# Start Rowing vs Swelldone

The clearest difference is monetization model: Start Rowing at free with in-app purchases against Swelldone's subscription. Start Rowing also leads on review sentiment (73% vs 38%) and rating (4.7 vs 4.3). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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 Swelldone sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Start Rowing holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Start Rowing has 681 ratings behind it against 103, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 73% of Start Rowing's written reviews are positive against 38% of Swelldone's.

Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, Swelldone every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Start Rowing | Swelldone |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (681 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-rowing-workouts-app/id1504306767/reviews)** | [4.3 (103 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swelldone-virtual-row-plus-paddle/id1522371496/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **681** | 103 |
| Positive reviews | **73.2% of reviews** | 38.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 55 MB | 1.2 GB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vigour Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546613605) | [5007490 Ontario Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1522371498) |

## 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


### Swelldone

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/swelldone-virtual-row-plus-paddle/id1522371496)

Experience an open-world paddling game with realistic wave physics and dynamic swells. Connect your erg for immersive training, race head-to-head in multiplayer, and explore iconic real-world venues. Choose from various paddlers, vessels, and workouts to enhance your fitness and enjoy virtual ocean adventures.

**Highlights:** Open-world ocean with realistic wave physics, Multiplayer virtual training and racing, Selectable paddlers, vessels, and real-world venues, Ergometer and trainer connectivity (FTMS), Customizable and pre-set workout library, Sync with Apple Health, Strava, C2 Logbook

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Wiki Member (Weekly) | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Ohana Membership | $9.99 | per month |
| Hoku Membership (Annual) | $99.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Start Rowing free?

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

### Is Swelldone free?

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

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

Start Rowing is rated higher. Start Rowing averages 4.7 out of 5 from 681 ratings, while Swelldone averages 4.3 from 103 ratings.

### Do Start Rowing or Swelldone have ads?

Neither Start Rowing nor Swelldone shows ads.

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

Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, and Swelldone every 3 weeks. Most recently, Start Rowing was updated on October 23, 2026 and Swelldone on October 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.*