# SmartRow — user reviews > 200 indexed App Store user reviews of SmartRow by Ergometer Innovations B.V., rated 3.80/5 from 73 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartrow/id1223542275/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartrow/id1223542275.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 33 · 4★ 14 · 3★ 11 · 2★ 7 · 1★ 8 ## What do users think of SmartRow? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 🚀 Accurate data and metrics - 🔍 Detailed performance tracking - 📊 Integration with Strava and Apple Health - 🔧 Customizable display and settings - 🤖 Seamless Bluetooth connectivity - 💪 Elevates the WaterRower experience **Cons** - 🐛 Unstable Apple Watch integration - 🔍 Limited data export options - 🕰️ Lack of pause/resume functionality - 🔢 Distance-based intervals not supported - 🔌 Occasional connectivity issues - 🕹️ Clunky custom workout creation **Commonly reported bugs** - App crashes during long rows - Workout data not saving properly - Connectivity issues with Bluetooth devices - Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions **Most requested features** - Distance-based interval workouts - Audible cues and prompts during workouts - Ability to duplicate/sort custom workouts - Integration with Garmin devices - More advanced performance analytics - Customizable heart rate zone settings ## Newest reviews (21 of 200) ### 3/5 — Good app but can improve *2025-09-16, version 4.4.2* The app works great and it’s nice having more data than the standard water rower tracker. I wish I could do interval training based on distance rather than just time. Seems like an easy enough fix. Would also be nice if it could be integrated with garmin. ### 3/5 — Good tracking, but could be a better workout tool *2025-08-21, version 4.4.2* I’ve been using SmartRow with my WaterRower for a few months now, and overall it’s a solid app for tracking rowing performance and dedicated workouts. The metrics are helpful, and it’s great to have rowing data seamlessly integrated with the machine. That said, there are a few areas where the app feels limiting- especially if you’re doing something beyond a steady-state row, like interval training or using the rower as part of a circuit workout. At the moment, I find myself relying on a separate timer app (SecondsPro) to fill in the gaps. Here are a few specific improvements that could really enhance the experience: 1. No audible cues during workouts Without sound prompts, I have to constantly look at my phone to know when an interval changes. Adding audible signals (for interval transitions, countdowns, or stroke-rate targets) would make the app far more user-friendly. 2. Custom workouts are cumbersome to build The process of setting up intervals is clunky. It would be so much easier if there were options to copy/duplicate individual intervals - or even whole workouts - rather than having to rebuild them from scratch. 3. Custom workouts don’t stay in order The fact that custom workouts reorder themselves makes it confusing to find the one I want quickly. Having the ability to manually sort or keep workouts in a saved order would fix this. SmartRow has great potential, but addressing these small usability issues would make it not just a solid tracking app, but a much more powerful training tool - especially for people who use rowing in different workout formats. ### 3/5 — nicht ausgereift *2025-08-01, version 4.4.2* schöne visualisierung und gute datenerhebung, wenn, ja wenn denn alles klappt. ich lasse mittlerweile immer noch einen zweiten workout tracker auf meiner uhr mitlaufen, weil fast jedes mal irgendwelche accessoires die verbindung verlieren. vor allem die HR vom pulsgurt geht bei fast jedem workout zwischendurch verloren. egal ob polar h10 oder garmin hrm pro. bitte nachbessern! ### 4/5 — Top App, bitte um kleinere Details *2025-07-13, version 4.4.2* Ich liebe SmartRow und meinen WaterRower sehr. Für den Ehrgeiz wünsche ich mir dennoch beim Online-Vergleich die Unterscheidung Male-Female, gerne auch nach Altersklasse. Da ich weiblich und mittleren Alters bin, freue ich mich über den 4. Platz in D. bei den weiblichen Mitruderern, aber mit fast 56 habe ich mich zu vergleichen mit der Altersklasse 20-30…. Es wäre Mega, sich wirklich echt vergleichen zu können. ### 4/5 — Improving ! *2025-05-17, version 4.4.2* Thanks for the improvements done in the last release. A pause functionality would be great to manage situations where you are interrupted in the middle of a workout. Also noticed an issue when both a phone and ipad are close to the smartrow device: the workout is spinning forever after you hit start on the ipad. Unlocking the phone usually solves it. ### 4/5 — Distance intervals *2025-03-09, version 4.3.3* Dear SmartRow. The app as a whole is great, but when will distance intervals be added? Distance intervals are an important aspect of any training programme and I feel that it’s a shame that it isn’t available. Are there any external apps that are compatible with SmartRow that have the ability to do distance intervals? ### 2/5 — Extreme Probleme mit hängender App *2025-02-06, version 4.3.2* Ich habe mir um 1600 Euro ein Rudergerät gekauft. Die SmartRow App läuft auf meinem iPhone15Pro sowas von schlecht. Nachdem das Rudergerät sowie Herzsensor verbunden wurde, hängt sich die App sehr oft nach dem „Startbutton“ auf. Auf dem iPhone 13Pro meiner Frau läuft die App überhaupt nicht nach dem drücken des Startbutton. Ich bin endlos enttäuscht, und bereue es, dass ich mir nicht die Classicversion ohne dieses Appwahnsinn gekauft habe. ### 2/5 — Naja Connectivity ist echt schlecht *2025-01-16, version 4.3.2* Die Verbindung zu Peloton, Apple+ und der Applewatch funktioniert einfach nicht. Warum? Peloton funktioniert mit Rudergeräten mit Bluetooth FTMS Support. SmartRow supportet FTMS nur ist Peloton in der Auswahl nicht aussuchbar? Warum? Ich hoffe echt das dass schnell behoben wird und nicht erst in nem Halbjahresupdate kommt. Der WaterRower S4 funktioniert übrigens mit Peloton nur der höherwertige SmartRow nicht… . Verquere Welt! Was ist mit Apple+? Warum kann man sich auch damit nicht verbinden? Bisher bleibt die ansonsten gute App bei zwei Sternen. Wenn die connectivity verbessert wird gibt es 5. Edit: seit 11 Monaten kein Update, keine Info, nix. Wurde die Entwicklung eingestellt? ### 3/5 — Do the minimum *2025-01-06, version 4.3.2* Do the minimum recording your session but lot of features are missing. No synchro of your personnal workouts between IPad and IPhone, work only with iPhone to use the Apple Watch and no synchro with iPad to have a bigger screen, distance in rower not completed in Health, very poor stats… As said by another, it’s doing the job but not more. ### 3/5 — IOS 18 Probleme *2024-12-08, version 4.3.2* Leider funktioniert die App nicht mit IOS 18. Bildschirm ist ejngefroren, man kann nichts machen. ### 3/5 — Gute Idee / mittelmäßige Umsetzung. *2024-12-05, version 4.3.2* Die App fängt oftmals in einem Satz ohne Gründe von vorne an. Das stört beim Training. Auch gibt es mehrfache Aussetzer der Anzeige für die Kraftübertragung. Man fangt an zu ziehen und auf der Anzeige wird nur ein kurzer Kraftimpuls anstelle eines ganzen Zuges angezeigt. Schade ### 3/5 — Additional functionality *2024-11-04, version 4.3.2* Can you please make it possible to see your average split time down to the millisecond. It seems weird that it gives each split down to the millisecond and also your total row time down to the millisecond but not your average split. ### 4/5 — Nice app but doesn’t write distance data to HealthKit *2024-07-13, version 4.3.2* Distance data is all available in the SmartRow app itself, but HealthKit only stores duration and heart rate related info. Not sure why this limitation is there, and I’d assume it’s an easy fix. Will give 5* if this is fixed in a future update. ### 3/5 — Works great… when it works *2024-04-24, version 4.3.2* I’ve been sitting in my rower for 8 minutes trying to connect and reconnect … and reconnect. Still no luck. The “just row” is very glitchy which should be the easiest mode to operate in. ### 4/5 — Verbindung mit HR Sensor instabil *2024-04-12, version 4.3.2* Leider geht die Verbindung zum Garmin Brustgurt teilweise verloren ich würde mir wünschen das hier automatisch neu verbunden wird ohne das ich erst manuell in die Einstellungen gehen muss. ### 2/5 — Aplicación muy mejorable y casi ninguna actualización *2024-04-07, version 4.3.2* Apenas se pueden ver algunos datos mientras entrenas. La sección de intervalos es lamentable. Muy mala conexión con apps de terceros. No recibe casi ninguna actualización. A veces los valores máximos que guarda no han sido los más altos que has alcanzado en el entrenamiento. La aplicación tiene mucho que mejorar pero desconozco si va a a ver actualizaciones de verdad. No ha sido muy acertado comprar este medidor de potencia. Hecho de menos algo como ErgData o ErgZone. ### 3/5 — Langue *2024-02-26, version 4.3.2* A quand une version française??? Incroyable après toutes ces annnées ### 3/5 — SmartRow and Kinomap *2024-02-18, version 4.3.2* If any of you are planning to use SmartRow with the latest version of Kinomap it’s not really working. Every time you want to row you have to delete SmartRow equipment in Kinomap and add it back again - tedious to do. Connection is not always possible and you have to reboot iPhone to get it working. Worse still with the latest version ok Kinomap I get a message saying ‘Main Data not Received’ when trying to connect. Developers have said for many months they would sort this but nothing happens. The app itself works OK but I can’t recommend it if you want to use it with a third party rowing app. ### 3/5 — Leider funktioniert die Verbindung zur Apple Watch nicht zuverlässig *2024-02-08, version 4.3.2* Seit einiger Zeit funktioniert die Verbindung zur Watch nicht mehr. Der Puls wird erst nach längerer Zeit angezeigt und friert auch oft ein. Sonst ok. ### 4/5 — Verbindung mit Apple Watch unzuverlässig *2024-01-18, version 4.3.1* Leider wird die korrekte Pulsanzeige der Apple Watch in der App nicht immer korrekt auf dem iPhone angezeigt. Teilweise wird der Wert nur einige Minuten in der App angezeigt und friert dann ein, oder aktualisiert sich nur in unregelmäßigen Abständen. Das muss auf jeden Fall besser werden, denn im Zeitalter von Pulsuhren möchte man sich keinen Pulsgurt mehr anziehen. Ich würde mir neben dem Fortschrittsring noch einen weiteren Ring wünschen, der das Ende des kompletten Workouts zeigt. Nur die aktuell (Jan. 2024) herunterzählende Uhr finde ich zu wenig. Ansonsten finde ich die App gut. ### 4/5 — Apple Watch mit dem iPad fehlt *2023-12-24, version 4.3.1* Hallo liebes Entwicklerteam. Nun hat das iPad endlich die Health App. Daher würde ich mich freuen, wenn nun auch ein Training mit Apple Watch und iPad möglich wäre ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Crashes now *2025-04-29, version 4.4.1* The app used to be rock solid. Now when I do a 2K row the app stops receiving data from SmartRow unit. What happens is that the hundredth of seconds keep ticking but the seconds no longer increase and the SmartRow unit stalls. The heart rate is still visible and the workout responds to quit but it does not register the SmartRow ### 1/5 — New update not working at all! App won’t register any touches or anything *2025-04-09, version 4.4.1* New update now working at all! Won’t even register clicking and all my data which I’ve saved for over year since I’ve used and previously loved the app seems to have been lost. Not working at all with new update! ### 1/5 — App down? *2025-01-22, version 4.3.2* Is the app down? 22/01/25 ### 1/5 — Ne marche plus *2024-07-28, version 4.3.2* Fonctionnait synchronisait mes cessions avec santé, je pouvais visualiser la fréquence cardiaque. Ne marche plus ne synchronise plus et la fréquence cardiaque ne s’affiche plus. Comme d’habitude, ça marche puis parfois ça ne fonctionne plus et impossible de savoir pourquoi. ### 1/5 — still no Garmin integration *2024-07-09, version 4.3.2* Sadly there is still no integration to Garmin devices - either via soft sync via Garmin API or via Bluetooth Garmin Trainer support for higher end Garmin watches. Review downgraded to single star. ### 1/5 — Pas adapté à l’entraînement d’aviron *2023-11-27, version 4.3.1* Le principe du SmartRow est de proposer un module permettant d’obtenir une plus grande précision et des fonctionnalités avancées. Malheureusement l’application qui va avec n’est pas du tout au niveau notamment si l’on souhaite utiliser le rameur pour des entraînements d’aviron … Le paramétrage des séances est fastidieux et les informations peu judicieuses > lorsqu’on fait par exemple des séances avec 8 x 1', on ne peut avoir que les résultats par fraction de 500 m alors que l’on souhaiterait évidemment avoir ses résultats sur l’intervalle paramétrée. Les temps de repos sont également comptabilisés sans aucune distinction ce qui n’a pas de sens. Et enfin les exports, par exemple vers Strava, ne comportent aucune information sur les splits > on a juste une durée totale avec un temps. On est donc très loin de ce que propose la concurrence notamment chez Concept2 et c’est dommage car cela gâche le plaisir d’un bel objet silencieux … J’ai tenté de solliciter le support WaterRower sur le sujet mais personne ne prend la peine de répondre. Cela risque donc pour ma part de se traduire par une revente du matériel si les choses ne s’améliorent pas rapidement. Dommage … ### 1/5 — Why can’t I pause this *2023-08-28, version 4.3.1* Occasionally when rowing I get interrupted and need to pause my session. Just cant seem to do that. Can you consider it please ### 1/5 — Random crashes *2023-06-23, version 4.1.3* I’ve had the app randomly lock up and the only solution is to delete the app and reinstall which wipes out my custom workouts. Given the infrequency of updates the app is a clear afterthought and makes me regret buying into the whole thing in the first place. ### 1/5 — Stable but poor HR integration *2023-04-20, version 4.1.3* If I use Apple Watch or a polar chest strap, heart rate measurement is VERY flaky. It’s been the Sam for years. No improvements. Today, during a 5 minute row, my HR was measured at a flat 62bpm. It’s very poor for such an expensive system. I have stopped using it and just use my Apple Watch indoor rowing function. Very disappointed because my WaterRower is fantastic. They need to find a new technology partner. ### 1/5 — Can’t sign up *2021-03-21, version 4.0.2* Tried to sign up so I could keep track of workouts. Entered my info carefully, was supposed to get an confirm email, never did (checked my spam folder). Tried to sign up again, but it said my email is already in use from my first attempt. Tried to reset my password, and was supposed to get a reset email, never did (checked spam again). Emailed 24 hours ago, no response. Frustrating - spent a lot of money on the SmartRow device. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Smart is an understatement *2026-01-01, version 5.0.0* SmartRow elevates the WaterRower experience with its power meter's ability to accurately show pace and watts along with the force curve for each stroke as opposed to the WaterRower's S4 computer which overestimates the pace by around 10% and does not log workouts. Instead, SmartRow tracks my workout data and pushes it to Apple Health and Strava. I use it with my Apple Watch to see my heart rate and gauge my zones during workouts. The only lacking bit of the software for me is that you cannot create interval workouts that are distance-based, but that feature is apparently under development for iOS. As for accuracy, I'm pulling the same pace/watts at home with the SmartRow device/app on the WaterRower as I do in the gym on a Concept2. The aesthetics and minimal noise from the WaterRower are why I have it at my "home gym" aka living room and SmartRow keeps me on top of my goals by giving me precise data of all my workouts. ### 5/5 — Training Videos sind spitze *2025-11-22, version 5.0.0* Habe gerade das erste gemacht funktioniert technisch problemlos und hat Spaß gemacht. ### 5/5 — Better connectivity than I expected. *2025-02-03, version 4.3.2* Just to get it out of the way: yes the hardware is a huge pain in the neck. BUT this isn’t about the hardware it’s about the app. I find it to be the “Apple” of rowing apps … things just work. I haven’t played with all the features but I was very impressed with how it just starts working. In an EXR enthusiast and again it just connected with all the hassles. ### 5/5 — Awesome app, works well *2025-01-25, version 4.3.2* App works well with the SmartRow Note to developers, please add Apple TV in XCode when updating the app 😀 Having Apple TV support would be a game changer, no more plugging the IPad into the TV. ### 5/5 — Tolle App, super Service *2023-12-10, version 4.3.1* Die App ist eine enorme Verbesserung für den WaterRower und hilft, die Performance sehr präzise zu messen. Der Service hilft bei Fragen und Problemen schnell weiter und die Leute sind sehr freundlich. ### 5/5 — Excellent *2023-09-03, version 4.3.1* Great device and app for Waterrower! Specifically went for the performance erg version due to SmartRow which offers excellent data and features. Great to see ongoing improvements and innovations. Very happy so far. Could you please also make it compatible with Asensei! ### 5/5 — Sparking upgrade *2023-02-07, version 4.1.3* This software coupled with the SmartRow pulley modernizes the WaterRower is a no brainer to bypass the original Series 4 Performance Monitor. This modern approach on phone directly measures force dynamically, graphs it and calculates multiple indices of performance, work and totals. The software talks to multiple 3rd party programs if want. As a lone rower and a fan of numbers, Smart adds entertainment and utility. Love it. Wish I had discovered it sooner. Also the mechanical conversion- swapping the original dumb pulley for the smart one is easy if you use the Hansen video (15 minutes) - better than written instructions. ### 5/5 — Outstanding Customer Service *2023-01-24, version 4.1.3* Just want to say thanks to SmartRow for excellent Customer Service. I’ve recently had an issue where my 3 year old SmartRow was stopping on the App during active time sessions. After very helpful communication with the SR team and sending videos etc they have themselves proactively decided to send me a new SmartRow. This is outstanding so thank you SR Team. ### 5/5 — Tolles Upgrade für den WaterRower *2022-09-16, version 4.1.2* Die App macht genau das was ich von ihr erwartet habe. Apple Watch kann als Herzfrequenzsensor verwendet werden. Training wird im Anschluss an Strava exportiert. Einfache Trainingsprogramm. Gefällt mir total gut. Die App war letztendlich auch der Grund warum ich einen Waterrower und kein anderes Produkt gekauft habe. Verbesserungsvorschläge: Die Messwerte während es Trainings könnten noch deutlicher (größe, dickere Schrift, besserer Kontrast) dargestellt werden. Die weiße Linie im Herzfrequenzdiagram ist für mich fast gar nicht zu erkennen. Ich verwende ein iPhone 13 mini. ### 5/5 — Solid upgrade to S4, could use a few more features *2022-06-21, version 4.1.1* Adding the SmartRow pulley has been a great motivator to keep me rowing and improving my pace and form, and this app has been a solid interface for it. Rating is based on its utility, easily 5-star, but a few more features would really make it a killer app. Pros - Most importantly: Really stable bluetooth connection, quick to connect, pretty seamless overall - Auto-export to Strava and Apple Health is great - Pace boat has great UI for keeping a consistent speed/power output Cons - Apple Watch integration is a great idea to cut down on needed hardware but definitely isn't quite ready for primetime. Will sometimes fail to send HR for the first several minutes of workout, leading to flat HR for a while that then starts working. Unpredictable when this might happen. Adding a Polar HRM has been great and seamless. - Interval workouts haven't been useful to me in their current form; instead I just start a distance workout and do my own intervals, but then I get out of sync with the pace boat. Feature requests (priority order) - Workouts need some love! Please add distance intervals so the overall distance can be set instead of time. A programmable pace boat (pace 1 for 1000m, faster pace 2 for 500 m, repeat) would be fantastic, or any way to more easily follow the interval's requested pace/stroke rate/watts - Love the ranking distribution graph, please add that inside the app, or at least visible on mobile. - Would be nice to export the workout results as a series of images, one per panel, instead of just the single screenshot export. - Adaptive heart rate workouts? Set the pace boat to automatically keep HR in a given zone. - Smoothing on the pace and power graphs would be nice, something like a 10-second rolling average. - Landscape view on iPhone to show more panels, similar to iPad app --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-22.*