Ergatta vs Hydrow: Which rower is worth the money?

Trying to decide between Ergatta vs Hydrow on your journey to secure a new rowing machine? We understand your predicament, as these two excellent machines both have plenty to offer. We’ve broken down exactly what you can expect from each option to make your life easier.

The Ergatta and the Hydrow both give users an immersive experience thanks to large, high-resolution screens, making them some of the best rowing machines around.

The standout draw of both of these high-end rowing machines is that they are designed to make your workouts smoother and more enjoyable, with interactive features working hand in hand with a sleek design. You can join on-demand workouts from the comfort of your home, and challenge others using their rowers in online classes. 

With a similar price point, the Ergatta vs Hydrow question is decided on more than affordability, with one main difference being the resistance type on offer. When using a Hydrow, you’ll find your resistance automatically adjusted depending on how fast you’re going, while an Ergatta machine uses water-based resistance to mimic being out there on the water. 

It’s also worth noting that there’s a different ethos applied to workouts with each brand. Ergatta champions a focus on competition to boost your motivation, turning your workout into a game, while Hydrow has instructor-led classes so that you can build up a familiarity with particular trainers. Here, we’re putting Ergatta vs Hydrow once and for all so you can compare the differences and benefits these two machines offer. 

Ergatta vs Hydrow: quick links

•  Find out more about Ergatta on the Ergatta website 
•  Best Buy: Save on the Hydrow rower right now 

Ergatta vs Hydrow: price

There really isn’t a significant gap in cost between the two rowing machine brands but they both sit higher-end compared to other options out there. If you are looking to equip your home gym with an advanced and durable rower then you will find yourself spending $2199.99 on a full-price Ergatta rowing machine and $2494.99 on a Hydrow rower. 

In terms of warranty, the Ergatta rower offers a five-year warranty on the machine’s structural frame, three years on parts, and one year on the tablet. The Hydrow offers five years on the structural frame, 12 months on components, and 12 months labor.

Winner: The Ergatta wins for price saving you almost $300. Paying more for a Hydrow machine might be better for those who prefer exercising with instructor-led training sessions. 

Ergatta vs Hydrow: design and features

Ergatta uses real water inside its machines to create resistance and to make it feel as natural as possible. A water rower means you don’t have to adjust your resistance level but if you want more resistance you just have to row faster or slower if you want less resistance. You may also adjust the water level with a siphon in your Ergatta machine to further add or take from the resistance level. 

On the other hand, the Hydrow rower is a magnetically driven rowing machine. It differs from other more traditional magnetic rowers as it uses a computer-guided system to create resistance depending on how hard you row. So like the Ergatta, the more you pull the more resistance you will feel.

As mentioned earlier they both offer live interaction and input. The Ergatta rower features a 17.5-inch touchscreen, while the Hydrow provides you with a 22-inch touchscreen display.

Winner: If you aren’t bothered about using a rowing machine powered by actual water then the Hydrow is ideal for you and its smart magnetic system gives off much the same effect. The Hydrow also saves you the hassle of adjusting the water level of your rower or keeping it clean. 

Ergatta vs Hydrow: user reviews

Users say they especially enjoy the larger screen on the Hydrow rower because the workouts uniquely take place on the water via the screen. The sound and visuals are a popular feature for many making it feel very authentic despite it being a magnetic engineered rower. This paired with a helpful instructor makes for an enjoyable workout.

Whereas, if you get bored of following along a ready-made workout or perhaps get competitive when you exercise then the Ergatta rower is better tailored to this. If you use the streaming fitness platform you will realize it is much more game-based. You will have the choice to use your rowing machine for a racing workout, a custom HIIT session, which will all be curated from how you performed on an initial 2,000m calibration assessment.

Winner: While the Ergatta rower has lots of challenges included to keep you motivated on your rowing machine the Hydrow is best for those who perform better using an instructor-led workout. Plus being able to view scenic water views through your screen as you row is a nice distraction from an intense workout. 

Ergatta vs Hydrow: verdict

All in all, Fit&Well recommends opting for a Hydrow rowing machine. They both are two of the most advanced rower brands out there right now and you aren’t wrong to pick either option.

We just think that it is worth paying that little bit extra for a Hydrow rower to receive the audio input from an instructor as you see yourself rowing along water via the screen.

The Ergatta requires a little extra effort when it comes to playing around with water in order to adjust resistance levels but still offers a great rower for the more competitive rowers out there who are less dependent on receiving trainer input as they workout.