Rouvy vs Rouvy AR: Which One Do You Need?
The short answer is that you don't have to choose anymore because they are now the same thing. A few years ago, the company had two separate apps, but they have since merged everything into one single platform simply called ROUVY.
If you are looking through an app store today, just download the main ROUVY app. You’ll get all the "AR" (Augmented Reality) features—like seeing your 3D avatar riding on real-world video footage—built right in.
What was the difference?
In the past, "Rouvy Workouts" was the old-school app focused on simple video overlays and structured power files. "Rouvy AR" was the flashy new version that added 3D riders, drafting effects, and digital race fans to the side of the road.
The developers realized having two apps was confusing for riders like you. They took the best parts of the old workout app and baked them into the AR version, creating the unified experience you see now.
Why this matters for your training
Because the apps are merged, you get the best of both worlds in every session. Here is how that looks for your daily rides:
- Real Routes: You can ride the actual Alpe d'Huez or the Stelvio Pass with high-quality video that moves at your speed.
- 3.5% Drafting: The AR features actually calculate drafting. If you sit behind another avatar, you’ll save about 30-40 watts just like you would on the road.
- Structured Workouts: You can still run a 2x20-minute threshold set while watching the scenery of the Italian coast.
Try this: Your first AR ride
If you’re just starting out, don't get bogged down in the settings. Pick a "Recommended" route that has the "AR" badge on the thumbnail.
This ensures you’ll see other riders on the course. If your FTP is 200W and you see a group of riders ahead, try to "bridge the gap" by pushing 250W for a minute. Once you catch them, the app's AR physics will let you "sit in" and recover at a lower power output.
Quick Summary
- Forget the "AR" label: Just download the standard ROUVY app from your app store.
- One Subscription: One account gives you access to everything—structured training and augmented reality routes.
- Update your app: If you have an old version called "Rouvy Workouts" on your tablet, delete it and get the new one to ensure your trainers and sensors connect properly.