# Start Rowing vs Ergatta

The clearest difference is rating: Start Rowing at 4.7 against Ergatta's 4.1. Start Rowing also leads on review sentiment (73% vs 58%) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). Ergatta's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 8). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Start Rowing sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Ergatta asks for nothing beyond the download.

Start Rowing holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Start Rowing has 682 ratings behind it against 80, 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 58% of Ergatta's.

Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, Ergatta monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Start Rowing | Ergatta |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (682 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-rowing-workouts-app/id1504306767/reviews)** | [4.1 (80 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ergatta/id1573791266/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **682** | 80 |
| Positive reviews | **73.2% of reviews** | 58.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 55 MB | 70 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vigour Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546613605) | [Ergatta](https://appshunter.io/developer/1573791268) |

## 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


### Ergatta

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ergatta/id1573791266)

Plan workouts, track performance, and view detailed historical data. Monitor your progress, rankings, and challenges, even without your rower. Sync data with Apple Health for a comprehensive view of your fitness.

**Highlights:** Workout history and breakdown, Workout library browsing and filtering, Detailed stats and personal records, Community and group rankings, Challenge progress tracking, Apple Health integration

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Start Rowing free?

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

### Is Ergatta free?

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

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

Start Rowing is rated higher. Start Rowing averages 4.7 out of 5 from 682 ratings, while Ergatta averages 4.1 from 80 ratings.

### Do Start Rowing or Ergatta have ads?

Neither Start Rowing nor Ergatta shows ads.

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

Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, and Ergatta monthly. Most recently, Start Rowing was updated on October 10, 2026 and Ergatta on October 16, 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.*