We analyzed 19 negative reviews from the top 5 Chess Timer apps on the App Store. Here's what users hate most.
Ranked by frequency — how often each complaint appears in negative reviews.
21% of negative reviews mention this issue.
"Timer runs faster than a standard second more often than not, usually after completing one timer cycle and trying to start another."
"If you move quickly, it won't reduce the time, and sometimes it will even add a few seconds."
21% of negative reviews mention this issue.
"No updates in a long time appears to be abandoned. No iOS updates or updates for new hardware."
"This app is on life support until it gets updated."
11% of negative reviews mention this issue.
"Everything about this app is great except it doesn't keep the screen on which makes it kinda unusable."
"the brightness on the phone and does not allow the clock to be visible in certain outdoor settings."
5% of negative reviews mention this issue.
"if you use more than one finger to hit the timer, it won't count. You have to use one finger for it to consistently work. If you slap it like you would a regular button, multiple fingers touch"
11% of negative reviews mention this issue.
"My app no longer makes a click noise when you hit the button. Even when I toggle it on/off."
"I used o love the beep sound but it stopped working :("
5% of negative reviews mention this issue.
"I've tried to create a custom time of 10 minutes, but it does not seem to save."
Design and usability issues driving negative reviews.
Apps fail to keep screen active during games, requiring users to manually change system settings
"Everything about this app is great except it doesn't keep the screen on which makes it kinda unusable. So I have to go into iPhone settings and click never sleep screen then go back into settings after I'm done playing"
Apps require precise single-finger taps instead of natural slapping motion used with physical chess clocks
"if you use more than one finger to hit the timer, it won't count. You have to use one finger for it to consistently work. If you slap it like you would a regular button, multiple fingers touch"
Users find preset time controls too restrictive with no flexibility
"Not great. Very limited."
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