Best Chess Clock in 2026: DGT vs. Chronos and What Actually Matters

Q: What is Bronstein delay?

Your clock holds for a set number of seconds before counting down. Move inside the delay and you lose no time. Unlike Fischer increment, you cannot accumulate the delay.

The DGT 3000 is the right clock for most players outside North America. The Chronos is standard for USCF-rated play in the United States. Both handle Fischer increment and Bronstein delay correctly. Both are well-made and will last years of club use. Buy whichever one your local tournament director uses, that single piece of information renders every other clock comparison irrelevant.

If you don’t know which clock your local tournament uses, email the organizer before buying. It takes two minutes and saves you from owning the wrong clock.

The three options worth discussing

DGT 3000. Made by Digital Game Technology in the Netherlands. The most widely used tournament clock in the world outside the United States. Used at most FIDE-rated events in Europe, Asia, and South America. The display is clear, time control programming is logical, and the clock handles Fischer increment and Bronstein delay correctly. Reliable under years of club use.

The one legitimate criticism: the buttons require a deliberate press rather than a tap. Some players find this slower in speed chess. It’s not a problem at standard time controls.

DGT North American: Same internals as the DGT 3000, different button layout. The buttons sit on top of the clock rather than the side, which is the preferred orientation at many North American tournaments. Functionally identical to the 3000; the choice between them is entirely about button feel.

Chronos (by Game Timer): The dominant clock at USCF-rated events for two decades. The large round buttons are satisfying to press and audibly confirm the time transfer. Programming is more button-heavy than the DGT but once you’ve memorized the sequence for standard time controls it’s fast. The display is slightly harder to read at a glance. Preferred by many experienced US players for blitz because the large button allows a cleaner slap.

Players at the 2021 World Chess Championship with a clock visible — At professional level, the clock is DGT electronic boards tied into the broadcast system. At club level, the same DGT 3000 that sits on tournament tables worldwide runs $40–$60 and handles every time control you'll encounter. *Photo: Lennart Ootes via Wikimedia Commons. CC BY-SA 4.0.*

Fischer increment vs. Bronstein delay

Make sure the clock you buy handles both correctly, because most rated chess is played with one or the other.

Fischer increment: Additional time is added to your clock after each move. G/90 +30 means 90 minutes with 30 seconds added per move, credited immediately after you press the clock. You can accumulate time if you move quickly.

Bronstein delay: Your clock doesn’t start counting down until the delay period runs out. G/90 d5 means the clock waits 5 seconds before ticking. Move in under 5 seconds and you haven’t lost any time. Move slower and the delay runs out, then normal counting resumes. Unlike Fischer increment, you can’t accumulate the delay: it’s a buffer, not a bonus.

Both the DGT 3000 and the Chronos handle both formats. Verify before buying cheaper alternatives: some budget clocks support increment but not delay, or implement them incorrectly.

What to avoid

Analog clocks. Legal in some formats but no longer standard at serious rated events. The wind-up mechanism makes them unreliable for short time controls. Acceptable for casual home games.

Budget digital clocks under $20. Usually can’t store multiple time control settings and have unclear displays. Fine for learning; not suitable for tournament play.

Phone apps. Prohibited at most rated over-the-board events due to phone policies. Fine for casual home games.

Where to buy

DGT clocks are available from DGT’s website directly and from US chess retailers: Chess House, USCF Sales, Wholesale Chess. The Chronos is available from Game Timer directly and from the same US retailers.

Amazon carries both. The standard listing for each:

DGT 3000 Digital Chess Clock on Amazon (affiliate)
Chronos GX Button Black on Amazon (affiliate)

Confirm the listing title matches the model name before purchasing, older discontinued versions appear in search results and the product photos don’t always match the shipped item.

Pair your clock with a proper chess set if you’re setting up for club play or home analysis.

Also pair your clock with our guide on how to improve at chess, proper time management at G/60 and G/90 is a core part of serious study. And see best chess books for the study resources that make those practice games count.

Frequently asked questions

What chess clock do most tournaments use? The DGT 3000 is standard at FIDE-rated events worldwide. The Chronos is the dominant choice at USCF-rated events in the United States. Buy whichever one your local tournament director uses.

What is Fischer increment in chess? After each move, a fixed number of seconds is added to your clock. G/90+30 means 90 minutes with 30 seconds added per move. You can accumulate time if you move quickly, making it impossible to flag in a won position.

What is Bronstein delay? Your clock holds for a set number of seconds before it starts counting down. Move in under the delay period and you don’t lose any time. Unlike Fischer increment, you can’t bank the delay: it’s a buffer, not a bonus.

Can I use my phone as a chess clock? Most rated over-the-board events prohibit phones at the board due to anti-cheating rules. Fine for casual home games; not suitable for tournament play.

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