Comparison
Concept2 vs Hydrow
The gold standard air rower versus the leading connected rowing machine. Which one is the smarter buy for your home gym?
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Hydrow vs Ergatta: Which Connected Rower Is Worth Your Money in 2026?
Aktualisiert: March 2026
If you are shopping for a premium connected rowing machine, Hydrow and Ergatta are the two names you will see over and over. Both cost roughly the same, both have touchscreens, and both promise to make home rowing engaging enough that you will actually stick with it. But beneath the surface, these two machines take fundamentally different approaches to getting you on the water (or at least making you feel like you are).
Hydrow pairs a sleek electromagnetic rower with instructor-led, on-water filmed content. Ergatta bolts a smart screen onto a beautiful WaterRower frame and keeps you hooked through game-based, race-driven workouts with no instructor in sight. Same goal, completely different philosophies.
We have spent months rowing on both machines, logging hundreds of sessions between them. Here is our honest comparison to help you decide which one belongs in your home.
Our Quick Picks
Best for Coached Workouts: Hydrow
If you want an immersive, instructor-led rowing experience with beautiful on-water scenery and a library that extends beyond rowing into yoga, Pilates, and strength, Hydrow is the one to get. The electromagnetic resistance is whisper-quiet and the 22-inch screen makes every session feel cinematic.
$2,295 + $44/mo membership
Read Full ReviewBest for Self-Motivated Rowers: Ergatta
If you prefer gamified workouts, races, and personalized training programs over following an instructor, Ergatta is a blast. The natural water resistance feels fantastic, the cherry wood frame is a showpiece, and the lower subscription cost saves you $180 per year.
$2,299 + $29/mo membership
Read Full ReviewBest Budget Alternative: Concept2 RowErg
The gold standard for pure rowing performance. No screen, no subscription, no frills. Just the most trusted rowing machine in the world at a fraction of the price. Ideal for serious rowers who do not need entertainment to stay motivated.
$990, no subscription required
See Concept2 vs HydrowHydrow vs Ergatta: Specs Compared
Here is how these two connected rowers stack up on paper. We will break down what these numbers actually mean in practice below.
| Spec | Hydrow | Ergatta |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,295 (Hydrow) / $1,895 (Wave) | $2,299 (Lit model with screen) |
| Monthly Fee | $44/mo | $29/mo |
| Resistance Type | Computer-controlled electromagnetic | Water resistance (actual water tank) |
| Screen | 22" HD touchscreen (tilts & swivels) | 17.3" HD touchscreen |
| Content Style | Live & on-demand instructor-led classes | Game-based races & personalized programs |
| Beyond Rowing | Yoga, Pilates, circuit training, stretching | Rowing only |
| Dimensions | 86" L x 25" W x 47" H | 86" L x 23" W x 40" H |
| Storage | Upright with kit ($80 extra) | Folds upright easily (built-in) |
| Noise Level | Very quiet (electromagnetic) | Audible water swooshing |
| Max User Weight | 375 lbs | 500 lbs |
| Frame Material | Steel and aluminum | Cherry wood (WaterRower-based) |
| Rowing Feel | Smooth, consistent electromagnetic drag | Natural water resistance, variable at speed |
Design & Build Quality
These two machines could not look more different sitting side by side, and the design choices reflect their completely different philosophies.
Hydrow
Hydrow has a modern, industrial aesthetic. The frame is steel and aluminum with a low-profile design that looks like it belongs in a high-end fitness studio. The 22-inch HD touchscreen dominates the front end and tilts and swivels so you can angle it for off-rower workouts like yoga and stretching. The overall build quality is excellent. Everything feels solid, and the rail is smooth enough that the seat glides without any noticeable friction or wobble.
The main design compromise is storage. Hydrow does not fold on its own. You need a separate Upright Storage Kit ($80 extra) to store it vertically against a wall. It works fine once you have the kit, but the fact that it is not built into the design feels like an afterthought at this price point.
Ergatta
Ergatta is, without question, the better-looking machine. It is built on the WaterRower platform, which means you get a gorgeous cherry wood frame that looks more like a piece of Scandinavian furniture than exercise equipment. If aesthetics matter to you and you do not want your rower to scream "gym" when guests walk in, Ergatta wins this category hands down.
The 17.3-inch screen is smaller than Hydrow's but is bright and responsive. Ergatta also folds upright easily without any additional accessories, which is a real advantage for apartments and shared spaces. The water tank sits at the front of the machine and doubles as a visual element. You can actually see the water swirling as you row, which adds to the organic feel of the whole experience.
Build quality is excellent. The WaterRower frame has been around for decades and has a well-earned reputation for durability. The 500 lb max user weight capacity (versus Hydrow's 375 lbs) speaks to the robustness of the construction.
Resistance Type
This is the single biggest functional difference between these two machines, and it affects everything from how the stroke feels to how much noise the machine makes.
Hydrow
Hydrow uses computer-controlled electromagnetic resistance. The drag level is set digitally and stays perfectly consistent throughout every stroke. You can adjust the resistance level through the screen, and the machine responds instantly. The feel is smooth and linear. Pull harder, and you get more resistance in a controlled, predictable way.
The electromagnetic system also means the machine can precisely track your output metrics. Power, split times, stroke rate, and calories are all measured with a high degree of accuracy. If you are data-driven and want precise performance tracking, Hydrow has an edge here.
Ergatta
Ergatta uses genuine water resistance. There is a polycarbonate tank at the front of the machine filled with water, and paddles inside the tank create drag as you pull the handle. The harder and faster you pull, the more resistance you feel. This is exactly how rowing on actual water works, which is why many rowers describe Ergatta's feel as the most natural and realistic of any indoor rower.
The tradeoff is that water resistance is inherently variable. You cannot set a fixed resistance level the way you can on Hydrow. The resistance is entirely determined by your effort. Some people love this because it mirrors real on-water rowing. Others prefer the consistency and control of electromagnetic resistance. There is no objectively right answer here. It comes down to personal preference.
One note: you can adjust the baseline resistance on Ergatta by changing the water level in the tank, but this is a manual process that involves adding or removing water, not something you toggle mid-workout.
Screen & Content
Both machines use their screens to keep you engaged, but the content strategies are polar opposites.
Hydrow
Hydrow's content library is built around instructor-led workouts filmed on real waterways around the world. You will row along rivers, coastlines, and lakes while a coach on screen guides your pace, form, and intensity. The production quality is genuinely impressive. It is closer to a nature documentary than a typical fitness class, and the 22-inch screen makes it immersive enough that you can almost forget you are in your living room.
Beyond live and on-demand rowing classes, Hydrow also offers yoga, Pilates, circuit training, and stretching sessions. This cross-training content is a meaningful differentiator. If you want one subscription that covers more than just rowing, Hydrow delivers more variety. The coaching ranges from mellow recovery rows to all-out sprint intervals, and the instructor roster is engaging without being over-the-top.
The $44/month subscription is the cost of entry for all this content. Without it, you are left with basic free-row mode, which is functional but nowhere near worth $2,295 in hardware.
Ergatta
Ergatta takes a completely different approach: no instructors, no classes, no one telling you what to do. Instead, Ergatta uses game-based workouts, races against other users, and personalized training programs driven by your performance data. Think of it as turning every rowing session into a video game where you are chasing high scores, racing ghosts of your previous performances, or competing against the community.
The platform creates customized interval workouts, push programs, and endurance sessions based on your fitness level. As you improve, the workouts adapt. It is a genuinely clever system that keeps you coming back without needing a coach to yell encouragement.
The downside is that Ergatta is rowing-only. There are no yoga classes, no strength workouts, no off-rower content. If you want a single machine that covers multiple fitness modalities, Ergatta is more limited. The $29/month subscription is $15 cheaper than Hydrow's, which adds up to $180 saved per year.
Workout Experience
Both machines deliver an excellent rowing workout, but the experience of sitting down and pressing "start" feels very different.
Hydrow
A typical Hydrow session feels like joining a live class. You pick a workout, the instructor appears on screen rowing on a scenic waterway, and you follow their lead. The coach calls out stroke rate targets, gives form cues, and provides motivation throughout. It is structured, guided, and social in feeling even if you are rowing alone at 6 AM.
Hydrow excels for people who need external motivation. If you are the type who shows up to the gym but only pushes hard when a trainer is watching, Hydrow's coached format keeps you accountable in a way that self-directed workouts simply cannot match. The live workout schedule also creates a sense of event and urgency that helps build a routine.
Ergatta
An Ergatta session feels more like firing up a competitive video game. You might start with a race against the community, then move into an interval challenge where you are trying to stay within target zones on screen, followed by a push piece where the goal is to beat your own previous time. There are no voices in your ear. The motivation comes from the data, the competition, and the drive to improve your personal scores.
This approach works brilliantly for self-motivated people. If you are competitive by nature, the race and game mechanics are genuinely addictive. Multiple testers on our team said Ergatta was the rower that made them most consistently want to come back for another session. But if you need coaching cues and human connection, the silence can feel isolating.
Storage & Space
Both machines are roughly the same length at 86 inches, so the footprint during use is nearly identical. The difference shows up when you put them away.
Hydrow
Hydrow requires an optional Upright Storage Kit ($80) to store vertically. Once you have the kit, it leans against the wall at an angle and takes up a manageable amount of floor space. But it is heavier than Ergatta at around 145 lbs, so tipping it up and down is a two-person job for most people. If you plan to store it after every session, this gets old fast. Most Hydrow owners we have spoken to end up leaving it out permanently.
Ergatta
Ergatta folds upright without any additional accessories. The WaterRower design has always been easy to store vertically, and Ergatta continues that tradition. At around 130 lbs (with water), it is slightly lighter than Hydrow and the folding process is more intuitive. If you are tight on space and need to store your rower between sessions, Ergatta is the more practical choice.
Noise Levels
Hydrow
Hydrow is essentially silent. Electromagnetic resistance produces virtually no sound, so the only noise you will hear is the gentle sliding of the seat on the rail. You can comfortably row at 5 AM without waking anyone in the next room. If noise is a concern, whether because of thin apartment walls, sleeping kids, or early-morning workout habits, Hydrow is the obvious winner here.
Ergatta
Ergatta makes noise. There is no getting around the fact that a water tank with spinning paddles creates an audible swooshing sound with every stroke. It is not unpleasant. In fact, many users find the water sound soothing and meditative, more like a white noise machine than an annoying piece of gym equipment. But it is definitely louder than Hydrow, and in a quiet house, it will be heard through walls. If you row in a shared living space during quiet hours, this is worth considering seriously.
Price & Value
The hardware prices are nearly identical, but the subscription difference adds up significantly over time.
3-Year Total Cost Breakdown
| Cost Component | Hydrow | Ergatta | Concept2 RowErg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware | $2,295 | $2,299 | $990 |
| Accessories | $80 (storage kit) | $0 (storage built-in) | $0 |
| Subscription (36 mo) | $1,584 | $1,044 | $0 |
| 3-Year Total | $3,959 | $3,343 | $990 |
| Monthly Equivalent | ~$110/mo | ~$93/mo | ~$28/mo |
Over three years, Ergatta saves you $616 compared to Hydrow, almost entirely because of the lower subscription cost. That is real money. The Concept2 RowErg, included here for perspective, costs less than one year of either connected rower's subscription, which is why it remains the gold standard for budget-conscious and serious rowers alike.
Both machines offer financing options to spread the hardware cost over monthly payments. If you are deciding between these two and value is a top priority, Ergatta's $15/month subscription savings is worth factoring in.
Looking for a full home gym setup without breaking the bank? Check out our guide to building a home gym under $2,000.
Pros & Cons
Hydrow
Pros
- Exceptional instructor-led content filmed on real waterways
- Large 22-inch touchscreen that tilts and swivels
- Whisper-quiet electromagnetic resistance
- Cross-training content (yoga, Pilates, circuit training, stretching)
- Smooth, consistent resistance feel with precise metrics tracking
- Live workout schedule adds accountability
Cons
- Most expensive subscription at $44/mo
- Upright storage kit costs $80 extra and is not built-in
- Heavier and harder to move than Ergatta
- Lower max user weight capacity (375 lbs vs 500 lbs)
- Electromagnetic feel lacks the natural variability of water resistance
- Hardware is essentially useless without active subscription
Ergatta
Pros
- Beautiful cherry wood frame that looks like furniture
- Natural water resistance feels realistic and satisfying
- Addictive game-based workouts and competitive racing
- Lower subscription at $29/mo ($180/year savings vs Hydrow)
- Folds upright easily without extra accessories
- Impressive 500 lb max user weight capacity
Cons
- No instructor-led classes or coaching
- Smaller 17.3-inch screen compared to Hydrow's 22-inch
- Rowing-only content with no cross-training workouts
- Audible water noise may bother others in the household
- Resistance is not adjustable mid-workout (water level must be changed manually)
- Less guided experience may not suit complete beginners
Final Verdict
After months of rowing on both machines, here is the bottom line:
Buy Hydrow if you want a coach in your corner. Hydrow is the better machine for people who thrive on structured, instructor-led workouts. The on-water filmed classes are genuinely immersive, the 22-inch screen is beautiful, and the cross-training content gives you more reasons to keep the subscription beyond rowing. If you are new to rowing, need external motivation, or want a quiet machine for early-morning sessions, Hydrow is the stronger pick.
Buy Ergatta if you are self-motivated and competitive. Ergatta is built for people who do not need someone telling them what to do. The game-based workouts are addictive, the personalized programs adapt to your fitness level, and the cherry wood frame is the best-looking rower money can buy. The lower subscription cost saves you real money over time, and the natural water resistance feel is hard to beat. If you know you will row consistently without a coach pushing you, Ergatta is the smarter choice.
Consider the Concept2 RowErg if neither price seems justified. At $990 with no required subscription, the Concept2 is the gold standard for pure rowing. It lacks the entertainment and connected features of Hydrow and Ergatta, but if you are a disciplined rower or just want the most bang for your buck, nothing else comes close. Check out our best rowing machines roundup for a full look at all the options.
Either way, both Hydrow and Ergatta deliver a premium connected rowing experience that can genuinely replace a gym membership for cardio. The "best" one is simply the one that matches how you stay motivated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydrow is generally better for beginners because of its instructor-led classes and structured programs. The coaches guide you through every stroke, explain proper form, and keep you motivated throughout the workout. Ergatta's game-based approach is fun but assumes you already know how to row with decent form. If you have never rowed before, Hydrow's coached content will get you up to speed faster and with less risk of developing bad habits.
Both machines can be used for basic rowing without an active subscription, but the experience is severely limited. Hydrow offers a free-row mode without its content library, and Ergatta allows manual rowing without access to its games and programs. Since the connected software is the main reason to buy either machine over a standard rower, canceling the subscription makes it hard to justify the premium hardware price. If you want a no-subscription rowing experience, the Concept2 RowErg at $990 is a much smarter buy.
Hydrow is significantly quieter than Ergatta. Hydrow uses electromagnetic resistance, which produces almost no noise beyond a gentle hum. Ergatta uses a water tank for resistance, which creates a swooshing sound with every stroke. The water sound is not unpleasantly loud and many users actually enjoy it as it feels natural and meditative. However, if you need to row early in the morning or late at night without waking anyone, Hydrow is the clear winner for noise levels.
The Concept2 RowErg ($990, no required subscription) is the gold standard for pure rowing performance and is used by virtually every competitive rowing program in the world. It uses air resistance, has no built-in screen, and focuses entirely on the rowing experience rather than entertainment. Hydrow and Ergatta are designed for people who want a more engaging, connected experience to stay motivated at home. If you are a serious rower or want the most cost-effective option, go with the Concept2. If you need entertainment and gamification to stay consistent, Hydrow or Ergatta will serve you better.
The Hydrow Wave ($1,895) is a more compact, lighter version of the original Hydrow with a smaller 16-inch screen instead of the 22-inch display. It offers the same content library and subscription experience. The Wave is worth considering if you have a tighter budget or less space, but the original Hydrow's larger 22-inch screen makes the on-water content significantly more immersive. If the $400 price difference is not a dealbreaker and you have the room, the original Hydrow is the better experience.
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