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Best Lap Timers

7 picks · Updated 19 October 2026 · Based on 68 owner posts and reviews

A lap timer tells you how fast you went and, on the better ones, whether you are ahead of your best lap as you drive. This guide covers seven options for car and motorcycle track days: two AiM dedicated timers, the RaceBox Mini GPS receiver, the Garmin Catalyst 2 camera, and three phone apps.

Six picks are owner-reported. Car owner evidence comes from Rennlist, CorvetteForum and S2KI threads. Motorcycle owner evidence comes from customer reviews on Sportbike Track Gear product pages. Some forum posters are dealers, and we left their posts out. The Garmin Catalyst 2 is spec-checked because it is too new for owner reports.

Not included: Racelogic's VBOX Motorsport site returned an access error, the Apex Pro Gen II showed as sold out, and the RaceBox Mini S, which has built-in storage, was on backorder. All prices are US dollars as shown on 19 October 2026.

We can’t test everything, so each pick is labelled with where the evidence comes from. How we research and test. Some links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you (disclosure).

PickProductPriceEvidence
Best for car and bike dataAiM Solo 2 DL$899Owner-reported
Best stand-alone lap timerAiM Solo 2$499Owner-reported
Best GPS puck for phone appsRaceBox Mini$219Owner-reported
Best for coaching without a laptopGarmin Catalyst 2$1,199.99Spec-checked
Best free lap timerTrackAddict (HP Tuners)FreeOwner-reported
Best phone app for video and OBDHarry's LapTimer Petrolhead$19.99Owner-reported
Best app to pair with an external GPSRaceChrono Pro$19.99Owner-reported

1. Best for car and bike data

AiM Solo 2 DL

$899
Owner-reported

The Solo 2 DL adds an ECU connection to the Solo 2, so it logs what the car or bike's ECU reports as well as GPS and motion data. Owners on car forums praise the predictive lap timer. The common complaints are about the software: it is Windows-based, slow to learn and the Wi-Fi link can be fussy. The AiM site lists firmware for a 'Solo 2 DL v2' on 9 October 2026, so check which hardware revision a seller is shipping.

What owners report · from 17 owner posts and reviews we read

  • Predictive lap timer with LEDs works well on track (several owners)
  • Finds the track and starts and stops recording by itself (one owner)
  • Pulls data from the car's OBDII or CAN port (several owners)
  • Accurate against club timing (two owners)
  • Plug-in harness for a specific bike (two owners)
  • Software is hard to learn, Windows only, and Wi-Fi can disconnect (several owners)
  • Many owners do not find time to look at the data between sessions (three owners)
  • Price is high against phone setups (two owners)
  • Instructions can be vague or wrong for some bikes (two owners)

One of its best features is predictive lap timing, and of course all the data it pulls from the OEM port.

The software is PC only and while I have a gaming PC, I mostly use my Mac so that's a pain.

Owner threads we read (8)
GPS
25 Hz, four constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou)
Motion sensors
100 Hz 6-axis inertial platform
Memory
4 GB internal
ECU data
CAN, RS232 and K-line. Retailer ships an OBDII cable, or an unterminated CAN/RS232 cable, or bike-specific harnesses
Predictive timing
Yes, from best lap of the day or session, previous lap or a reference lap
Track database
Thousands of tracks. Finds the track and start line automatically
Display
238 x 99 pixel graphical screen, 10 configurable RGB LEDs
Software and video
RaceStudio 3 for analysis. AiM SmartyCam 4 Corsa video via the Track-Day Kit
Best for
Drivers and riders who will review data after the session, and anyone who wants ECU channels such as throttle, RPM and coolant temperature.
Worth knowing
Price, and a software learning curve. Three owners say they rarely get round to reviewing the data. Windows only. The LEDs and screen are good on track, but the analysis happens later on a PC.
Check price at sportbiketrackgear.com

Price seen at sportbiketrackgear.com, 19 Oct 2026 (with a choice of cable).

2. Best stand-alone lap timer

AiM Solo 2

$499
Owner-reported

The same GPS and motion hardware as the DL without the ECU link. Eight customer reviews on a retailer page praise how easy it is, and one rider says it found the track at Barber straight away and held its charge all day. One Rennlist poster calls it the de facto entry-level standard for a dedicated timer.

What owners report · from 8 owner posts and reviews we read

  • Easy to set up and use (several owners)
  • Found the track on its own and recorded every lap (two owners)
  • Held a charge through a full track day (one owner)
  • Pricey for what is a lap timer (two owners)
  • One unit arrived with lines through the display and was replaced (one owner)

Took it to barber for a track day and it immediately picked up the track.

Still a pricey option but one of the best out there.

Owner threads we read (1)
GPS
25 Hz, four constellations
Motion sensors
100 Hz 6-axis inertial platform
Predictive timing
Yes, plus sector times and reference lap
Track database
Thousands of tracks, automatic recognition
Display
238 x 99 pixel screen, 10 RGB LEDs usable as shift lights or alarms
Connectivity
Wi-Fi download to RaceStudio 3
Other
Drag tests such as 0-60 mph and quarter mile
No ECU input
Use the Solo 2 DL for ECU data
Best for
Anyone who wants lap times, predictive delta and basic data from a dedicated unit with no phone.
Worth knowing
It costs more than a GPS puck plus app, and it is the same Windows analysis software as the DL. One buyer got a unit with a faulty screen and had it replaced.
Check price at sportbiketrackgear.com

Price seen at sportbiketrackgear.com, 19 Oct 2026.

3. Best GPS puck for phone apps

RaceBox Mini

$219
Owner-reportediOS 14+ and Android 10+ (RaceBox app)

A small GPS receiver that sends 25 Hz position data to a phone app. Owners on car forums pair it with RaceChrono Pro and OBDLink for a cheaper setup than a dedicated logger. One owner measured it within 0.1 seconds of a transponder. Several owners bought the Mini S with built-in storage, which RaceBox now shows as backordered until after 26 October.

What owners report · from 13 owner posts and reviews we read

  • 25 Hz GPS against 1 Hz on a phone (several owners)
  • Connects quickly over Bluetooth LE, no pairing step in RaceChrono (two owners)
  • Close to transponder times (two owners)
  • Needs the phone connected, unless you buy the Mini S (several owners)
  • Not compatible with the Porsche Track Precision app (two owners)
  • Price against a free phone setup (one owner)

I moved to a RaceBox Mini and it seems to connect quicker, not have connection issues and was within .1 seconds of a transponder at my last track day.

Unfortunately, RaceBox devices are not compatible with the Porsche Track Precision app.

Owner threads we read (5)
GPS
25 Hz, tracks GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou
Battery
1100 mAh, up to 20 hours of use
Connection
Bluetooth 5.2. Needs a constant phone connection to record
Sensors
+/- 8G accelerometer, +/- 320 dps gyroscope
App features
Real-time result prediction, bike lean angle, custom tracks, data comparison, track database of over 2000 tracks
Works with
RaceChrono, Harry's LapTimer and others (RaceBox lists apps)
Stock
Limited stock. The Mini S with built-in storage was on backorder
Best for
Drivers and riders who already carry a phone and want better GPS than the phone gives, for a fraction of a dedicated logger.
Worth knowing
It records only while the phone stays connected. At least one owner reports that Porsche's Track Precision app does not support it.
Check price at racebox.pro

Price seen at racebox.pro, 19 Oct 2026 (USD price shown for Australia, sale from $249; US price may differ).

4. Best for coaching without a laptop

Garmin Catalyst 2

$1,199.99
Spec-checkedGarmin Catalyst app on a compatible smartphone or tablet

A windshield-mounted camera, GPS and coach in one unit, released in February 2026. After a session you review it in a phone app, with no laptop. We found no owner reports for the Catalyst 2 yet, so this entry is spec-checked. Owners of the first Catalyst wrote many reviews, covered in the buying guide, but they are about different hardware.

Positioning
25 Hz multi-GNSS with accelerometers, gyroscopes and image processing
Camera
Built-in, 1440p video with data overlays
Display
3.0 inch color touchscreen
Storage
32 GB microSD included, accepts up to 512 GB
Coaching
Real-time audio cues, True Optimal Lap video, top three opportunities after each session
Battery
Up to 45 minutes. Garmin lists a 2.5 hour charge time
Extras
Drag timer for 0-60 mph, 1/8 mile and 1/4 mile. Leaderboards. Vault video storage needs a paid plan
Best for
Car drivers who want automatic video, a predicted best lap and spoken coaching, and do not want to learn a data package.
Worth knowing
The most expensive pick here. The battery lasts 45 minutes, Garmin's launch release describes a windshield mount, and we found no motorcycle guidance. Video storage beyond the SD card needs a Vault plan.
Check price at garmin.com

Price seen at garmin.com, 19 Oct 2026.

5. Best free lap timer

TrackAddict (HP Tuners)

Free
Owner-reportediPhone and iPad (App Store listing). Android not checked

A phone app that does lap timing, video with overlay and basic data for free. Forum owners recommend it to first-timers and say it works well with the free RaceRender software for video. The free version keeps three recordings, so owners who want more upgrade for $8.99.

What owners report · from 9 owner posts and reviews we read

  • Cheap or free (several owners)
  • Predictive lap timer and lap comparison (two owners)
  • Works with RaceRender for video overlays (three owners)
  • Free version keeps three recordings (two owners)
  • Getting video and data off the phone is awkward (one owner)
  • Phone GPS is slow without an external receiver (several owners)

What I like about it is the predictive lap timer, and you can go back and look at the laps to see where you were quicker or slower.

Nearly free, offered some basic video & overlay with data.

Owner threads we read (4)
Timing
GPS lap timer with predictive timing, sector splits and theoretical lap (Circuit mode)
Track database
1000+ predefined circuits, or add your own
Video
HD recording with data overlay. Free version adds a logo
Data
Lap, GPS, G-force and OBD-II logging with an OBD-II interface
External GPS
Supported
Free vs Pro
Free stores three recordings and has no live telemetry. Pro removes the limits
App Store rating
4.5 from 515 ratings
Best for
First-timers who want lap times and video without buying hardware.
Worth knowing
A phone's own GPS is slow. Owners report 1 Hz on the phone alone, and you need an external GPS and a good mount for better data.
Check price at apps.apple.com

Price seen at Apple App Store (US), 19 Oct 2026. Pro upgrade $8.99.

6. Best phone app for video and OBD

Harry's LapTimer Petrolhead

$19.99
Owner-reportediOS and Android (maker's site). iOS price checked

One of the longest-running phone lap timer apps. Forum owners use it with a GoPro or an external GPS and say it works well for casual track days. Older reports mention it stopped recording on one phone, so test your setup before you rely on it.

What owners report · from 10 owner posts and reviews we read

  • Strong feature set for the price (several owners)
  • Good video overlays with a GoPro (three owners)
  • Works with an external GPS and OBD (several owners)
  • Phone GPS is not enough for driver improvement without an external receiver (several owners)
  • One owner reports it stopped recording and lost the session years ago (one owner)
  • Harder to set up than RaceChrono (one owner)

For casual DE's, it is really impressive and well worth the $$$.

When it worked it worked, then you'd come back to the pits and find it stopped and you have nothing.

Owner threads we read (4)
Track database
More than 1300 predefined tracks (App Store)
Timing
Automatic lap timing using GPS, predictive lap timing (maker's site)
Video
In-car video with data overlays from Petrolhead up
Sensors
Phone sensors, plus external GPS and OBD II added later
Editions
Rookie (entry), Petrolhead (video features), Grand Prix (multi-cam, advanced sensors)
App Store rating
3.8 from 153 ratings
Best for
Drivers who already own a phone and a camera, and want video overlays and OBD data at a low price.
Worth knowing
Phone GPS limits the data. Some owners gave up on it for a dedicated logger, and a rating of 3.8 on the App Store is lower than the other apps here.
Check price at apps.apple.com

Price seen at Apple App Store (US), 19 Oct 2026. Rookie $8.99, Grand Prix $27.99.

7. Best app to pair with an external GPS

RaceChrono Pro

$19.99
Owner-reportediPhone (App Store listing). Android not checked

A phone app built to work with outside GPS receivers and OBD readers. Owners often combine it with a RaceBox Mini and an OBDLink. One Corvette owner publishes a data profile for 20-year-old GM cars. Its developer is described by owners as responsive.

What owners report · from 11 owner posts and reviews we read

  • Easier to set up than Harry's (one owner)
  • Supports many GPS and OBD devices (several owners)
  • Developer is responsive and development is active (one owner)
  • Review tools are limited without the video overlay (one owner)
  • OBD profile did not connect on one older car (one owner)

I find the RaceChrono app to be much easier to setup and use compared to Harry's Laptimer.

I've messed around with all the track apps, and IMO racechrono is by far the best

Owner threads we read (6)
Track library
Over 2600 pre-made tracks plus custom circuits
Timing
Sectors, optimal lap, predictive lap timing and time delta graph
External GPS
Dragy, RaceBox Mini / Mini S / Micro, Qstarz, Dual XGPS, VBOX Sport and others
OBD-II
OBDLink MX+ and CX, Vgate, PLX Kiwi, Veepeak and others
Video
Phone camera or linked action-camera files with data overlay export
Export
.ODS, .NMEA, .VBO and .CSV
App Store rating
4.7 from 183 ratings
Best for
Drivers who want a phone app they can grow with an external GPS and OBD reader.
Worth knowing
Owners say the analysis side is thin unless you use video, and one found an OBD reader did not connect on an older Corvette.
Check price at apps.apple.com

Price seen at Apple App Store (US), 19 Oct 2026.

How to choose

Dedicated timer, phone app or coaching camera

A dedicated timer such as the AiM Solo 2 has its own GPS and screen. You mount it and forget it. A phone app is cheaper but depends on the phone's GPS, its battery and a good mount. A coaching camera such as the Garmin Catalyst 2 records video and talks to you on track.

Owners disagree about what helps. On Rennlist, a driver who ran an AiM Solo 2 DL and SmartyCam for a couple of years says he rarely looked at the data and ordered the original Garmin Catalyst. Another owner says the original Catalyst's advice was too generic where he was already consistent, and he preferred the AiM LEDs. Choose by whether you will really review data after the day.

GPS update rate (Hz)

Hz is how many position fixes per second the device records. The AiM Solo 2 and Solo 2 DL, the RaceBox Mini and the Garmin Catalyst 2 all list 25 Hz. Owners on Rennlist say a phone's own GPS gives about 1 Hz, and an external receiver such as the Dual XGPS160 gives 10 Hz.

RaceBox quotes accuracy as fine as 10 cm for its 25 Hz GPS. One owner who measured a RaceBox Mini against a transponder saw a difference of about 0.1 seconds. Another owner argues that for casual days the difference is small. AiM says Solo 2 lap times are calculated within a maximum gap of 0.02 seconds.

Predictive timing and delta

Predictive timing shows, as you drive, whether you are ahead of or behind a reference lap. The AiM Solo 2 shows this on LEDs, based on your best lap of the day or session, the previous lap or a reference lap. RaceBox, TrackAddict, RaceChrono and Harry's LapTimer all list predictive or delta timing in their descriptions, and Garmin lists delta time on the Catalyst 2 video overlay.

An owner who tried the original Catalyst said he picks up the AiM LEDs more easily out of the corner of his eye than the Catalyst's whole-screen color.

ECU and OBD data

The AiM Solo 2 DL can read data from the vehicle's ECU over CAN, RS232 or K-line, and the retailer ships OBDII or CAN cables and bike-specific harnesses. Phone apps need a Bluetooth OBD reader. An owner on Rennlist says that way you are unlikely to see faster than 3 to 5 Hz of car data.

OBD data on older cars can be limited. A Corvette owner publishes a RaceChrono profile for 20-year-old GM cars, and another owner on the same thread could not get his OBDLink CX to return data.

Video and overlays

The Garmin Catalyst 2 has a built-in 1440p camera. The AiM Solo 2 DL pairs with the SmartyCam 4 Corsa in AiM's Track-Day Kit. Phone apps record with the phone camera or sync an action camera. TrackAddict's free version adds a logo to videos. For overlays outside the app, owners mention the RaceRender software.

Cars and motorcycles

AiM lists mounting kits and installation harnesses for sport bikes from Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, MV Agusta, Suzuki and Yamaha. RaceBox's app includes bike lean angle. RaceChrono's App Store text says it is for motorbikes, go-karts and cars. Garmin describes the Catalyst 2 as mounting on a windshield, and we found nothing about bike use.

Track-day organisers set their own rules about cameras and what you can mount. Check your organiser's current rulebook before you fit anything.

What owners of the first Garmin Catalyst reported

The Catalyst 2 launched in February 2026, so these reports are about the first Catalyst and may not apply. Several Rennlist owners found it easy for novices and liked the instant video review. Others said the 'Opportunities' advice was hard to act on, that it could not compare laps between sessions, and that it was hard to export video with the data overlay.

Check whether Garmin has changed these on the Catalyst 2 before you buy.

Questions buyers ask

What is the best lap timer for a first track day?+

A free phone app such as TrackAddict is a low-cost start, and Rennlist posters often point beginners to phone apps. One Rennlist poster notes that on a first day an instructor may not want a timer in the car, so check with them. A dedicated unit pays off once you want data.

Is the AiM Solo 2 worth the money?+

Owners who bought it describe it as easy to use and accurate. The Solo 2 is $499 at Sportbike Track Gear, and the Solo 2 DL is $899. Owners also say the software is hard to learn and Windows only.

What is the difference between the AiM Solo 2 and Solo 2 DL?+

Both have a 25 Hz GPS and a 100 Hz inertial platform. The DL adds an ECU connection over CAN, RS232 or K-line and a coil or square-wave input, so it records engine data too.

What Hz do I need for a lap timer?+

Dedicated timers here list 25 Hz. Owners report a phone's own GPS gives about 1 Hz and an external receiver gives 10 Hz. Faster is more precise, but owners differ on how much it matters at track days.

Can I use a lap timer on a motorcycle?+

Yes with the right mount. AiM lists installation kits for several sport bike makes, and the RaceBox app shows lean angle. Check the Garmin Catalyst 2 before buying for a bike, because Garmin's launch release describes a windshield mount.

Does the Garmin Catalyst 2 need a laptop?+

No. Garmin says you review sessions in the Garmin Catalyst app on a smartphone or tablet. Videos beyond the SD card need an active Vault plan.

Why are VBOX and Apex Pro not included?+

Racelogic's VBOX Motorsport site returned an access error when we checked, so we could not confirm prices or specs. The Apex Pro Gen II showed as sold out at Competition Motorsport, and we found no working Apex Pro brand page.

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