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Peloton made its first-ever rowing machine available for pre-order in September 2022, and it’s since been used by hundreds of home gym enthusiasts. Known originally for the Peloton Bike and then the Tread, does the Peloton Row stand up to its cardio counterparts?
We’ve tried out the Peloton Row, and now we’ll go through our full Peloton Rower review by drawing on our years of experience of testing dozens of the best rowing machines, indoor rowers, and other Peloton equipment such as their bike and treadmill.
Honest and Expert Reviews By An Experienced Team
Our team at Garage Gym Reviews—a group of certified personal trainers, CrossFit coaches, and competitive triathletes—know what high-quality exercise equipment looks and feels like. Garage Gym Reviews has been testing and reviewing cardio equipment since 2014 and has become a major voice in the home gym equipment industry.
With the Peloton Row, we had our product tester use the rower over several workouts, rating certain factors a score of 1 to 5, based on our fitness equipment testing methodology:
- Durability and construction
- Footprint and portability
- Dynamic programming
- Technological capabilities
- Design and ergonomics
- Overall value
- Warranty, financing, and other policies
The Peloton Row is an expensive premium rower with the high-quality Peloton programming users love.
A Quick Look at the Peloton Row
The Peloton Row is (an aptly named) rowing machine from fitness brand Peloton, first known for its exercise bikes and later its treadmills. The Row is the first rowing machine available from Peloton and can be purchased for a little more than $3,000.
Like other Peloton equipment, the Row sports a large 23.8-inch touchscreen display with optimized graphics. On screen, exercisers can see a community leaderboard and rowing metrics like distance, pace, stroke rate, and calories burned while streaming on-demand rowing workouts and live classes.
Before You Buy
- Peloton offers financing on this machine, so you can break up the price into more manageable monthly installments.
- Weigh your options carefully. This machine is very expensive yet comparable in specs to other smart rowing machines.
Is the Peloton Row Worth It?
If you were to ask just me if the Peloton Row is worth its price tag of $3,295, I’d say no. I think there are rowing machines that are just as good, if not better, for lower prices. But considering my job is to determine which products are good for which people, I’ll dig a little deeper.
The Peloton Row is inarguably a good piece of fitness equipment—the company is known for its strong, durable, comfortable hardware, after all. The new rowing machine works via a Peloton All-Access membership, of which our review is favorable. (However, we have not reviewed rowing workouts, only Peloton Bike and Tread workouts, so we can’t speak to the quality of rowing content yet.)
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According to the specs, longevity shouldn’t be a problem: With a seat rail made of aluminum and a powder-coated frame, the machine should resist dings, scratches, and other damage.
All that said, the thing costs upward of $3,000. Literally our entire team at GGR agrees that this is outrageous, especially when you consider that you can get a Concept2 RowErg (formerly Concept2 Model D Rower) for about $1,000, and other smart rowers, like Hydrow and Aviron, for $2,000 to $2,500.
So, is the Peloton Row worth it? Depends on who you are and who you ask, but we’re inclined to say there are better value options for most exercisers available. We rate the value here a 3.5 out of 5, because people will still want this machine for the premium Peloton classes and feel.
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Great for:
- People who already have a Peloton All-Access membership
- Peloton puritans ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
- Home gym owners who aren’t on a budget
Not recommended for:
- Anyone on a budget
- CrossFitters (Concept2 RowErg is best for this group)
- People who want to store a rower in a non-climate-controlled area (not recommended for tech-heavy machines)
Peloton Row Specs
| Dimensions | 94” L x 24” W |
| Product Weight | 156.5 lbs |
| User Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Resistance Type | Electronically controlled resistance |
| Resistance Levels | Not specified |
| Display | 23.8″ HD swivel touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+, WiFi (no Ethernet) |
| Audio | Front-and rear-facing speakers |
| Foldable | Only the screen arm |
| Programming | Peloton All-Access membership required |
| Subscription | $44/month |
Experience Using the Peloton Row
Our product tester, Max Holmes, has used rowers in his own home gym, as well as in studio classes. He tried out the Peloton Row, and overall had an enjoyable experience. “If I had the money and the floor space, I’d likely buy this,” he says. “It was a great workout and fun to use.” He also notes that it was well-built and comfortable to use, particularly the cushioned seat and handles.
The Peloton rower isn’t short on features. This new rowing experience includes all of the basics like metric-tracking and an ergonomic molded seat, but the machine comes equipped with a lot of features you won’t get on a budget-friendly rower, including:
- Pace Targets: The Pace Target features provides you with personalized short-term goals within each workout to help you maximize workout effectiveness. Your rower can tell you to slow down or speed up based on your performance history and your technique in a given workout.
- Real-time form feedback: The first time you hop on the Row, the Form Assist feature will take you through a rowing form calibration via sensors in the handlebar and slide rail. During your workouts, Form Assist continues to monitor your technique and your on-screen avatar will flash red when you deviate from proper form.
- Live and on-demand rowing classes: Central to the experience are the Peloton instructors and classes, of course. The All-Access membership now includes rowing classes in addition to the pre-existing categories. (Rowing classes are not available with a regular Peloton app membership).
- Swiveling display: The large touchscreen display rotates and tilts so you can do other non-rowing workouts and still follow along on the nice screen.
- Heart rate monitoring: With a compatible heart rate monitor, you can track your exercising heart rate during rowing workouts.
One thing I want to call out is the “electronically controlled resistance.” I don’t like the ambiguity here; I wish Peloton would just call it a magnetic rowing machine—if that’s what it is, which I can’t gather from the specs alone. Our tester wasn’t entirely sure, either; he does remark that it “seemed to be magnetic.” The website also does not specify a number of resistance levels, which I find odd, given that rowers with digital resistance (AKA magnetic resistance) typically have a specified range of resistance.
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Footprint and Portability
Peloton calls the Row “compact,” but with an approximate 8-foot-by-2-foot footprint (and more floor space needed for on-the-mat workouts, if you’re into that), I wouldn’t call it super small-space friendly. You can purchase an upright anchor to vertically store the machine, though, and the screen arm folds to save horizontal space.
As for transportation, there are front-mounted casters, but the Row weighs almost 160 pounds. “I’d say the average user could move it around, but it is rather heavy,” adds Max. “It’s size doesn’t make it very easy to move around in tight spaces, either.” He rates the footprint and portability a 3 out of 5.
Durability and Construction
The Peloton Row is rather hefty and sturdy. Weighing in at nearly 160 pounds (156.5 to be exact) with an anodized and powder-coated frame, there aren’t any issues with durability for the hardware and parts. It earns a 4.5 out of 5 for its durability, with a little bit taken off for its industry standard weight capacity of 300 pounds. We’d expect a bit more when it’s built like this.
“It’s a solid, sleek construction,” reiterates Max. “It’s very large and felt pretty sturdy in use.”
What concerns me with smart cardio equipment is the technology: It’s a necessary evil, but the more technology components a machine has, the more opportunity there is for damage. This isn’t exclusive to Peloton products, rather, a potential issue for any wired equipment.
Truth be told, I’m a bit confused about how the Peloton Row is stated to have aluminum construction yet weighs nearly 160 pounds. I’d venture to guess that parts of the frame are made from steel, although the website does not state as such.
The Ergonomics
Every company calls their machinery “ergonomic.” In the case of the Peloton Row, the molded, cushioned seat and curved handlebar are the ergonomic features. The seat looks comfy enough and the handlebar design will place your hands and wrists in a position that mimics the oars on a real row-boat.
The foot cradles are adjustable and can accommodate a women’s size 5 all the way up to a men’s size 13.5. The rower supports heights from 4 feet, 11 inches to 6 feet, 5 inches, and user weights up to 300 pounds.
Additionally, the screen offers 25 degrees of vertical tilt and 45 degrees of horizontal tilt, so you can find the perfect position to avoid straining your neck or rowing with elevated traps.
Our product tester Max had no issues with the feel of the rower, saying, “The seat is comfortable and the handles are designed to keep pressure off my wrists and forearms while I’m rowing.” He does note that the screen is a little hard to reach since he has longer legs, so he rates the overall ergonomics a 4 out of 5.
Tech Features
When you buy from Peloton, you expect a tech-heavy experience. If that’s what you’re after, you won’t be let down with the Peloton Row. On the near-24-inch touchscreen display (that swivels and tilts, for the record), you can do virtually any type of workout you want, from an instructor-led HIIT rowing class to an on-the-mat bootcamp workout.
The Row features rear- and front-facing speakers for a high-fidelity audio experience, plus Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity so you can pair your iPhone, Apple Watch, or tablet with the machine. It gets a 5 out of 5 for its tech capabilities.
The Peloton App
If you plan to purchase a Peloton machine, you’ll need the All-Access membership to take full advantage of classes, scenic workouts, challenges, and leaderboards. Peloton offers an app-only option, but you won’t be able acess rowing workouts if you sign up for the app-only membership.
We’ve done extensive testing on the Peloton app (although, not specific to the rowing machine) which you can read about in our Peloton App review. What we’re mostly impressed with is the high-energy trainers, fun studio vibe, quality audio (you can always hear your trainer over the music), and the best playlists.
We also like that the All-Access membership gives you up to five different profiles for your entire family to enjoy. Plus, the live classes and leaderboards are part of the quintessential Peloton experience, which we’ve found most other apps can’t quite replicate.
You’ll find the standard intra-workout metrics such as pace, stroke rate, calories burned, distance, and more will populate on-screen while you row and follow along with the new instructors on the Peloton Row roster. We rate the dynamic programming a solid 5 out of 5.
The personal pace targets and real-time Form Assist features really take the term “smart gym equipment” to the next level. With Form Assist, Peloton claims that complete beginners can master rowing technique in just six weeks.
As someone who has coached many people to proper rowing form, I’m somewhat skeptical of this claim, but I suppose it’s possible. Our tester Max appreciates the feedback, although he noticed his focus drifting away from the workout at times. “The real-time form tracker is a really neat idea, but I also found myself focusing more on that than the actual workout,” he explains.
Peloton Row vs Hydrow Wave
The Hydrow Wave is a smaller, more affordable version of the Hydrow rower that still offers all of the benefits of connected fitness.
What our tester says:
“This could be a true alternative to the Concept2 RowErg.”
Hydrow and Hydrow Wave are strong competitors to the Peloton Row. (Hydrow Wave is the little sibling to Hydrow, but they’re largely similar).
The Hydrow Rower also features a large touchscreen display and a variety of on-demand and live rowing classes. Like the Peloton All-Access membership, the Hydrow membership offers other full-body workout classes in addition to rowing.
Hydrow rings up cheaper than the Peloton Row, starting at around $2,500, with the Hydrow Wave at just under $2,000.
Read our full Hydrow review and Hydrow Wave review.
Peloton Row vs Aviron Strong
If you are looking for a high-tech, well-made rower with a ton of workout options, the Aviron Strong Series Rower may be for you.
What our tester says:
“The large touchscreen is very snappy, and well done.”
Aviron manufacturers smart rowing machines with gamified experiences, plus instructor-led classes, scenic on-location rowing sessions, competition modes, and much more. With a price tag of around $2,00 for the entry-level option, the Aviron Strong Series Rower is more than a full $700 cheaper than the Peloton Row. This makes Aviron a strong contender in this space.
Read our full Aviron Strong Series Rower review.
Peloton Row vs Ergatta vs WaterRower
This machine is aesthetically-pleasing (which is an often overlooked attribute for equipment that lives in peoples homes) and the programming is interesting and engaging. If you’re looking for a water-powered rowing machine and want programming that’s different from what’s typically offered, you’ll be a fan of the Ergatta.
What our tester says:
“The screen has beautiful hi-definition graphics that really intensify the ‘gaming’ experience. I feel like I’m playing an old-school, first-person arcade video game.”
The Peloton rower is similar to the Ergatta rower in that they both have a large touchscreen display—but that’s about the only similarity. Ergatta is a water rowing machine with a large, appealing wood frame. The Ergatta experience is more about gamification than instructor-led classes.
Read our full Ergatta review.
The WaterRower Natural is an excellent rower that uses (drumroll) water instead of air as its main mode of resistance. This closely simulates the resistance you would receive in real-life rowing, and it sounds pretty amazing, too.
The WaterRower is just like Ergatta, but without the huge smart display and gamified experience. This is a good choice for people who want something simple but aesthetically pleasing. To learn more, read our full WaterRower Review here.
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Customer Experience
The warranty of the Peloton Row can be a little lacking, with a 5-year warranty on the frame, and 1 year for parts and labor. It’s not the worst, but for something this expensive, I’d expect to see it covered for longer. Financing is available through Affirm, starting at 0% APR. Peloton also has a 30-day return policy, but they won’t cover or refund shipping costs.
There are many ways to contact Peloton, with phone and live chat being the most promoted on the website. There are also several emails that contact specific departments in Peloton’s company. They even have a member support center, which has a decent FAQ page, too.
Ordering and Assembling the Peloton Row
The Peloton Row can be purchased directly from the Peloton website for $3,295. Even though its still pricey, one perk of the Peloton Row is that shipping and setup are included in the cost. So, you don’t have to fork over any extra money for delivery, and you don’t have to worry about assembling the machine. The one caveat is that if you buy the optional wall anchor to allow for vertical storage, Peloton won’t install that device.
Customer Reviews
The Peloton Row seems pretty popular with Peloton customers, though not quite as renowned as its exercise bike sibling. As of this writing, the Peloton Row has a 4.4 average rating with about 500 reviews.
Other in-depth online reviews say that the hardware (i.e., the actual rower frame and components) is sturdy and comfortable, and the screen is central to the experience, just like with other Peloton equipment.
Final Verdict of Our Peloton Rower Review
The Peloton Row is a solid piece of cardio equipment and we think Peloton All-Access programming is great. However, we think the price of this rower is simply too high for most people and that there are better options for the majority of home gym owners.
- The Peloton Row features strong construction and durable hardware.
- It has a beautiful, functional display to stream great programming.
- The Form Assist and Pace Target features are great additions.
- The price is high; the warranty could also be better considering the price.
Full Rating
Peloton Row
Learn about the newest Peloton cardio machine in our Peloton rower review, written and reviewed by a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach.
Product Brand: Peloton
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 3295
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.17
Peloton Rower FAQs
Why is the Peloton Row so expensive?
The Peloton brand manufactures high-end equipment with equally high-end price tags. The Peloton Bike was the brand’s debut cardio equipment, which is priced around $1,400. The Peloton Row is larger, heavier, and features a few more moving parts than the Peloton Bike, which will cost you upwards of $3,000.
Can you use the Peloton rower without the membership?
The Peloton Row works the best with the All-Access membership. Without a membership, you can only use the Just Row mode, which can display basic workout metrics but won’t track your stats or allow you to take classes or use the rest of the app.
How much is Peloton Row membership?
When you own a Peloton Row, your All-Access membership will include a library of working workouts to choose from at no added cost. However, if you don’t own the Peloton Row, you won’t see rowing workouts as an option.
What muscles do the Peloton Row work?
Rowing machines offers a full-body workout. You’ll use your arms, shoulder, and upper back to pull rower handle towards your body on every row. Plus you legs activate on every drive as you push and extend your legs. Your core will also get a workout as you maintain a straight back posture each time you hinge forward and tilt back on the row.
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