MindgladMeditation Timer
A calm, distraction-free meditation timer with soft interval bells and gentle start and closing chimes. Pick a length, press start, and just breathe. No sign-up, completely free.
How to use a meditation timer
A meditation timer does one quiet but important job: it lets you stop watching the clock. The moment you set a length and press start, you hand the timekeeping over to the timer and free your attention to do what it came to do — settle. Choose a preset above, or fine-tune the slider to any length from 1 to 60 minutes. A soft starting bell signals the beginning, a calm countdown and progress ring quietly track the time, and a gentle closing bell tells you the sit is done so you never have to peek.
Sit comfortably, let your shoulders drop, and rest your attention on the breath. When your mind wanders — and it will — simply notice, and come back. That returning is the practice.
Why interval bells help
An interval bell, sometimes called a mindfulness bell, rings a soft chime at a set rhythm during your sit. It works like a gentle hand on the shoulder: each chime is a cue to check in, notice where your attention has drifted, and return to the present without ever looking at the time. For longer sessions, bells every 5 minutes give shape to the silence; for focused practice, every 1 or 2 minutes keeps you anchored. Prefer pure stillness? Switch the interval bell off and let the timer run silently in the background.
Building a daily meditation habit
The hardest part of meditation is not the sitting — it is the showing up. The trick is to make it small enough that it is almost impossible to skip. Start with three minutes a day, attached to something you already do: right after you wake, or just before bed. Use the same time and the same spot so it becomes automatic. As the habit takes root, lengthen the sessions naturally. A steady five minutes every day will change more than an ambitious thirty minutes you only manage once a week.
Meditation timer FAQ
How does this meditation timer work?
Pick a length — tap a preset (3, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 minutes) or fine-tune anywhere from 1 to 60 minutes with the slider. Press Start and a soft bell marks the beginning; a calm countdown and progress ring show the time remaining. When the session ends, a gentle closing chime sounds and you see a “Session complete” screen. Everything runs in your browser, with no sign-up and nothing to install.
What is the interval bell for?
The interval bell — also called a mindfulness bell — rings a soft chime at a regular interval (every 1, 2 or 5 minutes) during your sit. It is a gentle anchor: each chime invites you to notice you have drifted and return to the breath, without staring at a clock. You can leave it off for silent practice, or use it to pace longer sessions.
Can I turn the bells on or off?
Yes. The starting bell and closing bell each have their own switch, the interval bell can be set to off, and a single Sound toggle mutes everything at once. If your browser blocks audio, the timer still runs perfectly — it simply stays silent.
How long should I meditate?
If you are new, 3 to 5 minutes a day is plenty — consistency matters far more than length. As sitting becomes familiar, many people settle around 10 to 20 minutes. The best session is the one you will actually do every day, so start short and let it grow naturally.
Is the meditation timer really free?
Yes, completely free, with no account, no download and no ads. It is a small gift from Mindglad. If you would like guided sessions and a plan built around what is on your mind, you can take our free 2-minute quiz — but the timer is yours to use on its own, forever.
This tool is for general wellbeing and relaxation only. It is not medical advice or a treatment for any condition. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to a qualified healthcare professional.