Chess clocks
Time is the fourth player.
A clock changes how you play: you learn to budget your thinking, and blitz with friends becomes possible. Every modern clock handles increment and delay. The differences are build quality, how easy they are to set, and whether organisers will accept them.
- Picks
- 8
- Price range
- $25 to $120
- Prices checked
- November 2026
All chess clocks
8 products
The clock to buy onceTournament clockDGT 3000DGTThe official FIDE clock, used at the World Championship, the Candidates and the World Cup. It handles every time control there is.$89.95$50 to $150
Tournament clockDGT 2500DGTA FIDE-approved clock that costs a little less than the DGT 3000, with the time controls tournaments use.$79$50 to $150- Tournament clockSilverBackChess GorillaA newer tournament clock that spells out every setting in plain words and shows the full time control before the game starts.$119.95$50 to $150
Club clockDGT North AmericanDGTDGT’s clock for US play, with ten built-in timing methods including US delay. A common sight at American scholastic events.$64.95$50 to $150
Best clock under $50Club clockZMF-IIZMFA bright LED clock with touch-sensitive buttons, delay and increment, designed and made in the US, with long battery life.$43Under $50
Blitz clockDGT 1500DGTDGT’s simple clock for rapid and blitz, in bright colours and a GothamChess edition.$50 to $150$50 to $150
Starter clockDGT Easy PlusDGTAn inexpensive, cheerful clock with the essential time controls, including increment, from a maker that knows clocks.Under $50Under $50- Analog clockMaster QuartzChess HouseA classic analog chess clock with a flag, powered by one AA battery, so there is nothing to wind.$29Under $50
At a glance
Side by side.
The quick version of everything above. Select a name for the full details.
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| DGT 3000DGT | The clock to buy once and keep | $89.95$50 to $150 |
| DGT 2500DGT | Tournament players who don’t need every DGT 3000 feature | $79$50 to $150 |
| SilverBackChess Gorilla | Players and organisers tired of cryptic clock menus | $119.95$50 to $150 |
| DGT North AmericanDGT | US club and scholastic players | $64.95$50 to $150 |
| ZMF-IIZMF | A capable clock for under $50 | $43Under $50 |
| DGT 1500DGT | Casual blitz and rapid at home or the club | $50 to $150$50 to $150 |
| DGT Easy PlusDGT | A first clock for home and school clubs | Under $50Under $50 |
| Master QuartzChess House | Lovers of the old-fashioned flag fall | $29Under $50 |
Questions
Asked often.
What is the difference between increment and delay?
With increment, seconds are added to your clock after every move, so your time can grow. With delay, the clock waits a few seconds before it starts counting down each move, so you never gain time but don’t lose any on quick moves either. US events often use delay; FIDE events use increment.
Which chess clock do top tournaments use?
The DGT 3000. FIDE renewed its partnership with DGT in 2024 and uses the DGT 3000 at its top events, including the World Championship, the Candidates Tournament and the World Cup.
Do I need a clock to start playing?
No. Learn the moves first. A clock is worth having once you play regular games with a friend or a club, and essential once you enter tournaments where players bring their own.
Chosen because players widely use and recommend them, not because a maker paid to be listed. We don’t earn commissions from these links. Prices are what the linked store charged in November 2026, in US dollars. About this guide