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In this post, we are going to review which machine is better between the Hydrow Rower vs Peloton bike.
Both brands focus on equipment that depicts durability, efficiency, and excellence. Anyone who is interested in cardiovascular workouttves should consider getting either the Hydrow Rowing Machine or the Peloton bike, as they both offer great cardiovascular workout routines.
Below, we will be taking a look at their features, the kind of workouts they offer, pricing, pros, and cons to arrive at our final decision of which machine is better.
Contents
Main Differences Between the Hydrow vs Peloton (Rower vs Bike)
The main differences between Hydrow vs Peloton are:
- The Hydrow rower is a machine that imitates a rowing experience, whereas the Peleton bike imitates a cycling experience.
- The Hydrow rower sports a 22-inch touchscreen with front-facing speakers, whereas the Peloton sports a 22 inch digital HD touchscreen.
- The Hydrow rower features electromagnetic resistance, whereas the Peloton bike features variable magnetic resistance.
- The Hydrow rower can imitate a real-life experience of rowing using its multisensory feature, whereas the Peloton bike lacks this feature to add to your cycling experience in the same manner.
Every aspect of Hydrow is engineered by rowing experts to elevate your experience. From computer-controlled resistance to revolutionary Live Outdoor Reality technology, Hydrow delivers an effective and enjoyable workout that brings the river home to you.
In terms of similarities, both machines offer low impact cardiovascular workouts. However, because cycling engages mostly your lower body muscles you might want to consider getting some dumbbells to give your upper body a workout too.
Rowing vs Cycling: Which is the Better Workout?
Both machines offer cardiovascular workouts but in different forms. While Hydrow focuses on rowing, Peloton focuses on cycling. They impact different muscle groups and produce slightly different results.
Most of us are already aware of the benefits of cycling. A majority of public gyms offer cycling classes.
Some of the benefits associated with cycling include:
- Decreased stress levels
- Improved posture
- Decreased body fat
- Improved joint mobility
Rowing offers all these benefits and a bit more. In addition to the benefits of cycling, rowing also:
- Builds upper body and lower body muscle
- Increases endurance
- Boosts immune system
The extra benefits associated with rowing can be experienced from cycling as well to some degree. The variance results from the group of muscles each workout relies on.
Cycling relies on lower body muscles with minimal effort from the shoulders and arms. Rowing engages both the upper body and lower body muscles. Like cycling, it is a low impact workout that causes no pain to joints when done properly.
From these points, rowing seems to be a better workout. As it has slightly more benefits than cycling and it is an equally low impact form of exercise.
Features of the Hydrow Rower vs Peloton Bike
Technology
We know that rowing is a more efficient workout for burning fat and improving cardiovascular health. But does that necessarily mean the Hydrow rower is a better piece of equipment?
For either machine to be deemed the better piece of tech, it would have to possess outstanding features.
The Hydrow rower offers live workouts and on-demand workout courses to users. This makes home workouts more effective because there is a teacher to guide you on what to do. The Peleton bike does not have this feature installed, and so we have to give this point to the Hydrow rower.
The Hydrow rower also went a step further to use its screen and speakers in recreating an actual rowing experience for users. Thanks to their multisensory approach every stroke is followed by the sound of cutting waves as you strengthen your body. The Peloton bike doesn’t sport the features needed to recreate an outdoors cycling experience.
However, the volume on the Hydrow rower cannot be adjusted and this can be frustrating for people who don’t like loud music.
Connected Workout
In this sense, connectedness refers to the possibility of you connecting with other trainers and athletes globally during your workout.
The Hydrow rower provides an amazing social experience that allows you to connect with friends and family during workouts.
This is a good way to stay connected with your loved ones who are too far away to meet up physically. Some of their social features include:
- Leaderboard
- Joint classes and workouts
- Shareable achievements
Unlike the Hydrow rower, Peloton does not offer live classes or on-demand workouts. Which is a feature most health enthusiasts would enjoy.
This affects the overall feeling of connectedness that comes with the Peloton. And in an era where we can live miles away from friends and family, because of work or school, staying connected with your loved ones is more important than ever.
However, Peloton makes up for it by offering social features such as:
- Leaderboards
- Hashtags
- High fives
- Video chatting
TV Screens
The Hydrow rower sports a 22-inch touch screen along with front-facing speakers. This helps create an atmosphere of real-life rowing for users.
With a subscription that places you on a water channel and speakers that blast the sound of cutting waves with every stroke, it’s easy to forget you are in your home gym and not a lake.
The Peloton bikes feature a 22- inch digital HD touchscreen. This offers a high-quality viewing experience for receiving face-to-face lessons with your tutor.
The machine cannot imitate a more real-life experience of cycling as the Hydrow rower imitates rowing.
Hydrow vs Peloton-Pricing
Neither of these machines can be considered cheap, however, there is a variance in terms of affordability between the two.
The Peloton bike along with its subscription required for online workouts comes with a hefty price. Despite the professional craftsmanship of the machine, buyers have complained that the price for the package is on the high side.
The Hydrow rower comes at a slightly lower price point for the machine along with its monthly subscription rate. While the price difference is not significant, it is enough to affect your decision on which machine is more affordable.
Hydrow vs Peloton – Pros and Cons
Hydrow Rower Pros
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Sweat and dust resistant screen- easy to clean
- Live and on-demand workouts available
- Risk-free trial
Hydrow Cons
- High priced
- No volume adjustments
- No pause feature
- Doesn’t support third-party devices
- Difficult to store without additional kit
Every aspect of Hydrow is engineered by rowing experts to elevate your experience. From computer-controlled resistance to revolutionary Live Outdoor Reality technology, Hydrow delivers an effective and enjoyable workout that brings the river home to you.
Peloton Bike Pros
- Personal progress tracker
- Can create multiple individual accounts
- Allows third-party devices like Bluetooth headphones
Peleton Bike Cons
- High priced
- Takes up space
- Requires specific cleats for shoes
Alternative Options
Echelon Smart Rower
For those of you familiar with this brand then you are aware that it has a reputation for being the cheaper version of bigger brands like Peloton and Hydrow.
The Echelon smart rower features electromagnetic resistance, a quiet experience, and a strong steel frame for your workouts.
This machine doesn’t come with a TV screen so you have to connect your tablet to the machine. Then sign in to Echelon fit to enjoy a host of live and on-demand workouts. See how Echelon compares to Peleton in our full guide, here.
Experience a total body workout on the Row S! Enjoy daily live and on-demand studio instruction from world-class instructors, plus on-demand scenic rides from some of the best waterways in the world. 
The NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle
Some people will consider the NordicTrack Commercial bike an expensive piece of equipment but it is unarguably cheaper than the Peloton bike.
Like Peloton it sports a 22-inch screen that allows you to stream workout sessions with trainers. A unique feature of this bike is that it allows trainers to adjust your bike’s incline, decline, or resistance.
Bring an unmatched, interactive personal training experience home with the NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle. An incredible workout experience, their world-class iFit Trainers lead you in 1-on-1, on-demand workouts where they digitally adjust your 10% decline to 20% incline and 24 digital resistance levels to match their exact workout.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Home Workout Machine
Frequency of Use
If I spent some money on Crossfit gloves but never used them after buying them, it wouldn’t be as depressing as spending money on a treadmill and rarely using it.
Before you drop the funds needed for home gym equipment, you have to be sure you’ll use them regularly to get value for your money.
Budget
Home gym equipment is expensive. Some of them cost over $1,000. Before you start daydreaming of which treadmill to buy or what brand of cycling bike, take a look at your wallet.
It’s important to note that smaller equipment like resistance bands can help you achieve the kind of workout results you’re looking for.
Space
While it’s tempting to have your treadmill or cycling machine to avoid missing your morning run or cycle from unpredictable weather, do you know where to put it?
Some home gym equipment is massive and requires a lot of space. If you don’t have it, you should consider starting small like a power tower.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Should I Budget for Home Gym Equipment?
Like we mentioned earlier some of these equipment costs up to $1,000 or more. The final price of your equipment is dependent on factors like brand name, features, and the type of exercise you want to do with it.
Can Using the Hydrow Rower Affect my Back?
Rowing is good for relieving back pain and eases strains in your back. However, poor technique will result in a lot of discomforts and even injury.
Does the Peloton Bike Work without Subscription?
Technically yes it does. You would be cut off from all metrics, live, and on-demand workouts but the bike will still work fine.
Can my Peloton Instructor See Me?
No, they cannot. The function of the camera is to allow video-chats with friends. And for it to work both riders must enable that option. Instructors cannot see riders at home through their cameras.
Our Verdict on Hydrow vs Peloton – Which is better?
Both machines are wonderful and do the job of improving your health. However, the differences discussed above point out that the Hydrow connected rower is the better option.
We recommend this option because rowing is a more efficient workout, the machine is more stylish, and compared to the Peloton bike it is more affordable. Although, the price difference is not insignificant.
If your aim is a full-body workout while staying connected with others then we strongly recommend the Hydrow rower.
The Peloton is better suited for cycling fans who want to enjoy the benefits that come with it. Peloton also offers other forms of workouts options in their subscriptions.
As we said, both machines are good but if we had to choose, the Hydrow connected rower has our money.
Every aspect of Hydrow is engineered by rowing experts to elevate your experience. From computer-controlled resistance to revolutionary Live Outdoor Reality technology, Hydrow delivers an effective and enjoyable workout that brings the river home to you.
