# Start Rowing vs Fluid Connect

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Start Rowing at 73% against Fluid Connect's 7%. Start Rowing also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 7 months). Fluid Connect'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. Fluid Connect asks for nothing beyond the download.

Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, Fluid Connect every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and June 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Start Rowing | Fluid Connect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (682 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-rowing-workouts-app/id1504306767/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **682** | — |
| Positive reviews | **73.2% of reviews** | 7.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 49 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **14.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vigour Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546613605) | [FIRST DEGREE FITNESS LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1449683561) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Fluid Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fluid-connect/id1514909463)

Record and review your rowing workouts with various styles like HIIT and distance challenges. Track session statistics, view charts, and monitor your total distance, time, and calories burned. The app also supports automatic firmware updates for compatible rowers.

**Highlights:** Bluetooth FTMS protocol communication, Multiple workout styles (Just Row, Target Distance, Target Time, HIIT), Session statistics and charts, Sortable workout history, Odometer for total metrics, Automatic firmware updates

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Start Rowing free?

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

### Is Fluid Connect free?

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

### Do Start Rowing or Fluid Connect have ads?

Neither Start Rowing nor Fluid Connect shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Start Rowing or Fluid Connect?

Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, and Fluid Connect every 7 months. Most recently, Start Rowing was updated on September 29, 2026 and Fluid Connect on June 4, 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.*