Best 0 to 60 Timer Apps: What to Compare

The best 0 to 60 timer app for you depends on your GPS source, required tests and the results you want to save. RaceBuddy offers a free phone-based starting point; Dragy and RaceBox pair their apps with separate hardware. NitroHUD puts preset acceleration tests inside an Android speedometer app through PRO. NitroHUD is not affiliated with these other products.

Match the test before comparing apps

Start with the finish point: 0–60 mph, 0–100 km/h, a rolling acceleration interval or a standing distance. Those answer different questions. NitroHUD’s 400 m test is not a quarter-mile test, and changing the main speed display to mph does not turn every preset into an imperial test. Also check the start convention. RaceBox’s official Features page describes an optional one-foot rollout setting, while RaceBuddy’s website lists rollout and no-rollout variants. When comparing results, keep the test, units and rollout setting consistent. A similar-looking time alone is not enough to establish a match.

RaceBuddy: start with phone GPS and keep session history

RaceBuddy’s Google Play and App Store descriptions list free Phone Mode, drag timing, session history and VBO export on Android and iPhone. Its supported tests include 0–60 mph, 0–100 km/h, quarter-mile and rolling acceleration. This makes it worth considering if you want to start without buying a receiver and retain sessions for later review. The listings explicitly describe phone timing as limited in precision. PRO adds run comparison and third-party GPS connections; DIFF time and predicted quarter-mile elapsed time also require compatible external GPS. Check that your receiver model supports the particular feature you want before paying.

Dragy: consider it for hardware-based runs and timeslips

Dragy’s Google Play listing states that a Dragy device is required for performance testing. The official help center describes a free app for Android and iOS, tests including 0–60 mph and quarter-mile, custom performance windows and slope information on timeslips. The Play listing also describes leaderboard sharing and videos with performance data. Consider this combination when you want those reporting and sharing tools and are willing to buy separate hardware. Downloading the app alone does not provide its performance-testing setup. Confirm your phone’s compatibility and the device package before purchasing.

RaceBox: consider it for detailed run analysis and data export

RaceBox’s official mobile app page lists Android and iOS support, drag-session graphs and comparison of two runs. Its Features page includes 0–60 mph, custom speed and distance measurements, and configurable one-foot rollout. The App Store description says additional RaceBox hardware is required. For analysis outside the app, the official FAQ describes exporting cloud-uploaded sessions through the website in CSV, VBO and GPX formats. That is useful if keeping data matters as much as seeing a finish time. Check the hardware model too: the FAQ says Mini requires a constant phone connection, while Mini S can record without one.

NitroHUD: preset timing within an Android speedometer

NitroHUD’s Tools screen offers six PRO presets: 0–50 km/h, 0–100 km/h, 0–60 mph, 60–100 km/h, 100 m from rest and 400 m from rest. Select a preset and use Arm while stopped; the app starts timing from detected movement or the selected rolling threshold. It shows the latest result and a stored Best for that test. Consider NitroHUD if you already want its speedometer and prefer those preset tests in the same app. It uses the phone’s location data; it does not offer external GPS receiver pairing, custom timing intervals, selectable rollout or slope-corrected acceleration results.

Check what survives after a run

A personal best and a session archive serve different needs. NitroHUD stores a best time for each preset, but it does not provide an acceleration-run archive with dated attempts or side-by-side run analysis. Its trip CSV and GPX exports are separate trip tools, not exports of acceleration results. There is also a limitation to account for: Demo drive results can update Best. Keep Demo drive off for real timing, and if you have armed the timer during a demo, do not assume an existing Best came from a real run.

Compare measurement features, not decimal places

Ask how each tool handles the measurement you need: phone GPS or a named receiver, a fixed start convention, slope information, and an explanation of timing limits. NitroHUD displays times to two decimal places and labels timing as GPS-based, about ±0.2 seconds. Treat that wording as an approximate indication, not a guaranteed error bound for every phone or run. RaceBuddy likewise warns about Phone Mode precision. If a small difference will drive a purchase or a performance claim, look for supporting run data and a suitable receiver rather than choosing by the number of digits on screen.

Compare the complete purchase

Budget for both software access and any required receiver. NitroHUD’s acceleration timer requires a PRO subscription. RaceBuddy offers free Phone Mode, with PRO available through subscription or a one-time Lifetime purchase according to its store descriptions. Dragy’s help center describes its app as free; the required device is a separate purchase. RaceBox is free to download on the App Store with optional in-app purchases, and requires hardware. Check the relevant store for current prices, renewal terms and included features; a free download does not necessarily cover the setup you need.

Decide before going to the track

Write down your required test, GPS source and record format, then use the comparison to rule out mismatched tools. Confirm the exact feature in the app before your session, especially receiver compatibility and export access. Use acceleration timing only on a closed road or track where testing is permitted. Mount the phone securely, choose the test and arm the timer while stopped, and review results after stopping. If you need official event results, use the venue’s timing system.