In this article, I compare two of the most popular connected rowing machines on the market; Ergatta and Peloton Row.
As a personal trainer, one of the big challenges is to keep my clients from getting bored when doing cardio. I train a lot of people in their home gyms and rowing is my go-to cardio, so I’m often recommending rowing machine brands. As a result, I keep a close eye on what’s out there.
With the advent of connected rowers, boredom is no longer an issue on the rowing machine. I’m a huge fan of streaming content on rowers and have done a lot of research on the various options. I’ve recommended both the Ergatta and the Peloton Row to my clients, having thoroughly researched them both – and used them personally.
Table of Contents
At a Glance
Both the Ergatta and the Peloton rowers feature high-quality hardware. The Ergatta is a water rower while the Peloton uses magnetic resistance, but both will provide you with a smooth rowing experience. Many people consider a water rower to better simulate the on-the-water rowing experience, but it’s really a matter of personal preference.
If you are a person who loves gaming and wants an immersive experience that helps you forget that you’re even exercising, then the Ergatta is the better option. Ergatta is also the best choice for people who want a quick 10-minute workout.
However, if you are more interested in conventional streaming classes and in-studio workouts, the Peloton is the better option. The streaming content is not as extensive on Peloton, but there is more rowing instruction offered. For that reason, the Peloton may be a better option for people who are relatively new to the rowing machine.
When it comes to the price, the Ergatta is $700 dollars cheaper than the Peloton Row. Furthermore, the monthly subscription is $15 cheaper. So, if you’re going purely on budget, then the Ergatta is the better buy.
Read on for a full breakdown of the similarities and differences between the Ergatta and Peloton Row.
Ergatta
The Ergatta Rower machine was relaseded in March of 2020. The man behind the machine, Tony Aulet, knew that kids are more likely to get fit if they can combine gaming with movement. Aulet was a video game designer who loved rowing. In order to combine the two, he turned to the WaterRower company.
The result is the Ergatta rower, which is manufactured by WaterRower with the touchscreen and computer technology provided by Ergatta. It’s beautifully handcrafted from American cherry wood so that it looks more like a stylish piece of furniture than workout equipment.
The Ergatta has a 17.3 HD touchscreen through which you get to experience its streaming content. The emphasis is on gaming, so you won’t find any in-studio, or even on-the-water instructor-led classes, instead, you enter a world of challenges, games, and races where you build up points to unlock new levels of challenge.
The Ergatta is a water rower, so it has a water tank with blades that churn through the water to provide resistance. Every stroke produces a whooshing sound which many people find relaxing.
The Ergatta app membership is $29 per month. The gaming options are a real highlight of this machine, featuring virtual environments, multiplayer challenges, personal avatars, leaderboards, and in-game rewards.
The Ergatta has a retail price of $2499.
Highlights
- Beautifully handcrafted Cherry wood frame
- Smooth water resistance
- Engaging gaming content
- 17.3” HD touchscreen
Peloton
The Peloton Row was released onto the market in December 2022. In terms of appearance, the Peloton row resembles the Hydrow, with curved edges and a silver polished finish. It is a rather large rower, with a length of 94 inches and a width of 24 inches.
A pretty cool feature on the Peloton row is Form Assist, with sensors on the seat and handles to assess your rowing form. The 23.8” HD touchscreen provides access to streaming content through the Peloton app. The workouts are in the studio with instructor-led classes. At this stage, they do not offer on-the-water rowing classes.
The Peloton row uses an electromagnetic resistance similar to that found on the Hydrow rower. It is a smooth, quiet, and adjustable system that provides a quality rowing experience.
The Peloton Rower retails for $3195. Peloton app membership will cost you $44 per month.
Highlights
- 23.8” HD touchscreen
- Long monorail
- Form Assist to monitor rowing form
- Instructor-led classes and bootcamps
Ergatta vs Peloton: Appearance
As with all WaterRower machines, the Ergatta is handcrafted from natural timber, in this case, solid cherry wood. The color can range from reddish-brown to deep crimson, depending on the specific timber used. The hue of the wood will gradually intensify when exposed to light. The Ergatta is coated with three coats of Danish oil, just like the WaterRower, to highlight the subtleties of the wood. The frame is strengthened by the triple coating as well.
The 17.3-inch screen on the Ergatta is situated above the rowing handle at eye level.
In contrast to the Ergatta, the Peloton Rower has a more conventional rowing machine look. It is made from anodized powder-coated aluminum. Its flywheel sits at the front of the machine, just below the touchscreen. The rowing belt and foot straps feature a red stripe, while the frame is finished in silver/gray.
Winner: Ergatta
Ergatta vs Peloton: Construction And Design
The Ergatta rower is essentially the same machine as the WaterRower Oxbridge rower with connectivity and a touchscreen added. Each machine is handcrafted and finished to a very high standard.
The Ergatta is a dual-rail rower. A dual rail has two beams, which can provide a more stable and sturdy base for the seat to move along. This design can be more suitable for individuals who are taller or heavier, or who intend to use their rowing machine for more intense workouts.
It has a relatively low seat and foot pedals that are closer together than you often find on dual rails rowers. This is a relatively compact rower, with a length of 86 inches. It does not fold but can be stored upright. When the water tank is full, the Ergatta weighs 103 lbs.
The max user weight on the Ergatta is a whopping 500 lbs. That attests to the durability of the frame of this machine.
The Peloton Row features a monorail, compared to the dual rail on the Ergatta. It is considerably longer than the Ergatta, with a length of 94 inches. The longer rail means that it will be better suited for taller people. According to the Peloton website, it can handle users up to 6’5”. That compares to 6’2” on the Ergatta.
The max user weight on the Peloton Row is 300 lbs. That will meet the needs of most users but falls far short of the 500 lbs on the Ergatta. You can store your Peloton in an upright position, and your purchase includes an upright storage kit.
Winner: Ergatta
Ergatta vs Peloton: Comfort And Feel
Comfort and feel on a rowing machine come down to the meshing together of a number of features. Let’s break them down.
Seat
The Ergatta seat is raised from the dual rails a few inches so that you sit higher than on most rowers. It is also wider than most and provides a decent level of comfort.
The Peloton seat features a contoured design with a scoop to match the shape of your butt and accommodate your tailbone. The padding level is pretty much on par with the Ergatta.
Footplates
Because the Ergatta is a dual rail rower, the footplate is actually positioned on the rails, rather than to the sides, as you get with monorail rowers. As a result, the plates are closer than you might be used to. This can be off-putting for some people but should not affect the ergonomics of your row.
The floating heel rests can be adjusted by way of a central button.
The Peloton footplates sit on the sides of the monorail. This gives a few more inches of width than the Ergatta. The adjustable plates are designed for women’s size 5 up to men’s size 13.5. Red striped velcro foot straps keep you securely locked in.
Handle
The Ergatta handle is 38 cm long, straight, and padded for comfort. It’s also sweat and odor resistant. It does not have a central slot or cut-out to allow you to row one-handed.
The Peloton handle is round, slightly angled, and made of textured rubber. It’s slightly more comfortable than the Ergatta, especially when you’re rowing for more than 45 minutes. Unlike the Ergatta, the Peloton handle does have a central cut-out so you can row single-handed.
Rail
The Ergatta is a dual-rail rower compared to the single rail on the Peloton Row. A monorail is a single beam that the seat moves along and is typically lighter and more compact. This design can provide a smoother, more fluid rowing motion.
Resistance
The Ergatta Rowing Machine uses a ‘water flywheel’ resistance system. This system generates resistance by employing a flywheel that is filled with water, which results in a smoother and more natural rowing experience.
A personalized workout is possible by altering the amount of water in the flywheel, which controls the resistance. Water levels in the water tank are marked from 13 to 19. The more weight you are, the higher the water level is.
The Peloton Row uses a computer-controlled electronic magnetic resistance. This system works by generating a magnetic field that opposes the motion of a metallic flywheel. The strength of the resistance can be adjusted through a control panel, allowing the user to increase or decrease the intensity of their workout.
As the user pulls the handle on the rowing machine, the flywheel begins to spin. The electronic control panel sends a signal to the magnetic resistance system, which adjusts the strength of the magnetic field accordingly. The stronger the magnetic field, the more resistance the flywheel will experience, making it harder for the user to row.
Rowing Performance
Both the Ergatta and the Peloton Row provide you with a very smooth, natural rowing experience. The resistance level on the Ergatta can be adjusted to suit the user’s needs and preferences, and the machine provides good resistance for both light and heavy rowing. The water resistance system is also known for being quiet and low maintenance.
Peloton rowing machines use a magnetic resistance system that provides a smooth and quiet rowing experience. The resistance level can be adjusted through the Peloton app, and the machine provides good resistance for both light and heavy rowing. Peloton rowing machines are also known for their sleek design and high-quality build, and for offering an immersive and interactive rowing experience through the Peloton app.
The water resistance of the Ergatta provides a more dynamic and realistic resistance, as the resistance level changes based on the user’s speed and power. Additionally, the sound of the water moving in the tank and the feel of the machine can help to create a more immersive and realistic rowing experience.
Winner: Ergatta
Ergatta vs Peloton: Noise Levels
Ergatta water rowers use a water resistance system that is generally known for being quiet and low maintenance. The sound of the water moving in the tank can provide soothing and immersive background noise, but it should not be loud enough to disturb others in the room.
Peloton rowing machines use a magnetic resistance system that provides a smooth and quiet rowing experience. Magnetic resistance rowers are known for being quiet, as the resistance is created by the movement of a magnetic flywheel, which is typically a very quiet process.
Winner: Tie
Ergatta vs Peloton: Screen/Monitor
The monitor on the Ergatta water rowing machine is well-regarded by users and is considered to be an important part of the Ergatta rowing machine experience. With its clear display, range of features, and integration with the Ergatta app, the monitor provides a comprehensive and engaging interface for accessing the Ergatta app and tracking your performance.
The Ergatta screen is not nearly as large as that on the Peloton, being 17.3 inches, compared with 23.8 inches.
The Peloton monitor is large and easy to read and provides a clear and intuitive interface for accessing the Peloton app and on-demand classes. The monitor also includes a built-in camera and microphone, which allows for interactive experiences, such as live-streamed classes and virtual events.
Some of the key features of the Peloton monitor include:
- Touchscreen display: The monitor is a high-resolution touchscreen display, which is responsive and easy to use.
- Streaming capabilities: The monitor allows you to stream Peloton’s on-demand classes, live classes, and other content, directly from the Peloton app.
- Performance tracking: The monitor provides real-time performance tracking and metrics, such as distance, speed, power, and calories burned.
- Customization options: You can customize the monitor with your own profile information and settings, and access your workout history, leaderboards, and other data.
- Integration with Peloton app: The monitor integrates seamlessly with the Peloton app, which provides a wealth of content, including live and on-demand classes, interactive games, and more.
The Peloton monitor is mounted on a flexible arm, which allows you to adjust the angle of the display to your preference. This allows you to have a clear view of the monitor from any angle, whether you are sitting or standing.
Additionally, the Peloton app provides a range of customization options, so you can personalize your rowing experience. For example, you can adjust the brightness of the display, change the background color, and modify other display settings to suit your preferences.
Winner: Peloton
Ergatta vs Peloton: Membership And Content
Video game aspects are incorporated into the Ergatta rowing machine software to improve the user’s training. These include:
- Virtual Surroundings: The software includes virtual environments, such as beautiful landscapes and dynamic worlds, that users can boat around.
- Multiplayer Challenges: The app allows users to compete against one another in online challenges and competitions for rowing, which adds another level of fun and motivation.
- Personalized Avatars: The software lets users design and personalize their own avatars, giving their virtual rowing experience a unique touch.
- Leaderboards: The app has leaderboards that display users’ performance and scores so they may compare themselves to other users.
- Rewards: For users that finish workouts and meet fitness milestones, the app offers in-game rewards and incentives, keeping them inspired and motivated.
The Ergatta app’s video gaming features are made to enhance the rowing experience and make it more participatory, giving users a fun and demanding workout.
The Ergatta app offers personalized coaching and support in addition to training plans, assisting users in establishing and achieving their fitness objectives. The app is a fantastic tool for users who want to get the most out of their rowing machine because it tracks the user’s progress and offers comments and suggestions for improvement.
With a Peloton membership, you can access a wide range of features and services on the Peloton rower. Some of the key features and benefits include:
- On-demand and live fitness classes: You can join a variety of live and on-demand rowing, strength, and cardio classes, led by certified instructors and designed to help you achieve your fitness goals.
- Performance tracking: The Peloton app tracks your performance and provides metrics such as distance, speed, calories burned, and more, helping you to track your progress and set new goals.
- Customized workout plans: The app provides customized workout plans based on your fitness level, goals, and preferences, making it easy to get started and progress over time.
- Virtual competitions and leaderboards: You can compete against other Peloton users in virtual competitions, and see how you stack up against others on the leaderboards.
- Music integration: Music is a big part of the Peloton experience, and you can enjoy curated playlists and live DJ sets during your workouts.
- Access to a community: Peloton has a large and engaged community of users, and you can connect with others, share your progress, and get support and encouragement from like-minded people.
Winner: Ergatta
Ergatta vs Peloton: Usability Without Membership
Without a subscription, you can still use the Ergatta rower but you won’t have access to any of the interactive features that make it so well-loved. The Ergatta becomes a regular WaterRower without a membership. You can see your distance, time, and strokes per minute using the same metrics as are available on the WaterRower S4.
The Peloton rower is designed to be used in conjunction with the Peloton app, which provides access to a wide range of fitness classes, live and on-demand, as well as tracking and performance metrics. Without a membership, the Peloton rower can still be used as a traditional rowing machine, but you will not have access to the Peloton app, the on-demand classes, or the tracking and performance metrics.
You can still use the Peloton rower to row and get a good workout, but you will not have access to the interactive features, music integration, or the community aspect of the Peloton experience. You may still be able to track your distance, time, and effort manually, but the lack of performance tracking and feedback will limit the overall experience.
Winner: Tie
Ergatta vs Peloton: Price
The Ergatta Rowing machine retails for $2499.
The monthly Ergatta subscription is $29.
The Peloton Row sells for $3195 on the official website.
The monthly Peloton membership is $44.
Winner: Concept2 RowErg
Winner: Ergatta
Ergatta vs Peloton: Warranty
The warranty conditions on the Ergatta are:
- Structural Frame & Upright Storage Kit: Five Years
- Components, Screen, & Other Electronics: Three Years
- Labor: Twelve Months
The Peloton comes with the following warranty:
- Frame: Five Years
- Parts: 1 Year
- Performance monitor: 1 year
Winner: Tie
Comparison Table
| Ergatta | Peloton | |
| Resistance | Water | Electromagnetic |
| Console | 17.3” HD | 23.8” HD |
| Rail | Dual | Mono |
| Frame | Cherrywood | Aluminum |
| Max User Weight | 500 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Workouts | Games | None |
| Warranty | 5 yrs Frame3 yrs Parts1 yr Labor | 5 yrs Frame1 yr Parts1 yr Labor |
| Subscription Monthly Cost | $29 | $44 |
| Price | $2499 | $3195 |
Ergatta vs Peloton: The Winner
Having carried out an in-depth comparison of these two connected rowing machines, I am now able to announce my overall winner;
The Ergatta Rowing machine.
While you don’t get the standard in-studio rowing experience with Ergatta, that is more than compensated for by the huge range of immersive video games and other challenges and engaging experiences that open up to you through an Ergatta membership.
The hardware on the two machines is pretty comparable, though the Ergatta’s water resistance gives you a more realistic on-the-water experience.
Finally, the Ergatta rower is seven hundred dollars cheaper than the Peloton, with an additional $15 saving on the monthly membership.
Key Takeaways
The Ergatta rowing machine is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to defeat training boredom by bringing a gaming experience to their rowing workouts. You will not find a more comprehensive, well-designed, or addictive gamified rowing experience anywhere.
If you are more interested in standard in-studio streaming classes, along with live classes and specialty rowing classes, such as strength training, interval training, and low-impact rowing, then the Peloton is the option for you.
