# Float vs SmartRow

The clearest difference is rating: SmartRow at 3.8 against Float's 1.9. SmartRow also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and review sentiment (46% vs 26%). Float's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Float sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. SmartRow asks for nothing beyond the download.

SmartRow holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 1.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SmartRow has 73 ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 26% of Float's written reviews are positive against 46% of SmartRow's.

Float ships an update every 3 weeks, SmartRow every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and June 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Float | SmartRow |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.9 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/float-the-indoor-rowing-app/id1035660586/reviews) | **[3.8 (73 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartrow/id1223542275/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 10 | **73** |
| Positive reviews | 26.3% of reviews | **46.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 29 MB | 60 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Endurance Sports Research Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1467364689) | [Ergometer Innovations B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1356320200) |

## What reviewers say

### Float

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/float-the-indoor-rowing-app/id1035660586)

Track your indoor rowing workouts with detailed stroke data. Connects to Concept2 machines via Bluetooth and syncs with the Health app. Offers advanced analytics and data export for performance analysis.

**Highlights:** Bluetooth connectivity for Concept2 PM5, Detailed stroke data (drive length, ratio, power), Live and replay power curves, Syncs with Apple Health, Cloud storage for training data, Email raw data export

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Float Pro | $3.99 | per month |
| Float Pro | $39.99 | per year |
| Unlock Pro features (1 month) | $3.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Pro features (1 year) | $39.99 | one-time |


### SmartRow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartrow/id1223542275)

Transform your WaterRower into a high-precision ergometer. Track detailed workout metrics including force curves and heart rate, and monitor fitness indicators like Watts-per-Beat. Sync your progress seamlessly with Apple Health.

**Highlights:** Lab-grade ergometer conversion, Detailed force curve analysis, Heart rate graphing, Workout tracking and history, Fitness metrics (Watts-per-Beat, Watts-per-Kilogram), Apple Health synchronization

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate data and metrics
- 🔍 Detailed performance tracking
- 📊 Integration with Strava and Apple Health
- 🔧 Customizable display and settings
- 🤖 Seamless Bluetooth connectivity

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Unstable Apple Watch integration
- 🔍 Limited data export options
- 🕰️ Lack of pause/resume functionality
- 🔢 Distance-based intervals not supported
- 🔌 Occasional connectivity issues

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes during long rows
- Workout data not saving properly
- Connectivity issues with Bluetooth devices
- Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions

**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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Float free?

Float is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is SmartRow free?

SmartRow is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Float or SmartRow?

SmartRow is rated higher. Float averages 1.9 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while SmartRow averages 3.8 from 73 ratings.

### Do Float or SmartRow have ads?

Neither Float nor SmartRow shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Float or SmartRow?

Float ships an update every 3 weeks, and SmartRow every 2 months. Most recently, Float was updated on September 15, 2026 and SmartRow on June 22, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*