# Start Rowing vs Bar

The clearest difference is update cadence: Bar at every 5 days against Start Rowing's every 2 weeks. Start Rowing's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and iOS requirement 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 Bar sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, Bar every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Start Rowing | Bar |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (682 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-rowing-workouts-app/id1504306767/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **682** | — |
| Positive reviews | 73.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 55 MB | 119 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vigour Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546613605) | [Bread technologies inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1476303481) |

## 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


### Bar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bar-workout-tracker/id6747085938)

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly access | $4.99 | per month |
| yearly access | $29.99 | per year |
| Yearly access | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Start Rowing free?

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

### Is Bar free?

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

### Do Start Rowing or Bar have ads?

Neither Start Rowing nor Bar shows ads.

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

Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, and Bar every 5 days. Most recently, Start Rowing was updated on October 10, 2026 and Bar 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.*