Review Insights · App Store
HRV4Training
A.S.M.A. B.V. · 286 ratings · ★ 3.6
3.6
★★★★★
286 ratings
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Top complaints - extracted from 49 negative reviews
Recurring phrases mined from 1-2★ reviews. The bigger the percentage, the more users have the same problem. Fix the top 2-3 in your version and you have product-market fit on day one.
1
"work"
15 negative reviews mention this · 31% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Not worth the effort to install. Only successful tested once for only one minute. Never again it always stop before completing one minute testing. Waste money and time. Apple should refund me for selling me a product that does not work." - blahblahblah_:)
2
"doesn"
12 negative reviews mention this · 24% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Inconsistent. Doesn’t work. Very annoying when it resets every 30 seconds (out of 60) and tells you to readjust your finger on the camera that hasn’t moved. Waste of $10. Deleted." - Steve the Reviewer!
3
"reading"
10 negative reviews mention this · 20% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Does not work with new I-phone. If I had giant hands I might be able to actually get a reading. But I have small hands and it is IMPOSSIBLE to cover the lens AND flash at the same time (and which lens am I supposed to cover?…you show a camera with only one lens in your de…" - Tonikiwiki
4
"crashes"
10 negative reviews mention this · 20% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Crashes and Won’t Start. App promises a lot but crashes constantly. Apple and the developer refused my request for a refund, so I’m out the bundle price of $14.99. Stay away!" - Adam 25
5
"apple"
9 negative reviews mention this · 18% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Not worth the effort to install. Only successful tested once for only one minute. Never again it always stop before completing one minute testing. Waste money and time. Apple should refund me for selling me a product that does not work." - blahblahblah_:)
6
"data"
9 negative reviews mention this · 18% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Cool Concept if it Worked. I was really excited for the information this app promised to provide, ESPECIALLY, since I have been an avid Oura ring user. However, the app does not easily pull data from Oura and most of the time, I can’t get it to pull any data from Our…" - dust02
7
"camera"
8 negative reviews mention this · 16% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Does not work with new I-phone. If I had giant hands I might be able to actually get a reading. But I have small hands and it is IMPOSSIBLE to cover the lens AND flash at the same time (and which lens am I supposed to cover?…you show a camera with only one lens in your de…" - Tonikiwiki
8
"every"
8 negative reviews mention this · 16% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Insights are good. But the app itself could use some help! Particularly the recent bug where it logs you out every time you want to use the app which makes it difficult to use this every morning as intended." - nattyc101
9
"doesn work"
8 negative reviews mention this · 16% of all complaints
10
"refund"
7 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Not worth the effort to install. Only successful tested once for only one minute. Never again it always stop before completing one minute testing. Waste money and time. Apple should refund me for selling me a product that does not work." - blahblahblah_:)
11
"does"
7 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Not worth the effort to install. Only successful tested once for only one minute. Never again it always stop before completing one minute testing. Waste money and time. Apple should refund me for selling me a product that does not work." - blahblahblah_:)
12
"iphone"
7 negative reviews mention this · 14% of all complaints
★★★★★ "Never got a great reading on iPhone. Horrible user experience. No refund available?. Title says it all. I tried, I don’t know several dozen times with my iPhone 16 to get a decent reading. Darkness, no cover, followed all scant instruction and support, broken links etc. how do I get a refund please?" - Skroah
📋 All 49 negative reviews
Every 1-2★ review we fetched. Use the copy button to grab them all for your own analysis (paste into ChatGPT/Claude with a prompt like "summarize core user problems, group by theme, ignore bugs, focus on missing features").
Random number generator
I typically end up taking 3 - 5 measurements each morning. Heart rate varies a couple of beats measurement to measurement (sometimes more), but the bigger issue is HRV variation. Today my first measurement was above my normal range, second and third were in the normal range, and the fourth was below normal range. In all cases, signal quality was optimal, so something is off. I’m better off ignoring it and just relying on how I feel.
Does not work with new I-phone
If I had giant hands I might be able to actually get a reading. But I have small hands and it is IMPOSSIBLE to cover the lens AND flash at the same time (and which lens am I supposed to cover?…you show a camera with only one lens in your demo…how old is that?!). I spend 20 minutes with the stupid thing stopping and starting and never actually get a reading. Too bad I can’t get my money back!
Worked only 2xs
This took only 2 measurements and then never worked again. Don’t waste your money.
Never got a great reading on iPhone. Horrible user experience. No refund available?
Title says it all. I tried, I don’t know several dozen times with my iPhone 16 to get a decent reading. Darkness, no cover, followed all scant instruction and support, broken links etc. how do I get a refund please?
Crashes and Won’t Start
App promises a lot but crashes constantly. Apple and the developer refused my request for a refund, so I’m out the bundle price of $14.99.
Stay away!
Stay away!
Non Functional
Crashes. No value. Clunky bad interface then poof, gone.
Terrible experience
This app can’t even find my polar h10. Do not purchase.
Stopped working
As of 4 days ago, I am no longer able to connect to oura to pull my metrics or push to training peaks.
Inconsistent
Doesn’t work. Very annoying when it resets every 30 seconds (out of 60) and tells you to readjust your finger on the camera that hasn’t moved. Waste of $10. Deleted.
Fail
I’ve used this app for years and it continues to decline. At the last update it stopped syncing to Aura ring, and now it refuses to sync to Apple health also. I’ve emailed and they offer useful assistance. Time to change to a different app.
Used to be good, now doesn’t work
Used to love this app but it no longer works with camera measurements. I’ve tried a large number of times and it either crashes or freezes every time.
Did not work as expected to Sync to Oura Ring
I mainly got this app to synch my Oura Rive HRV and have imported to Training Peaks. I have linked my acoount twice and in the morning after syncing with Oura it doesn’t import into this app.
App crashes on iOS 16 when filling out demographic information
I have an iPhone 14 running iOS 16.6. I just paid $10 to download this app, only for it to crash on setup. I was prompted to enter some demographic information about myself (height, weight, sex, etc). Upon clicking 'done', the app closes, only to reopen with the same prompt for my information.
Useless
No matter how I position my finger, the signal doesn't work. I've tried probably 20 times now. Waste of time and $.
Doesn’t work
Downloaded app and it keeps crashing when I try and do a manual reading. It doesn’t ever sync to my Oura. Refused refund request.
Incorrect data
Always said my HRV was in the 5-6 range.
Doesn’t work for Scosche Rhythm- disappointed.
Really would like a refund as this app is useless to me. I was excited to monitor HRV but was shocked to see after several days of recording it told me that it did not support my device.
I have wasted time and money on this.
If given a refund I will take down my review.
I have wasted time and money on this.
If given a refund I will take down my review.
No Sirve ojo
No funciona y tienes que dedicar mucho tiempo para nada.
Doesn’t work at all
I got the app to sync with my Apple Watch and translate the Apple Watch health data into rMSSD. Set it all up, tapped the button to read my health data, crash. Tried again, crash. It doesn’t work. Every time I try and use it it crashes. I’m asking for a refund.
Difficult to use, never seems to work
I have an Apple Watch and use both workouts and the Strava app. I’ve experimented with only using Strava to try and get this app to give any useful data, to no end. Giving up on it. Not user friendly, resulting in no useful data.
Point in case - the volume of responses to user complaints in the app reviews. They speak to the flawed app design. It shouldn’t require myriad personalized responses. If the app was clearly designed to communicate intent and method, it would be clear that you need additional equipment, that they’re unable to use the Apple Watch because of API restrictions, and that this requires readings to be done in a specific and consistent way (best I can piece together).
The frustration and research necessary to successfully use this tool are simply too high for many users. The developers seem to understand the science they’re working with, but not how to effectively communicate about it.
Point in case - the volume of responses to user complaints in the app reviews. They speak to the flawed app design. It shouldn’t require myriad personalized responses. If the app was clearly designed to communicate intent and method, it would be clear that you need additional equipment, that they’re unable to use the Apple Watch because of API restrictions, and that this requires readings to be done in a specific and consistent way (best I can piece together).
The frustration and research necessary to successfully use this tool are simply too high for many users. The developers seem to understand the science they’re working with, but not how to effectively communicate about it.
Disappointed!
I probably don’t understand this app properly, but it was very much a hassle to use and the info was useless to me in its layout. Not worth $10 bucks.
Can’t Register.
I cant see the text on the phone. All is white. Can’t fill the registration without being able to see the text.
Elite HRV is better
I use an iPhone SE. App doesn't work nor does it fit the screen of my phone. it wont scroll so i can see an entire page. Would like a refund.
App is glitchy
Got this app and was curious to see how it worked and compare the camera to other hrv measurements devices. On the first day, when I went to measure, the app closes. Repeated this 5 times including a phone restart. Running latest iOS on iPhone xs. For me this app has 0 functionality.
Crashes using Oura Ring
Trying to get a reading when configured to use the Oura Ring results in crashing. Tried multiple variants regarding connecting and syncing the ring first and this app still only crashes.
The UI/Setting page is hard to use in low light.
The UI/Setting page is hard to use in low light.
Ineffective measurement
The camera system is utterly unreliable. No consistency or dependability. Can not measure ANY heart rate without reporting unusable for noise. Simply gimmicky nonsense.
Add to that the program’s inability to use a connected Bluetooth HRM. I can’t post the picture but the sensor is clearly connected via the Bluetooth control panel yet the app remains blind to it.
This is garbage.
Add to that the program’s inability to use a connected Bluetooth HRM. I can’t post the picture but the sensor is clearly connected via the Bluetooth control panel yet the app remains blind to it.
This is garbage.
How to use with iPhone 11 pro
I just got the iPhone 11 Pro with three camera lenses. Got instructions from developers on which lense to cover when taking measurements. Worked for about three weeks then app stopped reading my finger. Developers then sent same instructions which I said I already had. Then they got offended because I called them on sending me the same instructions. I guess I will just use the other Heart Rate Variability app.
Not worth the effort to install
Only successful tested once for only one minute. Never again it always stop before completing one minute testing. Waste money and time. Apple should refund me for selling me a product that does not work.
Insights are good
But the app itself could use some help! Particularly the recent bug where it logs you out every time you want to use the app which makes it difficult to use this every morning as intended.
HRV insights are fine, but the app needs work.
Used the app for a bit, the HRV insights are fine, but I was put off by the app requiring that I register an account to use it. The rationale as described on the registration page sums up to ‘You need to register because registration is necessary’. When I tried to delete my account, the app threw an error indicating that I need to send them an email to complete the process. I used Hide My Email during registration which can only be used for receiving emails, so I needed to change my email before I could send them a message. The place where a change email form would be ended up being another log in screen which takes you back to the app start screen.
Crashes Unusable w/ Latest Update
The app just crashes before ever opening now on the latest version of iOS, iPhone 14 Pro and latest version of the app. Longtime user and love the app, but completely unusable currently.
Interesting but buggy
The continuous crashes and hangs get in the way of the app’s purpose.
Cool Concept if it Worked
I was really excited for the information this app promised to provide, ESPECIALLY, since I have been an avid Oura ring user. However, the app does not easily pull data from Oura and most of the time, I can’t get it to pull any data from Oura.
New update destroyed it
I’ve been using this for awhile, but since it’s latest update it always blinks out before completing a reading.
The sensor is far too touchy now and no longer reliable.
The sensor is far too touchy now and no longer reliable.
Not what I was expecting
I wanted this app to sync the raw HRV data read from Oura into TrainingPeaks. It doesn’t actually send the raw HRV number instead it’s sending a score which is not HRV.
Used to be amazing
I had been using this for three years successfully. For more than a month, the app says it has my OuraRing data but there is no display. Reached out to support and no reply. Is this app still supported? Disappointed because as an athlete, this is one of the only HRV apps that didn’t tell me that I was pushing myself too hard every day rather than most that are for general fitness.
Very Silly App
This app give you a training readiness score based on two things (1) a morning hrv reading and (2) a bunch of questions it asks you.
However I’ve found that no matter what my hrv reading is, the app seems to base its readiness score off the answers to my questions.
Also if all the hrv apps I’ve tried, this one is the least polished. It’s clunky to use.
However I’ve found that no matter what my hrv reading is, the app seems to base its readiness score off the answers to my questions.
Also if all the hrv apps I’ve tried, this one is the least polished. It’s clunky to use.
Tells you what you already know
This app relies heavily on the daily perception quiz and from a couple months of daily use as directed by developers there are no insights I didn’t know already. Seriously, the HRV aspect of this app means nothing. Don’t buy it for HRV, however it is good at asking questions, sort of like a personal energy level consultant.
Inconsistent
I have my doubts as to this whole concept and the app. My hrv results can vary dramatically within 5 minute, when retested under the same conditions. So I doubt the accuracy of this app.
Inaccurate
Healthy middle aged athlete getting wildly scary SDNN and HRV scores despite cardiologially normal tests. App is pseudoscience because the margins of error on these markers require 24 ambulatory data and they try to sell it as useful despite being measured in 1,2 and 5 minute intervals. quackish.
Doesn’t Work
This app crashes every time I open it, or it freezes. It seems if you connect a device it doesn’t work, and you can’t change the settings once you do. It’s pretty useless.
Disappointing
This app is a total waste of money and a disappointment. I was looking for something that might use HRV in a sophisticated way, like Whoop, but all this does is take the HRV that you can see from your Apple health app and show it to you. And it asks some subjective questions about how you feel. How is that worth $10?
Decent
They recently changed the look of the app so it looks like a beta site from the late 90’s. I am not sure either if it just my phone or the app but about half time I run the test it drops the connection mid scan even with the meter registering well an the green light.
All in all HRV is a great gauge for recovery and on terms of the app what you put in the daily survey will make it more useful.
2 stars for terrible design interface and spotty reading.
All in all HRV is a great gauge for recovery and on terms of the app what you put in the daily survey will make it more useful.
2 stars for terrible design interface and spotty reading.
Should state at the top of the listing that an account is required
My bad. I didn’t read all the way to the bottom. Was looking for an app that did not require an account. Also, the reason for an account is lame. You do not NEED to back up my data. Should be optional if you are going to charge for the app. Especially if all collection and processing are local. May not be a blatant personal data grab, but it sure does look like one. I hope the app convinces me that it was worth it, but even if it’s good you look like sheisters to me.
Intermittent Functionality
Like the idea, but using it with the Apple Watch is frustrating.
Having to do the “Breathe” cycle every morning to get a reading isn’t ideal, but having to do 2 or 3 Breathe cycles each day to get the app to actually record an HRV reading makes it almost unusable.
While this may be a limitation on Apples side, it greatly affects the usability and value of this app.
Also, the camera method of measuring (which it’s hard to imagine is accurate, even when working) does not work at all with the iPhone 12.
Having to do the “Breathe” cycle every morning to get a reading isn’t ideal, but having to do 2 or 3 Breathe cycles each day to get the app to actually record an HRV reading makes it almost unusable.
While this may be a limitation on Apples side, it greatly affects the usability and value of this app.
Also, the camera method of measuring (which it’s hard to imagine is accurate, even when working) does not work at all with the iPhone 12.
Not helpful
I was an early HRV adopter and used a Whoop before they moved to a monthly subscription model. I wear an Apple Watch and don’t really want to add another fitness tracker to that, so I hoped this app would give me a way to track my HRV. I haven’t found it accurate or helpful. The values calculated don’t seem to be even from the same planet as the values I got from Whoop. Despite always syncing my Strava the app never seems to find my workouts, and the information input seems wonky. Sometimes I get the Q&A about my sleep, whether I’m sick, etc., sometimes I don’t. Disappointed overall. Hoping that the next Watch iteration has a built in HRV feature that works for me.
Started ok..then just became to unreliable
The first few months this app was consistent and worked as i dictated for the most part. Given you’re consistent on measuring same time each days and annotating variables accurately.
HOWEVER, the last month the app has been completely unreliable. It takes sometimes up to ten different tries to get a good reading. The app constantly crashes and when it doesn’t crash it’s all over the board.
I don’t know what changed in the last update but I was border line ready to throw in the towel but now the decision was made for me.
At least in my experience I’ll continue to look elsewhere to get HRV tracking.
BTW I’m a big data geek. Live my TrainingPeaks platform and Garmin Connect. But HRV is still that missing data point for me.
HOWEVER, the last month the app has been completely unreliable. It takes sometimes up to ten different tries to get a good reading. The app constantly crashes and when it doesn’t crash it’s all over the board.
I don’t know what changed in the last update but I was border line ready to throw in the towel but now the decision was made for me.
At least in my experience I’ll continue to look elsewhere to get HRV tracking.
BTW I’m a big data geek. Live my TrainingPeaks platform and Garmin Connect. But HRV is still that missing data point for me.
Stopped working for me
Worked for about a week then refused to take a good measurement no matter how I held my phone or placed my finger over the camera or laid in my bed or how still I kept my body and finger. Even gave me a green circle every time saying it was fine. Save your time and money and pass.
Too complicated
Can’t get syncing with Apple Watch to work. Need a cheaper more streamlined app that doesn’t try to do everything for everyone.
Sentiment summary
62%
Positive (4-5★)
5%
Neutral (3★)
33%
Negative (1-2★)