10 Best Countdown Timer Plugins In JavaScript (2026 Update)
A reliable JavaScript countdown timer drives user urgency and tracks time-sensitive events effectively.
We evaluated dozens of libraries based on GitHub activity, customization flexibility, and page views on our platform (jQueryScript.net & CSSScript.com) over the past year. This list prioritizes stability and performance to ensure your 'coming soon' or 'limited time offer' features work flawlessly across all devices.
The following collection separates plugins into two categories: jQuery-dependent plugins for legacy systems and lightweight Vanilla JS libraries for modern stacks. Each entry includes a technical summary, key features, and recommended use cases to help you select the right package for your specific requirements.
Browse the top-ranked countdown libraries below to find the perfect solution for your next project.
If you're looking for a retro flip style countdown plugin, see our 7 Best Flip Clock Style Countdown Plugins In JavaScript
Originally Published Jan 14 2019, updated Dec 18 2025
Table of contents:
Best jQuery Countdown Plugins:
Modern Circular jQuery Countdown Timer Plugin - Final Countdown
A cool jQuery timer plugin used to countdown in seconds, minutes, hours and days to any date time, with a ring-style countdown indicator. Ideal for creating a modern coming soon & in construction page for your upcoming project.
Tiny jQuery-Compatible Countdown JavaScript Library - simplyCountdown.js
A dead simple JavaScript library used to create a highly configurable and styleable countdown/countup timer for your coming soon / under construction page. Also can be used as a plugin for your jQuery project.
Simple Responsive Countdown Timers with jQuery HQ Plugin
A lightweight jQuery plugin that creates precise countdown timers for web applications.
It runs multiple independent timers on a single page and supports custom target dates through data attributes.
The responsive design adapts to different screen sizes, and you can apply custom styles and animations to match your website's theme.
Simple jQuery & Html5 Based 360 Degree Countdown Timer - countdown360
A simple nice jQuery countdown timer plugin that allows you to count down to a number of seconds as a circular progress bar.
Simple Countdown / Periodic Timer Plugin With jQuery - SyoTimer
The SyoTimer jQuery plugin lets you create digital-style countdown / periodic timers on the webpage, with support for callbacks and custom timezone / localization.
Features:
- Periodic counting with the specified period
- Effects of change of indications of the countdown
- The correct declension of nouns next to numeral numerals
- An opportunity to add the language of countdown signatures which isn't included in the standard version of the plugin
- Callback after the end of the countdown timer with the possibility of changing the structure of the timer
- Custom formatting and styling timer
Best Vanilla JS Countdown Plugins:
CountUp.js: Customizable Count Up/Down Animations In Pure JavaScript
CountUp.js is a lightweight, simple-to-use JavaScript library that allows you to animate countups and countdowns with custom easings, separators, decimals, suffixes, and prefixes.
Key Features:
- Triggers animations via scroll spy when elements enter the viewport.
- Configures custom easing functions.
- Handles large numbers with customizable formatting.
- operates as a lightweight, dependency-free script.
Best For:
- Financial dashboards displaying statistics.
- Animated visitor counters.
Easy Datetime Countdown Timer – Countdown.js
Countdown.js implements a basic timer using pure JavaScript. The script replaces the timer with an "EXPIRED" message upon completion.
Key Features:
- Styles easily with standard CSS.
- Displays text-based output.
- Requires zero dependencies.
- Handles simple date-time logic.
Best For:
- Minimalist text layouts.
- Projects requiring a small file size.
Circular Countdown Timer In JavaScript And CSS3
This library renders a minimal countdown with a circular indicator. The code utilizes SVG, JavaScript, and CSS3 to draw the progress ring.
Key Features:
- Uses SVG for resolution-independent graphics.
- Animates the circle stroke as time decreases.
- Excludes heavy JavaScript frameworks.
- Maintains a minimal visual footprint.
Best For:
- Modern, flat-design interfaces.
- Progress indicators.
Countdown Timer Plugin With Pure JavaScript – TimezZ
This is the standalone version of the jQuery TimezZ plugin that lets you create a customizable countdown timer in days:hours:minutes:seconds format.
Key Features:
- Configures output format easily.
- operates without jQuery dependencies.
- Supports custom styling via CSS.
- Automates date calculations.
Best For:
- Standard e-commerce product timers.
- Basic event tracking.
Digital Clock With Countdown Circle – rounded-clock
rounded-clock combines a digital clock with a circular second-counter. The component visualizes the seconds remaining in the current minute.
Key Features:
- Displays current time digitally.
- Animates a circular progress bar for seconds.
- Uses modern JavaScript syntax.
- Updates the UI in real-time.
Best For:
- Dashboards requiring current time display.
- Clock widgets.
What is a countdown timer JavaScript library?
A countdown timer JavaScript library provides pre-built code that calculates and displays time remaining until a specific date or event. These libraries handle date arithmetic, timezone conversions, and DOM updates automatically.
What is the difference between countdown and countup timers?
Countdown timers display decreasing time until a future event occurs. Countup timers display increasing time since a past event occurred. CountUp.js (#6) handles both directions through configuration options. simplyCountdown.js (#2) also supports both countdown and countup modes. Most other libraries focus exclusively on countdown functionality.
More Resources:
Seeking more jQuery plugins or JavaScript libraries to create awesome Countdown Timers on the web & mobile? See jQuery Countdown and JavaScript Countdown sections for more details.
See also:
- Best Flip Clock Style Countdown Plugins In JavaScript
- Best Countup Timer Plugins In JavaScript
- Best Countdown Timer JavaScript Libraries
- Best Countdown Components For Vue.js
