# Start Rowing vs EXR | Virtual indoor rowing

The clearest difference is rating: Start Rowing at 4.7 against EXR | Virtual indoor rowing's 4.5. EXR | Virtual indoor rowing's advantage is device support (5 vs 3). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Start Rowing sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and EXR | Virtual indoor rowing sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $14.95 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Start Rowing holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 681 and 291 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 73% of Start Rowing's written reviews are positive against 65% of EXR | Virtual indoor rowing's.

Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, EXR | Virtual indoor rowing fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Start Rowing | EXR | Virtual indoor rowing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (681 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-rowing-workouts-app/id1504306767/reviews)** | [4.5 (291 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exr-virtual-indoor-rowing/id1518208077/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **681** | 291 |
| Positive reviews | **73.2% of reviews** | 65.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 49 MB | 866 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vigour Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546613605) | [Salty Lemon Entertainment](https://appshunter.io/developer/1518208076) |

## 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


### EXR | Virtual indoor rowing

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exr-virtual-indoor-rowing/id1518208077)

Transform your indoor rowing workouts with immersive virtual worlds and engaging challenges. Connect your rowing machine to explore scenic routes, race against others globally, and track your progress with detailed analytics. Gamified features and structured training plans help you achieve your fitness goals.

**Highlights:** Virtual rowing worlds and courses, Global races and challenges, Avatar customization and gear unlocks, Structured training plans and tests, Performance analytics and progress reports, Sync with Concept2, TrainingPeaks, Strava, FTMS Bluetooth rowing machine connectivity

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| EXR (1 Month) | $14.95 | per month |
| EXR (6 Months) | $71.90 | per 6 months |
| EXR (1 Year) | $119.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Motivational and data-driven
- 🚀 Immersive rowing experience
- 🎮 Fun and engaging games
- 💪 Helps achieve fitness goals
- 🤝 Supportive community

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription is overpriced
- 🐛 Connectivity issues and bugs
- 🤖 Avatar movement not in sync
- 📊 Lack of integration with Apple Health
- 🎵 No option to use own music

**Reported bugs**

- Account creation and login issues
- Frequent crashes and freezes
- Inaccurate data sync with Concept2
- Incompatibility with certain devices

**Requested features**

- Live multiplayer races
- More training programs and maps
- Customizable workout editor
- Age-based leaderboards
- 360-degree live footage


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Start Rowing free?

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

### Is EXR | Virtual indoor rowing free?

EXR | Virtual indoor rowing is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Start Rowing or EXR | Virtual indoor rowing?

Start Rowing is rated higher. Start Rowing averages 4.7 out of 5 from 681 ratings, while EXR | Virtual indoor rowing averages 4.5 from 291 ratings.

### Do Start Rowing or EXR | Virtual indoor rowing have ads?

Neither Start Rowing nor EXR | Virtual indoor rowing shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Start Rowing or EXR | Virtual indoor rowing?

Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, and EXR | Virtual indoor rowing fortnightly. Most recently, Start Rowing was updated on September 11, 2026 and EXR | Virtual indoor rowing on September 22, 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.*