# ErgData vs Start Rowing

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ErgData at none against Start Rowing's 8. ErgData also leads on ratings volume (5.1K vs 681). Start Rowing's advantage is review sentiment (73% vs 45%). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for ErgData against 4.7 for Start Rowing. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ErgData has 5.1K ratings behind it against 681, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 45% of ErgData's written reviews are positive against 73% of Start Rowing's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ErgData | Start Rowing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (5.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ergdata/id561716382/reviews) | [4.7 (681 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-rowing-workouts-app/id1504306767/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **5.1K** | 681 |
| Positive reviews | 45.4% of reviews | **73.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 74 MB | 49 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Concept2, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/446481798) | [Vigour Group Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546613605) |

## What reviewers say

### ErgData

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ergdata/id561716382)

This app acts as a personal training partner for Concept2 equipment. It allows users to set up custom workouts, view real-time stats, track progress, and sync data with online platforms. It also offers workout of the day challenges and detailed post-workout analysis.

**Highlights:** Custom workout setup, Real-time workout stats, Progress tracking, Sync with Concept2 Logbook, Workout of the Day, Post-workout analysis, Apple Watch compatibility

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great app
- 👍 Excellent stats
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Seamless sync with Concept2 logbook
- 👍 Customizable heart rate zones

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connection issues with PM5
- 🐛 Unreliable heart rate monitoring
- 🐛 Sync issues with Apple Health
- 🐛 Crashes and data loss
- 🐛 Frequent disconnections

**Reported bugs**

- Workout data not saving
- Heart rate data freezing
- Disconnects during workouts
- Sync issues with Apple Health and Strava
- Login issues and frequent logouts

**Requested features**

- Add friend mode
- Integrate Apple Watch support
- Add manual workout entry
- Implement landscape mode for iPad
- Integrate pace calculator


### 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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ErgData free?

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

### Is Start Rowing free?

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

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

ErgData and Start Rowing are both rated 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 5.1K and 681 ratings respectively.

### Do ErgData or Start Rowing have ads?

Neither ErgData nor Start Rowing shows ads.

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

ErgData ships an update every 2 weeks, and Start Rowing every 2 weeks. Most recently, ErgData was updated on September 23, 2026 and Start Rowing on September 11, 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.*