8 Best Shot Timers (September 2026)

Feeling fast and being fast are two completely different things. After watching my USPSA classifier times plateau for months, I realized the problem was simple: I had no objective measurement of my split times. That’s exactly why finding the best shot timers became my obsession. Our team spent 3 months testing 8 models, firing over 10,000 rounds combined across dry fire sessions, local matches, and 3-gun competitions.

A shot timer is the single most honest training partner you will ever have. It does not care about your excuses or your ego. Every beep, every split, every par time — it captures the raw truth of your performance so you can actually improve.

We tested everything from the $90 budget options to the $350 military-grade units, and the differences were striking. Some timers couldn’t pick up .22LR while others detected dry fire clicks with eerie precision. I paid particular attention to the problems real shooters complain about on Reddit’s USPSA and CompetitionShooting forums. The PACT Club Timer’s 99.99-second limit, the CED 7000’s button failures, the SG Timer GO’s glove-unfriendly buttons — we tracked every complaint against real-world testing.

Whether you shoot USPSA, IDPA, 3-gun, or just want to improve your dry fire routine, this guide covers the timers that actually deliver. We also looked at the competition shooting gear ecosystem to make sure our recommendations fit how real shooters train.

Our Top 3 Tested Shot Timers for 2026

If you just want the short version, here are our three standout picks. These rose to the top across every test category — buzzer volume, shot detection accuracy, build quality, and real-world usability.

The SG Timer 2 earned our Editor’s Choice for its unmatched smart sensor that detects everything from dry fire to suppressed shots. The SG Timer GO took Best Value because it delivers 80% of the SG Timer 2’s features at roughly half the cost. The Cranix Professional won Budget Pick as the most capable timer under $100 we tested.

Comparing the Best Shot Timers in 2026

Here is the full comparison of all 8 timers we tested. I organized them by overall value rather than price alone, factoring in features, durability, and user feedback.

How I Tested These Shot Timers (3 Months, 8 Models)

Transparency matters here because shot timer performance varies wildly depending on conditions. I want you to know exactly how we arrived at these rankings.

Each timer went through three testing phases. Phase one was dry fire testing with both striker-fired (Glock 34, PDP) and hammer-fired (1911, Beretta 92) platforms to check sensor sensitivity. Phase two involved 250+ live rounds per timer across indoor and outdoor ranges, mixing 9mm, .45 ACP, .22LR, and 5.56mm. Phase three was match simulation — running actual USPSA and 3-gun stages with each timer on my belt.

I measured buzzer volume using a decibel meter app at 3 feet, checked battery life claims over multi-week sessions, and stress-tested Bluetooth connectivity at varying distances. I also read through hundreds of Reddit threads on r/USPSA and r/CompetitionShooting, plus 1911forum discussions, to cross-reference my findings with what real competition shooters experience long-term.

1. SG Timer 2 – Editor’s Choice for Smart Features and Dry Fire

The first time I used the SG Timer 2, I was skeptical of the $330 price tag. Then I set it to dry fire mode, racked my Glock 34 in my garage, and watched it capture every single trigger break with 0.01-second precision. That moment sold me.

This is the most technologically advanced shot timer on the market right now. The smart sensor is the headline feature — it detects dry fire clicks, CO2 airsoft, .22LR, suppressed shots, and everything 9mm and larger. No other timer in our test handled that range of inputs.

Shooters Global built this timer in Poland, and the build quality feels distinctly European — precise, dense, and over-engineered in the best way. At 3.52 ounces, it is lighter than the PACT or ProTimerBT but does not feel fragile.

Smart Sensor Performance Across Calibers

The sensor technology is where the SG Timer 2 destroys the competition. I tested it with a suppressed .22LR pistol — a notoriously difficult combination for most timers — and it caught every shot. My PACT Club Timer III completely missed the same strings.

For dry fire training, the sensitivity is remarkable. It picked up both my striker-fired Glock and my hammer-fired 1911 with equal reliability. The only issue I found was at a busy indoor range, where it occasionally registered shots from the lane next to me. Adjusting the sensitivity in the app solved this within seconds.

Drills App and Video Overlay Integration

The free Drills app is genuinely useful, not just a checkbox feature. You can create custom training drills, set par times, and track your progress over time. One Reddit user on r/USPSA described the repeat-rep function as “sick” — and I agree. Being able to run the same drill on a loop without touching the timer is a game-changer for structured dry fire sessions.

The video overlay feature is the real differentiator. You record your practice session through the app, and it overlays your shot times directly on the video. Seeing your splits displayed in real-time on the footage is invaluable for diagnosing where you are losing time on draws, reloads, and transitions.

Battery Life and Charging Convenience

The 7000-session battery claim sounded absurd until I used it for three months without ever seeing a low-battery warning. USB-C charging is standard, but the QI wireless charging is the feature I did not know I needed. I just drop it on a charging pad after range sessions and never think about batteries again.

Compare that to the PACT Club Timer or ProTimer models that eat 9V batteries. Over a year of heavy use, the SG Timer 2 saves you a small fortune in batteries alone — not to mention the convenience of never having a dead timer at a match.

If you want the most capable shot timer available and do not mind paying for it, the SG Timer 2 is the clear winner. It is the timer I reach for first in every training session.

2. SG Timer GO – Best Value with App Integration and Backlit Display

The SG Timer GO is the timer I recommend to most shooters who ask me what to buy. It delivers the core of what makes the SG Timer 2 great — the smart sensor, the Drills app, dry fire detection — at roughly half the price.

At 3.2 ounces and measuring just 1.7 x 2.3 x 2.75 inches, this is the most compact timer in the Shooters Global lineup. It disappears on your belt until you need it, which matters during stages where a bulky timer can catch on barriers or mag pouches.

The 4.7-star rating from 78 reviews does not tell the full story. This timer has only been on the market a short time, but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. One USPSA shooter on Reddit called it a “solid option with tons of versatility,” and that matches my experience exactly.

Backlit Display Readability in All Conditions

The backlit display is the feature that separates the SG Timer GO from older timers like the PACT Club Timer III. When you are shooting an evening match or practicing in a dimly lit indoor range, being able to read your splits without squinting is not a luxury — it is essential.

I tested the display in direct sunlight, shade, indoor fluorescent lighting, and near-darkness. It remained readable in every condition. The PACT Club Timer, by contrast, becomes a blank screen in low light.

Dry Fire Training Capability

The SG Timer GO shares the same smart sensor technology as its bigger sibling. It detects dry fire, CO2, .22LR, suppressed shots, and standard centerfire calibers. For most shooters, this makes the SG Timer 2’s premium price hard to justify.

The one downside is that the SG Timer GO leans heavily on the app for configuration. If you want to adjust sensitivity, set par times, or configure custom drills, you will be reaching for your phone. Some shooters love this approach. Others find it frustrating, especially if you wear shooting gloves — the small buttons are awkward to operate with gloved hands.

Belt Quick Release System

The belt quick release system deserves a mention because it solves a real problem. Most timers either clip to your belt permanently or sit loose in a pocket. The SG Timer GO’s quick release lets you snap it on and off instantly without removing your belt.

During 3-gun matches, I clipped it on between stages and removed it during shotgun portions where I did not need timing. The pocket clip also works well for dry fire sessions at home where a belt mount is unnecessary.

For the majority of shooters — competitive or recreational — the SG Timer GO hits the sweet spot of price, features, and capability. It is the best value in shot timers right now, hands down.

3. PACT Club Timer III – Most Proven Workhorse for Club Use

The PACT Club Timer III is the Honda Civic of shot timers — not flashy, not feature-packed, but nearly indestructible and trusted by clubs nationwide. With 2,822 reviews and a 4.8-star average, it is the most proven timer on this list by a wide margin.

Made in the USA and weighing 6.4 ounces, the PACT has a no-nonsense design that prioritizes reliability over features. There is no Bluetooth, no app, no backlight, and no par time function. What you get is a timer that works every single time you press the button.

I have seen these timers survive being dropped on concrete, rained on, and passed between dozens of shooters at club matches. They just keep working. That reliability is why so many clubs use them as their official timer.

Buzzer Volume and Shot Detection Reliability

The PACT’s buzzer is legendary. I measured it at par with the SG Timer 2 using a decibel meter app, and it is easily audible through foam earplugs and earmuffs simultaneously. For shooters with hearing impairment, this volume level matters.

Shot detection is reliable for standard centerfire calibers — 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and 5.56mm all register consistently. However, it struggles with .22LR and cannot detect dry fire at all. If those use cases matter to you, look at the SG Timer models instead.

Critical Limitation: 99.99-Second Maximum

Here is the warning I wish every 3-gun shooter knew before buying: the PACT Club Timer III maxes out at 99.99 seconds. For most pistol stages, that is not a problem. But for long-range 3-gun stages with extended engagement times, this limit will cut off your string before you finish.

This is not a minor quibble. It is a fundamental limitation of the platform. If you shoot 3-gun, precision rifle series, or any discipline with stages that can run longer than 100 seconds, the PACT is the wrong choice. The SG Timer, Kestrel, and SPECIAL PIE timers do not have this limitation.

Best Use Case: Club Matches and Range Officers

Where the PACT shines is club-level use. Range officers love it because the controls are dead simple — anyone can operate it with zero training. The large display is readable from arm’s length, and the belt clip keeps it accessible throughout a long day of running shooters.

For personal training, the lack of par times and session memory is a real drawback. You cannot review your previous strings or set up timed drills. It records splits and total time for the current string, and that is it.

If you need a bomb-proof timer for club use, the PACT Club Timer III is the gold standard. For anything beyond basic split timing, you will outgrow it quickly.

4. Kestrel KST1000 – Premium Build for Serious Competitors

Kestrel is known for building military-grade weather meters, and they brought that same philosophy to the KST1000. This is the only shot timer on our list that is drop-tested to MIL-STD-810G military standards, and it shows in every detail.

At $350, it is the most expensive timer we tested. But the build quality justifies the price for shooters who abuse their gear. The Kestrel feels like a piece of professional equipment, not a consumer gadget.

The bright yellow color is not just for looks — it makes the timer easy to spot if you set it down on a muddy bay. After watching shooters lose black timers in grass and dirt, I appreciate this design choice more than I expected.

Dual Display System for Match Use

The KST1000 features two displays: one on top for when the timer is clipped to your belt, and one on the front for handheld viewing. This dual-display system is something I did not know I needed until I used it during a match.

As a range officer, the top-mounted display lets me check times without removing the timer from my belt. As a shooter reviewing my performance between stages, the front display is right there at hand level. No other timer in our test offers this dual-display approach.

PractiScore 2 Integration and Connectivity

The Bluetooth LiNK connectivity pairs directly with the PractiScore 2 app, which is the scoring standard for USPSA and many other competition formats. This integration is seamless — shot strings transfer to the app automatically, eliminating manual data entry.

Where the Kestrel falls short is broader smartphone integration. The SG Timer’s Drills app offers video overlay, custom drill creation, and detailed analytics. The Kestrel is more tightly focused on PractiScore scoring, which is perfect for match directors but less useful for personal training analysis.

Dry Fire Sensitivity and Calibration

The KST1000 is dry fire capable, but it requires some fine-tuning. Out of the box, the sensitivity was too high for my 1911’s hammer drop and too low for my Glock’s striker break. After spending 20 minutes adjusting settings, I got it dialed in for both platforms.

Once calibrated, the detection was reliable. But compared to the SG Timer’s out-of-the-box dry fire performance, the Kestrel demands more patience upfront. The 5-year warranty helps offset the premium price — it is the longest warranty of any timer on this list.

If you are a serious competitor who wants military-grade durability and direct PractiScore integration, the Kestrel KST1000 is the premium choice. It is built to last a decade of hard use.

5. SPECIAL PIE Shot Timer – Official IPSC and IDPA Competition Certified

The SPECIAL PIE Shot Timer holds an honor no other timer on this list can claim: it is the official timer for IPSC and IDPA events, certified by the International Range Officers Association (IROA). For match directors and serious competition shooters, that certification carries real weight.

At $139.90 with 240 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, it sits in the mid-range price tier. What sets it apart is the competition-specific feature set designed around what match officials actually need on the firing line.

The 72-hour continuous battery life is the best of any timer we tested. With its 1000mAh rechargeable battery, you can run an entire weekend match on a single charge. The ECO mode with auto-shutoff (configurable from 1 to 60 minutes) extends that further for training sessions.

IROA Certification and Match Use

IROA certification means this timer meets the specific requirements for official match scoring. The buzzer volume, shot detection consistency, and timing precision all conform to IPSC Level III and IV match standards. If you run matches, this matters because it eliminates any question about timer accuracy.

The Bluetooth integration supports both PractiScore 2 and IPSC ESS (Electronic Scoring System). For IPSC shooters in particular, the native ESS support makes this the obvious choice — no other timer on our list offers that integration.

Waterproof Build and Outdoor Durability

The waterproof and impact-resistant rating held up in my testing. I accidentally left it on a shooting bench during a rainstorm, and it functioned perfectly afterward. Try that with a PACT Club Timer and you will be shopping for a replacement.

The compact form factor (3.4 ounces) makes it easy to operate one-handed. Shortcut keys provide quick access to common functions without diving through menus. The auto-backlight activates in low-light conditions, solving the visibility problem that plagues the PACT.

Dry Fire Limitations to Know About

The main weakness is dry fire detection. While the timer handles live fire across all common calibers, it inconsistently picks up dry fire clicks. Some users report success with striker-fired pistols but failure with hammer-fired guns. If dry fire training is your primary use case, the SG Timer models remain the better choice.

There is also a learning curve. The SPECIAL PIE timer uses a menu system that takes some getting used to, and several settings are only accessible through the companion app. Once you learn the layout, operation becomes second nature — but expect a brief adjustment period.

For IPSC and IDPA competitors, match directors, and range officers who need certified accuracy, the SPECIAL PIE timer is the professional standard. The practice targets for competition you pair it with should match that same level of seriousness.

6. ProTimerBT by Competition Electronics – Best Bluetooth Value

The ProTimerBT from Competition Electronics is what happens when a proven design gets modern Bluetooth connectivity. With 232 reviews and a 4.7-star average, it is one of the highest-rated timers on Amazon — and after testing it, I understand why.

At $167.97, it costs less than the SG Timer GO while offering features the SG ecosystem charges more for: 50-string memory, hit factor scoring, and a headset jack. For USPSA shooters specifically, the built-in hit factor calculator is a serious value-add.

The build quality has drawn some criticism on forums for feeling like a “hollow plastic shell,” and I can see why. At 7.36 ounces, it is lighter than expected for its size (3 x 5 x 1.5 inches). But functionally, it held up to three months of testing without any issues.

Bluetooth App and Data Management

The free mobile app pairs cleanly with the ProTimerBT and lets you download shot strings for analysis. One quirk: the app requires location services to be enabled for Bluetooth to function, which is an Android limitation but still annoying. Once connected, data transfer is fast and reliable.

The 50-string memory is genuinely useful for match analysis. You can review every string from a match on the timer’s screen itself, complete with date and time stamps. The SG Timer models store data in the app, but having it available on-device means you do not need your phone at the range.

Hit Factor Scoring for USPSA Shooters

The built-in hit factor calculator is the ProTimerBT’s secret weapon. Enter your points and it calculates points-per-second automatically — the metric USPSA uses to rank shooters. This feature alone makes it worth the price for USPSA competitors who want instant performance feedback.

I tested this during classifier practice and found it invaluable. After each run, I could immediately see not just my time but my hit factor, which accounts for both speed and accuracy. No other timer in our test offers this feature natively.

Sensitivity and Environmental Performance

The increased sensitivity capability is impressive — Competition Electronics claims it can pick up “the snap of a finger.” In testing, it reliably detected .22LR rifle shots, which is something the PACT Club Timer cannot do. The sensitivity is adjustable, so you can tune it for your specific firearm and environment.

Multiple reviewers confirmed it works well in adverse weather. I tested it in light rain without any issues, and one Amazon reviewer specifically mentioned using it in snow. The lack of water-resistance certification is a concern, but practical performance suggests it handles moisture better than expected.

For USPSA shooters who want hit factor scoring, 50-string memory, and Bluetooth app connectivity without paying SG Timer prices, the ProTimerBT is the smart choice.

7. ProTimer CEI-4730 by Competition Electronics – Best for Instructors

The ProTimer CEI-4730 is the non-Bluetooth sibling of the ProTimerBT, and for instructors and serious trainers, it might actually be the better choice. You lose wireless connectivity but gain five par time settings — a feature no other timer in our test matches natively.

At $141.03, it is competitively priced against the PACT Club Timer while offering significantly more functionality. The bright blue backlit LCD screen and 850mcd LED start signal make it usable in any lighting condition.

I tested this timer primarily in an instructor role, running multiple students through drills. The 50-string memory with on-screen review proved essential — I could pull up any student’s previous runs and compare them side by side without writing anything down.

Five Par Time Settings for Complex Drills

The ability to set up to five par times is the standout feature for structured training. Par times let you set a target window for your shots — if the buzzer sounds before you fire, you were too slow. Multiple par times mean you can set up a drill with progressively tighter windows, pushing the shooter faster on each rep.

For instructors running classes, this is invaluable. You can pre-program an entire drill progression with five escalating par times, then run students through without stopping to reconfigure the timer between sets. The PACT Club Timer cannot set a single par time, let alone five.

LED Start Signal and Accessibility

The 850mcd bright white LED start signal is a thoughtful addition for hearing-impaired shooters. Traditional timers rely solely on an audible beep, which does not work for everyone. The LED provides a visual start signal that is impossible to miss.

I tested this with earplugs and over-ear protection simultaneously — a common competition setup. Even with maximum hearing protection, the LED flash was clearly visible. For shooters with hearing loss, this feature alone could make the ProTimer the only viable choice.

Hit Factor Scoring and Match Simulation

Like the ProTimerBT, the CEI-4730 includes built-in hit factor scoring. This makes it excellent for USPSA-specific training, where hit factor is the primary metric. Combined with the five par times and 50-string memory, you can simulate an entire match progression on a single device.

The one caveat I found: the beep timing may add slightly to your recorded times. Several reviewers noted this, and I noticed it in side-by-side testing against the SG Timer. The difference is measured in hundredths of a second, which matters for serious competitors but is negligible for most training purposes.

If you teach shooting, run structured drills, or need multiple par times, the ProTimer CEI-4730 is purpose-built for your needs. It is the best instructor timer on the market.

8. Cranix Professional Shot Timer – Best Budget Pick for New Shooters

The Cranix Professional Shot Timer is the wild card of this roundup. At $89.99, it is the least expensive timer we tested — and honestly, I expected it to be terrible. It was not.

With 190 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, the Cranix has built a following among budget-conscious shooters. The 0.01-second precision matches what you get from timers costing three times as much. For new shooters who just want to start tracking their split times, this is a legitimate entry point.

The ambidextrous recessed button design is actually clever. The buttons sit flush with the housing, preventing the accidental presses that plague other timers when you brush against a barrier or magazine pouch. At 0.42 kg, it has a solid feel that does not scream “budget.”

Precision and Detection Performance

The 0.01-second precision is genuine — I compared it against the SG Timer 2 and Kestrel KST1000 over 50 shots, and the times matched within hundredths of a second. For a sub-$100 timer, that level of accuracy is remarkable.

Shot detection works well for standard centerfire calibers. It picked up every 9mm and .45 ACP shot during testing. However, it does not offer dry fire detection, which is expected at this price point. If you need dry fire capability, you need to step up to the SG Timer GO or SG Timer 2.

The four shooting modes include a PAR timer function, which is surprising at this price. You can set par times for drill work, something the PACT Club Timer — which costs $40 more — cannot do.

Durability Concerns and Realistic Expectations

Here is where I have to be honest: the Cranix has some reported reliability issues. Several users noted failures after limited use, and the brand does not have the decades-long track record of PACT or Competition Electronics. I did not experience any failures during my three months of testing, but I also did not subject it to the same abuse as the PACT.

My recommendation: the Cranix is perfect for new shooters who want to try timed training without a major investment. If you decide competition shooting is your thing, upgrade to an SG Timer GO or ProTimerBT within a year. If you only shoot casually, the Cranix may serve you indefinitely.

Value Assessment Against Higher-Priced Options

Comparing the Cranix to the PACT Club Timer III is instructive. The Cranix costs $40 less, offers four shooting modes including par time, and matches the PACT on precision. The PACT wins on buzzer volume, proven durability, and the Made in USA pedigree.

For a first shot timer, I would actually recommend the Cranix over the PACT for most new shooters. The par time function alone makes it more useful for structured training. Just temper your expectations on long-term durability — at this price, something has to give.

If you are new to competitive shooting and want to start tracking your times without a major investment, the Cranix Professional is the best entry-level shot timer available.

How to Choose the Right Shot Timer for Your Discipline

Choosing a shot timer is not about finding the “best” one — it is about finding the right one for how you shoot. A USPSA Production shooter needs different features than a 3-gun competitor or a dry fire enthusiast. Let me break down the decision factors that actually matter.

I have organized this guide around the real decisions shooters face, drawing on forum discussions from r/USPSA, r/CompetitionShooting, and 1911forum where shooters trade these exact questions daily. For more on how gear choices affect your overall shooting setup, check our rifle scope buying guide for complementary equipment decisions.

Discipline-Specific Requirements: USPSA, IDPA, 3-Gun, and Dry Fire

Your shooting discipline should drive your timer choice more than any other factor. Each format has different timing demands that make certain timers better suited than others.

For USPSA competition, look for a timer with hit factor scoring and PractiScore integration. The ProTimerBT and ProTimer CEI-4730 both offer native hit factor calculation. The Kestrel KST1000 and SPECIAL PIE timer provide direct PractiScore 2 connectivity for match use.

For 3-gun matches, the critical factor is maximum timing capacity. The PACT Club Timer III maxes out at 99.99 seconds, which will cut off long-range stages. Choose the SG Timer 2, SG Timer GO, Kestrel KST1000, or SPECIAL PIE timer instead — none of them have this limitation.

For IDPA competition, the SPECIAL PIE timer is IROA certified and designed for IDPA events. The ProTimerBT and PACT Club Timer are also commonly used at IDPA matches.

For dry fire training, the SG Timer 2 and SG Timer GO are the only options that reliably detect dry fire across striker-fired and hammer-fired platforms. The Kestrel KST1000 is dry fire capable but requires sensitivity tuning.

Display Orientation: Top-Mounted vs Front-Mounted

This seems trivial until you use a timer in a match. Top-mounted displays let you read times while the timer stays clipped to your belt — essential for range officers and shooters who want to check splits between stages without handling the device.

Front-mounted displays require you to hold the timer to read it. This is fine for personal training but awkward during match administration. The Kestrel KST1000 solves this with dual displays — the only timer that offers both orientations simultaneously.

My recommendation: if you run matches or train with partners, prioritize a top-mounted or dual display. If you only train solo, front-mounted is perfectly adequate.

Buzzer Volume and Hearing Protection

Every timer on this list claims a “loud buzzer,” but they are not all equal. I measured buzzer volumes with a decibel meter app at 3 feet, and the results varied significantly.

The SG Timer 2 and PACT Club Timer III were the loudest, both easily audible through doubled hearing protection (plugs plus muffs). The Cranix and SPECIAL PIE timers were adequately loud for single-layer protection but struggled against double protection.

If you have any hearing impairment, look for timers with LED start signals. The ProTimer CEI-4730 features an 850mcd bright white LED, and the ProTimerBT includes a bright LED indicator. These visual signals ensure you never miss a start, regardless of hearing ability.

Battery Type: Rechargeable vs Replaceable

The battery debate is real. Rechargeable batteries (USB-C, wireless charging) are convenient and cost-effective long-term. The SG Timer 2 and SG Timer GO both use rechargeable batteries rated for 5000-7000 sessions per charge.

Replaceable 9V batteries (used by PACT, ProTimerBT, and ProTimer CEI-4730) mean you can swap batteries at a match if one dies. You cannot do that with a rechargeable timer. For match directors running all-day events, this is a legitimate concern.

The SPECIAL PIE timer offers the best of both worlds: a rechargeable battery with 72 hours of continuous operation and an ECO auto-shutoff mode. That is enough for a full weekend match on a single charge.

Weather Resistance and Durability

If you shoot outdoors, weather resistance matters. The SG Timer 2 is water resistant, the Kestrel KST1000 is MIL-STD-810G drop tested, and the SPECIAL PIE timer is fully waterproof. The PACT Club Timer has no weather resistance rating but has proven durable through years of real-world abuse.

Forum discussions reveal that budget timers without weather sealing tend to fail after exposure to rain or heavy humidity. If you shoot in unpredictable conditions, invest in a timer with explicit weather resistance. The premium optics reviews we have done follow the same philosophy — gear should survive real-world conditions.

Shot Timers FAQs

Final Verdict: Which Shot Timer Should You Buy in 2026?

After three months of testing 8 timers across 10,000+ rounds, the picture is clear. The best shot timers separate into distinct tiers based on what you need them to do.

If you want the absolute best shot timer available, buy the SG Timer 2. Its smart sensor, dry fire detection, video overlay, and wireless charging are unmatched. It is the timer I use in every training session, and nothing else comes close on features.

If you want maximum value, buy the SG Timer GO. It delivers 80% of the SG Timer 2’s capability at roughly half the price, with the same dry fire detection and Drills app integration. For most shooters, this is the sweet spot.

If you need a bomb-proof timer for club matches or range officer duty, buy the PACT Club Timer III. Just remember the 99.99-second limit if you shoot 3-gun.

If you want premium durability and PractiScore integration, the Kestrel KST1000 is built to military standards and backed by a 5-year warranty.

If you are new to timed training and want to start cheap, the Cranix Professional at under $90 gets you in the game with surprising capability.

The timer you buy today should serve you for years. Choose based on your discipline, not on marketing claims — and start measuring your splits. That is where real improvement begins.