# SmartRow vs Rowr

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Rowr at 100% against SmartRow's 46%. Rowr also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.8). SmartRow's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (73 vs 3). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Rowr holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SmartRow has 73 ratings behind it against 3, 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 100% of Rowr's.

SmartRow ships an update every 2 months, Rowr every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SmartRow | Rowr |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (73 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartrow/id1223542275/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rowr/id1622407822/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **73** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 46.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 60 MB | 261 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ergometer Innovations B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1356320200) | [Rowr Fitness, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1622407824) |

## 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


### Rowr

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rowr/id1622407822)

This app connects to your indoor rowing machine to offer guided workouts and challenges. Experience virtual rowing with videos of real locations, designed by expert coaches to enhance your fitness.

**Highlights:** Connects to indoor rowing machines, Virtual rowing video experiences, Coach-designed workouts, Individual fitness challenges, Supports Concept II rowers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SmartRow free?

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

### Is Rowr free?

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

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

Rowr is rated higher. SmartRow averages 3.8 out of 5 from 73 ratings, while Rowr averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do SmartRow or Rowr have ads?

Rowr shows ads; SmartRow does not.

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

SmartRow ships an update every 2 months, and Rowr every 3 months. Most recently, SmartRow was updated on October 13, 2026 and Rowr on September 16, 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.*