Best Rowing Apps (2024): Row Through Venice or Join a Competition 

Rowing is a great form of full-body, low-impact exercise. If you’re interested in buying a rowing machine for your home gym but aren’t sure if you’ll be able to get the hang of the technique or stick with it, a rowing app might be a good option for you. The best rowing apps, which we cover in this guide, offer guidance in the form of coached classes as well as progressive programs and data tracking. 

Our roster of product testers and certified personal trainers have tested the majority of the prominent rowing apps on the market—more than a dozen to date (and counting). Not to mention, many of us are CrossFitters, so we’ve amassed many hours of rowing on ergs, using the collected workout data to become better at this endurance sport. Our top picks are the cumulation of collective decades of rowing experience and thorough testing and research.

Best Rowing Apps in 2024

• Best Rowing App Overall: Hydrow
• Best Rowing App with On-Demand Classes: Ergatta
• Best Rowing App for Concept2 Rower: ErgData
• Best Rowing App for WaterRower: CITYROW App
• Best Rowing App with Live Classes: Echelon Fit
• Best Rowing App for Apple and iOS: Apple Fitness+
• Best Rowing App for Advanced Training: Asensei Rowing 
• Best Rowing App for Detailed Metrics: LiveRowing 

Best Rowing App Overall: Hydrow App

Good for: Anyone who wants a multifunctional app with fantastic rowing workouts and great connectivity 

Best Overall

Hydrow App

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Live and on-demand workouts 
• Focused on rowing but other workouts available 
• Use with or without Hydrow rower

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Live and on-demand workouts
• Rower and non-rower workouts
• Over 4,000 on-demand workouts
• Multiple user profiles
• Cheaper option available for use without Hydrow rower

Cons

• Limited reviews
• A bit costly for full membership
• Customers report limited syncing with other apps

Bottom Line

The Hydrow app is an expensive fitness app but may be worth it if you’re looking for a rowing-focused app with some additional workouts.

Indoor rowing becomes a lot more fun when your workouts entail cutting through the waters of Bergen, Norway or Lake Las Vegas in Nevada. The audio and visual quality of Hydrow content is unmatched, even after trying several smart rowers with immersive screens. 

With the Hydrow rower, you might be able to forget you’re doing a full-body workout as you glide along scenic flatwater canals in Venice, Italy, or the River Thames in London. What’s more is that the coaches aren’t just anyone, they’re former Olympic rowing athletes and rowing world champions who provide words of encouragement and technique reminders at the right times. 

All of Hydrow’s content is actually shot on location—yes, as in actually in Lake Lucerne in the Swiss Alps—so it looks like the real thing. 

There are a variety of class types to choose from, including distance rows, challenges, and live competitions. You can also select interval workouts to work on speed or do a recovery row to loosen up tight muscles. The Hydrow machine tracks a number of key metrics, including strokes per minute and 500-meter splits. 

You can use the Hydrow app on any rower with a device holder if you just want to follow the classes, but you’ll get the most comprehensive and immersive experience on a Hydrow or Hydrow Wave rowing machine.

Best Rowing App With On-Demand Classes: Ergatta

Good for: Anyone who wants to work out on their own time and still access great rowing classes (and have fun while doing it)

Best for On-Demand Classes

Ergatta App

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Game-based rowing workouts 
• Live and on-demand games 
• Use with Strava, Apple Health

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 1,000+ game-based workouts
• Live and on-demand racing
• Scenic waterway destinations
• Unlimited household members
• Integrates with Strava, Apple Health, and heart rate monitors

Cons

• Limited reviews
• Need Ergatta rower
• No trainer-led classes
• Exclusively rowing workouts

Bottom Line

The Ergatta companion app that provides game-based workouts to get the most out of your Ergatta rower has a large community, over 4,000 games, and mostly positive reviews.

Ergatta was one of the first brands to gamify and enhance the rowing experience. When Coop first reviewed the Ergatta rowing machine, he was stoked about the combination of a beautiful machine and fantastic programming. Ergatta is basically a WaterRower with a giant touchscreen that can stream workouts from the Ergatta app. 

Such workouts include scenic rows, custom intervals, live competitions, and a number of games. The available games include Meteor, Races, Push Programs, Rhythm Rows, Vortex, Tech Challenges, and Power Pulse. There are also fully baked training programs and a “just row” option.  

Additionally, there is a library of follow-along tutorials for beginners, where they can learn proper rowing techniques. 

With the subscription, an Ergatta rower (or a WaterRower with the Ergatta add-on) uses a patented calibration system that sets resistance levels based on an initial assessment the first time you use the rower. The resistance adapts as you do, getting stronger when the system feels like the workout is too easy and vice versa. 

You can use the Ergatta app on any rower with a device holder and stream from your phone or tablet, but the app itself won’t collect and use data like the hardware does. 

Best Rowing App for Concept2 Rower: ErgData

Good for: People who have a Concept2 RowErg and want to see detailed data with an easy integration process

Best for Concept2 Rowers

ErgData App

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Connects your smart device to Concept2 machines 
• Connects via Bluetooth 
• Works with SkiErg, RowErg, and BikeErg

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free app
• Connects you to Concept2 RowErg, SkiErg, BikeErg
• Work out with others on real-time shared virtual course
• Create custom workouts
• Integrates with Strava, Garmin, and Apple watch

Cons

• Limited iOS reviews
• No library of workouts, just workout of the day
• Customers complain app is buggy

Bottom Line

Erg Data is a free app for creating custom workouts and tracking your progress on Concept2 machines.

This is the best rowing app for people who are serious about workout data and training plans. It’s been the go-to for Concept2 RowErg owners since before Bluetooth compatibility was a thing—once upon a time, you had to connect your phone to the rower’s performance monitor with a USB stick and cable. 

That’s not the case anymore, and your iPhone or Android device can automatically sync with the PM5 performance monitor wirelessly. (If you have a PM3 or PM4, you’ll still need to use the wired connection.)

You create your own workouts within the app—there aren’t any coached workouts on this app—so it’s best for experienced rowers. ErgData collects an impressive amount of workout data, including strokes per minute, watts, calories, total distance, total time, target splits, projected finish, stroke rate, and heart rate if you have a compatible heart rate monitor. 

The app can present all of this information in a variety of ways, including easy-to-read line graphs, tables, or blocks that allow you to focus on one metric at a time. Additionally, ErgData connects automatically to the worldwide Concept2 leaderboard, so you can enter challenges and races.  

Some customer reviews report issues with the info auto-uploading to the Concept2 logbook, but for the most part, customer reviews are really positive and it doesn’t seem like ErgData will ever lose its spot as the king of Concept2 data tracking. You can also sync the ErgData app with Strava, Garmin Connect, and other fitness apps to combine all of your data.

Best Rowing App for Water Rowers: CITYROW App

Good for: Anyone who already owns a WaterRower connected model or a CITYROW model

Best for WaterRower

CITYROW App

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Rowing and non-rowing workouts 
• 6 styles of rowing workouts 
• Use with CITYROW, Concept2, and WaterRower

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Can be used with multiple rowers
• Rower and non-rower classes
• 6 styles of rowing classes

Cons

• Reportedly a buggy app
• Users say app sometimes lags
• No scenic workouts
• Hard to contact CityRow

Bottom Line

CITYROW app provides thousands of on-demand studio based classes for both rower and off-rower workouts.

Water rowers are such aesthetically pleasing indoor rowing machines, usually made mostly of hardwood. If you already have a water rower, enhance the experience with a rowing app like the CITYROW app. 

This app is a spinoff of the popular CITYROW studio rowing classes that became popular in New York City and then spread throughout the U.S. Our team has tried the CITYROW GO Max (now called CITYROW Max) and loved the experience on the massive, immersive touchscreen display. 

This is a great app with several types of rowing workouts and training programs. You can try endurance sessions, speed workouts, and HIIT rowing workouts, as well as combo classes that include rowing and strength, yoga, Pilates, or core work. 

And you don’t need a CITYROW indoor rower to enjoy its companion workout app, either—with the WaterRower Bluetooth Commodule, you can connect a WaterRower PM4 performance monitor to your app after subscribing. The app also connects to the CITYROW Classic, which is just like the Max but without the giant touchscreen. 

RELATED: Best Water Rowing Machines

Best Rowing App With Live Classes: Echelon Fit

Good for: Anyone looking for an abundance of live workout classes

Best for Live Classes

Echelon Fit App

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Workout class app 
• On-equipment and off-equipment workouts 
• Works with bikes, treadmills, rowers, and mirrors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 30-day free trial
• Compatible with Echelon bikes, treadmills, rowers, and fitness mirrors
• Cheaper option with limited classes available
• Live and on-demand classes
• 40+ daily live classes

Cons

• $35/month for premier membership
• Some users report app is buggy
• Customers complain about bad customer service

Bottom Line

Echelon Fit is a solid workout app with multiple membership levels depending on if you want access to the workouts for the connected equipment.

For people who love to row at home but are missing the motivating, energetic vibe of in-person fitness classes, I recommend the Echelon Fit app. Echelon offers several types of workout machines, so the app isn’t exclusively a rowing app, but it does offer a number of on-demand and live rowing classes. 

The rowing classes, whether you choose live ones or on-demand options, are led by certified fitness instructors and the vibe is high-energy all around. This makes Echelon Fit a great app for people who struggle with motivation and want to add an element of fun and accountability to their workout routine. 

Echelon Fit hosts dozens of live classes per day, with new routines being added all the time. We tested the Fit app out on the Echelon Row-s Connected Rower, which features a 22-inch touchscreen that directly streams the workouts. This experience is top-tier, but you don’t need an Echelon rower to make use of the Echelon Fit app. 

On any rowing machine with a device holder, you can fire up the app and watch on your smartphone. Of course, you likely won’t be able to sync data this way, but that’s no big deal for someone who’s just looking to move and doesn’t care about the numbers. (The Echelon rowers themselves, however, are largely unusable without an app subscription.)

RELATED: Best Magnetic Rowing Machines

Best Rowing App for Apple and iOS: Apple Fitness+

Good for: People who prefer to use Apple products

Best for iOS

Apple Fitness+ App

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Apple’s new fitness subscription service
• Available late fall 2023
• $9.99/month or $79.99/year
• Video and audio workouts 
• Compatible with iPhone 8 or later or iPhone 6 paired with Apple Watch Series 3 or later

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 11 different types of workouts
• Free trial for Apple watch users
• Cheaper than other fitness memberships like Peloton and iFIT

Cons

• Not currently available
• No customer reviews on quality of workouts
• Less variety of classes than competitors

Bottom Line

Apple’s new Fitness subscription app offers thousands of workouts ready to release Fall 2023. The platform will likely have the same interface and functionality as other Apple products, but we can’t speak to the quality of workouts yet.

If you already use much of the Apple ecosystem, it just makes sense to use apps that are native to the system (that’s how they get ya). So for a rowing app that will seamlessly integrate with your iPhone, Apple Watch, Apple TV, or whatever else you own, try Apple Fitness+.

With Apple Fitness+, you can stream rowing workouts and all sorts of other workout classes on your iPhone or other iOS device, and all of your workout data will automatically sync to your Apple Watch. 

The workout library on this app is currently more than 3,000 sessions strong, with many of those being rowing workouts. You can use Apple Fitness+ with any rowing machine—there’s no specific one that’s compatible with the app (yet)—as long as there is a device holder to support your phone or tablet. You could also stream on an Apple TV and set your rowing machine up in front of the TV. 

This app doesn’t track as many metrics as a rowing-specific app would (although your machine should track all of the essentials), but we think that the overall variety of workouts available in the app make up for it—we’re all about cross-training. 

Best Rowing App for Advanced Training: Asensei Rowing 

Good for: Rowing enthusiasts who want tough sessions accompanied by technique feedback and detailed training data 

Best for Advanced Training

Asensei App

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Rowing coaching and training app 
• Personalized programs 
• Guides and monitors rowing technique 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• World-class coaches including Olympians
• Discounted family plan available
• Provides feedback on form and technique
• Personalized programs

Cons

• No Android app
• Exclusively a rowing app
• Requires a compatible machine

Bottom Line

Asensei is a great app if you have a compatible rower and are looking to improve your rowing, since it will give you workouts and feedback on your technique.

Asensei Rowing is the only rowing app that we know of that offers real-time technique feedback like a rowing coach would. This app has rowing sessions coached by former Olympic rowing athletes including gold medalist Eric Murray. During the rowing machine workouts, Asensei’s AI analyzes your technique and provides corrections to help you fix errors like: 

• Overuse of the arms to compensate for a weak leg drive 
• Excess curvature in the pull, resulting in inefficient strokes
• Reduced stroke length as the workout wears on 

You can set up the app to record your session and then rewind and watch, too. While this is certainly an in-depth rowing experience, I think it’s a great way for beginners to learn proper rowing technique if they can’t utilize a live coach. 

Those aren’t the only reasons we chose Asensei as one of our top picks for best rowing apps; whereas many rowing apps are only available on one type of rower—they are typically companion apps to existing hardware—Asensei Rowing is available on three types of rowing machines: Concept2 RowErg, WaterRower, and FluidRower. Asensei says on the website that it is accepting proposals for new hardware compatibility. 

To make Asensei work in your home gym, you need one of those three machines as well as a smart device holder that you can attach to your rowing machine. 

Unfortunately, the app is only available on iOS at this time, but it seems like Asensei is actively pursuing growth opportunities, so hopefully we’ll see it expand to Android devices and new rowing machines in the near future.

Best Rowing App for Detailed Metrics: LiveRowing

Good for: Serious rowing athletes who need to see in-depth data (and own a Concept2 rowing machine)

Best for Detailed Metrics

LiveRowing App

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Free rowing app with premium upgrades 
• Compatible with Concept2 rowing machines 
• Detailed workout data

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Free version
• Provides workout of the day
• Detailed post-workout data

Cons

• No Android app
• Premium price not easily found
• Only works with Concept2 rowers
• Users complain app is buggy

Bottom Line

LiveRowing is a free app for Apple users that tracks data. LiveRowing also provides a workout of the day. If you find yourself wanting access to more features, there is a premium upgrade option.

This app might give ErgData a run for its money one day. It works just like ErgData—it syncs automatically to a PM5 or can connect to a PM3 or PM4 with a cable—and voila, you can start building workouts or follow a pre-designed training program. 

You can choose to subscribe to the app or purchase a training plan that grants you premium access to LiveRowing for one year. The training plans range from about $40 to $100 and were created by prominent athletes and fitness industry figures, including CrossFit athletes Austin Malleolo and Spencer Hendel, former Olympic rower and World Silver Medalist Dr. Cam Nichol, and two-time Olympian rower Samuel Loch. 

Like ErgData, the LiveRowing app connects to the performance monitor on your Concept2 rowing machine and presents all of your workout data in graphs, charts, and blocks so you can easily make sense of the data and adjust accordingly. 

The downside, of course, is that this app is solely compatible with Concept2 rowing machines. There are also a number of negative customer reviews on the App Store stating that the app doesn’t work consistently, so I recommend trying out the free version first just to make sure you can get it going. 

RELATED: Best Budget Rowing Machines

Other Rowing Apps We Tried or Researched

In addition to our top picks, here are some other rowing apps worth checking out. 

• Aviron: This is less an app and more a subscription that powers the Aviron rowers. There is a companion app, but it’s for staying connected to your community and viewing data rather than streaming workouts.
• Float: This is another app that works with Concept2 rowers, but it’s unclear online if it’s being actively managed, because the app’s web domain is disconnected.
• ErgStick: This product also appears commonly in reviews online, but it doesn’t seem to exist anymore. The ErgStick was a USB connector designed for Concept2 rowers and it looks like there was a companion app at one time.
• Start Rowing: This is a simple app available on iOS and Android devices, and features basic rowing plans you can follow (for free) on your smartphone. 
• iFIT: Although iFIT is one of the best workout apps, it’s only accessible on NordicTrack or ProForm machines and can be quite costly on a per-month basis.

RELATED: Best Running Apps

How We Picked and Tested the Best Rowing Apps

The majority of our recommendations for the best rowing apps come from personal experience with the apps and the products they are compatible with. 

For example, members of our team have tested the hardware and software from Ergatta, Concept2, ErgData, Hydrow, CITYROW, Echelon Fit, and Apple Fitness+. 

To test these products, we perform several workouts and judge the experience against multiple criteria, including overall experience, value, engagement, ease of use, data tracking, and more. 

While we haven’t tried Asensei Rowing or LiveRowing in connection with hardware just yet, we’re able to make recommendations based on thorough research and customer reviews.  

Benefits of Rowing Apps

While anyone can buy a rowing machine and hop on, subscribing to a rowing app can help with:

• Improving form and technique 
• Pacing 
• Progression 
• Motivation
• Accountability 
• The fun factor 

Ultimately, using a rowing app alongside the machine can help you stay consistent and engaged with your workout routine. Certain apps can also assist with technique to ensure your safety. 

RELATED: Best Personal Training Apps

Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Rowing App

The following considerations will make a difference in which rowing app is the best option for you.

Hardware Compatibility

If you already own a rower, it makes the most sense to subscribe to an app that is compatible with that rower. Otherwise, you’ll be paying for a subscription you can’t get much use out of, or you’ll have to buy a new machine.

Pricing

Subscription fees for rowing apps range from free to around $40 per month. Generally, more money gets you more features, including an app that isn’t limited to just rowing workouts, should you want more variety.

Workouts and Classes 

Speaking of variety, we personally think it’s a great idea to choose a multifunctional app that offers more than rowing workouts. It’s good to keep your training varied for both progression and continued adherence. For example, our top pick, Hydrow, offers tons of rowing-specific sessions but also provides opportunities for you to increase your strength and core stability.

Metrics 

Metrics don’t matter to everyone, but for rowing, you’ll at least want to see the following:

• Total time elapsed
• 500-meter split times 
• Stroke rate (strokes per minute) 

Other helpful metrics for advanced training include heart rate, projected finish, and watts to measure power output. 

Connectivity

An app that can integrate with other apps, such as Apple Health, Strava, Garmin Connect, or Training Peaks, can help you paint a complete picture of your fitness and wellness. It’s not necessary, but it is a nice touch. 

FAQs About Rowing Apps

To wrap up, here are some FAQs about rowing machines and apps.

Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC

Amanda is a content writer and journalist with extensive experience in the health, fitness, lifestyle, and nutrition niches. Before joining Garage Gym Reviews, she worked as an independent writer for various brands and outlets.Her work has appeared in national and global digital publications, including Health.com and Shape.com (Meredith Corporation), CNET (Red Ventures, formerly ViacomCBS), LIVESTRONG (Leaf Group), Verywell Fit and The Balance (DotDash), SlickDeals (Goldman Sachs/Hearst), Health Journal, and more.Now, Amanda brings her expertise in fitness to the GGR team by testing equipment and writing authentic, honest reviews on everything you might need to stock your home gym.

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