The Best Rowing Machine Workout Apps

Looking for the best rowing machine apps to make your workouts more enjoyable and effective? Whether you’re new to indoor rowing or an experienced rower, the right app can help you stay motivated, track your progress and reach your fitness goals.

Today’s rowing machine apps offer much more than basic workout tracking. Many include guided training sessions, virtual rowing experiences, personalised workout plans, performance analytics and online communities where you can connect with other rowers.

Some apps work with specific rowing machines, such as Concept2 or iFIT-compatible models, while others can be used with almost any indoor rower.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best rowing machine apps available, including free and paid options, to help you find the right one for your fitness goals and equipment.

What are rowing machine apps and how do they work?

Rowing machine apps are fitness tools that help you get more from your indoor rowing workouts. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rower, these apps can help you stay motivated, track your progress and improve your fitness.

Many rowing workout apps connect to compatible rowing machines using Bluetooth, allowing you to monitor your performance and record workout results automatically. Others provide guided training sessions that you can follow on your phone, tablet or TV.

Depending on the app, you can enjoy features such as:

Workout tracking: Monitor your distance, time, stroke rate, pace and calories burned.
Guided workouts: Follow training sessions suited to your fitness level.
Virtual rowing: Explore scenic locations and interactive rowing environments from home.
Progress tracking: Review your workout history and see how your fitness improves.
Online challenges: Connect with other rowers, compete with friends and stay motivated.
Personalised workouts: Choose training sessions that suit your goals and schedule.

Some apps, such as Concept2 ErgData, focus on tracking rowing performance, while others, including EXR and iFIT, offer interactive workouts and virtual training experiences.

If you already own a rowing machine or are considering buying one, choosing the right app can make your workouts more enjoyable and help you stay consistent with your fitness goals.

Best Rowing Machine Apps in 2026: Quick Comparison

Rowing App	Best For	Cost
Concept2 ErgData	Workout tracking	Free
EXR	Virtual rowing	Paid
iFIT	Guided workouts	Subscription
Apple Fitness+	Instructor-led workouts	Subscription

Concept2 ErgData

If you own a Concept2 rowing machine, Concept2 ErgData is one of the best free rowing machine apps to help you track your workouts and improve your performance.

Developed by Concept2, ErgData connects to compatible Concept2 machines through the PM5 Performance Monitor using Bluetooth. It allows you to record your workouts, monitor important fitness statistics and track your progress over time.

Whether you’re just starting your indoor rowing journey or training for a competition, ErgData provides useful information to help you get the most out of every session.

Key Features and Benefits of Concept2 ErgData

Free to use: Access workout tracking and performance features without paying a monthly subscription.
Real-time workout tracking: Monitor distance, time, pace, stroke rate and other important rowing statistics.
Automatic workout logging: Sync your workout results with the Concept2 Online Logbook to track your progress.
Workout planning: Create and follow structured workouts to help improve your fitness and endurance.
Challenges and competitions: Participate in Concept2 challenges and compare your performance with other rowers.
Heart rate monitoring: Connect compatible heart rate monitors to track your effort during workouts.
Apple and Android compatibility: Available for compatible iOS and Android devices.

Is Concept2 ErgData Good for Beginners?

Absolutely! ErgData is a great option for beginners who want to understand their rowing performance without paying for an expensive fitness subscription.

The app makes it easier to monitor improvements in your rowing pace, distance and endurance as you become more comfortable using your machine.

However, unlike some paid rowing apps, ErgData focuses primarily on workout tracking and performance rather than immersive virtual rowing experiences or instructor-led video classes.

Best for: Concept2 owners looking for a free, reliable rowing workout tracking app.

Cost: Free.

Compatibility: Concept2 rowing machines equipped with a compatible PM5 Performance Monitor.

You can learn more or download the app from the official Concept2 ErgData website.

EXR – Best Rowing Machine App for Virtual Rowing

If you’re looking for a fun and interactive way to improve your indoor rowing workouts, EXR is one of the best rowing machine apps worth exploring.

Unlike traditional workout tracking apps, EXR transforms your rowing sessions into an immersive virtual experience. You can explore scenic waterways, compete against other rowers and complete exciting challenges, all from the comfort of your home.

The app connects to compatible rowing machines using Bluetooth, allowing your real rowing movements to control your virtual rower on screen.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for motivation or an experienced rower wanting to improve your performance, EXR combines fitness training with the enjoyment of interactive gaming.

Key Features and Benefits of EXR

Virtual rowing experiences: Explore realistic 3D rowing environments and famous waterways while you exercise.
Interactive workouts: Choose from more than 100 structured rowing workouts designed for different fitness levels and goals.
Online competitions: Race against friends or other rowers around the world in virtual rowing events.
Workout tracking: Monitor your rowing distance, pace, stroke rate, power and overall performance.
Challenges and rewards: Complete daily, weekly and monthly challenges, earn achievements and unlock rewards.
Personalised training: Create custom workouts and follow training plans to improve your fitness and endurance.
Fitness app integration: Sync your workout results with supported platforms, including Strava and the Concept2 Online Logbook.
Wide compatibility: Works with many compatible Bluetooth rowing machines, including supported Concept2, WaterRower and other models.

Is EXR Good for Beginners?

Yes! EXR is an excellent option for beginners who find traditional indoor rowing workouts repetitive or struggle to stay motivated.

The interactive environments make exercise feel more like an adventure, while structured workouts help you gradually improve your rowing technique, fitness and endurance.

One of EXR’s biggest advantages is the ability to make indoor rowing more entertaining. Instead of simply watching numbers on your rowing machine monitor, you can explore virtual locations, compete with other rowers and work towards new achievements.

However, unlike the free Concept2 ErgData app, EXR requires a paid subscription after its free trial.

Best for: Rowers who enjoy virtual workouts, interactive training and online competitions.

Cost: Paid subscription, with a 14-day free trial available.

Compatibility: Compatible Bluetooth-enabled rowing machines, including supported Concept2 and WaterRower models. Check your specific machine before subscribing.

You can learn more or start your free trial on the official EXR website.

iFIT – Best Rowing Machine App for Guided Workouts

If you enjoy following professional trainers and exploring scenic locations while exercising, iFIT is one of the best rowing machine workout apps to consider.

Designed for interactive fitness training, iFIT offers a wide range of instructor-led rowing workouts, including studio sessions and outdoor rowing adventures filmed in locations around the world.

When paired with a compatible iFIT-enabled rowing machine, the platform can automatically adjust your machine’s resistance during supported workouts, allowing you to focus on your technique and performance.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rower, iFIT provides structured workouts to help you build endurance, improve cardiovascular fitness and stay motivated.

Key Features and Benefits of iFIT

Instructor-led rowing workouts: Follow professional trainers through structured rowing sessions.
Scenic rowing adventures: Experience outdoor rowing workouts filmed in beautiful locations around the world.
Automatic resistance adjustments: Compatible iFIT-enabled rowing machines can adjust resistance during supported workouts.
Personalised training: Access workouts and training recommendations suited to your fitness goals.
Workout tracking: Monitor your progress, workout history and performance over time.
Cross-training options: Enjoy strength training, yoga, stretching, walking, cycling and other fitness activities.
Interactive fitness experience: Combine guided instruction with immersive training sessions to make indoor rowing more enjoyable.

Is iFIT Good for Beginners?

Yes! iFIT is a great option for beginners who prefer having a trainer guide them through their workouts rather than exercising on their own.

The structured sessions help you develop confidence, establish a regular fitness routine and gradually increase your workout intensity.

One of iFIT’s biggest advantages is its variety. You can enjoy a guided rowing workout one day and switch to strength training or stretching the next, making it a useful platform for overall fitness.

However, unlike free rowing apps such as Concept2 ErgData, iFIT generally requires a paid subscription to access its full range of interactive workouts and features.

Best for: Rowers who enjoy instructor-led workouts, scenic training experiences and a variety of fitness activities.

Cost: Paid subscription. Pricing and trial offers vary depending on your equipment and membership.

Compatibility: Best suited to compatible iFIT-enabled rowing machines, including selected NordicTrack and ProForm models. Available features depend on your machine and membership.

You can explore the available workouts and membership options on the official iFIT website.

Apple Fitness+ Best Rowing Machine App for Apple Users

If you own an iPhone and enjoy guided workouts, Apple Fitness+ is one of the best rowing machine workout apps to consider.

Apple Fitness+ offers a variety of instructor-led rowing sessions designed to help you improve your fitness, build endurance and stay motivated. Whether you’re new to indoor rowing or already have an established routine, the app provides workouts suited to different fitness levels.

Unlike some rowing apps that require a specific machine, Apple Fitness+ can be used with almost any indoor rowing machine. Simply follow the trainer’s instructions and adjust your pace and resistance as needed.

Workouts are led by experienced fitness trainers and feature motivating music, making it easier to stay engaged throughout each session.

Key Features and Benefits of Apple Fitness+

Instructor-led rowing workouts: Follow engaging training sessions suitable for beginners and experienced rowers.
Flexible workout lengths: Choose from shorter sessions or longer workouts to suit your schedule.
Heart rate monitoring: View real-time fitness metrics on screen when using a compatible Apple Watch.
Works with most rowing machines: No special Bluetooth connection to your rower is required.
Variety of workouts: Access strength training, cycling, yoga, Pilates, HIIT and other fitness activities.
Motivating music: Enjoy playlists designed to keep you energised during workouts.
Mindful cooldowns: Finish your workout with guided stretching and relaxation sessions.

Is Apple Fitness+ Good for Beginners?

Absolutely! Apple Fitness+ is a great option for beginners who want to follow structured rowing workouts without needing specialised rowing equipment.

The instructors guide you through each session, helping you understand rowing technique, pacing and workout intensity.

One of the biggest advantages is its simplicity. You can use almost any rowing machine while following the workout on your iPhone, iPad or Apple TV.

You don’t need an Apple Watch to subscribe, although using one provides additional features such as on-screen heart rate and activity metrics.

However, unlike Concept2 ErgData, Apple Fitness+ doesn’t automatically record detailed rowing machine statistics such as stroke rate, distance or power output directly from your rower.

Best for: Apple users who enjoy guided rowing workouts and a variety of fitness classes.

Cost: Paid monthly or annual subscription, with trial offers available for eligible users.

Compatibility: Requires a compatible Apple device. An Apple Watch is optional.

You can learn more about available workouts and subscriptions on the official Apple Fitness+ website.

Metrownome – Best Free App for Improving Rowing Rhythm

If you’re looking to improve your rowing technique and maintain a consistent stroke rate, Metrownome is a simple, free rowing app worth considering.

Unlike other rowing machine workout apps that focus on tracking fitness statistics or providing virtual workouts, Metrownome helps rowers develop better rhythm and timing.

The app uses audio and visual cues to help you maintain a steady rowing pace and practise your stroke-to-recovery ratio. This can be particularly useful for beginners learning proper rowing technique or experienced rowers looking to improve their consistency.

Key Features and Benefits of Metrownome

Stroke rate training: Helps maintain a consistent rowing rhythm.
Audio and visual cues: Provides timing guidance throughout your workout.
Adjustable stroke-to-recovery ratio: Allows you to practise different rowing rhythms.
Simple interface: Easy to use without complicated settings.
Free to download: No paid subscription required.

Is Metrownome Good for Beginners?

Yes! Metrownome is a useful training tool for beginners who want to develop a smooth, consistent rowing technique.

However, it doesn’t offer the advanced workout tracking, guided training sessions or virtual rowing experiences available in apps such as ErgData and EXR.

Best for: Improving rowing rhythm, timing and stroke consistency.