# Start Stretching vs Bend

The clearest difference is ads: Bend at none against Start Stretching's shown. Bend also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 4 months) and ratings volume (175K vs 3.6K). On price, rating, review sentiment and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Start Stretching sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Bend sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Bend holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bend has 175K ratings behind it against 3.6K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of Start Stretching's written reviews are positive against 86% of Bend's.

Start Stretching ships an update every 4 months, Bend every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Start Stretching | Bend |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (3.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-stretching/id827568897/reviews) | **[4.8 (175K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bend-stretching-and-flexibility/id1513988468/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3.6K | **175K** |
| Positive reviews | 79.8% of reviews | **86.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#53** |
| Size | 9 MB | 259 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Yogasoft Applications](https://appshunter.io/developer/827568900) | [Bowery Digital](https://appshunter.io/developer/1513988467) |

## What reviewers say

### Start Stretching

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/start-stretching/id827568897)

Improve your physical flexibility with guided stretches designed for beginners. This app offers simple instructions and a built-in timer to make daily stretching convenient. Track your progress and integrate with your health app to monitor your fitness journey.

**Highlights:** Beginner-level stretches, Easy-to-follow graphics and instructions, Configurable stretch durations, Built-in timer, Health app integration, Statistics tracking, Automatic stretch cycling

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Start Stretching Premium | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 🚀 Straightforward stretching routine
- 💪 Helpful for improving flexibility
- ⏱️ Effective timer and countdown features
- 📊 Useful statistics and progress tracking

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Limited number of stretches
- 🤔 Lack of customization and progression options
- 💰 Premium version not worth the cost
- 🤯 Confusing instructions and interface for some users

**Reported bugs**

- Occasional freezing or looping issues
- Inconsistent behavior with left/right stretch variations

**Requested features**

- More stretching exercises and routines
- Ability to create custom stretching programs
- Guided audio or video instructions
- Integration with fitness tracking apps


### Bend

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bend-stretching-and-flexibility/id1513988468)

**Currently charting:** #53 Top Grossing · Health & Fitness, #114 Top Free · Health & Fitness (US App Store)

This app offers a wide variety of guided stretching and mobility routines designed to improve flexibility, relieve pain, and enhance overall well-being. With hundreds of exercises and programs for all levels, it aims to make daily movement a consistent and beneficial part of your life.

**Highlights:** Hundreds of stretching exercises, Daily routines for various needs (wake up, posture, sleep), Improve flexibility and mobility, Relieve pain in back, neck, hips, shoulders, Customizable routines, Suitable for all ages and experience levels

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Membership | $4.99 | per month |
| Monthly Membership | $9.99 | per month |
| Monthly Membership | $13.99 | per month |
| Annual Membership (70% Off) | $19.99 | per year |
| Annual Membership (70% Off) | $23.99 | per year |
| Annual Membership (70% Off) | $23.99 | per year |
| Annual Membership (50% Off) | $29.99 | per year |
| Annual Membership (50% Off) | $39.99 | per year |
| Annual Membership | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 👍 Variety of stretching routines
- 👍 Customizable routines
- 👍 Helpful for improving flexibility and mobility
- 👍 Motivating with streak tracking

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes and bugs
- 🔒 Everything locked behind paywall
- 🔒 No free trial to test full functionality
- 🔒 Expensive subscription for limited content
- 👎 Lack of visual guidance and instructions for stretches

**Reported bugs**

- Streak tracking issues and data loss
- Inability to access paid content after subscription
- Inconsistent app behavior and crashes

**Requested features**

- Add more stretching categories and routines
- Provide more free content and trial options
- Allow customization of stretch order and duration
- Implement voice guidance and video demonstrations
- Add Apple Watch support and integration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Start Stretching free?

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

### Is Bend free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Start Stretching or Bend?

Bend is rated higher. Start Stretching averages 4.6 out of 5 from 3.6K ratings, while Bend averages 4.8 from 175K ratings.

### Do Start Stretching or Bend have ads?

Start Stretching shows ads; Bend does not.

### Which is updated more often, Start Stretching or Bend?

Start Stretching ships an update every 4 months, and Bend every 2 weeks. Most recently, Start Stretching was updated on November 6, 2026 and Bend on November 6, 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.*