Comparison

Start Rowing vs RowOn

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Start Rowing

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
Read full description

Start Rowing without any previous experience needed. Get in shape, build strength and burn calories. Our rowing app's workout plans will train you for the next stage in your rowing journey. Never rowed before? Start with our beginner plan. In 8 weeks you’ll be comfortable rowing 2000 meters with correct technique. Experienced erger? Use our intermediate and advanced plans to improve your overall fitness while increasing your rowing capacity. Start Rowing will guide you step by step, letting you know when to change rowing intensity and when to rest. Each plan is designed to slowly become more challenging so your body can adapt and gain endurance while minimising any risk of injury. Spend just 10-30 minutes a day, 2-5 days a week. You’ll be fitter, stronger and a much better rower! Features - Choose from Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced training plans. - Session based Challenger workouts to exercise your whole body. - Audio coach to guide your through your rowing workout. - Rowing metronome to help you keep in time. - Log your workouts and keep track of your overall progress. - Share your progress. - APPLE HEALTH INTEGRATION: Connect your workouts to Health App to track your daily activity. Legal Disclaimer This app and any information given by it are for educational purposes only. They are not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any fitness program. If you upgrade to a premium Start Rowing subscription, payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. Your subscription renews automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. There is no increase in cost when renewing. Subscriptions can be managed and auto-renewal turned off in Account Settings in iTunes after purchase. Once purchased, the current period cannot be cancelled. Any unused portion of a free trial period is forfeited if you choose to purchase a premium subscription. Find the full terms and conditions at https://www.vigour.fitness/terms, and our privacy policy at https://www.vigour.fitness/privacy.

About

RowOn

This app turns indoor rowing into a rhythmic, engaging game. Instead of just tracking metrics, you row to the beat of music, aiming to build streaks and earn points in dynamic environments. It offers personalized workouts to keep your training fun and energized.

Highlights
  • Row to the rhythm of music
  • Real-time gameplay with scoring
  • Dynamic visual environments
  • Customizable workout intensity
  • Streak building and engagement
  • Compatible with Concept2 PM5
Features
Read full description

RowOn transforms indoor rowing into an immersive, music-driven experience. Instead of watching numbers tick upward, you row to the rhythm. Match the beat. Build streaks. Stay engaged. Row to the Music Your stroke meets the tempo. Feel the rhythm guide your pace. Real-Time Gameplay Time your catch. Earn points. Keep the streak alive. Dynamic Environments Visual worlds that respond to your effort and intensity. Built Around You Tailor workouts to your pace and challenge level. RowOn keeps training focused, energized, and fun Currently works with Concept2 PM5. All features are currently free.

Screenshots

Start Rowing4 screens
RowOn4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: RowOn at none against Start Rowing's 8. RowOn also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Start Rowing's advantage is ratings volume (682 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.6). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

RowOn 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 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, RowOn every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Start Rowing versus RowOn: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStart RowingRowOn
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (682 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews73.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings682 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 2 weeks — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.6 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size55 MB59 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperVigour Group LtdTetta Studios LLC

Customer experience

Start Rowing

All ratings682 ratings
Positive95.0%
Neutral2.9%
Negative2.1%
Written reviews97 reviews
Positive73.2%
Neutral9.3%
Negative17.5%

RowOn

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

Start Rowing

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Blank screen during workouts
  • Inconsistent stroke rate changes
  • Automatic screen shutoff during workouts

Requested features

5 requests
  • 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

RowOn

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

7 purchases

Start Rowing

Subscriptions6
  • Start Rowing Weekly$4.997 Days
  • Premium Monthly$9.991 Month
  • Premium Monthly2 variants$14.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • Premium Yearly$79.991 Year
  • Premium Yearly7 Days trial$79.991 Year
  • Yearly Premium7 Days trial$99.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Access$179.99
None

RowOn

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Start Rowing free?
Start Rowing is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is RowOn free?
RowOn is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Start Rowing or RowOn?
RowOn is rated higher. Start Rowing averages 4.7 out of 5 from 682 ratings, while RowOn averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do Start Rowing or RowOn have ads?
Neither Start Rowing nor RowOn shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Start Rowing or RowOn?
Start Rowing ships an update every 2 weeks, and RowOn every 3 weeks. Most recently, Start Rowing was updated on October 10, 2026 and RowOn on October 16, 2026.

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