# Stryd vs Effortless Swimming

The clearest difference is rating: Effortless Swimming at 4.8 against Stryd's 4.0. Effortless Swimming also leads on review sentiment (83% vs 61%). Stryd's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (240 vs 20). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Stryd sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $14.99 per month and Effortless Swimming sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $67.00 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Effortless Swimming holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Stryd has 240 ratings behind it against 20, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 61% of Stryd's written reviews are positive against 83% of Effortless Swimming's.

Stryd ships an update every 3 days, Effortless Swimming every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stryd | Effortless Swimming |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (240 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stryd/id938379154/reviews) | **[4.8 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/effortless-swimming/id1277071131/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **240** | 20 |
| Positive reviews | 61.2% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 273 MB | 100 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Athlete Architect](https://appshunter.io/developer/938379153) | [BA Innovations Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1260281819) |

## What reviewers say

### Stryd

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stryd/id938379154)

This app provides personalized run training based on your fitness level and performance. It uses advanced sensor technology for stride-by-stride guidance, optimal pacing, and in-depth insights to help runners of all levels improve.

**Highlights:** Personalized run training plans, Stride-by-stride guidance, Optimal pacing for every run, In-depth performance insights, Race planning and optimization, Fitness trend analysis

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stryd Membership | $14.99 | per month |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate power data
- 🔍 Detailed analytics and insights
- 🤖 Helpful training plans and coaching
- ⚖️ Balanced training approach
- 🌍 Works well for indoor and outdoor runs

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues and app crashes
- 💸 Expensive device and subscription
- 📚 Convoluted setup and instructions
- 🕰️ Lack of real-time audio feedback
- 🧭 Inconsistent distance and pace tracking

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes during runs
- Syncing issues with Garmin and other devices
- Inaccurate data recording and reporting
- Unreliable connectivity with Bluetooth devices

**Requested features**

- Customizable training plans and workouts
- Integration with more fitness apps and devices
- Enhanced social features and community support
- Improved Apple Watch app functionality
- Treadmill calibration and incline adjustment


### Effortless Swimming

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/effortless-swimming/id1277071131)

Master freestyle swimming with expert-led video courses and a supportive community. Track your progress and learn proven strategies to swim faster and smoother. Access on-demand lessons anytime, anywhere to enhance your technique and confidence in the water.

**Highlights:** Expert-led video tutorials, Technique breakdowns, Supportive membership community, Progress tracking tools, On-demand access to lessons, Actionable tips and drills

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Effortless Swimming Monthly | $67.00 | per month |
| Effortless Swimming Annual | $399.00 | per year |
| Effortless Swimming Lifetime | $100.00 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Stryd free?

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

### Is Effortless Swimming free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Stryd or Effortless Swimming?

Effortless Swimming is rated higher. Stryd averages 4.0 out of 5 from 240 ratings, while Effortless Swimming averages 4.8 from 20 ratings.

### Do Stryd or Effortless Swimming have ads?

Neither Stryd nor Effortless Swimming shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Stryd or Effortless Swimming?

Stryd ships an update every 3 days, and Effortless Swimming every 5 months. Most recently, Stryd was updated on November 1, 2026 and Effortless Swimming on October 24, 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.*