# Hydrow vs Virtual View AR by Hot Spring

Hydrow and Virtual View AR by Hot Spring both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Virtual View AR by Hot Spring's written reviews are positive against 59% of Hydrow's. Virtual View AR by Hot Spring also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.6). Hydrow's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (3.5K vs 13). On price, rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hydrow sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $29.99 per month. Virtual View AR by Hot Spring asks for nothing beyond the download.

Hydrow holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hydrow has 3.5K ratings behind it against 13, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 59% of Hydrow's written reviews are positive against 100% of Virtual View AR by Hot Spring's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Hydrow ships an update every 3 weeks, Virtual View AR by Hot Spring every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hydrow | Virtual View AR by Hot Spring |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (3.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hydrow/id1458653991/reviews)** | [4.6 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-view-ar-by-hot-spring/id1564145740/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3.5K** | 13 |
| Positive reviews | 59.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 186 MB | 204 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hydrow, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1371506837) | [Watkins Manufacturing Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/662341471) |

## What reviewers say

### Hydrow

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hydrow/id1458653991)

Access over 5,000 on-and-off rower workouts led by elite athletes filmed in beautiful locations. Track performance, connect with a community, and share achievements. Compatible with Concept2 PM5 rowers for integrated metrics and leaderboards.

**Highlights:** 5,000+ on-and-off rower workouts, Elite athlete instructors, Global scenic filming locations, Performance tracking, Rowing community features, Strava and Apple Health integration, Concept2 PM5 rower compatibility

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Digital Basic | $29.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth motion
- 🚀 Engaging video coaching
- 👍 Variety of workouts
- 👍 Motivating instructors
- 👍 Convenient for travel

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App issues (no iPad support, audio sync, etc.)
- 🔒 Lack of account management features
- 💰 Expensive subscription cost
- 💰 Requires expensive rower hardware

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes during workouts
- Difficulty logging in or syncing account
- Inconsistent video/audio quality

**Requested features**

- Ability to search/filter workouts
- More data analytics and tracking
- Integration with other fitness devices/apps
- Ability to manage account on app/website


### Virtual View AR by Hot Spring

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-view-ar-by-hot-spring/id1564145740)

Visualize spa models in 3D within your own space before purchasing. Browse, compare, and shop from anywhere, sending favorites directly to a dealer. Find your ideal hot tub with augmented reality.

**Highlights:** View spa models in 3D, Visualize fit in your space, Browse and compare models, Shop anytime, anywhere, Send favorites to dealer, Find your perfect spa

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hydrow free?

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

### Is Virtual View AR by Hot Spring free?

Virtual View AR by Hot Spring is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Hydrow or Virtual View AR by Hot Spring?

Hydrow is rated higher. Hydrow averages 4.8 out of 5 from 3.5K ratings, while Virtual View AR by Hot Spring averages 4.6 from 13 ratings.

### Do Hydrow or Virtual View AR by Hot Spring have ads?

Virtual View AR by Hot Spring shows ads; Hydrow does not.

### Which is updated more often, Hydrow or Virtual View AR by Hot Spring?

Hydrow ships an update every 3 weeks, and Virtual View AR by Hot Spring every 3 months. Most recently, Hydrow was updated on October 18, 2026 and Virtual View AR by Hot Spring on September 26, 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.*