# Float vs Start Rowing

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Start Rowing at 73% against Float's 26%. Start Rowing also leads on rating (4.7 vs 1.9) and ratings volume (682 vs 10). Float's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Float sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Start Rowing sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Start Rowing holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Start Rowing has 682 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 73% of Start Rowing's.

Float ships an update every 3 weeks, Start Rowing every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Float | Start Rowing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.9 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/float-the-indoor-rowing-app/id1035660586/reviews) | **[4.7 (682 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-rowing-workouts-app/id1504306767/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 10 | **682** |
| Positive reviews | 26.3% of reviews | **73.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 29 MB | 49 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Endurance Sports Research Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1467364689) | [Vigour Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546613605) |

## 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 |


### Start Rowing

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-rowing-workouts-app/id1504306767)

This app provides structured rowing machine training plans for all experience levels, from beginner to advanced. It guides users through workouts with audio cues and a metronome, helping them build strength, burn calories, and improve rowing technique. Track progress and integrate with Apple Health for a comprehensive fitness journey.

**Highlights:** Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced training plans, Audio coach guidance, Rowing metronome, Workout logging and progress tracking, Apple Health integration, Session-based Challenger workouts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Start Rowing Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Premium Monthly | $14.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $79.99 | per year |
| Premium Yearly | $79.99 | per year |
| Yearly Premium | $99.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Access | $179.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Helpful for beginners
- 🚀 Structured workout plans
- 👍 Easy to follow
- 👍 Enjoyable and motivating
- 🚀 Useful metronome and pacing features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues (blank screen, spinning circle)
- 🔋 High battery drain
- 💰 Misleading about free access, requires subscription
- 👎 Limited customization and flexibility
- 👎 Inconsistent performance (stroke rate changes, screen shutoff)

**Reported bugs**

- Blank screen during workouts
- Inconsistent stroke rate changes
- Automatic screen shutoff during workouts

**Requested features**

- Allow custom workout creation
- Improve volume control for metronome and audio
- Add more advanced workout options
- Enhance user interface and navigation
- Improve sync and data tracking across devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Float free?

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

### Is Start Rowing free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Float or Start Rowing?

Start Rowing is rated higher. Float averages 1.9 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while Start Rowing averages 4.7 from 682 ratings.

### Do Float or Start Rowing have ads?

Neither Float nor Start Rowing shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Float or Start Rowing?

Float ships an update every 3 weeks, and Start Rowing every 2 weeks. Most recently, Float was updated on September 15, 2026 and Start Rowing on September 29, 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.*