For most chess players, a chess clock is an essential item. However, chess clocks are sometimes expensive. When selecting budget-friendly clocks, it’s vital to ensure that quality is not compromised.
In this article, I will explore some of the most budget-friendly chess clocks anyone can buy. All the chess clocks featured here are under $150, have been tested and used by active chess players and come recommended.
10. Leap PQ99007S Chess Clock
The Leap PQ99007S is a very compact and lightweight chess clock.
Measuring about 1.93″D x 5.51″ W x 3.66″ H in dimensions and with a weight of about 250 grams, it is one of the sturdiest chess clocks on the market.
The chess clock has a simple build, with just three buttons used for setting the clock. It is designed such that the display screen is bold, and there is also an audio feature that can be turned off.
Key Features
- Budget-friendly: You can find the leap PQ990S chess clock for around $20 on Amazon or other marketplaces. This makes it a good choice for anyone on a budget seeking to purchase a chess clock.
- Durable and lightweight: The Leap chess clock is constructed with durable materials and has undergone rigorous testing to ensure top-tier quality, ensuring it lasts a long time.
Downsides
- The size feels small: For top-tier events, the clock’s size may not be ideal.
9. DGT Easy Timer Chess Clock
The DGT Easy Timer Chess Clock is one of the simplest chess clocks available. It is portable and has a unique design.
With a curved and hollow build at the base, it measures 2.95″D x 5.71″W x 5.31″H in dimensions and weighs about 400 grams. It features a plastic construction and is designed for long-term durability. Overall, the purchase value is outstanding.
Key features
- Easy to Use: Designed to be simplistic, it is suitable for players of all skill levels.
- Large Display: Features a large, simple display that shows the remaining time for each player.
- Simple Controls: intuitive buttons for setting the game time, delay, and other settings.
- Count Up/Down: Supports both count-up (for timing games that don’t have a fixed duration) and count-down modes.
- Bonus Time: Ability to add bonus time (increment) after each move.
- Compact Design: Lightweight, suitable for travel and tournaments.
Downsides
- Feels Basic: The DGT Easy Game Timer lacks some of the advanced features of more expensive clocks.
8. Chess Armory Digital Chess Clock
The Chess Armory Chess Clock is a top recommendation for any chess player. It is durable, compact, and affordable.
The Chess Armory Chess Clock features an all-plastic construction with dimensions of 4″W x 2.5″H. You can purchase it for just under $20, making it one of the more affordable options.
It has about three buttons, with the base of the clock housing the battery and an on/off switch.
Key features
- Simple Design: Featuring a very unique design, the Chess Armory chess clock has all the essential features required of a good chess clock.
- Renowned Brand: Produced by Chess Armory, a well-known brand in the chess community, the quality of the clock is never in doubt.
- Compact Build: This clock is compact and portable, suitable for most playing environments.
Downsides
- Small-sized: For top-tier events, the clock’s size may not be ideal.
7. DGT 3000 Chess Clock
The DGT 3000 is one of the most advanced chess clocks available, offering a range of features that make it popular among tournament players and organizers. Launched in 2014, it quickly became the standard for chess tournaments and was approved by FIDE.
Key features
- Clear Display: The clock features a large, easy-to-read display that makes it simple to view the time, even in bright outdoor conditions. The display size is 35 mm x 130mm.
- Pre-programmed Timing Options: With approximately 24 pre-programmed options, the DGT 3000 makes it easy to select common time controls for games.
- Connects to Electronic DGT Boards: The clock can connect to electronic DGT boards, which is helpful for tournament play, broadcasting, home use, and studying chess. The DGT LiveChess software is used for registering and displaying clock time.
- Easy to Set Up: The package includes a user guide that explains how to use the clock and select different time formats, making setup and use straightforward.
- Accurate: The DGT 3000 is accurate within 1 second per hour, ensuring precise timing for games.
Downsides
- Archaic: Considering the DGT was released as far back as 2014, newer models are now available.
6. Zmart Tap N Set Pro Digital Chess Clock
The Zmart Tap N Set Pro Digital Chess Clock is the official clock of the US Chess Federation. The clock offers innovative features and durable construction, making it an excellent choice for professional tournaments. It is also affordable for most chess players.
Key features
- Mobile App Compatibility: You can download the mobile app on your iPhone or Android device to set the clock. Or, choose from seven presets or create your custom settings.
- Sturdy Build: Built in the US with a metal frame, the clock is robust and long-lasting.
- USCF Official Clock: Designed to meet USCF regulations, it is also suitable for FIDE tournaments.
- Pre-programmed Timing Options: Comes with pre-programmed time formats and supports delay, bonus, and increment time controls.
Downsides
No obvious downsides.
5. DGT 2010 Chess Clock
When it comes to affordable yet reliable chess clocks, the DGT 2010 Digital Chess Clock stands out as one of the best options.
Key Features
- Quality Construction: The DGT 2010 is well built with a sturdy plastic housing, ensuring durability and longevity.
- FIDE Approved: Approved by FIDE for tournament play, the DGT 2010 meets the standards for accuracy and performance.
- Easy to Use: With 22 pre-programmed time controls and the option to set custom time controls, the DGT 2010 is user-friendly and versatile.
- Multi-Game Functionality: In addition to chess, the DGT 2010 can serve as a timer for other games, such as Scrabble, Go, and Drafts, making it a versatile gaming accessory.
Downsides
- Slightly Older Edition: Newer designs are available from DGT.
4. Leap KK9908 Chess Clock
The LEAP Chess Clock is a superb choice for tournament players, offering advanced features and exceptional durability at an affordable price. Featuring a large, simple display, the Leap KK9908 Chess Clock ensures optimal visibility even in well-lit environments.
Weighing 9 grams, it is a light chess clock. Additionally, it offers a wide range of preset options for various time controls and formats, making it adaptable to different tournament settings.
It complies with international standards for chess clocks, including those specified by FIDE.
Key Features
- Lightweight and Compact: The Chess Clock is one of the lightest and most compact I have played on, making it easy to pack along for tournament travel.
- Clear Display: Since this is a chess clock designed for tournament play, the display is easy to see and straightforward. This is essential for checking the time in lower-time scrambles.
- Pre-programmed Timing Options: The Leap KK9908 Chess Clock offers approximately 35 pre-programmed time formats to choose from, making it easy to set up games.
- Connects to electronic DGT board: The Leap chess clock allows for connection to electronic boards.
Downsides
- Small-sized: For top-tier events, the clock’s size may not be ideal.
3. Chronos GX Digital Chess Clock
The Chronos GX Digital Chess Clock is a brilliant choice for serious chess players. It differs from the other clocks on this list. Instead of the standard tap-and-play, the Chronos GX Digital Chess Clock uses touch to register when players have made their moves.
Its metal casing ensures exceptional durability.
Key features
- Meet USCF regulations for chess clocks: It is built for the US market and thus, meets all their tournament requirements.
- Durability and Longevity: The metallic build used for the Chronos GX ensures it lasts for years, making it ideal for rigorous tournament play.
- Pre-programmed Timing Options: It has several pre-programmed time formats and supports delay, bonus, and increment time controls.
2. DGT 2500 Chess Clock
The DGT 2500 is one of the top choices from DGT. It is affordable and packs a familiar look for the average player.
Key Features
- FIDE-approved: This clock is certified for official tournament play, making it a reliable choice for serious players.
- Easy to Set Up: The package includes a user guide that explains how to use the clock and select different time formats, making setup and use straightforward.
- Accurate: The DGT 2500 is spot on and has little time lag.
Downsides
It is an older model.
1. DGT 1002 Digital Chess Clock
The DGT 1002 Digital Chess Clock is an affordable, durable, and lightweight. This clock’s simplicity is one of its strongest suits. Despite its compact size, the display screen is large enough to make the time visible.
With a plastic build, it measures at 6.5″ (W) x 2.8″ (L) x 2.1″ (H). It uses the typical AA battery.
Key features
- Affordability: This clock is not costly.
- Portability: The size makes it easy to carry around.
- Intuitive Controls: The buttons are well-arranged and easy to use.
Downsides
- Learning Curve: It may take some time to get used to the clock, but it becomes straightforward to operate once you are familiar with it.
Final Remarks
Among the best cheap chess clocks, the Leap PQ99007S Chess Clock offers essential features in a sturdy build, making it a reliable choice.
For those seeking a budget-friendly option from a trusted brand, the DGT 2010 Digital Chess Clock stands out for its quality construction and versatile functionality.
The various other chess clocks included in this list are all fantastic choices to choose from.