Set a kitchen timer and hear the alarm when it's done.
Study & productivity — Use timed study sessions (Pomodoro technique) to stay focused. Pair with our Pomodoro Timer for automated work/break cycles.
Workouts & fitness — Time HIIT intervals, rest periods, planks, and circuit training routines.
Presentations & meetings — Keep speakers on track with visible countdown timers.
Classroom & teaching — Time quizzes, group activities, and breakout sessions.
Board games & trivia — Set turn timers for fair play.
Meditation & yoga — Use gentle alarm sounds (Birds, Rain) for a peaceful timer experience.
Power naps — Set a 20-minute timer for a refreshing nap without oversleeping.

Explore More Free Tools

OnlineAlarm.org offers a full suite of free time and productivity tools:

Online Alarm Clock — Set an alarm for any time with 12 sounds and snooze.
Online Stopwatch — Track elapsed time with lap recording.
World Clock — Current time in 45+ cities with day/night indicators.
Pomodoro Timer — Automated 25/5 work-break cycles.
Date Countdown — Track days until holidays, birthdays, and events.
Time Zone Converter — Instantly convert time between any two cities.
Age Calculator — Find your exact age with birthday facts.
Date Calculator — Compute date differences or add/subtract days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set a timer on my computer?

Visit OnlineAlarm.org/timer, choose the hours, minutes, and seconds, pick an alarm sound, and click Start Timer. The countdown begins instantly. Keep the browser tab open until the timer finishes.

Can I set a 5-minute timer quickly?

Yes! Use the quick preset buttons above the controls. Click “5m” and the timer starts immediately — no manual input needed.

Does the timer work on mobile?

Yes. The online timer works on iPhone, Android, and iPad browsers. Make sure your phone is not on silent mode and the tab stays open.

Can I run multiple timers at once?

Absolutely. Open a new browser tab for each timer. Each runs independently with its own duration, sound, and controls — ideal for cooking multiple dishes or managing concurrent tasks.

Will the alarm sound if I switch tabs?

Yes. As long as the timer tab remains open (even in the background), the alarm will sound when the countdown finishes. The tab title shows the remaining time so you can monitor from another tab.

Can I pause and resume the timer?

Yes. Click Pause to temporarily stop the countdown. Click Resume to continue from where you left off. Your remaining time is fully preserved.

Is this timer free?

Yes — 100% free, no sign-up, no downloads, no limitations. Use it as many times as you need on any device with a web browser.