# Start Rowing vs RowOn

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Start Rowing | RowOn |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (682 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-rowing-workouts-app/id1504306767/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rowon/id6759566789/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **682** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 73.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 55 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Vigour Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546613605) | [Tetta Studios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1879550771) |

## 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


### RowOn

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rowon/id6759566789)

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:** 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 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*