If you are looking to improve your health, indoor rowing is a great way to get in a workout. Unlike running, rowing is a non-impact cardio activity that allows you to build fitness without the wear and tear on your joints. But if the thought of simply rowing in your own living room does not excite you, consider utilizing one of the best rowing apps to put a new spin on indoor workouts. And luckily, there are many budget-friendly rowing machines available for you to pair your app with.
The best rowing apps come with preset workouts with fun features like leaderboards and scenic rides. But with so many options, how are you to choose? We researched the best rowing apps based on criteria like price, variety of workouts, and accessibility to see which ones came out on top. Keep reading to see which is right for you.
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The Best Rowing Apps - Our Top Picks
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- Echelon
- Hydrow
- Cityrow
- Ergatta
- Regatta App with Concept2 Rower
- Ergometer Space App with Sole SR500 Rower
- Holofit App with Obsidian Surge
- Rowkeeper App with Oxford6
- Asensei App with 750r
- Ergzone App with Aquavite
Echelon
SPECS
- Platforms: iOS and Android
- Features: On-demand and live classes, performance tracking, scenic classes, Apple Health integration, heart rate monitor compatibility
The Echelon rowing app provides you with instant access to a great total body workout in the comfort of your home or even at your gym if you prefer that. If you have an echelon rower and are looking to take your workouts to the next level, hop into a live class to challenge yourself against other echelon users.
During live classes you can compete against other members in real time and see your results on the leaderboard. And with classes for all fitness levels, you will never feel out of place or like you are lacking a challenge. We also love that this app offers scenic rows: Feel the burn while you travel virtually to locations all around the world.
What We Like
- Interactive leaderboard
- Scenic row experiences
- Pairs with Apple Health and heart rate monitors
What We Don't Like
- Meant to be used only with Echelon rowers
- Membership is on the more expensive end
BUY: Echelon
Hydrow
SPECS
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Apple TV
- Features: Scenic rows, on-demand and live classes, Apple Health integration
If you are often on the go and have a hard time settling into a regular workout schedule but also love rowing, using the Hydrow app may be a great way to ramp up your workout routine. Hydrow uses technology that is meant to not only give you a full-body workout but also make sure that you have access to the mental and emotional benefits that rowing has to offer as well. Being able to crush a workout and boost your spirit at the same time will have you feeling ready to conquer anything.
One of the best parts about the Hydrow app is the ability to stay in touch with other users no matter where you are. You will be able to interact with other users so that you can encourage each other during hard workouts and motivate each other to keep coming back for more.
What We Like
- Perfect for any rower
- New content frequently added
- Olympic-quality instructors
- Share workout on Strava or Apple Health
What We Don't Like
- Not able to stream on all TVs
- Cannot connect to fitness watches
BUY: Hydrow
Cityrow
SPECS
- Platforms: iOS and Android
- Features: On-demand classes, real-time metrics, heart rate monitoring
Having a rowing app that helps you to improve your performance metrics and keeps you motivated to row on a regular basis is the key to success. The CITYROW app provides you with many classes of various intensity levels and durations. While the app offers many classes to guide you on the rower, there are also off-rower options if you want to do a bit of both.
This app allows you to choose your workout and get started with improving your strength, power, endurance, and even mobility no matter what class you choose to participate in. Plus, you’re guided by instructors who are excited to motivate you and give you expert advice on rowing and fitness.
What We Like
- Bluetooth compatible with multiple rowing machines
- Connects to Apple Watch
- Variety of class durations
What We Don't Like
- Not compatible with all fitness watches
- No game mode available
BUY: Cityrow
Ergatta
SPECS
- Platforms: Rower screen
- Features: Real-time feedback, competitive games, social features, video tutorials, technique games, beginner programs
The Ergatta rowing machine comes with a screen where you can access this Ergatta rowing app. The app is designed to help you push yourself through interactive and competitive games and workouts. You will not just be following along with a video, instead, you will be interacting live against others, or racing yourself. The workouts are very interactive and great for competitive people who want to push themselves to win—the live component encourages you to work hard and be the best. Set and beat your own personal records and communicate with others in the community to push yourself and them to keep crushing their workouts.
The Ergatta app is designed to adapt as your fitness level improves so that you will continue to improve your performance metrics even as you become more accustomed to the workouts. The interactive games are tailor-made to challenge you so that you can get the most out of the program and every workout you do. And if you’re new to rowing, you can access video tutorials and games that focus on techniques to help you quickly improve and become more effective in your workouts.
What We Like
- Live competitions
- Game mode
- Curated music playlists
- Programming that adapts to you
What We Don't Like
- App only usable with the Ergatta rower
- Does not sync with fitness watches
BUY: Ergatta
Regatta App with Concept2 Rower
SPECS
- Platforms: iOS
- Features: Curated music library, on-demand and live classes, real-time performance metrics, leaderboards
If you are looking for a great rowing app and rower combination, then the Regatta app paired with the Concept2 Rower may be a nice option for you. The Regatta rowing app is a performance-focused fitness app that is meant to be used by competitive athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. While this app can connect to most rowing machines with Bluetooth capability, you will find that the Concept2 Rower has all the features needed to make the most out of this app. Simply download the app to your smartphone or tablet, sync it with your rower, and get started! You will be able to see real-time performance data like pace, distance, and heart rate during your workout.
The Regatta app serves as a virtual training studio and can be used at home on your rower or at your gym. Once you choose from the large library of on-demand classes, you will be able to easily create the energy of a social workout class as you are coached by fitness experts and have access to a leaderboard. Even if rowing is your focus, you will find the Regatta app has a great variety of other classes available, so if you want to make sure your body stays loose for your next rowing session you can check out a yoga class too.
What We Like
- Small business created
- Strava upload capable
- Compatible with multiple machines
What We Don't Like
- Rating screen pops up after each class
- Cannot be streamed on TV
BUY: Regatta App with Concept2 Rower
Ergometer Space App with Sole SR500 Rower
SPECS
- Platforms: iOS and Android
- Features: On demand classes, real-time performance metrics, leaderboards, Bluetooth heart rate monitor compatible
When you pair the Ergometer Space app with Sole SR500 Rower you will find that you have the perfect at-home rowing studio setup. Pairing this app with your rowing machine allows you to be on the community-driven leaderboard every time you do a workout. Once you sync the app with your rower you can also sync your Bluetooth heart rate monitor so that you can enhance your workout experience and discover the power of heart rate zones, so you know when to push and how hard to go.
With workouts ranging from 10 to 60 minutes, you will be able to fit in a workout no matter how busy you are or go longer if you have some extra steam to blow off. The Ergometer Space app even allows you to earn FITCOIN and redeem them for prizes, giving you a bit of extra motivation to push yourself and regularly use your dynamic rowing app and rower combination.
What We Like
- Classes for every skill level
- New classes added regularly
- Supportive community to connect and workout with
What We Don't Like
- No live classes offered
- Does not sync to platforms like Strava
BUY: Ergometer Space App with Sole SR500 Rower
Holofit App with Obsidian Surge
SPECS
- Platforms: iOS and Android
- Features: On-demand classes, real-time performance metrics, leaderboards, Bluetooth heart rate monitor compatible
If you are an avid Apple product user and are looking for a motivating rowing app and rower combination, then the Holofit app paired with the Obsidian Surge will meet your needs. This virtual fitness app allows you to track your progress, see how your results stack up to your fellow fitness enthusiasts and will make you extra motivated to work your way to the number one spot on the leaderboard. The Holofit app works with the Apple Health app so your workouts will be saved there for later viewing.
This VR fitness platform transports you to a virtual world where each row session will allow you to conquer new levels while you have fun. Your scores and trophies will be stored in your profile and as you move through workouts you will unlock new levels. There are 6 workout modes available so you can choose which mode you want based on your goals each day.
What We Like
- Compatible with most Bluetooth capable rowers
- Race mode to compete against others
- Group training
What We Don't Like
- Must use mobile device
- Smaller workout library due to nature of the app
- VR headset must be purchased
BUY: Holofit App with Obsidian Surge
Rowkeeper App with Oxford6
SPECS
- Platforms: Android
- Features: Easy time and distance tracking, calendar
If you don’t care about all of the bells and whistles of today's technology but still want to get in a good rowing workout, then using the Rowkeeper app paired with the Oxford6 rower may be just what you need. The Rowkeeper app is designed to allow you to enter your rowing time and distance and be able to track what you did on which days, nothing more. You will be able to see a beautifully laid out summary of your progress at any given time.
What We Like
- Straightforward and easy to use
- Simple and readable rowing stats
- No extra features that distract from the purpose
What We Don't Like
- No live or on demand classes
- No coaching or guidance component
BUY: Rowkeeper App with Oxford6
Asensei App with 750r
SPECS
- Platforms: iOS and Android
- Features: Real-time feedback, personalized programs, virtual coaching
The Asensei rowing app is much different than many of the other apps on the market. Rather than being a live or on-demand class app this app is meant to work more as a virtual coach. Pair this app with the 750r rower and get to work with some of the most well-known rowing coaches out there. We like that these coaches meet you where you are and help you to learn the craft of rowing by providing real-time feedback about your form and power output. Improve your rowing ability so that you can get fitter and faster at rowing while still having fun.
This app is more focused on athletes who want to be competitive in the rowing space and truly want to improve very rowing-specific metrics rather than just row to cross-train for other sports or lose weight. If you are an athlete looking to make serious rowing gains, then this is the perfect combination for you.
What We Like
- Customizes challenges to meet your capability
- Olympic Gold medalist coaches
- Feedback on technique and power output
What We Don't Like
- Only compatible with a few Bluetooth rowing machines
- Not meant for everyday fitness enthusiasts
Ergzone App with Aquavite
SPECS
- Platforms: iOS
- Features: Apple health integration, competitions, heart rate monitor compatible, free weekly workouts
ErgZone is an app made for athletes that are focused on helping athletes to focus less on making calculations around paces and heart rate and instead focus on the work they are doing. This app can be paired with the Aquavite rowing machine, and you will find that your workout is much more enjoyable because the app will help estimate workout times, calculate suggested interval paces based on benchmarks, and give you live signals when split time is under or over the suggested.
This app is less focused on providing a fun group or workout experience and more focused on helping you to improve your rowing-specific fitness and capabilities. However, if you need some extra motivation or guidance to help you improve, you will enjoy that the partner coaches offer free weekly workouts for you to try.
What We Like
- ErgZone+ subscription unlocks extra features
- Free content from partner coaches
- Automatically uploads the results to Concept2 LogBook
What We Don't Like
- No community component
- No live or on-demand classes
BUY: Ergzone App with Aquavite
How to Choose the Best Rowing App
Similar to choosing the right pre-workout fuel, finding the best rowing app requires you to consider a few factors. When browsing options, here are a few factors we recommend considering.
Personal Goals
First, you should think about your fitness goals when it comes to rowing. If you are looking to have fun while working out and want to just be moving and burning calories, then you will likely prefer an app that has a community component and offers fun live and on-demand classes. Apps with these features are also great if you are an individual who is wanting to get a rowing app because you are trying to improve your endurance and general fitness level and are using rowing as a non-impact cardio.
Coaching
If you are an athlete who is wanting to really improve rowing form and efficiency and you are training for a specific type of event, then you may want a rowing app that offers more of a coaching component or focuses more on the actual gathering of workout data rather than having fun or making sure you have a large variety of workouts. More serious athletes might prefer to avoid the extra bells and whistles and make sure that their workouts are purposeful and guided by high-level coaches.
FAQs About Rowing Apps
Is rowing 3 times a week enough?
It depends on your goals. If you are an athlete who is wanting to specifically improve rowing technique or fitness, then you will want to row more. If you simply want to improve your general health and fitness, then rowing three times a week should be sufficient.
How quickly will I see results from rowing?
You may start to see improvement in your endurance and general fitness level within two weeks and after about 4 weeks you may start to notice an improvement in strength and muscle tone.
Does rowing slim your thighs?
Rowing requires the use of your quads and hamstrings. If you row regularly, you may see a change in the appearance of your thighs due to your muscles adapting to the movement.
Is rowing better than HIIT?
If you are wanting to focus on improving endurance and toning your body, then rowing may be a better workout option for you than HIIT.
Are rowers better than treadmills?
Rowers may be a better option than treadmills if you struggle with joint pain when doing impact activities like running. Rowers also might be a better option if you are someone who struggles with balance or simply does not enjoy running or walking. However, if you like the more fluid feel or rowing then you may want to pair your rowing app with a water rower.
About the Author
Amber holds an MS in Social Psychology and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. Her background in psychology combined with her experience in lifestyle change and her own personal fitness transformation keeps her excited about interacting with other people who want to learn more about health and fitness.
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