The built-in Clock app on the iPhone is fine, but sometimes you just need something a little different – maybe more customization, better sleep tracking, or an interface that feels less plain. That’s where third-party clock apps come in. Whether it’s for managing alarms, tracking world time zones, or just having a cleaner way to check the time, there are some solid free apps worth downloading. This article breaks down the top free clock apps for iPhone that are actually worth your time.
1. Clock (by Apple)
Clock is Apple’s built-in time management app available on iPhone and iPad. It includes several standard functions such as alarms, world clock, stopwatch, and timers. Each feature is designed to work with iOS systems, and the app is integrated with other Apple tools like Health and Apple Music. Alarm sounds can be selected from system tones or the user’s Apple Music library, although some users have reported issues when using songs that are not fully downloaded to their device.
The app also offers world time tracking with comparisons across cities, basic lap and split tracking with its stopwatch, and multiple configurable timers. However, user feedback indicates certain limitations, including the lack of one-time alarm scheduling by calendar date and inconsistent snooze behavior. Some users have also experienced glitches with music-based alarms following software updates.
Key Highlights:
- Built-in features: alarm, world clock, stopwatch, and timers
- Sleep schedule integration via Health app
- Option to use Apple Music tracks as alarm tones (requires local download)
- Multiple timer support with labels and sound settings
- Stopwatch includes lap and split recording with digital or analog display
Who it’s best for:
- iPhone users who prefer built-in Apple apps
- People who need basic alarm and timer functions
- Users managing sleep routines through iOS Health
- Those tracking time across multiple global cities
- Individuals who already use Apple Music for daily routines
2. Desk Clock – Analog Clock Face
Desk Clock is a free app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that displays an analog clock in full screen. It supports multiple clock styles and features a minimal visual design. The app is intended to serve as a desk display for timekeeping, with a red second hand included for visible tracking of seconds. Users can also activate hourly voice time announcements and access screensaver-style clocks through the download option.
The app includes an alarm feature and prevents the screen from going to sleep while active. Some users use it as a passive time tracker during tasks that require steady visual feedback, like stretching or working at a desk. Optional in-app purchases are available to unlock all styles or remove ads. It supports multiple languages and is compatible with iOS 12 or later.
Key Highlights:
- Full-screen analog clock display
- Multiple visual styles available
- Includes red second hand for second-by-second tracking
- Hourly voice announcements
- Alarm function included
- Clock screensaver option
- Prevents screen sleep during use
Who it’s best for:
- Users who prefer analog clocks over digital interfaces
- Individuals looking for a passive time display while working or exercising
- People who want a full-screen clock as a desk or nightstand setup
- Those seeking basic alarm functions in a visual clock format
- Multilingual users needing broad language support across devices
3. ClockPhone – Big Digital Clocks
ClockPhone is a digital clock app designed for iPhone that offers a wide range of customizations and time management tools. It displays large digits with animation and includes both analog and digital second options. The app supports screen burn-in protection, landscape and portrait modes, and features like time announcements and widgets. It also allows users to modify the display appearance, brightness, and gesture control settings.
In addition to visual clock features, the app includes a timer with interval presets and a flexible alarm system. Alarms can be set by day, shift, or specific date, and they can be dismissed using various input methods such as NFC tag scans or QR/barcode scans. ClockPhone also supports sharing settings and backups. User reviews mention issues tied to updates, but also note that direct communication with the developer is available for fixes or feedback.
Key Highlights:
- Large digital time display with customizable styles
- Clock widgets in simple and transparent formats
- Alarm scheduling by date, weekday, or shift
- Alarm dismiss options: standard, QR/barcode scan, NFC, math tasks
- Timers support Pomodoro, Tabata, and other intervals
- Adjustable brightness and digit appearance
- Time announcements, gesture controls, screen burn-in protection
- Support for custom alarm sounds via Music library or iCloud
- No user data collection reported by the developer
Who it’s best for:
- Users looking for large, easy-to-read digital clocks
- Individuals who need interval-based timers for productivity or workouts
- People who want non-standard alarm dismiss methods
- iPhone users seeking customizable alarm and timer tools
- Those using older devices as desk clocks or nightstand displays
4. The Clocks: Alarm, World Clock
The Clocks is a multifunctional clock app designed for iPhone and iPad, offering users access to flip, digital, and analog clock formats. It includes customization options for display types, scale, brightness, and position, and users can control these through gesture-based inputs. The app supports up to five alarms with snooze adjustments and allows music from the iPod library to be used as an alarm tone when the app remains active in the foreground.
A built-in world clock displays the time in up to six global locations, with support for more than 500 cities. Additional features include burn-in protection, a flashlight function triggered by shaking the device, and a touch lock option. Some users have noted discrepancies in time synchronization across multiple devices and suggested improved customer support access within the app interface.
Key Highlights:
- Flip, digital, and analog clock options
- Five alarm slots with custom snooze settings
- iPod music integration for alarm tones (foreground only)
- World clock supporting six locations from a pool of 500+
- Burn-in protection and brightness control
- Touch lock and shake-to-flashlight feature
- Gesture-based display adjustments
Who it’s best for:
- Users interested in a variety of clock styles
- People managing time across different time zones
- iPhone or iPad owners looking to repurpose older devices as clocks
- Individuals who want basic alarm customization and visual display control
- Those using a secondary device as a bedside or desk clock
5. Digital Clock – Bedside Alarm
Digital Clock – Bedside Alarm is a simple digital clock app available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It features a large LED-style display with adjustable settings such as time format, visibility of date and weekday, and the inclusion of seconds. Users can choose from various visual clock skins and apply different configurations for brightness and layout. A countdown timer and alarm system are also included, with multiple music selections for wake-up sounds and an hourly time broadcast feature.
The app can stay active throughout the night without dimming or locking the screen, which some users have noted as useful during travel or nighttime use. It supports both 12-hour and 24-hour formats and includes a screensaver function for Mac. Some reviews mention issues with in-app purchases being device-specific, which may require additional transactions across multiple devices.
Key Highlights:
- LED-style digital clock display
- Clock skins with customization options
- Countdown timer and music-based alarms
- Hourly time announcements
- Screen remains active during use
- 12-hour and 24-hour display modes
- Option to show or hide date and weekday
- Clock screensaver available for Mac
Who it’s best for:
- Users seeking a digital bedside or desk clock
- People who need a display that stays active overnight
- iPhone or iPad owners wanting to monitor time with seconds visible
- Those who prefer a customizable time display for aesthetic purposes
- Mac users looking to add a clock screensaver to their desktop setup
6. Clock – Simple & Customizable
Clock – Simple & Customizable is a minimal digital time display app designed to use the full screen of iPhones and iPads. It offers a focused, stripped-down interface without complex features. Users can adjust time format settings, such as switching between 12-hour and 24-hour formats, enabling or disabling seconds, and showing fractional time down to tenths, hundredths, or thousandths of a second. These options are accessible directly from the app’s simple settings interface.
Brightness can be adjusted by swiping on the screen, and the app includes a toggle to prevent the device from auto-locking during use. This functionality is useful in situations where uninterrupted time visibility is required. The app is free to use, does not include ads, and no user data is collected by the developer.
Key Highlights:
- Full-screen digital clock interface
- Customizable time display down to milliseconds
- Switch between 12-hour and 24-hour formats
- Adjustable screen brightness via swipe gesture
- Option to keep the screen from auto-locking
- Minimal interface with no ads or pop-ups
Who it’s best for:
- Users who want a distraction-free, always-on digital clock
- People who need to track time precisely, including fractional seconds
- Those looking for a clean clock app for workspaces, desks, or labs
- iPhone and iPad users needing a basic time display without extra tools
- Individuals working in environments where screen dimming is not practical
7. ClockZ | Clock Display + Alarm
ClockZ is a digital clock app that combines display customization with alarm, timer, and stopwatch functions. The interface supports large time readouts with configurable settings such as font size, screen orientation, and background image. The display can be adjusted to include or hide the date, seconds, and weekday. A built-in widget offers time display on the home screen, and the app disables auto-sleep while running.
The app also features music-based alarms and multiple visual themes, with some advanced customizations available via subscription. Users can switch between 12-hour and 24-hour formats by adjusting system settings. While the app offers many tools for free, reviews mention ongoing screen advertisements in the free version that may affect nighttime usage. A subscription removes ads and unlocks additional features such as 3D map backgrounds and text color adjustments.
Key Highlights:
- Digital clock with adjustable size, font, and orientation
- Includes alarm, timer, and stopwatch
- Customizable interface with optional photo and 3D map backgrounds
- Home screen widget for quick time reference
- Auto-lock prevention when app is active
- Optional subscription for additional themes and display settings
Who it’s best for:
- Users seeking a multifunctional digital clock app
- People who want a visible time display with alarm and timer tools
- Those who use photo backgrounds or larger fonts for readability
- iPad or iPhone owners looking for a bedside or nightstand display
- Individuals willing to upgrade for ad-free use and added display features
8. Standby Clock – on Lock Screen
Standby Clock is a digital clock app designed to display time in large format across the lock screen, dynamic island, and within standby mode. It includes adjustable font styles, custom digital color settings, and the ability to show or hide seconds, dates, and days of the week. Users can also configure background music alarms and voice-based hourly chimes. The app supports widgets for both the home and lock screens.
Additional features include a customizable full-screen view and support for background alarms. Some reviewers noted requests for greater display control, such as text positioning and font changes. Others reported that existing features like voice announcements and alarm customization cover basic timekeeping needs. The app includes optional in-app purchases for expanded style options and ad removal.
Key Highlights:
- Full-screen digital clock with font customization
- Lock screen and dynamic island time display
- Hourly chimes and voice time announcements
- Background music alarm support
- Displays date, weekday, and seconds
- Lock screen and home screen widget compatibility
- Adjustable digital color and style settings
Who it’s best for:
- Users who want a clock visible on the lock screen or dynamic island
- People using their device as a stationary bedside or desktop clock
- Those who need hourly chime or voice-based time notifications
- Individuals interested in customizing the look of the digital display
- iPhone and iPad users seeking background alarm functionality
9. The Digital Clock
The Digital Clock is a fullscreen time display app designed for iPhone and iPad. It presents the current time in a large digital format and provides basic customization options. Users can change the font style between standard and digital, toggle seconds on or off, and switch between 12-hour and 24-hour formats. The clock display supports both portrait and landscape orientations.
Customization includes the ability to choose specific background and text colors, and once the clock is active, it displays without ads. There are no additional functions beyond the visual clock settings. The app is designed as a straightforward time display without alarm or timer tools.
Key Highlights:
- Fullscreen digital time display
- No ads shown while the clock is active
- Adjustable font style, background color, and text color
- Supports 12h and 24h formats
- Option to show or hide seconds
- Compatible with portrait and landscape modes
Who it’s best for:
- Users looking for a basic, fullscreen digital clock
- People who want a distraction-free visual clock display
- Those interested in customizing the clock’s color scheme and layout
- Individuals using a secondary device as a desk or bedside clock
- iPhone or iPad owners who don’t need alarm or timer functions
10. Fullscreen Clock – Countdown
Fullscreen Clock – Countdown is a digital clock app designed for fullscreen time display on iPhones and iPads. It includes a basic clock interface with optional features such as a stopwatch, countdown timer, and visual customization tools. Users can apply their own background images, adjust the font style and size, and access a retro or modern visual layout depending on preference. Some configurations also support floating text and a scrolling “bullet screen” overlay for added visual content.
The app has been noted for use in various everyday scenarios, such as acting as a visible time tracker during work sessions or providing a large on-screen clock for activities like morning routines. While basic use is free, additional features require in-app purchases. User feedback highlights both the app’s straightforward functionality and some confusion around accessing certain designs without upgrading to a paid version.
Key Highlights:
- Fullscreen digital clock display
- Stopwatch and countdown timer included
- Custom dial images and background photo options
- Floating text and scrolling overlay features
- Visual style options including retro and modern themes
- Portrait and landscape orientation support
Who it’s best for:
- Users who want a fullscreen clock for display purposes
- People using their device as a desk or wall clock during daily tasks
- Those needing stopwatch or timer functionality alongside a digital clock
- iPad or iPhone owners customizing their screen with clock overlays
- Individuals looking for a visual timer app with basic personalization features
11. My Digital Clock
My Digital Clock is a customizable time display app available for iPhone and iPad. It offers a basic digital clock interface with adjustable clock face and background colors. Users can choose between multiple skins, toggle the display of seconds, and maintain a full-screen digital time view without clutter. Orientation is supported across both portrait and landscape modes.
The app is free to download with optional in-app purchases to remove ads. Users have reported that the clock functions well for regular display use but noted occasional issues with ad removal persistence after reinstallation. A restore purchase option is included in the settings menu for those who switch devices or reinstall the app. There are no additional features beyond static time display and visual customization.
Key Highlights:
- Full-screen digital clock interface
- Adjustable clock and background colors
- Option to display seconds
- Multiple clock skins included
- Supports both portrait and landscape orientation
- In-app purchase to remove advertisements
Who it’s best for:
- Users looking for a basic digital time display with simple customization
- People using old devices as stationary desk or wall clocks
- iPhone or iPad owners who prefer clean visual clocks without extra functions
- Individuals who want a clock without interruptions from ads during use
- Those who want to set a consistent clock layout with adjustable color themes
12. Always On Display: Big Clock
Always On Display: Big Clock is a digital time display app for iPhone and iPad that features a large, full-screen clock with adjustable visuals and a built-in alarm. It includes basic options for modifying font style, color, and brightness, with support for both 12-hour and 24-hour time formats. The app also displays seconds and can be used as a static screensaver when the device is inactive. Some users have reported issues with date accuracy and limited night mode automation.
The app is designed for consistent visibility, especially during charging or as a bedside display. A loud alarm feature is included for use as a wake-up tool. In-app purchases unlock access to additional visual themes and remove ads. The interface supports both portrait and landscape modes, with user feedback highlighting the need for further customization features like automatic night mode scheduling.
Key Highlights:
- Full-screen digital clock with large text
- Adjustable font style, color, and background
- Includes seconds display and 12h/24h format
- Built-in loud alarm clock
- Screensaver functionality for static display
- Supports both portrait and landscape orientations
Who it’s best for:
- Users seeking a large, always-on digital display
- People using their device as a nightstand or desk clock
- Those who need an alarm with sound options for daily routines
- iPhone or iPad owners customizing their screen clock visuals
- Individuals looking for a basic time display with limited extras
13. Atomic Clock PRO
Atomic Clock PRO is a digital and analog time display app that synchronizes with official atomic clock servers over the internet. It displays accurate time based on global atomic standards and automatically adjusts to the user’s time zone. The interface supports both digital and analog modes, and users can swipe between them. Customization features include options for changing the display colors, setting a background image, and toggling between 12-hour and 24-hour formats.
The app includes optional sound signals per second or minute and displays the day, date, and time down to the second. It operates in portrait or landscape mode and disables auto-lock for continuous screen use. There are in-app purchases to remove ads or upgrade to a premium version. While it doesn’t modify the device’s system time, it can be used to manually verify or align other clocks. Some users have noted limitations around font options and persistent display of clock type.
Key Highlights:
- Syncs with atomic time servers via internet
- Displays both digital and analog clock formats
- Auto time zone recognition
- Includes date, weekday, and second display
- Option to add user-defined background images
- Customizable clock colors and sound ticks
- Works in portrait and landscape modes
- Auto-lock disabled for continuous viewing
Who it’s best for:
- Users needing reference to atomic-standard time
- People who manually adjust or calibrate devices or instruments
- Individuals using their device as a visual timepiece on a desk or wall
- Those who prefer a combined analog and digital clock layout
- Users seeking consistent time display while charging or during routine tasks
14. – Digital Clock –
Digital Clock – is a minimal time display app designed for iPhone and iPad. It syncs with the system time on the device and presents a fullscreen digital readout that supports both 12-hour and 24-hour formats. Users can customize the visual appearance by selecting different clock colors. The app is commonly used as a nightstand display or ambient digital clock in home settings.
The app includes a basic alarm feature and retains brightness visibility through the night, functioning as a passive light source for some users. It does not include widgets or advanced features. In-app purchases are available for users who want to upgrade to the premium version and remove ads. It operates in both portrait and landscape orientation and works across iOS and iPadOS versions 15.0 and above.
Key Highlights:
- Fullscreen digital clock synced with device time
- Supports 12-hour and 24-hour formats
- Color customization for time display
- Basic alarm feature included
- Functions in portrait and landscape modes
- Optional in-app purchase to remove ads
Who it’s best for:
- Users needing a simple, static digital time display
- People using a mobile device as a bedside clock
- Those who prefer to match clock visuals to room aesthetics
- Individuals who want a consistent, always-on digital readout
- iPhone and iPad users looking for a basic clock without extra tools or distractions
15. Elegant Digital Clock
Elegant Digital Clock is a minimalist clock display app for iPhone and iPad. It presents a fullscreen digital clock with a clean design intended for use as a desktop or nightstand display. The app includes a basic alarm function and offers a limited degree of customization through long-press gestures, which allow users to change the color of the time and date elements. The display can remain active while the device is idle, serving as a visual centerpiece or time reference in a room or office.
Users interact with the alarm function by tapping a clock icon within the display. The app supports both English and Japanese languages and operates on iOS and iPadOS 14.0 or later. While the core function is stable for some users, occasional crash reports have been noted in reviews.
Key Highlights:
- Fullscreen digital clock display
- Basic built-in alarm feature
- Color customization via long press
- Touch-based access to alarm settings
- Supports both portrait and landscape modes
- Designed for ambient desktop or nightstand use
Who it’s best for:
- Users looking for a clean digital clock interface
- People who prefer minimalist visual displays
- Individuals using a device as a desk or bedside clock
- Those who want a basic clock with no ads or distractions
- iPhone and iPad users who occasionally use alarm functions alongside time display
16. DigitalTOKEI
DigitalTOKEI is a minimal digital clock app for iPhone and iPad, developed to function as a simple on-screen time display. It replaces a physical desk or wall clock and presents a straightforward time readout with no added distractions. The app has removed all advertisements as of its latest update, focusing exclusively on delivering a clean visual experience without interruptions.
The app does not feature alarms, widgets, or advanced customization tools. It runs on devices with iOS or iPadOS 12.0 and above, and supports English and Japanese. With no data collection and a free download model, the app serves as a static, passive time reference while working or during screen downtime.
Key Highlights:
- Simple full-screen digital clock display
- No ads
- Minimal interface, no extra features
- Supports both iPhone and iPad
- No user data collected
Who it’s best for:
- Users seeking a no-frills time display
- People who want a digital clock without ads or distractions
- Those using a mobile device as a desktop clock substitute
- Individuals who do not need alarms, widgets, or customization
- iPhone or iPad users looking for a clean visual time reference during work or rest sessions
17. LED Clock – Pure Color Clock
LED Clock – Pure Color Clock is a minimal digital time display app for iPhone and iPad. It offers a full-screen LED-style clock interface with bold digits and customizable light colors. The app focuses on simplicity and basic readability, without extra features such as widgets or alarms. At the time of writing, it displays time in 24-hour format only, and reviews indicate there is no toggle for 12-hour mode. While users can remove ads with a purchase, some have reported confusion over whether ad removal is fully functional.
It includes basic interface controls and aims to function as a straightforward digital clock replacement. The app supports iOS 11.0 and above and is compatible across Apple devices, including iPads and Macs with Apple Silicon. Future feature updates have been mentioned in the app’s description, though there is no confirmed timeline or details provided.
Key Highlights:
- Full-screen LED digital clock
- Large digits for visibility
- Option to adjust display colors
- Runs on iPhone, iPad, and macOS
- Paid option to remove ads
Who it’s best for:
- Users seeking a simple digital clock without additional features
- Those comfortable with a 24-hour (military) time format
- People using older Apple devices who need a basic display clock
- Users who prefer uncluttered, full-screen time interfaces
- Individuals looking for a low-cost digital clock display app
18. eClock!
eClock! is a clock display app designed for users who want multiple visual styles while tracking time on an iPhone or iPad. It supports several formats including flip clocks, modern dials with smooth rotation, and classical analog layouts with second-hand movement and ticking sound. The app is lightweight and centers around offering a focused time display experience, often used in study sessions or other time-managed activities.
The interface provides simple customization options, such as changing the style of the clock, but remains centered on time presentation without additional functionality like timers or widgets. The app supports iOS 13.0 and later and is available in several languages. Ads can be removed via a small in-app purchase.
Key Highlights:
- Includes multiple clock styles: modern, classical, flip, and digital
- Clock face includes second hand animation and optional ticking sound
- Basic design with touch interaction to switch or adjust appearance
- Low storage requirement (under 10 MB)
- iPhone, iPad, and Mac (Apple Silicon) support
Who it’s best for:
- Users who prefer full-screen clock displays for study or daily planning
- People looking for analog-style clocks with second-hand motion
- Individuals seeking minimal visual distractions while keeping time
- Users with older iPads or devices needing lightweight utility apps
- Anyone interested in rotating between different clock face designs
19. FaceClock Analogue
FaceClock Analogue is an analog-style timekeeping app that includes a variety of clock face options and customization features. Users can switch between more than 20 clock face designs, adjust background images, choose between 12-hour and 24-hour displays, and toggle clock hand motion styles. It also includes support for an inverse (anti-clockwise) layout. The app integrates a basic alarm function, music controls, and a time announcement feature that can read the current time aloud at set intervals in multiple languages.
In addition to its visual features, the app supports swipe gestures for changing screen brightness and includes a battery status display. Users can set alarms with music from their personal library and toggle tik-tok sound effects. Time announcements are available in English, Japanese, Indonesian, Korean, Arabic, and German. Some customization options require an in-app purchase to remove ads.
Key Highlights:
- More than 20 clock face designs
- Alarm function with snooze and music selection
- Time announcements in six languages
- Clock hand animation styles: tik-tok or continuous
- Battery indicator and brightness adjustment via gestures
- Background image customization
Who it’s best for:
- Users looking for analog clocks with multiple design choices
- People who prefer time announcements in various languages
- Those who want a nightstand-style alarm clock with visual effects
- Users interested in customizing the look and feel of a time display
- iPhone and iPad users seeking both 12-hour and 24-hour visual formats
20. Analog Clock & Timer
Analog Clock & Timer is a full-screen mechanical-style clock app that includes a selection of visual and functional features designed to resemble traditional timepieces. It includes options for analog clock faces, voice timekeeping, and timer functionality. The app operates in both landscape and portrait modes and offers support for widgets on the home screen. While four clock faces are available to all users, the full selection of 19 requires a paid VIP subscription, which also unlocks advanced customization options.
The app emphasizes a retro design theme and includes auditory feedback for users who want to replicate the experience of old mechanical clocks. The application has no ads by default and provides users with a mix of visual and auditory features for tracking time. It includes support for date display and aims to provide a nostalgic visual experience through animated hand movements and ticking effects.
Key Highlights:
- Includes analog clock, timer, and voice time announcements
- 19 clock face designs (4 accessible without VIP upgrade)
- Works in landscape and portrait orientations
- No advertisements in the free version
- Option for simulated ticking sound and second-hand movement
- Supports home screen widgets and date display
- VIP unlocks extended customization options
Who it’s best for:
- Users interested in mechanical-style clocks with simulated motion and sound
- People who prefer analog visual formats over digital displays
- Those who want to use a timer and clock without ads
- iPhone and iPad users looking for a minimalist design with optional retro features
- Individuals seeking full-screen clock visuals for desks, nightstands, or focus environments
Conclusion
With so many free clock apps available for iPhone, it really comes down to what each user wants from a time display. Some people just need a clean digital readout, while others look for customization, alarms, or retro visuals. The apps listed in this article offer a wide mix of features that go beyond just telling the time, from full-screen displays and analog faces to background music alarms and minimal designs.
Whether someone wants a dependable bedside clock, a no-frills display for focus time, or an app that feels more like a physical object on their desk, there’s something in the App Store that fits the bill. Most importantly, these apps show how a simple utility like a clock can be adapted to meet a variety of daily routines and preferences, without needing to spend a dime.
Leave a Reply