At times the problem in your vehicle could be that the ignition timing is simply off. However, you may end up spending hundreds of dollars by taking your car to a mechanic if you do not have the best timing light.
The good news is that we have picked the 10 best timing lights that will effectively help you to set the ignition timing on your car.
With one of the timing lights in this review, setting your ignition timing is incredibly easy.
Table of Contents
- 1 Timing Light: Editor’s Top 3 Picks Comparison Table
- 2 Best Timing Light: The Honest Reviews
- 2.1 1Innova 5568 Pro Timing Light
- 2.2 2INNOVA 3568 Digital Best Timing Light
- 2.3 3INNOVA 3551 Inductive Best Timing Light
- 2.4 4INNOVA 3555 Advance Best Timing Light
- 2.5 5ESI 125 Digital Tach Advance Best Timing Light
- 2.6 6ESI 130 Self – Powered Timing Light
- 2.7 7Actron CP7529 Digital Best Timing Light
- 2.8 8Actron CP7528 Advance Best Timing Light
- 2.9 9Actron CP7527 Inductive Timing Light
- 2.10 10Wilmar W80578 Self-Powered Best Timing Light
- 3 The Bottom Line
Timing Light: Editor’s Top 3 Picks Comparison Table
Timing lights are increasingly becoming a necessity if you own a car.
However, if you want to accurately adjust the ignition timing you have to settle for the best timing light. To make it easy, we recommend these top three best timing light.
| Editor's Pick | Also Great | Best Cheap | |
 Innova 5568 Pro |  INNOVA 3568 |  Innova 3551 | |
| Customer Rating |  4.3 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Price |  |  | |
| Weight | 8 ounces | 8 ounces | 8 ounces |
| Package Dimensions | 9 x 2.5 x 7.3 inches | 14.5 x 10 x 3.5 inches | 14.5 x 3.5 x 10 inches |
| Adjustable Barrel | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Detachable Leads & Inductive Pick-up | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4-Cycle | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Advance & Retard Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ | -- |
| LCD Display | ✓ | ✓ | -- |
| Tachcometer | ✓ | -- | -- |
| Dwell | ✓ | -- | -- |
| Voltage | ✓ | -- | -- |
| 2-Cycle | ✓ | -- | -- |
| Hard Case | ✓ | -- | -- |
| Bottom Line | Innova 5568 Pro is built for mechanics and DIY who are constantly involved in setting the ignition timing. | Innova 3568 timing light is perfect for DIYers and professional technicians who wants to do basic timing and other advanced functions. (even tight spaces) | Innova 3551 is an entry level timing light that can be comfortably used by average people who want to check the timing on various ignition systems. |
Best Timing Light: The Honest Reviews
1Innova 5568 Pro Timing Light
Innova 5568 Pro is a professional choice timing light for high-quality performance.
You will notice that the unit is made from ABS, a heavy-duty material so as to stand daily use.
4.3 / 5Overview
You will also notice that Innova 5568 Pro supports four-function digital readout.
The digital readout includes Tachometer, Dwell, Advance, and Voltage.
This timing light can also check 4cycle and 2cycle engine.
The enhanced performance is also made possible by a patented skip circuitry that can test up to 9990rpm.
This unit also has a slim and high quality rotating barrel for better aim even in tight spaces.
Compatibility
- Innova 5568 Pro is compatible with most of the domestic and foreign ignition systems.
- You will be able to check the timing on electronic, conventional, as well as computer controlled systems.
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Pros
- The slim rotating barrel allows a better aim
- Can effectively check the timing on different ignition systems
- It has shockproof and heavy-duty ABS housing.
- Has a boot for extra protection to your hands
- The backlit screen offers better viewing
Cons
- The screen is somehow dim making it hard to read in daylight
- It has no flash trigger making it hard to operate
Who should take this timing light?
Innova 5568 Pro is built for mechanics and DIY who are constantly involved in setting the ignition timing.
It, therefore, means that if you own a mechanic shop this unit can be of great importance.
You will be able to reliably set ignition timing on various vehicles and other appliances.
2INNOVA 3568 Digital Best Timing Light
If you are looking for the best timing light then INNOVA 3568 should meet your timing needs.
This timing light is uniquely built with a split-screen with truly visible digital LCD readout display.
4.3 / 5You will be able to check tachometer, Dwell, as well as other advanced functions simultaneously from the screen. This screen allows you to comfortably adjust direct reading advance dial from 0-60 degrees. As a result, you will be in a better position to accurately adjust the distributor
Equally, the skip circuitry allows a wide test range of 249 to 9990RPM.
You will be able to accurately check mechanical advance or check retard, base timing, and electrical advance or check retard applications.
This timing light is also designed to adapt and work well in tight spaces.
This is because it has a slim and a rotating barrel that you can adjust for a better aim.
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Compatibility
You will find that this timing light is compatible with most domestic and imported ignition systems.
It allows you to check the timing on Conventional, electronic as well as computer controlled systems.
3INNOVA 3551 Inductive Best Timing Light
If you are looking for the best entry level timing light then you might want to check on INNOVA 3551.
You will find that it can comfortably check the timing on most ignition systems.
4.3 / 5Innova 3551 allows you to effectively check a no-spark condition. You will also like the slim as well as the rotating barrel so as to provide a better aim. It, therefore, means that you can check timing even in hard to reach areas. The timing light also is designed with a protective hand guard.
This will allow you to operate the gadget using one hand and without the fear of coming in contact with the engine fan blades.
Besides, this unit is capable of skip circuitry from 249 to 9990RPM.
Compatibility
INNOVA 3551 Inductive Timing Light is compatible with most ignition systems
You will be able to check the timing on Conventional, DIS, electronic as well as computer controlled systems.
The ignitions systems can either be imported or domestic systems.
4INNOVA 3555 Advance Best Timing Light
4.3 / 5Overview
INNOVA 3555 is an advance timing light that features a direct and highly effective reading advance dial.
This dial can adjust from 0 to 60 degrees allowing you to comfortably read a wider range of timing values.
Other than checking timing light, you will also be able to diagnose a no-spark condition using this timer.
You will also find that this timing light works with different types of ignition systems allowing you to take timing from different types of vehicles.
The patented skip test makes it possible to perform timing at 9900rpm.
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Compatibility
- INNOVA 3555 Advance Timing Light has wide compatibility with different ignition systems.
- You will be able to timing on electronic, conventional, as well as computer controlled systems.
- The ignitions systems can be on domestic or imported automotive or appliances.
Pros
- Has a slim and well-designed barrel that allows a better aim
- Can check the timing on different ignition systems
- Made using shock-proof and heavy-duty housing.
- Has a molded boot to provide protection from engine fan blades
- Has a highly effective backlit screen for better viewing
Cons
- No flash trigger
- Inconsistent and somehow dim
- Shuts off after every 10 seconds making it a hassle to operate
- Sometimes skips flashes
Who should take this timing light?
This timing light is appropriate DIY and mechanics.
It can perform basic timing and some advance timing functions.
5ESI 125 Digital Tach Advance Best Timing Light
This best digital timing light has a really bright display that allows you to check to time any time of the day.
3.5 / 5Overview
ESI 125 Digital is designed to provide precise tuning as well as diagnostic functions.
The stroke tachometer is able to measure the speed of your car engine up to 9999rpm.
You will also notice that this best timing light comes with a set of detachable as well as replaceable cable set.
The detachable unit allows you to easily store the unit when not in use.
Compatibility
- If you need to check the timing on Conventional, DIS, electronic as well as computer controlled systems this unit is appropriate for you.
- ESI 125 Digital is designed to check the timing on both foreign and domestic ignition system.
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Pros
- It has a bright xenon light that enhances readability
- The unit supports 4 and 2 cycle engines
- Easy to use
- Support advance degrees of 0-90.
- Has a wide ignition coverage
Cons
- The reading can be unstable when checking the timing on some ignition systems
- It lacks the boot for protecting the hand
- It is comparatively heavy
- The barrel is not adjustable
- The metallic clips can get hot
- Has loose wiring that causes to cut out when shaken.
Who should take this timing light?
ESI 125 Digital is built for DIY and mechanics.
The unit allows you to perform base timing in most of the ignition systems. Better yet, it is one of the best timing light units to control as it has on/off switched.
6ESI 130 Self – Powered Timing Light
When you need to check for the time at a higher RPM then ESI 130 Self – Powered Timing Light is a perfect choice.
This is because it can accurately check timing up to 14,000rpm.
4.4 / 5Overview
As a result, you will be able to comfortably check to time even in broad daylight.
It has a protective sleeve that is well designed to withstand elevated temperatures up to 1200 Fahrenheit.
The protective measures ensure that this best timing light is able to last long as sustain a high level of accuracy.
This best timing light also has a standard cable that is four feet long.
The long cable gives enough allowance as you check to time even tight spaces.
When you buy this timing unit, you will also notice that it comes with its own batteries.
The best part is that the batteries are rechargeable cutting down on the overall long-term cost.
Compatibility
- ESI 130 Self – Powered Timing Light is compatible with most of the domestic and foreign ignition systems.
- You will be able to check the timing on electronic, conventional, as well as computer controlled systems.
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Pros
- It is a self-powered timing light
- Can withstand high temperatures
- Has a bright light that enhances readability
- Supports ignition timing on 4 cycles and 2 cycle engine
- It is built with durability in mind
- Can support both 6-volt and 12-volt battery
Cons
- The timing light has no boot to protect the hand
- The barrel does not rotate to for better aim
Who should take this timing light?
This unit can be comfortably used by DIY, car enthusiasts, and mechanics to check ignition timing.
7Actron CP7529 Digital Best Timing Light
3.7 / 5If you are looking for the best timing light that can maximize the efficiency of your engine then you should check out Actron CP7529. This is a uniquely built strobe light that will accurately check ignition fire and timing.
The inductive pick up metallic clumps is effectively molted over the wires on the plug so as to allow a quick connection. You will also notice that the unit uses a digital LED as well as indicator lights to enhance readability.
Compatibility
- This timing light is compatible with most of the ignition systems
- It can check Conventional, electronic as well as the computer-controlled ignition system
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Pros
- Has a bright light for enhanced visibility
- The timing light is easy to use
- It can check both foreign and domestic ignition system
- The timing light is really easy to connect.
- Has a 1-year warranty
- This unit works on both 2 cycles and 4 cycle engine
- It is lightweight
- Built with heavy-duty material to enhance durability
- Has a comprehensive manual with clear instructions
Cons
- It unstable with rpm reading flickering
- The unit usually misread the timing
- The casing is not shockproof.
Who should take this timing light?
This is a DIY unit capable of connecting and checking the timing on most ignition systems.
DIY and mechanics can check base timing and advance timing using this timer.
8Actron CP7528 Advance Best Timing Light
Actron CP7528 is a highly efficient and one of the best timing light worth the value of your money.
It can accurately set the base timing as well as advance timing reading.
3.4 / 5Overview
It is also designed with heat resistant battery clips that come with an one-touch control.
To make it even better, this timing light has a highly powerful xenon flash tube as well as a focused fresnel lens.
The modifications provide strong light allowing you to use this timing light during the day.
Compatibility
- You can use Actron CP7528 to check the timing on most domestic and foreign ignition systems.
- It can accurately check the timing on Conventional, DIS, electronic as well as computer controlled systems.
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Pros
- It is accurate and easy to use
- Has a bright screen for enhanced readability
- It has a wide ignition coverage
- It supports 4 cycle ignition
- The unit supports multiple spark discharge
- It is lightweight
Cons
- The inductive pickups tend to fail in this unit
- The figures are sometimes unstable
- Lacks many features
Who should take this timing light?
This is an advanced best timing light built for DIY and mechanics.
Effectively check base and advanced timing functions.
9Actron CP7527 Inductive Timing Light
3.7 / 5Actron is another effective and yet one of the best timing light that can effectively spark fires so as to correct the timing of the ignition system.
It has an ergonomic design with a plated housing that has an incredibly bright xenon flash.
You will be able to clearly check to time and access the reading effectively even in a broad daylight. Besides, the unit has on/off one-touch control with a sturdy metal inductive pickup.
Also, the plated housing is made of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene to enhance durability.
Compatibility
You will be able to check the timing on Conventional, electronic as well as computer controlled systems using Actron CP7527.
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10Wilmar W80578 Self-Powered Best Timing Light
If you are looking for the best timing light for race cars, street rods, or power boats then Wilmar W80578 can come in handy for you.
You can effectively use this on gas engines, motorcycle, vehicles, snowmobile, tractors, and mowers.
4 / 5It means that you can easily detach the hook and easily store them when not in use.
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Pros
- The hook up makes it easy to connect
- Has a separate power source
- Can check to time in many appliances and automotive
- The detachable hooks up make it easy to store
- Has a push button that enhances long life
- It has protective boots and high current clips
- The unit has a 12-gauge wire lead that is 5 foot long.
Cons
- You need to rotate to move the two lights so as to find a bright spot and it can be confusing.
- The light is not bright enough
- This unit is quite heavy
Who should take this timing light?
Wilmar W80578 can be effectively used by DIY, mechanics and even average persons to check their timing.
Read more: Popular Timing Lights User Manuals For Free Download
The Bottom Line
Timing lights are simple yet powerful gadgets that can help you to save money and time.
This is because the best timing light will allow you to adjust the distributor without the taking your car to a mechanic.
Before buying the best timing light there are factors that you should consider.
Some of these factors include light brightness and dial back feature.
Read more: How to Use a Timing Light to Reset the Ignition Timing
