# Start Rowing vs XF Connect

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Start Rowing at 73% against XF Connect's 14%. Start Rowing also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.2) and ratings volume (682 vs 90). XF Connect's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). 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 XF Connect sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 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 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Start Rowing has 682 ratings behind it against 90, 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 14% of XF Connect's.

Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, XF Connect every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Start Rowing | XF Connect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (682 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-rowing-workouts-app/id1504306767/reviews)** | [4.2 (90 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xf-connect/id1539545324/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **682** | 90 |
| Positive reviews | **73.2% of reviews** | 14.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 55 MB | 122 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.2 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vigour Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546613605) | [Dyaco International Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1100739707) |

## 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


### XF Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xf-connect/id1539545324)

Access your workout history from connected fitness equipment on your device. Review detailed session summaries, track progress, and unlock achievements to stay motivated. Integrates with Apple Health for seamless data syncing.

**Highlights:** Sync workout history from connected equipment, Detailed workout session summaries, Track fitness progress, Unlock achievements, Integrates with Apple Health

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $99.00 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Start Rowing free?

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

### Is XF Connect free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Start Rowing or XF Connect?

Start Rowing is rated higher. Start Rowing averages 4.7 out of 5 from 682 ratings, while XF Connect averages 4.2 from 90 ratings.

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

Neither Start Rowing nor XF Connect shows ads.

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

Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, and XF Connect every 3 weeks. Most recently, Start Rowing was updated on October 19, 2026 and XF Connect on October 15, 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.*