Peloton Row vs. Hydrow: A Comparison

Disclaimer: Yes, this is an article from Hydrow. And yes, we’re going to talk about how incredible the Hydrow experience is. But we also recognize that Peloton also produces engaging content and has selling points of their own for their platform. So, what can you expect from this article? A face-to-face comparison between the new Peloton Row and the Hydrow rowing machine.

For years, various press outlets have called Hydrow the “Peloton of Rowing Machines” in reference to its high-quality connected fitness machines and guided workout platform. But now that Peloton has released a rowing machine of its own, it’s worth asking how the two compare. 

The Peloton Row and Hydrow share similarities in that they are both top-of-the-line at-home rowers that feature beautiful touchscreen displays for member-exclusive training content. But, bow-to-bow (if you will), how do they measure up? 

Here is an in-depth look at the Peloton Row vs. Hydrow.  

Hydrow vs. Peloton Row: A quick-reference comparison

*Pending approval from Klarna

**Pending approval from Affirm

• Key Peloton Row benefits: All-access membership can be shared across other Peloton equipment, along with an extensive library of classes for other fitness equipment. 

• Key Hydrow benefits: Hydrow brings you an extensive library of on-the-water workouts, guided by Olympians and elite rowers, all backed by our founder’s experience coaching the U.S. National Rowing Team.

Deep dive: Peloton Row vs. Hydrow rowing machines

We know that both Peloton and Hydrow are leaders in home fitness equipment, providing high-quality machines to people who are ready to commit to their health and fitness journey from the comfort of their homes. 

So, what sets them apart, and how do these machines compare? 

Hydrow vs. Peloton Row: Price

• Peloton Row: $3,295 or monthly financing with Affirm (Pending approval from Affirm)

• Hydrow: $2,195 or $38/mo with Klarna (Pending approval from Klarna)

• Hydrow Wave: $1,695 or $32/mo with Klarna (Pending approval from Klarna)

Takeaway: Hydrow rowing machines are considerably less expensive than the Peloton Row. For instance, at this price point for the Peloton Row, you could purchase the Hydrow Pro and a one-year Hydrow membership—or a Hydrow Wave and three years of membership—for less money. 

Hydrow vs. Peloton rower: Quality materials

When you’re investing in new home fitness equipment, you want something durable that will last for years. It’s true that you get what you pay for! 

When comparing the Peloton Row with Hydrow rowing machines, you’ll see quality materials used across the board.

Peloton Row features an anodized and powder-coated aluminum rail with a molded plastic hub. It uses a woven strap, ergonomic seat, and a molded plastic and TPE handle for a secure grip, along with adjustable footbeds that feature velcro straps.

Both the Hydrow Pro and Hydrow Wave boast impressive quality materials as well. The Hydrow Pro has a sleek, contemporary aluminum and steel frame, bringing an elevated and elegant appearance to your living room or other workout space. The Hydrow Wave features a black polycarbonate frame with an industrial swirled finish. Both Hydrow models use a high-quality polyester webbing strap for quiet operation, along with an ergonomic, low-stress grip handle.

Both Hydrow rowing machines also use the same ergonomically designed cushion and adjustable foot beds. The Hydrow Wave uses a two-roller and two-idler system for smooth operation, while the Hydrow Pro uses a 10-roller slide system for an extra-smooth row.

Hydrow vs. Peloton Row: Resistance mechanism

Resistance mechanisms vary drastically from rowing machine to rowing machine, including water tanks, fans, electromagnetic drag, and more. Each has its own unique selling points, and each rower has their own preference.

Peloton Row uses electronically controlled resistance for a quiet, smooth row. Hydrow uses a patented electromagnetic resistance mechanism that provides a realistic on-the-water feeling.

If you want to feel like you’re actually rowing on the water, you can’t beat what Hydrow provides (we say that humbly—this has been verified by Hydrow Athletes and members alike!). 

Hydrow vs. Peloton Row: Size and storage

Most high-quality rowing machines will be pretty comparable in size. While you’ll see some variation in the size of the rowing machine, you can expect more variety in how rowing machines are stored.

The Peloton Row’s in-use footprint is 96”L x 24”W. It features a 23.8-inch screen that rotates 45 degrees in either direction and folds for storage, with a camera that captures both photo and video. The Peloton Row can be vertically stored with the use of the Upright Wall Anchor. 

Hydrow offers two different size options. The Hydrow Pro has a  86″L x 25″W x 47″H footprint, while the Hydrow Wave comes in more compact at 80″L x 19″W x 43″H. Measuring 6 inches shorter in length, 6 inches narrower, and 4 inches shorter in height, the Hydrow Wave is the preferred Hydrow model for smaller spaces. 

When stored vertically, the Hydrow Pro has a 25″W x 33″D x 86″H footprint, taking up less than six square feet of floor space when not in use. The Hydrow Wave has an equally impressive small footprint at 26.5″W x 30″D x 82″H, a mere 1.5 inches wider but 3 inches shallower than the original Hydrow.  

Both Hydrow models require a vertical storage kit for upright storage (sold separately from the rowing machine itself).

Hydrow vs. Peloton Row: Shipping, delivery, Assembly, and warranty

The Peloton Row shipping timeline varies depending on your location. Delivery and setup is included in the purchase price, with setup taking around 15 to 30 minutes. Accessories may ship separately. 

Peloton Row is covered by a 12-month comprehensive parts and labor limited warranty. The Peloton Row frame is covered by a 5-year parts limited warranty. Peloton also offers a protection plan that works concurrently with your Peloton Row or up to 1 year after receiving delivery. The Protection Plan provides a 3-year extension to the 12-month limited warranty (4 years of total coverage) plus 4 years of Accidental Damage coverage starting from your Peloton Row delivery date.

Peloton Row comes with a standard 30-day home trial, providing the opportunity for free pickup and full return if you decide you don’t like your machine.

The Hydrow wave ships in two to three days via UPS, while the Hydrow Pro takes two to three weeks to arrive via an independent carrier. Both of Hydrow’s machines ship for free. 

In-home assembly is available for an extra fee but is not required. The average user can assemble a Hydrow Wave in 20 to 30 minutes, while the Hydrow Pro can be assembled in under 30 minutes. 

Hydrow has a 30-day risk-free trial period, where you can return at no cost to you (should you decide rowing isn’t right for you). Both Hydrow machines also come with a one-year warranty, with the option to purchase additional warranties.

Deep dive: Peloton vs. Hydrow membership and experience

Both Peloton and Hydrow strongly encourage the use of their membership platform with their machines. While both do offer their own version of a “Just Row” mode, the member-exclusive fitness content is what sets these rowing machines apart from the rest. 

It’s important to note a fundamental difference between the Peloton subscription and Hydrow membership. 

Peloton originally started with cycling and has since expanded beyond to include a variety of workouts to use both on and off their lineup of fitness equipment. Their focus is getting users onto their machines and investing in the Peloton community. Peloton’s content is designed to simulate an in-person fitness class, giving you access to high-quality trainers, coaches, and instructors. 

Hydrow, on the other hand, was founded by rowers, for everyone. Our focus has always been on bringing accessibility to rowing and allowing more people to enjoy this incredible sport. Hydrow’s membership focuses on introducing users to rowing, connecting their mind and body, and creating a supportive and encouraging community for all.

One of the biggest differences between Hydrow and other fitness subscriptions is Hydrow’s content, designed to simulate a realistic on-the-water experience. Prioritizing the immersive nature of the workouts, Hydrow aims for authentic human connection. The Athlete leading your workout is not in charge—they’re rowing with you, motivating you and encouraging you through each stroke. With Hydrow, you won’t see microphones on faces, sunglasses, or anything else that creates a barrier between you and the Athlete. Community and connection is in the DNA of rowing—and in the DNA of Hydrow. 

Peloton vs. Hydrow: Membership cost

Both Peloton and Hydrow memberships are priced at $44/month. Peloton allows unlimited profiles for your household and access to its entire library of both live classes and on-demand classes. 

A Hydrow Membership provides both live and on-demand access, as well as an entire library of rowing, circuit training, strength training, mobility, yoga, and Pilates workouts. Hydrow also allows for multiple profiles for all members of your household. 

Peloton rower vs. Hydrow: Variety of workouts

Peloton’s platform features a mix of cycling, running, yoga, meditation, strength, stretching, and rowing workouts. The majority of Peloton’s classes are filmed in a studio setting on Peloton machines, though it does offer some outdoor workouts that are not filmed in a studio. 

Hydrow’s platform features primarily rowing content but also includes hundreds of strength training, yoga, Pilates, mobility, and circuit training workouts. Rather than being filmed in a studio, the vast majority of Hydrow’s content is filmed on-location, either on the water or in a scenic location for On the Mat content. 

While there are a few select workouts (like the Learn to Row series) that are filmed on a Hydrow rowing machine in a studio, you’ll see that most of Hydrow’s content is filmed in beautiful locations around the world. Imagine rowing along waterways in Alaska, Prague, the Bahamas, New Zealand, and Japan, and you’ll start to get an idea of the gorgeous scenery you’ll have access to with Hydrow workouts. 

Peloton vs. Hydrow: Rowing workouts

Peloton’s rowing workouts included guided rowing workouts, Row Bootcamp classes, and scenic workouts, along with training programs and challenges. Guided workouts are led in a studio setting on the Peloton Row. The Row Bootcamp classes feature full-body workouts on and off the Row. Here, you’ll see a combination of rowing and strength training. Scenic workouts are unguided rows through different waterways.

Most of Hydrow’s rowing workouts are filmed on the water, giving you the most realistic virtual rowing experience. Hydrow offers a variety of types of rowing workouts including beginner, steady-state cardio, HIIT, journey (unguided rows), and more. 

If you’re new to rowing, Hydrow offers a Learn to Row series to get you familiar with the fundamentals of rowing and a Beginner Training Camp program to get you up to speed. Whether you’re looking for a quick, five-minute warmup row or an intense 60-minute endurance row, Hydrow has something for you.

Hydrow’s mobile app hosts our extensive library of rowing workouts for use on any rowing machine. With the Hydrow mobile app, you’ll have access to all of your favorite rowing workouts and Athletes to use with any rowing machine you choose—whether you’re at a gym, staying at a hotel, or visiting a friend with a different type of rower.

Hydrow rower vs. Peloton: Instructors and Athletes

Both Peloton and Hydrow feature an impressive lineup of world-class athletes including Olympians, national team members, collegiate athletes, and more.

Peloton’s fitness classes are led by a team of high-energy, motivating instructors who are there to hype you up and get you through your workout. 

Hydrow’s rows are led by Athletes whose goal is not only to get you through your workout, but to get you fully immersed in it. Each of Hydrow’s rowing Athletes comes with an impressive (and extensive) background in rowing. 

With Athletes like Dani Hansen (two-time Silver Medalist Team USA Paralympic rower), Aquil Abdullah (Team USA Olympic rower), and Aisyah Rafaee (Singapore’s first Olympian in the sport of rowing) guiding you through your workout, you’ll experience a connection with your Athlete that you won’t find anywhere else. 

Though high-achieving and recognized around the world, Hydrow Athletes are ultimately real people you’d want to hang out with. They aren’t taking charge of the workout or yelling instructions as they row. They’re connecting with you while rowing together. The leading Athlete is doing the same thing that you’ll do during the workout—linking with you in the rhythm of the movement.

Peloton Row vs. Hydrow: Which rowing machine is right for you?

So, with all this information, which rowing machine is right for you? Let’s look at a few key factors:

If space is a concern, the Hydrow Wave’s compact footprint is a major selling point. Coming in at 14” shorter and 5” narrower, the Wave fits in tighter spaces and still brings a high-quality connected rowing machine into your home.

If price is a concern, the Hydrow Wave is the frontrunner for getting the most bang for your buck. Priced at less than half the cost of the Peloton Row, the Hydrow Wave brings you a comparable workout experience with a much smaller investment. Hydrow also offers financing through Klarna.

If you enjoy a studio setting, Peloton Row’s classes will provide the studio workout class experience you’re seeking with instructors who will push you through intense workouts.

If you’re looking for a realistic rowing experience, Hydrow’s content will transport you onto the water from the comfort of your home, with Athletes aiming to connect with you and support you through your workout. 

If you already have other Peloton equipment, either option could be a good fit for you. The ability to use one Peloton membership across multiple pieces of fitness equipment is a selling point. However, the price point of the Peloton Row means you could purchase a Hydrow Wave and several years of a Hydrow membership for the same price, providing access to a whole new library of content in the process.

If you desire AI coaching, Peloton’s Form Assist can provide real-time feedback on form during your workout through AI technology. The Form Assist displays on your screen while you workout for real-time feedback.

If you desire human coaching, Hydrow’s personal 1:1 coaching is a great option for you. You’ll get to spend time with a Hydrow Personal Coach, who will deliver personalized guidance and feedback in solo sessions designed to meet you where you are and help you reach your unique goals.

If you’re ready to start rowing ASAP, the Hydrow Wave holds the fastest shipping speeds and earliest delivery timeline. You’ll be rowing by next week!

Ultimately, the factors that matter most to you will determine which rowing machine is the best fit for you. And, to take a deeper look at the Hydrow vs. the Hydrow Wave, check out our rower comparison page on our website.