How the bells work

Interval bells — a common way to meditate with a timer. Set a total length and a check-in interval (for example 20 minutes with a bell every 5). A soft bell rings at the start, then once each interval so you can notice your mind wandering and return to the breath, and a fuller bell closes the sit.

Segments — designed for classes and longer multi-part sits. Build a session from several timed segments with short rests between them, e.g. 3 × 10 minutes with 2-minute rests. A soft bell marks the end of each segment and the start of the next.

Simple — just a start bell and an end bell for an uninterrupted single sit.

Every bell is synthesized live in your browser — nothing is downloaded, and the tones stay soft enough not to jolt you out of a quiet state.

Frequently asked questions

Why would I want interval bells during meditation?

Interval bells act as gentle check-ins. Instead of opening your eyes to check the clock, you simply notice the bell and return to your breath. It is a classic technique for sustained, unbroken sits.

Can I use this timer for a meditation class or group?

Yes. Switch to Segments, enter the number of sits, their length, and the rest between them. A soft bell guides each transition so you can keep your eyes closed and lead without checking a phone.

How long can a session run?

Up to 12 hours (720 minutes) per segment, with up to 12 segments. The countdown stays accurate because it is timestamp-based rather than a simple ticking counter.

Are the bells played from audio files?

No. All tones are synthesized with the Web Audio API, so there are no downloads and the sound is consistent across devices.

Meditation Timer with Bells

How the bells work

Frequently asked questions