# SmartRow vs Start Rowing

The clearest difference is rating: Start Rowing at 4.7 against SmartRow's 3.8. Start Rowing also leads on review sentiment (73% vs 46%) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). SmartRow's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 8). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Start Rowing sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. SmartRow asks for nothing beyond the download.

Start Rowing holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Start Rowing has 682 ratings behind it against 73, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 46% of SmartRow's written reviews are positive against 73% of Start Rowing's.

SmartRow ships an update every 2 months, Start Rowing every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmartRow | Start Rowing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (73 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartrow/id1223542275/reviews) | **[4.7 (682 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-rowing-workouts-app/id1504306767/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 73 | **682** |
| Positive reviews | 46.0% of reviews | **73.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 60 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ergometer Innovations B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1356320200) | [Vigour Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546613605) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### 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 SmartRow free?

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

### Is Start Rowing free?

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

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

Start Rowing is rated higher. SmartRow averages 3.8 out of 5 from 73 ratings, while Start Rowing averages 4.7 from 682 ratings.

### Do SmartRow or Start Rowing have ads?

Neither SmartRow nor Start Rowing shows ads.

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

SmartRow ships an update every 2 months, and Start Rowing every 2 weeks. Most recently, SmartRow was updated on October 5, 2026 and Start Rowing on October 10, 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.*