# Start Rowing vs Arcade Rowing

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Arcade Rowing at none against Start Rowing's 8. Arcade Rowing also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). Start Rowing's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (682 vs 1). On price, update cadence 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. Arcade Rowing asks for nothing beyond the download.

Arcade Rowing holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Start Rowing has 682 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, Arcade Rowing every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Start Rowing | Arcade Rowing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (682 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-rowing-workouts-app/id1504306767/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcade-rowing/id6455428414/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **682** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 73.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 55 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Vigour Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546613605) | [Cyborg Syndicate, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1415548474) |

## 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


### Arcade Rowing

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcade-rowing/id6455428414)

Engage in interactive rowing experiences by connecting to your rowing machine. Compete in real-time with rowers globally, play unique rowing games, and track your fitness progress. Explore virtual worlds or a social display of fellow rowers.

**Highlights:** Real-time global rowing social connection, Interactive rowing games, Progress tracking, Competitive leaderboards, Virtual world environments, Social display of rowers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Start Rowing free?

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

### Is Arcade Rowing free?

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

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

Arcade Rowing is rated higher. Start Rowing averages 4.7 out of 5 from 682 ratings, while Arcade Rowing averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Start Rowing or Arcade Rowing have ads?

Arcade Rowing shows ads; Start Rowing does not.

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

Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, and Arcade Rowing every 3 weeks. Most recently, Start Rowing was updated on October 10, 2026 and Arcade Rowing on October 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.*