Comparison

Surf Progress vs SurfLab

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

Head to head
About

Surf Progress

Features
Read full description

SurfProgress helps you track and improve your surfing with a structured skill tree from beginner to advanced. Built by an ISA surf coach, for surfers. Structured Progression Over 100 skills across 4 levels, from popping up in whitewater to performance turns. Each skill has clear goals and XP rewards. Track Your Journey Log your surf sessions across the globe, complete new skills, and watch your rank rise. Earn XP and climb from Kook to Pro. Connect with Friends Share your username so friends can follow your progress. See their ranks and XP, and stay motivated together. Built for Surfers Minimal design, offline-first, and focused on what matters: getting better in the water.

About

SurfLab

Features
Read full description

Surflab is the go-to app for breathing training and freediving. Whether you're a surfer, freediver, or simply looking to master your breath, Surflab guides you through every session. -- WHAT YOU CAN DO -- Pre-Surf Warmup 22 guided steps (~12 min) to prepare your body and mind before hitting the water. Mobility, activation, breathing — arrive at the lineup ready to perform. Freediving & Breath Hold Train your breath hold with guided cycles. Track your records, visualize your progress, and beat your personal best. CO2 Tolerance Test Measure your CO2 tolerance with a simple timed test. Track your progress over time and let the app automatically adapt your training to your actual level. 4-Part Breath Progression A 3-minute daily session that automatically adjusts to your CO2 score. The smartest progression to push your limits further. Power Breathing 3 rounds of intense breathing to boost your energy and strengthen your immune system. Perfect before a surf session or any physical activity. Box Breathing The Navy SEALs' technique to control stress and stay focused under pressure. 4 equal counts, a steel mind. Heart Coherence 5 minutes, 3 times a day. Reduce stress, improve sleep, and regulate your nervous system. Guided Hyperventilation Prepare your body for effort with fast, dynamic breathing cycles. -- TRACKING & PROGRESS -- - Personal CO2 score with history and trend - Daily streaks to stay motivated - Personal breath hold record in real time - Full history of all your sessions - Progress badges to unlock - Global and friends leaderboard - iOS Widget: your stats at a glance -- SURFLAB PRO -- - Cosmic Breath: 3 circular cycles + free breath holds (~16 min) - CO2/O2 Apnea Tables for serious freedivers - Guided training programs (14 to 30 days) - Advanced stats and detailed charts - Share your sessions on social media - AI Coach: personalized advice based on your history and CO2 score - 7-day free trial, no commitment -- APPLE WATCH -- Surflab connects to your Apple Watch to measure your heart rate in real time during your sessions. Start today. Your breath is your greatest strength. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Surf Progress4 screens
SurfLab4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Surf Progress at none against SurfLab's 4. Surf Progress also leads on ads (none vs shown). SurfLab's advantage is device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). On price and update cadence 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. SurfLab sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Surf Progress asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Surf Progress ships an update every 4 days, SurfLab weekly. The most recent releases landed on May 15, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 2 level
Surf Progress versus SurfLab: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSurf ProgressSurfLab
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 4 days — betterWeekly
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS18.015.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB58 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMax FringsVincent Ramseyer

In-app purchases

None

Surf Progress

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

SurfLab

Subscriptions2
  • SurfLab Premium Monthly7 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • SurfLab Premium Yearly7 Days trial$14.991 Year
One-time2
  • Month free$1.99
  • SurfLAbApp$12.99

Questions

Is Surf Progress free?
Surf Progress is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is SurfLab free?
SurfLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Surf Progress or SurfLab have ads?
SurfLab shows ads; Surf Progress does not.
Which is updated more often, Surf Progress or SurfLab?
Surf Progress ships an update every 4 days, and SurfLab weekly. Most recently, Surf Progress was updated on May 15, 2026 and SurfLab on September 8, 2026.

Other comparisons