diff --git a/tests/xtimer_hang/tests/01-run.py b/tests/xtimer_hang/tests/01-run.py
index b1bae55acb..9e58b4e945 100755
--- a/tests/xtimer_hang/tests/01-run.py
+++ b/tests/xtimer_hang/tests/01-run.py
@@ -15,7 +15,9 @@ import testrunner
 def testfunc(child):
     child.expect_exact("[START]")
 
-    for i in range(100):
+    # due to timer inaccuracies, boards might not display exactly 100 steps, so
+    # we accept 10% deviation
+    for i in range(90):
         child.expect(u"Testing \( +\d+%\)")
 
     child.expect_exact("[SUCCESS]")