Hydrow Rower Vs Peloton Bike: Which Is Best For Home Gyms?

Quick Comparison Of The Hydrow Rower & Peloton Bike

Peloton is the clear winner, but it is a very close race in all categories. Peloton is so personally engaging that, for many, it really is the only thing keeping them from a sedentary lifestyle. Compared to Hydrow, Peloton costs less and requires little to no assembly or maintenance.  

On the other hand, Hydrow does require some assembly work and has a little bigger floor footprint, but ultimately gives a more comprehensive workout; plus, its screen swivels for a smoother transition to stretching, strength training, Pilates, and/or yoga routines.

For more general information about these types of cardio machines, read through our complete guide on exercise bikes vs rowing machines.

Overview Of The Popular Hydrow Rower 

One of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2020, Hydrow has only existed for a few years but has garnered acclaim as Peloton’s counterpart in the rowing world.

Notably, it has electromagnetically controlled drag/resistance—part of its patented Live Outdoor Reality (LOR)™ mechanism—which makes you physically and mentally feel like you are on an actual outdoor rowing expedition. It has a large HD screen with speakers that you can tilt and turn.  

With a subscription, you get live workouts, as well as over 3,000 stream-able workouts—with Olympic and US National Team rowers. There are also plenty of competitive opportunities and the option to just go on a scenic row on a beautiful waterway of your choice.

One subscription gives you as many personal accounts as you need for users in your household, as well as app content that includes other types of workouts to complement the rowing routine. 

Pros & Cons Of The Hydrow Rowing Machine 

Overview Of The Peloton Bike 

Since its inception in 2014, Peloton has rapidly climbed to the top and is still expanding its market and making improvements in its connectivity features. At its helm is a seasoned CEO who is himself a boutique fitness enthusiast.  

Peloton’s build quality, customer service, and assembly-with-delivery make it an obvious purchase for any home gym. New York Times Wirecutter gives an objective (but very favorable) analysis of the Peloton Bike (and Bike+): It has a large Wireless/Bluetooth-enabled HD screen with speakers, camera, and microphone. 

Membership gives you a choice of cycling classes of all different lengths, intensities, and styles, app content with complimentary workouts, and an indefinite number of personal accounts with class recommendations, stats, and performance records.  

Connection is key with Peloton: Coaches become like personal gurus, and fellow cyclers become friends—you can connect on social media, live chat, and compete with whomever you wish.

Pros & Cons Of The Peloton Exercise Bike 

Comparing Features of The Hydrow & Peloton 

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can you use the Hydrow without the subscription?  

Yes, there is a Just Row Mode. However, the features that you get with the subscription are what really give Hydrow its value. If these features do not seem worth it to you, consider a less expensive but still very high-quality rower like the Concept 2. Incidentally, the same idea applies to Peloton bikes. 

Can Hydrow work without the Internet?  

Yes, the rowing machine works without Internet, but the subscription (which gives you workouts, stats, and competitions on the screen) requires Wi-Fi. In a pinch, you could possibly watch workouts using mobile data on your smart device. The same is true for Peloton bikes and treadmills. 

Does working out with a Peloton bike tone your stomach?  

Cycling does not target the abs, but rigorous cycling does involve maintaining a posture that engages the abs, shoulders, back, and chest. Most people find that cycling slims them down, due to the calories burned and the lower body muscle gains—and also because cycling does not bulk up the ab muscles. 

In contrast, rowing targets the abs more than cycling, so it will increase abdominal strength (though you might not appear slimmer exactly because of increased muscle mass).  

How many people use Peloton in the US?  

The US number is hard to pin down, but as of November 2021, Business Insider reported Peloton had over 6.2 million subscribers total. Quartz indicates that Peloton is still going strong overall—and adding Germany to its market (previously USA, UK, and Canada). 

As for Hydrow, it is so new that, in spite of its positive press, it still lacks Peloton’s popularity. People who are trying to decide between a rowing machine and a Peloton bike may not realize that Hydrow is everything they are seeking. Hydrow is what to get if you want a rowing machine and a virtual water sport experience, presented with motivational software like Peloton’s. 

Conclusion

If you are thinking Peloton vs Hydrow, you are already winning, because they are the best picks for a deluxe home gym. I personally favor Hydrow, because I love the calming and invigorating water experience, as well as the straightforward full-body workout. 

For others, Peloton’s social inspiration and fast-paced stimulation is the best workout system of their lives. Ultimately, Hydrow and Peloton bring excellent coaching and immersive experience to two very different sports. If you can afford it, definitely consider getting both.