Boring workouts end with these rowers. The Hydrow Pro and Ergatta make rowing fun in different ways. One has guided trainer-led workouts with rowing pros, and the other has gamified yet structured workouts to keep you engaged. Which one is for you?
While their content is a big reason to buy, each rower’s resistance and overall build are just as important. Do you prefer water or magnetic? Can you sit low to the floor, or should you be higher off the ground while rowing?
I’m a workout instructor who reviews fitness equipment, and I’ve considered everything. Join me on an in-depth comparison of the Ergatta and Hydrow Pro rowers.
Ergatta vs. Hydrow Rower Comparison: Bottom Line
Ergatta Rower Pros and Cons
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Can be stored vertically
- Features interactive games, competitions, races and challenges
- It looks like furniture – not exercise equipment
- The touchscreen is crisp, and the game interface is easy to use
- Quieter than air or even magnetic rowers – won’t disturb neighbors
- Does not have preset resistance levels
- Game content is exclusive to digital workouts and games; no videos or instructor-led content.
Hydrow Pro: Bottom Line
Hydrow Pro Rower Pros and Cons
- Quiet and comfortable
- A well-padded seat and comfortably-spaced foot stretchers
- It has a crisp 22” touchscreen
- Provides rowing guidance, training, instruction, and direction.
- Features rowing professionals who lead you through classes of varying lengths
- It is excellent for those who want to learn and enjoy rowing but lack experience.
- It looks chic with a nautical shape and sleek engineering
- Very little functionality without a subscription
- It weighs 145 pounds and does not fold up
- It can be difficult to move and store
Ergatta vs. Hydrow vs. Similar Rowing Machines
Check below for a quick overview of the Ergatta, Hydrow Pro, and other popular rowers.
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Price (MSRP) | |||||
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Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | The Ergatta Rower makes rowing fun with aesthetic games and competitions, while the wooden frame and water tank are nicely made and wonderful to look at. | The Hydrow Pro is a rowing athlete’s best option for training on and off the rowing machine with premium trainer-led content and effective magnetic resistance. | The Concept2 is regarded as the best rower with the most accurate monitor and competition-level performance. | The Aviron Strong Rower turns your workout into a game, entertains you with streaming apps, and guides you with trainer-led workouts. | The Hydrow Wave’s magnetic resistance and training content create the most realistic on-the-water feel with a lighter frame and lower price than other machines in Hydrow’s lineup. |
Awards Earned | |||||
Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Product | Ergatta | Hydrow Pro | Concept2 RowErg | Aviron Strong | Hydrow Wave |
Workout Experience | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
Specs / Features | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
Dimensions / Storability | 8 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
On-Board Workouts & Apps | 8 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 9 |
Build Quality | 9 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 9 |
Overall Score | 88 | 89 | 92 | 82 | 90 |
# of Onboard Workouts | 1 | 1 | 12 | 1 | 1 |
Paid Programming - Cost | $28/month | $44/month | N/A | $29/month | $44/month |
Netflix / 3rd Party Apps | N/A | N/A | N/A | YouTube, Max, Disney+, Hulu, Prime, Spotify, Paramount+, Netflix | N/A |
Display | 17.3” touchscreen | 22” HD touchscreen | PM5 Console | 22” HD touchscreen | 16” HD touchscreen |
Dimensions (In Use) | 86” x 23” x 40” | 86"L x 25"W x 47"H | 96” L x 24” W x 14” H | 84” L x 27” W x 48” H | 80" L x 19" W 43" H |
Pedal Type | |||||
Storage | Horizontal, vertical | Vertical (with wall mount), horizontal | Vertical, horizontal, in two pieces | Vertical, horizontal | Horizontal, vertical |
Rower Weight | 105 lbs (with water) | 145 lbs | 57 lbs | 114 lbs | 102 lbs |
Weight Capacity | 500 lbs | 375 lbs | 500 lbs | 507 lbs | 375 lbs |
Resistance Type | water | Magnetic | Air | Hybrid magnet & air | magnetic |
Max Resistance | unlimited | 300 (drag factor) | Unlimited | 16 magnetic resistance levels | 300 (drag factor) |
Height Limit | 40” (inseam) | 36” (inseam) | 38” (inseam) | 6’8” | 36” (inseam) |
Warranty | 5-year frame, 3-year parts, 1-year tablet | 1-year home use warranty | 5 years on frame; 2 years on moving parts and console | 10-year frame, 1-year parts | 5-year frame; 12-month parts, screen, and labor |
Additional Features | Wooden frame, Bluetooth, live races | Bluetooth, pivoting screen, leaderboard | 10-level damper, chain drive, device holder | Belt drive, air ventilation, tall seat | Belt drive, Bluetooth, frame color options |
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